Shayma Kurz’s journey to becoming the CEO and Founder of Digital Advice Consulting is a story of resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of technological excellence. As a German with Afghan heritage and an immigrant, she has navigated complex landscapes with a determination to carve a space for herself in the tech industry. Her passion for technology led her to earn a degree in Computer Engineering, providing a strong foundation in AI strategy, agile methodologies, and digital transformation. Today, she stands as a visionary leader, steering businesses toward responsible AI adoption while advocating for gender diversity in leadership roles.
From Corporate Leadership to Entrepreneurship: A Trailblazer’s Path
Shayma’s professional journey began at one of the world’s most renowned automotive brands—Mercedes-Benz. In her tenure, she gained invaluable experience across IT, Procurement, and R&D, refining her expertise in data analytics and artificial intelligence. She played a pivotal role in developing an advanced analytics data platform for autonomous driving solutions, overseeing implementation across global markets, including the US, India, China, and Germany.
Her next venture took her into the dynamic world of startups as the COO of a logistics company, where she delved into AI-driven fuel economy solutions. This experience presented an entirely different challenge—navigating a male-dominated industry while driving AI-driven efficiencies. Through these experiences, she built a comprehensive understanding of both corporate and startup environments, which ultimately led her to establish Digital Advice Consulting.
Despite the challenges of overcoming gender biases in tech, adapting to new markets, and launching a consulting firm in a competitive landscape, Shayma’s perseverance set her apart. Her ability to transform setbacks into learning opportunities shaped the foundation of her leadership philosophy—leveraging AI readiness assessments and transformation strategies to help organizations stay ahead of the curve.
The Vision and Mission of Digital Advice Consulting
Digital Advice Consulting was founded with a clear purpose: to enable organizations to seamlessly integrate AI and digital technologies to drive growth and operational efficiency. The firm is dedicated to providing AI readiness assessments, agile enablement, and leadership development programs, with a special focus on supporting women in leadership.
At its core, the company aims to serve as a trusted partner in responsible AI adoption. By ensuring businesses utilize AI ethically and strategically, Digital Advice Consulting is bridging the gap between ambition and execution, unlocking the true potential of AI transformation for enterprises across various industries.
Accelerating AI Innovation in the UAE
Shayma Kurz’s impact is particularly evident in the UAE, where Digital Advice Consulting collaborates with government entities, semi-government organizations, and private enterprises to foster AI-driven transformation. The firm plays a crucial role in evaluating AI readiness, implementing agile frameworks, and optimizing digital operations to enhance productivity.
One of the company’s flagship initiatives, the AI Readiness Assessment, provides a structured approach to evaluating an organization’s infrastructure, data capabilities, and AI adoption strategies. This methodology ensures that businesses are not only aware of AI’s potential but are also well-prepared to integrate it seamlessly into their operations. By offering tailored guidance, Digital Advice Consulting helps businesses harness AI-driven opportunities, fostering innovation and efficiency in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Long-Term Vision: A Leading AI Consultancy in the GCC
Looking ahead, Shayma envisions Digital Advice Consulting as a premier AI consultancy in the GCC region, particularly in emerging industries. Her goal is to establish the firm as the go-to strategic partner for AI-driven transformations, especially in government sectors where AI can have a transformative impact.
In pursuit of this vision, Shayma is committed to developing AI-centric leadership programs and strengthening collaborations with academia and research institutions. By fostering these partnerships, the firm aims to drive AI innovation while equipping the next generation of business leaders with the knowledge and expertise to navigate an AI-driven future.
Immediate Goals: Driving AI Transformation Through Training and Enablement
In the short term, Shayma is focused on expanding the firm’s influence by equipping companies and individuals with AI-driven capabilities. Through AI readiness assessments and specialized training programs, she aims to upskill employees and prepare organizations for the inevitable AI revolution.
