Salama Belghali is a seasoned finance and tech expert with over 20 years of experience spanning banking, crypto trading, and AI leadership. With a strong foundation in computer science and mathematics, she has successfully transitioned from traditional finance to emerging technologies, now dedicating her expertise to helping senior executives navigate AI-driven transformations. As the founder of her own company, she leads an AI Career Accelerator Program, empowering leaders to harness AI for strategic decision-making and business growth. Passionate about innovation, she believes AI is reshaping industries, and those who embrace it will lead the future.

Can you tell us a bit about your background?

I bring over 20 years of experience in finance, banking, and crypto trading. Currently, I run my own company where I leverage this experience to help senior leaders transition into AI-driven roles. My foundation includes a double master’s degree in computer science and mathematics, which has proved key in bridging the traditional business world with emerging technologies.

What inspired you to focus on helping executives transition into AI leadership roles?

My inspiration comes from my own journey. Six years ago, I stood at a crossroads, contemplating leaving banking for crypto when blockchain was emerging as a transformative technology. Despite being an Executive Director managing teams across Europe and Asia, I had to start from scratch. The transition was challenging: I faced rejection even for internships. However, within a year, I secured a Global Head of Sales and Partnerships role at one of the pioneering crypto exchanges. Today, I see AI as blockchain on steroids, and I’m passionate about helping senior leaders navigate this transition more smoothly than I did.

Many executives struggle with AI adoption due to a lack of technical background. What are the biggest misconceptions about AI leadership?

A common misconception is thinking you need to become a Python programmer. Many executives get overwhelmed by technical details and give up, believing AI isn’t for them. The truth is, you don’t need to code anymore, tools like ChatGPT can handle that. There are platforms that can automate entire enterprise operations without a single line of code. The key is combining your existing knowledge and experience with AI to augment your capabilities. Think of AI like electricity, it will be everywhere, whether we like it or not. The choice is to embrace it and understand its business implications, or risk being left behind.

Can you share a success story from your AI Career Accelerator Program?

“One particularly inspiring case involves a C-level executive with 25+ years in tech who wanted to transition into AI and quantum computing. When he first reached out, he was unsure where to begin. Within three weeks of joining our program, he secured three board advisory roles. He then launched his own business connecting AI and quantum computing initiatives between Europe and the Middle East, and recently landed a mandate to organize a quantum computing event in Saudi Arabia. Sometimes, professionals just need that initial push to unleash their full potential.”

What emerging AI trends will have the biggest impact on business leadership?

The most transformative trends we’re seeing are AI agents and automation, which will revolutionize workflows across industries. We’re also seeing the rise of personalized AI assistants capable of complex reasoning and task completion. But perhaps most significantly, AI-driven insights are transforming decision-making processes, allowing leaders to make faster, smarter choices based on real-time data analysis. These developments will require leaders to fundamentally rethink how they operate and lead their organizations.

What are the biggest challenges companies face when implementing AI solutions?

Based on our experience, the primary challenges revolve around talent and understanding. Many organizations struggle with finding skilled professionals who can effectively implement and manage AI systems. There’s also often a gap in leadership’s understanding of AI’s capabilities and potential impact. To address these challenges, we help companies develop comprehensive AI literacy programs for their leadership teams, create robust data strategies, and implement ethical AI frameworks. We also provide human-in-the-loop options to help organizations transition smoothly, making sure AI integration aligns with existing workflows while maintaining human oversight.

As someone with over 20 years of corporate experience, what’s the most valuable leadership lesson you’ve learned?

The power of influence and relationship-building stands out as the most important lesson. Leadership isn’t about position or authority, it’s about your ability to influence positive change through strong relationships and earned trust. This becomes even more critical in the AI era, where leading through influence rather than direction is key for successful digital transformation.

What are the top three steps professionals should take to establish themselves in AI and Blockchain?

First, focus on career clarity; understand exactly where you want to position yourself in these industries. Second, commit to continuous learning; focus on the strategic aspects rather than getting bogged down in technical details. Finally, gain visibility through networking, speaking engagements, and sharing your insights on social media (LinkedIn). These steps helped me and my clients in our journey and continue to be important for success in these light-speed changing spaces.