On Monday, 19th May 2025, Mont Rose College was honoured to welcome one of the UK’s most respected voices in artificial intelligence and innovation, Zahra Shah, for an exclusive guest session titled “AI and the Future of Business.” The event at Mont Rose House was a standout moment in the College’s speaker programme, attracting a broad audience of students and faculty. With every seat filled and anticipation in the air, Zahra delivered a talk that was as insightful as it was inspiring.
Zahra Shah is an award-winning AI and Frontier Technologies expert, a seasoned Board Director, and a recognised thought leader in global innovation. In 2025, she was named one of the Top 100 Most Influential People, a reflection of her impact within the tech industry and across broader conversations about the future of work, responsible innovation, and ethical leadership. With a professional background that bridges corporate leadership, governance, public policy, and entrepreneurship, Zahra brings a powerful blend of vision and practical expertise to every platform she speaks on.
Her talk at Mont Rose College did more than explore artificial intelligence; it painted a compelling picture of the future in which technology, business, and society are increasingly intertwined. Addressing the theme “AI and the Future of Business,” Zahra guided the audience through the rapidly evolving digital landscape, highlighting how AI is not simply a trend but a foundational shift in how businesses operate, communicate, and grow. From marketing automation and data-driven strategy to AI ethics and human-machine collaboration, she unpacked the many dimensions of artificial intelligence with clarity and relevance.
What set Zahra’s presentation apart was her ability to balance technical insight with accessibility. She made the complex understandable, breaking down key developments in AI in an engaging way for students of all academic disciplines. More importantly, she invited the audience to think critically, not just about what technology can do, but what it should do. Her emphasis on ethical innovation and inclusive design reminded attendees that the future of technology must be built with integrity and accountability.
Throughout the session, Zahra shared real-world examples from her work as a board advisor and strategic consultant. These included experiences working with emerging tech companies, global corporates, and policy bodies to develop frameworks that guide responsible AI adoption. Her message to students was empowering: the future of business will be shaped by those who understand technology and lead with purpose. She urged attendees to embrace change, seek out diverse perspectives, and never underestimate the importance of human judgment in a world increasingly driven by algorithms.
The session concluded with a vibrant Q&A segment, where Zahra took time to respond thoughtfully to questions ranging from AI in education and employment to data privacy and the evolving role of leadership. Her answers were reflective and forward-looking, giving the audience a sense of direction and encouragement. One of the students commented afterwards that Zahra had “made AI make sense” and “made the future feel exciting rather than intimidating.”
The impact of her talk was intense. Many students stayed behind to speak with her, expressing how inspired they were by her journey, values, and approach to leadership. Clearly, the session resonated on multiple levels—intellectually, professionally, and personally.
Mont Rose College is proud to have hosted Zahra Shah, whose work embodies the forward-thinking, socially aware leadership we aim to foster in our students. Her visit reflects the College’s ongoing commitment to providing a platform for globally recognised experts who challenge and elevate our academic and professional conversations. We sincerely thank Zahra for her time, insight, and generosity in sharing her journey with our community.
As the business world continues to evolve, sessions like this remind us that the future is not something to fear—it is something to shape.
