Ashima Sharma on Data, Teams, and the Human Side of AI
Ashima Sharma shares how teams can deliver AI that works—by focusing on clean data, human-centered design, and cross-functional collaboration. Recorded live at PMI Global Summit 2025.
Episode Overview
In this episode of AI Today, host Kathleen Walch sits down with Ashima Sharma, Founding Partner of Ayuka Consulting, to explore what it really takes to deliver AI that works—in practice, at scale, and with purpose.
This conversation was recorded live at PMI Global Summit 2025 and highlights the often-overlooked foundations of successful AI adoption: clean, contextual data; empowered, cross-functional teams; and a human-centered mindset that sees AI as a partner, not a product.
Tune in to hear about:
- Why most AI efforts fail without operationally ready data
- How project teams can bridge the gap between experimentation and delivery
- What true upskilling looks like for today’s AI-augmented workforce
- How to navigate value misalignment, scope creep, and early AI friction
- What makes for “good” AI adoption—and what questions we should be asking
- The importance of empathy, ethics, and inclusion in AI delivery work
Whether you're a project leader, product owner, or transformation coach, this episode delivers grounded insight into building AI that supports both systems and the people who run them.
Featured in This Episode
Ashima Sharma
Founding Partner of Ayuka Consulting
Ashima Sharma is an engaging thought leader, a dynamic Technologist, an effective keynote and workshop speaker, with a proven track record in driving AI adoption, Data Readiness, and Organizational Innovation. She excels at leading AI initiatives, enabling data readiness for AI, and fostering a culture of Change Management with strategic execution.
With over 22 years of experience in IT Senior Leadership at Fortune 500 organizations, Ashima has developed practical expertise in AI Strategy, Application Development, Digital Transformation, Agile Development, Organizational Change Management (OCM), and Data Modernization.
In 2022, Ashima founded Ayuka Consulting LLC to help organizations navigate technical transformations with a human-centered approach. Her focus is on ensuring long-term sustainability and adoption of AI, automation, data modernization, cloud migrations, ERP implementations, and product/application development. Ashima is passionate about helping individuals and organizations embrace AI and innovative change to foster a cultural shift that drives success.
Listen to More AI Today Episodes
Get practical, real-world insight on how leading organizations are applying AI today.