Beyond the Algorithms: How Dr. Alia Omar Bahanshal is Humanising AI for Real-World Change

Today, we had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Alia Omar Bahanshal, the founder of AI-Consult.co, a leading consultancy in artificial intelligence and data analytics. With over 15 years of expertise, Dr. Bahanshal has established the company to help organisations unlock the potential of AI to improve decision-making and operational processes. AI-Consult.co provides tailored AI solutions to businesses across industries, enabling them to stay ahead in a data-driven world. The company’s work spans from data analytics to AI strategy, delivering impactful results for clients.
Dr. Bahanshal’s impressive career has earned her numerous accolades, including the IDC Excellence Awards 2021 for Women in Technology & Business and being recognised as one of the Top 50 Female Achievers in the Middle East in 2021. She has also been listed among MIT Business Review’s Top 30 Arabic AI Experts and recognised in Inc. Magazine’s Top Artificial Intelligence Visionaries in the Arab World. Her contributions to AI and technology continue to inspire, and in 2023, she earned a professional certificate from MIT Professional Education. Dr. Bahanshal also serves as a thought leader, being acknowledged as a Top AI Voice and an Entrepreneurship & Leadership Voice on LinkedIn.
In this interview, Dr. Bahanshal shares her insights on how AI is shaping the future of businesses worldwide.
TFS: Dr. Bahanshal, it is a pleasure to have you with us today. We are eager to hear your insights into the exciting work you are doing with AI-Consult.co.
Dr. Bahanshal: Thank you for the warm welcome. I am equally excited to discuss how AI is shaping the future and the role we are playing in this transformative journey.
TFS: AI is often seen as a powerful tool for innovation. From your perspective, what do you think will be the most profound societal impact of AI in the next decade, and how are you helping your clients prepare for that transformation?
Dr. Bahanshal: I believe the most transformative impact of AI over the next decade will be its ability to personalise and automate experiences on a scale we have never seen before. It is set to completely reshape how we learn, work, consume, and interact in our daily lives. However, this shift comes with its own set of challenges. Questions around job displacement, algorithmic bias, data privacy, and even the ethics of autonomous systems are already at the forefront of discussions. To navigate this complex terrain, we focus on proactive strategies. For instance, how do we ensure education keeps pace with these changes? What frameworks can we adopt to develop AI ethically and responsibly? And, critically, how can we support workforce transformation to minimise disruptions while embracing the opportunities AI offers? These are the questions that guide us as we work with our clients to prepare them for what lies ahead.
TFS: The world of AI evolves at a breakneck pace, with innovations making headlines almost daily. But is there a breakthrough or concept that you think is flying under the radar, and why do you believe it deserves more attention?
Dr. Bahanshal: It is fascinating how much attention large language models have garnered recently, and while they are impressive, I think the real significant change that most people are underestimating is the progress in embodied AI, particularly in its intersection with robotics. Imagine AI systems not just generating text or images but interacting with the physical world—learning from sensory inputs, adapting to complex environments, and performing intricate tasks. For example, how do we get robots to navigate unpredictable spaces or handle objects with the dexterity of a human hand? These advancements are already reshaping manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and even how we explore hazardous or remote environments.
I think people overlook this area because the progress is not as immediately visible or accessible as, say, chatting with an AI. But in the long term, the ability of AI agents to operate effectively in the physical world will have a far-reaching and disruptive impact—far more than what we see with current digital applications.
TFS: We often hear about AI improving efficiency and automating tasks, but how do you see it shaping areas like human creativity, collaboration, and even emotional intelligence in the workplace?
Dr. Bahanshal: AI is already proving to be much more than just a tool for automation—it has the potential to genuinely amplify human abilities in areas like creativity and teamwork. For instance, AI can analyse vast datasets and inspire fresh ideas or generate sophisticated tools that let us focus on the bigger picture, the higher-level creative concepts that machines cannot replicate.
