Aska is a global entrepreneur and product leader with a career spanning finance, technology, and AI innovation. Born in rural Japan, she began as a self-proclaimed “rebel” driven by problem-solving. Her professional journey includes roles at Goldman Sachs (finance), Rakuten (Senior Product Manager & Vice Group Manager, leading agile transformation), and Twilio (Asia-Pacific Localization Lead). Now based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, she is building two AI-driven ventures: Get it done with AI, automating SME operations through off-the-shelf AI tools, and Maxi, an AI-powered talking toy that seamlessly weaves learning (like math) into children’s play.
Key Learnings and Advice on Leadership, AI, and Growth:
1. Gender and Advocacy: Aska highlights the persistent gender gap in tech, noting that women must self-advocate far more actively—“raising my hand five or ten times more than male colleagues” to be recognized. She contrasts Japan’s slow, paper-based processes with the UAE’s globally progressive and inclusive environment that supports female leadership.
2. AI and Business Focus: She warns leaders against the “AI trendy trap”—adopting AI without clear problem definition. The true power of AI lies in efficiency (handling 80% of work faster), but the final 20%—where quality and context matter—demands human judgment.
3. Mindset and Balance: Aska’s guiding framework as a founder and single mother is the mindset of “it’s okay.” By letting go of perfectionism and unlearning rigid patterns, she maintains resilience and adaptability. She believes success comes from embracing uncertainty and staying humble enough to “ride the waves” of life and technology alike.
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