A key initiative in this direction is the development of executive AI training programs tailored for C-suite leaders. By ensuring business executives understand the implications and advantages of AI, Shayma is enabling organizations to drive AI-led transformations effectively, positioning them for sustained success in the digital economy.
Balancing Leadership and Personal Well-being
Leading a consulting firm at the forefront of AI transformation demands unwavering dedication. However, Shayma believes that true success is achieved through balance. She leverages strategic planning and AI-driven automation to streamline daily operations, ensuring her firm operates efficiently while allowing her to maintain personal well-being and family commitments.
Setting clear boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and engaging in mentorship activities—especially for women in tech—help her stay grounded. By dedicating time to young entrepreneurs and emerging tech leaders, she continues to foster a culture of knowledge-sharing, strengthening the community of future innovators.
Driving Impact Through AI Strategy and Inclusion
Shayma Kurz’s influence in the tech industry is multifaceted. She has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between AI strategy and execution, helping organizations optimize digital transformation initiatives and integrate AI solutions effectively. Her work has enabled businesses to build agile innovation cultures that foster long-term growth and sustainability.
Beyond corporate consulting, she is a vocal advocate for increasing female representation in tech. Through mentorship and strategic initiatives, she is actively working to break down barriers for women in STEM, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to excel in technology-driven industries. By fostering an inclusive tech ecosystem, Shayma is driving systemic change that extends far beyond her immediate sphere of influence.
The Core Values Defining Digital Advice Consulting
At the heart of Digital Advice Consulting lies a strong value system that defines its operations:
- Integrity: The company adheres to the highest ethical standards, fostering trust and transparency in every engagement.
- Honesty: Open, clear, and direct communication is encouraged, ensuring clients and partners have a clear understanding of strategic goals and execution plans.
- Loyalty: Long-term relationships are prioritized, emphasizing collaboration and trust over short-term gains.
- Selflessness: The focus is on delivering value to clients and empowering individuals, placing collective growth above personal interests.
This culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and innovation enables Digital Advice Consulting to remain at the forefront of AI transformation, positioning itself as a leader in responsible AI adoption.
A Vision for the Future: Ethical AI and Gender Diversity
If given the opportunity to enact large-scale change in the tech industry, Shayma would advocate for ethical AI implementation and an increased emphasis on gender diversity in leadership. By ensuring AI is developed and governed inclusively, she believes technology can be designed to better serve a diverse and global audience.
She sees the future of AI as one of responsibility, where businesses adopt AI-driven processes with a keen focus on ethical considerations. By fostering inclusive AI development and governance, Shayma is championing a future where technology empowers rather than excludes.
Preparing for the Next Major Tech Shift
One of the most significant shifts in the tech industry is the widespread adoption of AI agents capable of automating business processes, decision-making, and customer interactions. Digital Advice Consulting is already preparing for this transformation by developing AI frameworks that integrate seamlessly with existing business infrastructures, ensuring organizations can embrace AI while maintaining regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
Advice to Future Tech Entrepreneurs
For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to break into the tech industry, Shayma offers a few key principles:
- Adopt a Problem-Solving Mindset: Identifying industry gaps and designing innovative solutions is crucial to success.
- Cultivate Resilience: Challenges are inevitable, but perseverance and adaptability set successful entrepreneurs apart.
- Seek Mentorship: Surrounding oneself with experienced professionals can provide invaluable guidance and insights.
- Commit to Lifelong Learning: The tech industry evolves rapidly, and staying ahead requires continuous skill development.
- Champion Ethical Innovation: Striving to build technology that benefits society ensures long-term impact and success.
Shayma Kurz is not just an entrepreneur; she is a visionary leader shaping the future of AI adoption and ethical innovation. Through Digital Advice Consulting, she is transforming organizations, fostering inclusivity, and driving systemic change in the tech industry. With her strategic insights and unwavering commitment to responsible AI, she is poised to redefine the landscape of AI-driven transformation for years to come.
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