When it comes to collaboration, I see AI playing an important role in enhancing how we communicate. Tools powered by AI can analyse sentiment and provide personalised platforms, making teamwork more effective and connected. And in terms of emotional intelligence, AI can go a step further by analysing emotional cues or tailoring learning programs to individual needs, helping teams become more emotionally aware and cohesive.
This idea of AI as a partner that augments what we do—rather than simply replacing tasks—is a shift that I think will define its role in workplaces moving forward. It is not just about efficiency; it is about enriching the way we work and interact.
TFS: In a world where businesses seem consumed by the idea of collecting more and more data, what do you think they are missing when it comes to unlocking AI’s full potential?
Dr. Bahanshal: Ah, the obsession with ‘big data’—it has almost become a buzzword, has it not? But honestly, it is not just about having enormous datasets. The most critical—and often overlooked—aspect is the quality of the data and the context in which it was created. You can have all the data in the world, but if it is inconsistent, inaccurate, or irrelevant, it is not going to take you very far.
Equally important is understanding where the data comes from, how it was collected, and the biases that might be baked into it. For instance, data without context is like reading a novel with missing chapters—it leaves you making assumptions that might be entirely wrong. This is where issues like flawed insights or biased AI models come into play.
We always stress the importance of not just cleaning and validating data but enriching it with metadata to understand its full story. That is what allows organisations to turn data into meaningful insights. In the end, it is not the size of your dataset that matters—it is how well you know it.
TFS: You have explored AI from both strategic and ethical angles. What do you think would happen if we developed AI without embedding a clear ethical framework right from the start?
Dr. Bahanshal: If we were to build AI systems without a solid ethical foundation, the risks would be substantial. For one, we could unintentionally reinforce societal biases that are already present in our data, creating AI systems that perpetuate inequality rather than reducing it. Privacy would also take a serious hit, as would individual autonomy, especially if these systems lack transparency about how decisions are made.
Imagine systems making life-altering decisions without accountability—where would that leave us? Not to mention the potential misuse of AI and the economic disruption caused by rapid automation. These are not distant possibilities; they are real challenges we face if we do not approach AI development with care.
That is why I believe ethical considerations need to be woven into AI design from day one. It is not just about avoiding harm; it is about ensuring that these technologies benefit everyone and align with the values we want our societies to uphold. This kind of proactive approach is what turns AI into a force for good rather than a source of division or harm.
TFS: AI is rapidly transforming industries, but what do you think is the one thing organisations will look back on and wish they had done sooner in their journey of adopting AI and digital transformation?
Dr. Bahanshal: I believe the biggest regret will be not prioritising a strong data infrastructure and governance early on. Many organisations dive into AI without first ensuring their data is clean, accessible, and well-managed, and that is where problems start. Poor-quality data leads to unreliable or biased AI outcomes, and data silos make it difficult to fully leverage information across the business.
We often talk about AI as though it works magic, but the truth is, without good data, even the best AI systems will fail. Organisations also tend to overlook the risks of inadequate data governance—compliance issues, security breaches, and missed opportunities to make informed decisions.
Investing in a solid data foundation should not feel like a hurdle; it is the key to unlocking AI’s full potential. Those who get it right from the start will save themselves from a lot of costly reworks and be better positioned to take advantage of AI-driven opportunities in the long run.
TFS: AI is often described as a double-edged sword, offering both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. How do you help businesses find the right balance to ensure AI adds value while addressing its potential risks?
Dr. Bahanshal: You are absolutely right—AI is a bit of a double-edged sword. The key to getting it right is to take a strategic, balanced approach. First, it all begins with clearly defining business objectives so that AI applications are targeted and aligned with what the organisation really needs. Without a solid data infrastructure and governance, however, even the best AI models can lead to unreliable or biased results.
I always emphasise that AI should augment human capabilities rather than just automate processes. This mindset shift helps organisations focus on how AI can enhance creativity, decision-making, and efficiency while keeping human input at the centre.
