Inward to Upward: Lessons from Aysha Khan on Leadership, Clarity, and Redefining Success

What does it take to lead with intention and find fulfillment in both work and life?

In this episode, we explore the transformative leadership philosophy of Aysha Khan, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Treasure Data. Drawing on over 20 years of experience at Fortune 500 companies, Aysha has developed a powerful framework for growth, alignment, and impact.

We delve into her insights on:

• The role of exposure and role models in shaping vision and ambition
• Moving beyond work-life balance toward alignment and mission clarity
• Applying the Japanese concept of Ikigai to uncover your purpose
• Building a portfolio of impact across roles—executive, advisor, coach, and more
• Shifting from chasing success to attracting it through energy and intention

Aysha’s journey—from her early days in Karachi to leading in Silicon Valley—offers a compelling blueprint for anyone ready to grow from the inside out.

🎧 Tune in to discover how “Inward to Upward” leadership can help you unlock your full potential.

This podcast is based on a session at the Chief in Tech Summit, a conference focused on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies on businesses.

Linda Yao, a Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for AI Solutions & Services at Lenovo, discusses the use of AI and how businesses can effectively implement and scale it. She highlights the importance of building a strong foundation, including security, people, technology, and processes, and stresses the need for a practical approach in determining where AI can drive the most value. The session also touches upon the challenges of managing AI in diverse settings, such as remote work and different industry sectors, as well as the potential impact of AI on traditional business models.

The podcast is based on the keynote presentations from the Chief in Tech Summit on the exciting future of AI and quantum computing, specifically their convergence.

Dr. Kristin M. Gilkes, Global Quantum Leader at EY, discusses the revolutionary potential of this synergy in various industries, highlighting its impacts on cybersecurity, healthcare, and finance. She emphasises the importance of understanding the differences between classical and quantum computing, using accessible examples like logistics to illustrate how quantum computing can solve complex problems more efficiently. Dr. Gilkes also explores the implications of AI development, particularly the potential for artificial general intelligence (AGI), and the ethical considerations that accompany such advancements.

In this talk from the Women and Tech Global Conference, Dr. Gilkes provides a clear and engaging explanation of these complex technologies, highlighting their potential to revolutionize various fields.

She discusses:

• The fundamental differences between classical and quantum computing: illustrating how quantum computing's ability to explore multiple possibilities simultaneously allows it to tackle problems beyond the reach of classical computers.
• The concept of "quantum utility": where we're already seeing quantum computers solve real-world business problems.
• EY's groundbreaking work on a "moonshot" project to develop early warning indicators for earthquakes: showcasing the potential of quantum computing to address critical societal challenges.
• The exciting future of AI with the emergence of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI): where AI systems could potentially surpass human intelligence in specific domains, leading to unprecedented problem-solving capabilities.
• Her optimistic view of AI's impact on the job market: emphasizing how AI can augment human capabilities and drive economic growth rather than replacing jobs.

Dr. Gilkes invites listeners to embrace these technological advancements and the boundless opportunities they present for a brighter future.