In this inspiring interview, Ivana Bartoletti, Global Chief Privacy Officer at Wipro, shares her advice for women in business. She highlights her work in responsible AI, privacy, and human rights, emphasizing the importance of leading from the front. Ivana advises young women to integrate diverse skills and experiences into their careers, particularly in AI governance and privacy. She advocates for gender impact assessments in technology to combat biases and stresses the need for women to support each other in a male-dominated industry...

What has been your career defining moment as a woman in business?

I had studied and advocated for responsible AI for over a decade and written a book about it in 2018 which I launched online in the middle of the pandemic… at the time these topics were not really a real "thing yet" - but I persevered my work on technology and how it intersects with privacy and human rights. Then, last year things really kicked off once ChatGPT made a splash and all the issues around bias, fairness, security in AI became real to so many people, businesses and policy makers. So, I set up a taskforce at Wipro and established the governance we need. I felt I had to lead from the front and put into practice all I had studied and learnt over the years.

"Creating technology that works for everyone and enhances our freedoms and dignity."

I believe privacy and AI governance go hand in hand, because it is all about creating technology that works for everyone and enhances our freedoms and dignity.

I became Chief Privacy and AI governance Officer which is great as I can lead on these topics from the front. This has taught me two things. First, never give up on what you are passionate about and, second, good companies will let you take the lead and reward you for that.

Were there any obstacles you had to overcome as a woman in business?

I do not come from a traditional business background. My professional life spans across the private sector, the NHS, not for profits, government, and even a stint in politics.

There is no unique route to anything anymore and especially in technology. Technology requires strategic leadership, technical skills, programme management as well as the ability to bring together different disciplines. Take privacy - It is not just about the law. It is also privacy engineering, coding, and programme management.

I really encourage women to bring all aspects of their life into their career - there is no longer a standard route to jobs and careers.

What advice would you give to a younger woman looking to join your industry?

"We need young women to redefine privacy in the age of AI."

AI is a great field to be in and there are so many points of access: technical of course, but also around governance and how we mitigate the risks of disinformation, bias and privacy harms. I would say that a key skill to have is the ability to operate at the intersection between the law and operations so to translate complex requirements into controls. Coding privacy into what we do is a fascinating challenge ahead. We need young women to redefine privacy in the age of AI, define what real consent is (not just privacy notices!) and we need young women to lead on, and push for, real change in our digital ecosystem which is often not nice to women. Deepfakes make this even worse.

If you could do one thing to accelerate the pace of change for gender equality, what would it be?

Ensure that any technological tool undertakes a gender impact assessment! I am concerned by the fact that AI can not only perpetuate but also exacerbates inequality. A recent US study showed that all AI-generated flight attendant images portrayed women. But in reality, only about 65% of US flight attendants identify as women. Similarly, the study found that most AI-generated housekeeper images portrayed non-white people. But most US housekeepers identify as white. This really shows the scale of the problem. AI does not just replicate existing bias, but it makes them bigger. So, we must make sure we take action to stop this.

What compelled you to attend a Panelle event?

There's nothing better than a community of women wanting to support other women!

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I have made quite a few mistakes and had to change route - some of these changes lead to cool things. If I could go back, I would certainly worry less.

As a mother, I am also hoping to teach that to my daughter. Chin up and look forward. We women really need this.

What’s your go-to advice for preventing burnout?

Accept mistakes and imperfections. I always say that one of the reasons we find it so hard is because we think we need to be 'Wonder women' - we do not. We are not going to do everything well, and that is fine.

Why do you think it’s important for women to help other women win?

"Encourage women to back each other."

Because it is still too hard for women to succeed. There are things that we can do. For example, I have the habit to try and always reference to what a woman has said, and quote her. I also encourage candid feedback, and give it. And I always encourage women to back each other. The AI industry is very male dominated but if we want AI to work for humanity we need women in the driving seat. This is what I said at the UN Women Conference in March: technology is reshaping the way we live and work but this cannot happen without women driving this change.

Finally, we'd love to know about one woman in business who inspires you or has pulled out the seat for you.

Nina Barakzai, a solid professional in the area of privacy. I met her when I was at Sky. She taught me that privacy is an enabler and not a blocker. And she taught me that you can uphold your values and stand up tall in business and help the organisation move beyond pure compliance.

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