Of course, explainable AI models are essential for transparency, and businesses must put in place strong ethical guidelines, coupled with effective oversight mechanisms, to ensure accountability. And then, we cannot forget the importance of continuous learning. It is vital for organisations to stay adaptable, maintain an open dialogue with stakeholders, and ensure that AI integration is responsible.
When businesses focus on these areas, they are better positioned to harness AI’s power while managing its risks in a sustainable and ethical way.
TFS: The idea of AI and human intelligence coming together is really intriguing. Do you believe AI will simply augment human decision-making, or could there be a future where AI rivals human cognitive abilities?
Dr. Bahanshal: It is a great question, and one that has sparked a lot of debate. I believe the real power lies in the convergence of AI and human intelligence—this synergy is where we will see the greatest advancement. AI is brilliant at processing large amounts of data, recognising patterns, and making complex calculations. But what it lacks, and what humans bring to the table, are things like creativity, intuition, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking.
In my view, AI should not be about trying to replicate human cognition but about augmenting it. When we combine the strengths of both, that is when we unlock truly transformative potential. Imagine AI supporting human decision-making, providing data-driven insights, but also leaving space for human judgement, empathy, and innovation.
This collaboration, rather than competition, will lead to breakthroughs in fields like healthcare, scientific discovery, and business strategy. It is not about AI replacing humans—it is about us working together to create something far more powerful than either could achieve alone.
TFS: Many argue that AI’s full potential remains untapped. As a recognised leader in the field, what do you believe is the biggest thing holding companies back from truly realising AI’s transformative power?
Dr. Bahanshal: That is a really important question. I think the biggest barrier to unlocking AI’s full potential is the way many companies approach it. Too often, AI is treated as a standalone initiative or an experimental ‘pilot project’ that is not really integrated into core business processes. These small-scale, isolated efforts often fail to scale up or connect with existing workflows, and that’s where companies get stuck in what I like to call ‘pilot purgatory.’
The impact of AI ends up being limited because there is no clear strategy for how these experiments will grow or how they align with the wider business objectives. To truly realise AI’s transformative potential, businesses need to move beyond these isolated projects. They must think strategically about how AI fits within the larger picture, embedding it into the heart of their operations.
It is about identifying key business challenges where AI can make a real difference, prioritising solid data infrastructure and governance, and fostering a culture where experimentation and learning are encouraged. And, crucially, companies need clear metrics for success, so they can track progress and scale up accordingly. Only by integrating AI into the very core of a company’s business strategy can we truly unlock its full transformative power.
TFS: We often talk about AI driving efficiency, but what about its potential to foster human connection? How do you think empathy fits into AI, and how can it be used to enhance our interactions in this increasingly digital world?
Dr. Bahanshal: That is a fascinating question, because while AI’s role in efficiency is often front and centre, its ability to enhance human connection is just as important. Of course, AI can never truly replicate human emotion, but it can certainly help us understand and respond to people’s needs in a much more meaningful way. Take sentiment analysis, for example, or personalised communication—these tools can make a huge difference in how we interact, both online and offline.
Then, think about AI-powered mental health support or intuitive user interfaces that are designed to be more accessible. These are powerful ways AI can make our digital world feel more compassionate and engaging. When we focus on ethical development and use AI to augment, rather than replace, human interaction, we can actually foster stronger connections in an increasingly digital environment.
TFS: With AI evolving so rapidly, how do you see the role of data governance changing over the next 5 to 10 years, especially when it comes to global challenges like data privacy and ensuring transparency in AI?
Dr. Bahanshal: Over the next decade, data governance will undergo a major transformation, mainly because of the growing complexity of AI and the increasing concerns around data privacy and transparency. We are likely to see a shift from reactive governance to a much more proactive approach. Ethical considerations will need to be embedded throughout the entire data lifecycle, and a focus on data lineage and provenance will become absolutely crucial for AI auditability.
Federated governance models will also emerge, which will help in enabling responsible data sharing across borders. Interestingly, AI itself will play a growing role in automating many of these governance tasks. At the same time, we will see a much stronger focus on data ethics and fairness to ensure that AI is deployed responsibly. Given the rising regulatory scrutiny, organisations will need to build adaptable and robust data governance frameworks, ones that balance both innovation and responsible data stewardship.
