Mery Zadeh

Hometown: Oslo, Norway

Briefly describe your role:

A: I serve as Senior Vice President of AI Governance & Risk Consulting at Lumenova AI, where I help organizations responsibly scale artificial intelligence across their business. My work focuses on helping companies move beyond AI pilot projects by implementing governance frameworks and processes that allow them to deploy AI safely and confidently. I work with large enterprises and regulated industries to implement frameworks like the NIST AI Risk Management Framework and emerging global AI regulations. At Lumenova AI, our platform helps organizations manage AI risk and compliance in a scalable way so they can innovate while maintaining trust and accountability.

Q: Is what you’re doing now what you always pictured you would do?

A: Not exactly. I never followed a straight or predictable career path. Instead, I focused on staying curious, paying attention to where the world was going, and being open to change. The work I do today feels like a natural evolution of those experiences, even though I could not have clearly pictured it early on. If you asked a younger version of me, she probably would have said she wanted to be a motivational speaker. That desire to inspire others simply found a different outlet through leadership, mentoring, and encouraging people to take risks and believe in what is possible.

Q: What do you see as the greatest challenges for women in your chosen industry? What are the greatest opportunities?

A: One of the biggest challenges in AI governance is the confidence gap. The field is still very new, and many people hesitate to claim expertise even when they are actively helping define it. Women are often in the position of translating between technical teams, legal departments, and business leadership, which requires both confidence and credibility. The opportunity is that AI governance is still being built. There are not decades of established hierarchies or expectations. Women who understand both the technical and regulatory sides of AI have a real chance to influence how the field develops and shape the future of responsible AI.

Q: Who has inspired you in your life/career?

A: Many people have inspired me throughout my life, but above all, my parents. My mother is the most courageous risk-taker I know. She taught me to never settle for less than I deserve and to pursue the life I truly want. My father raised me to be independent, to stand tall even when standing alone, and to stay humble and grateful along the way. Their influence reminds me every day to lead with courage, resilience, and kindness.

Q: What advice would you give to an aspiring professional?

A: Do not wait until you feel completely ready. You will learn far more by doing than by waiting for the perfect moment. Stay curious, keep learning, and be open to taking risks or changing direction. Speak up, take space, and create opportunities when they do not exist. Work hard, deliver excellent results, and stay true to your values. Progress matters far more than perfection.

Q: What’s been the secret to success?

A: For me, success has come from stepping outside my comfort zone and being willing to take risks even when the outcome was uncertain. I have moved across continents and pursued opportunities that challenged me because I believed they would help me grow. Equally important are the people you surround yourself with. Learning from those who inspire and challenge you pushes you to keep improving. Growth rarely happens when everything feels comfortable, and progress belongs to those willing to keep moving forward.