Sol Rashidi

Sol Rashidi is a distinguished technology executive, author, and keynote speaker renowned for her expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), data strategy, and digital transformation. With a career spanning over two decades, she has been instrumental in shaping the AI landscape within Fortune 100 companies and beyond.

Rashidi played a pivotal role in the launch of IBM's Watson in 2011, marking one of the earliest large-scale applications of AI. In 2016, she became one of the first individuals appointed as a Chief AI Officer, setting a precedent for leadership in the field. Her executive experience includes serving as Chief Data & AI Officer at Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Chief Analytics Officer at Estée Lauder, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at Merck Pharmaceuticals, and Executive Vice President and Chief Data Officer at Sony Music. She also held a senior partnership at Ernst & Young, leading their Digital & Innovation Practice.

An innovator at heart, Rashidi holds 10 granted patents and has filed 21 more in the realms of data and AI. Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including being named Forbes' "AI Maverick of the 21st Century," inclusion in the "50 Most Powerful Women in Tech," and recognition among the "Top 100 AI Thought Leaders."

As the author of the Amazon bestseller Your AI Survival Guide: Scraped Knees, Bruised Elbows, and Lessons Learned from Real-World AI Deployments, Rashidi offers pragmatic insights into the challenges and opportunities of AI implementation. Her approach demystifies complex technologies, making them accessible to business leaders across various industries.

Beyond her corporate achievements, Rashidi is a sought-after keynote speaker, having delivered presentations at over 200 conferences and events worldwide. Her talks often focus on the integration of AI into the workforce, the evolution of organizational operating models, and the importance of responsible AI practices.