TFS: We often hear about AI automating routine tasks, but what do you think is the most exciting frontier in AI-driven automation that will disrupt industries in ways we might not expect?
Dr. Bahanshal: When we think about AI’s potential, it is not just about taking over repetitive tasks. The most exciting frontier lies in AI’s ability to automate complex decision-making in unpredictable environments. Techniques like reinforcement learning, computer vision, and natural language processing will allow autonomous systems to optimise in real time, particularly in fields like logistics, industrial processes, and robotics that operate in more unstructured settings.
This shift from basic task automation to adaptive, judgement-based decision-making will reshape industries. It will introduce new operational models and improve efficiency. Moreover, it will open up opportunities for deeper human-machine collaboration. These changes will lead to some truly groundbreaking innovations.
TFS: AI has been revolutionising industries left, right, and centre. But what do you think is the one application of AI that remains underutilised and, if harnessed properly, could truly change the world?
Dr. Bahanshal: While AI has made huge strides across many sectors, one of its most underutilised potentials is in accelerating scientific discovery. By analysing complex datasets, identifying non-obvious correlations, and generating new hypotheses, AI can significantly speed up scientific progress. This could be a game changer in fields like medicine, materials science, climate research, and even fundamental physics. The opportunity to unlock new frontiers of knowledge and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration is enormous. If we focus more on this, AI could help us address global challenges and fundamentally change how we understand the world.
TFS: AI has the potential to be both an enabler and a disruptor. In your view, how can businesses stay ahead of the curve and protect themselves from any disruption, while still harnessing AI’s potential for growth?
Dr. Bahanshal: I think the key is to adopt a proactive approach. Businesses need to foster a culture of continuous learning, especially with AI moving so fast. It is also crucial to focus on collaboration between humans and AI—this way, we can take advantage of the strengths of both. At the same time, businesses must ensure they have solid data infrastructure and governance in place to keep data secure and ethically managed. It is also important to establish clear ethical guidelines for how AI is developed and used. Finally, flexibility in business strategies is a must—being able to quickly adapt will make all the difference. By focusing on these areas, businesses can not only protect themselves from disruptions but also unlock the full potential of AI to drive sustainable growth and innovation.
TFS: You’ve been named one of MIT’s Top 30 Arabic AI Experts and received the IDC Excellence Award for Women in Technology—what does this kind of recognition mean to you personally, and what message do you hope it sends to other women, who are aspiring to make their mark in tech?
Dr. Bahanshal: These recognitions really drive me forward and remind me of why I do what I do. They strengthen my resolve to continue pushing the boundaries of AI, especially in areas where it can have a real social impact. Personally, they keep me motivated to keep learning and innovating. But on a broader level, I hope they send a strong message to aspiring women in tech, particularly in the Arab world. I want them to see that they belong in this field, and their contributions are not only valuable but necessary. I am deeply grateful to my country, Saudi Arabia, and its leadership for their unwavering support in empowering women to take on roles in learning and leadership. Their commitment has created so many opportunities for women in STEM, and these recognitions really highlight how vital diverse perspectives are in developing inclusive AI systems. My hope is that they inspire other women to confidently chase their dreams, break down barriers, and contribute to a more equitable and diverse tech world.
TFS: As the founder of AI-Consult and a leader in the AI field, what are some of the key lessons you have learnt from your journey in the tech industry, and how do those lessons influence the way you approach your work today?
