The GRAZIA Game Changers initiative honours visionaries who challenge the status quo across fashion, beauty, technology, the arts, and sports. Embodying the spirit of women uplifting women, last year’s trailblazers have personally selected this year’s honourees.
Ahead, we speak to tech entrepreneur Dr. Ayesha Khanna. She is the CEO and co-founder of Addo, an artificial intelligence (AI) consulting firm that helps international businesses and governments build data-driven platforms.
What inspired you to pursue this path? Was there a defining moment that set you on this journey?
My journey into AI was driven by both curiosity and necessity. I have always been fascinated by how technology shapes human society, but a defining moment came when I realised that AI wasn’t just about algorithms—it was about people. Seeing how AI could empower individuals and businesses, particularly in underserved communities, convinced me that this was the frontier where I wanted to make an impact.
Your work has reshaped the landscape of technology. What motivated you to challenge the status quo?
I’m driven by a fundamental belief that technology should serve humanity, not the other way around. The status quo often prioritises profit and efficiency over empathy and inclusivity. I felt compelled to challenge this imbalance and advocate for a more responsible and equitable approach to AI development.
Have you ever faced a moment of self-doubt? How did you push past it?
Absolutely. Early on, presenting complex AI concepts to rooms full of seasoned professionals was incredibly daunting. I combatted that self-doubt by doubling down on my preparation, focusing on the value I could bring to the conversation, and practicing my communication skills. It took a long time, but each successful presentation chipped away at the doubt and reinforced my confidence. Also, surrounding myself with passionate, brilliant minds really helped—whether they agree with me or challenge me.
Have you ever been told “no” along the way? How did you turn that into fuel for success?
“No” has been a constant companion! In the early days of AI adoption, many clients were sceptical, reluctant to invest in a technology that felt unproven and risky. It was discouraging, but my co-founder and I had an unshakable belief in AI’s potential to transform enterprises. We knew that success wasn’t about immediate validation—it was about persistence, proving value through real-world impact. Every rejection reinforced our resolve, pushing us to refine our approach, build stronger use cases, and ultimately secure the trust needed to bring our vision to life. Today, those very sceptics are the ones championing AI in their industries.
What does success mean to you, and has that definition evolved over time?
Earlier in my career, success was about personal achievement—building a career at the intersection of AI, business and policy. Over time, that definition has evolved. Today, success is about impact: How many people have I empowered? How many organisations have adopted responsible AI practices? How many women and under‐represented groups have I helped bring into this field?
What’s a belief or idea you held at the start of your career that you’ve completely rethought?
I used to think that technical expertise was the most critical ingredient for success in AI. Now, I realise that emotional intelligence, empathy and strong communication skills are equally important. Being able to translate complex concepts into accessible language and connect with people on a human level is essential for driving adoption and creating meaningful impact.
What’s a failure that turned out to be a blessing in disguise?
Early on, I worked on AI solutions that were technologically brilliant but lacked real-world usability. That was a tough lesson: just because something is advanced doesn’t mean it’s valuable. That experience pushed me to always prioritise human-centric AI—tech that meets actual needs rather than just showcasing capabilities.
What’s one habit or ritual that keeps you grounded amid chaos?
Definitely meditation. Even just 15 minutes a day helps clear my head and stay focused.
What’s a system, standard, or stereotype you hope to completely rewrite?
I want to dismantle the stereotype that AI is a cold, impersonal technology devoid of human values. By emphasising the importance of human‐centred design, I hope to demonstrate that AI can be a powerful force for good, enriching our lives and creating a more just and equitable world.
What’s next for you? How do you plan to keep changing the game?
I’m focused on expanding AI education, particularly for women and mid-career professionals. I’m also working on bridging the gap between AI governance and real-world implementation, ensuring that AI serves society responsibly. Lastly, my latest project is a podcast called Augment, powered by the Economic Development Board of Singapore. It explores AI’s global impact beyond the usual US-centric narratives and aims to bring fresh perspectives to the conversation.
PHOTOGRAPHY DARREN GABRIEL LEOW
ART DIRECTION MARISA XIN
STYLING KELLY HSU
PRODUCED BY CHERYL LAI-LIM, DANISHA LIANG, AND PAMEYLA CAMBE
HAIR SVETA KLYN/THE SUBURBS STUDIO
MAKEUP AIYI ZHOU, USING GUCCI BEAUTY
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT MELVIN LEONG
FASHION ASSISTANT NUR ASWANI
This story first appeared in the March 2025 issue of GRAZIA Singapore.
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