2023 Women Leaders in Technology: Angela Zutavern

Angela pioneered the application of machine intelligence to business leadership and strategy to drive more meaningful insights. She is a highly regarded leader with more than 25 years of experience in artificial intelligence (AI) and other areas of digital technology including data and analytics, systems, platforms, privacy and governance. Angela works with clients to implement robust and sophisticated digital solutions to enable better decision-making. Angela specializes in technology-based transformations, including cost reduction and efficiency efforts as well as capability-building and innovation-based growth plays. Angela is a frequent speaker on the power of AI and the author of The Mathematical Corporation: Where Machine Intelligence and Human Ingenuity Achieve the Impossible, a CEO Reads Business Book Awards recommendation. She also serves on the MIT Center for Information Systems Research Data Board.

What has been the biggest factor in your success so far?

Optimism has played a huge role in my success so far. Imagining what's possible is a powerful motivator, along with the determination not to give up, despite inevitable setbacks. Believing in a positive outcome opens my mind to new ideas and creative approaches. Optimism accompanied by perseverance can solve a lot of challenges.

What do you enjoy most about your career in the consulting industry?

Learning is what I enjoy most about the work I do. No two engagements are the same, and I gain new knowledge with every project. I value diverse perspectives from clients and colleagues – perspectives that are absolutely critical to solving the many complex challenges facing our world. Some of the most interesting and rewarding work in the consulting field today involves creating digital business models powered by AI, but it's never about just the technology – it's about people and technology together producing meaningful outcomes. The continuous learning needed to keep pace with – and stay ahead of – advances in technology is a fun challenge for me.

What is your proudest achievement to date?

My greatest achievement is my family. I feel fortunate to have such a wonderful husband and two awesome kids. Their love and support have been instrumental throughout my career. It's cool watching my kids grow into adults and pursue their own paths – of course they're pros at technology!

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

The best consulting advice I've ever received is to hire people based on attributes, not just experience, because overly narrow criteria greatly reduces your pool of potential candidates. Hire people better than yourself, put the spotlight on them, and work yourself out of a job whenever you can because it frees you up to take on even greater challenges.

What does this recognition mean to you?

I'm grateful to Consulting Magazine for highlighting women leaders in technology. This award is a huge honor because it recognizes not only me, but also my team at AlixPartners and the impact we're having helping clients through cycles of disruption. The pandemic required many companies to adapt to new technologies virtually overnight, and this experience forever changed people's view of the art-of-the-possible when it comes to the pace of technological change.

It's important to spread the word about women in technology because we need more talent in this area and, "you can't be it if you can't see it." I'm inspired by the prominent women technologists I've known throughout my career, and I'm even more excited to see what our up-and-coming diverse, digitally-savvy talent will accomplish.