Dr. Bahanshal: My journey, especially in founding AI-Consult, has taught me some invaluable lessons that continue to shape the way I work today. One of the most important lessons is that successful AI implementation has to be human-centred. It is all about understanding the client’s needs, engaging stakeholders, and fostering effective human-AI collaboration. Another key takeaway is the importance of iterative experimentation and adopting agile methodologies, especially given how fast the AI landscape evolves. We cannot just rely on one-size-fits-all solutions. I have also learnt that embedding ethical principles in every stage of AI development is crucial, not just for technical success but for ensuring transparency and responsibility. And of course, continuous learning is essential. The tech world is always shifting, so staying ahead of the curve is a must to deliver the best value. These guiding principles—human-centricity, iteration, ethics, and lifelong learning—are at the heart of how we operate at AI-Consult, ensuring that we not only deliver high-quality technical solutions but also make a positive impact on society.
TFS: Being included in Inc. Magazine’s list of Top AI Visionaries is a huge accomplishment and a reflection of your leadership. How do you manage the balance between being an innovator and a mentor? And, in your view, what do AI leaders like yourself see as the biggest responsibility in shaping the future of the industry?
Dr. Bahanshal: Being recognised among leading AI visionaries is an honour, and it really emphasises how closely innovation and mentorship are tied together. For me, effective mentorship comes from leading by example—staying actively involved in innovative work while also creating opportunities for others to grow. It is about fostering a culture where experimentation is encouraged, and knowledge sharing becomes a norm. That sharing spans both technical skills and broader considerations, like ethics and the societal impact of AI. As for our role as AI leaders, I believe our most important responsibility is to ensure that AI development is responsible and ethical. We need to prioritise fairness, transparency, and accountability. And just as crucial is promoting diversity and inclusion in the field, ensuring we hear from a wide range of perspectives. Engaging with stakeholders in open dialogue is key, as it helps build trust and ensures that AI is used for the benefit of humanity as a whole.
TFS: Winning awards like the IDC Top 50 Female Achievers is an incredible milestone. Looking ahead, what do you see as the next frontier for you, both as a leader and as a pioneer in AI? And how do you imagine the future of AI consultancy unfolding?
Dr. Bahanshal: Looking forward, my focus as both a leader and a pioneer in AI is centred on a few key areas. I am particularly committed to leveraging AI for social good, tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges with impactful AI solutions. At the same time, I want to play an active role in promoting responsible AI development, contributing to the creation of strong ethical frameworks and best practices. Another big priority for me is mentoring the next generation of AI leaders, encouraging both boys and girls, and creating opportunities for them to thrive. As for the future of AI consultancy, I see it evolving towards more specialised domains, with a stronger emphasis on delivering tangible business value and clear ROI for clients. Ethical considerations will become even more critical, and there will be greater integration with other technologies, like cloud computing and IoT. Consultants will need to offer specialised expertise, focus on measurable results, and maintain a broad understanding of the interconnected technologies that shape the AI landscape.
TFS: As we wrap up, as someone who has been recognised for excellence in both business and technology, what advice would you give to founders and entrepreneurs who aspire to build a technology company with a lasting impact on society and industries alike?
Dr. Bahanshal: I think the first thing I would say is, start with a vision that is about solving real-world problems. That is the heart of it. And when you are designing your products or services, make sure you are always thinking about the people who will use them. It is so important to build with inclusivity in mind. Also, do not forget about data—it is not just about collecting it but using it in a responsible, ethical way. If you can build trust with your customers around that, it is a huge win. On top of that, create a culture where innovation is part of the everyday. Technology moves so fast, so being able to experiment, learn from what works, and adapt quickly is key. I also cannot stress enough how important it is to have a diverse team. The different perspectives that come with that will spark creativity and problem-solving in ways you cannot predict. And finally, always think long-term. Sure, short-term gains are great, but if you focus on the bigger picture, on creating something that is really going to last and do good, the rest will follow.
TFS: Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us today. I am sure our readers will walk away with invaluable insights and inspiration from your experiences and vision. Your perspective on technology and leadership will undoubtedly resonate with many aspiring entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
Thank you for the opportunity. It has been a pleasure sharing my journey and thoughts with you. I am excited that this conversation could offer something useful to your readers, and I truly hope it sparks
and encourages more people to think about how they can contribute to the future of AI and technology. I am grateful for the chance to be part of this discussion!