Neelima Misra is a transformative leader in the realm of data, AI, and digital transformation, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive meaningful business impact. As the Founder & CEO of DaasTek, she has been instrumental in democratizing AI and advanced analytics for businesses of all sizes. Her contributions to AI governance, automation, and compliance have redefined industry standards, earning her the title of “Most Visionary Data & AI Strategist of the Year, 2025” by CToday Awards.

Career Journey: From Global Leadership to Founding DaasTek

With over 25 years of diverse experience, Neelima’s career has spanned leadership roles in finance, operations, and customer relations, working with tech giants like Microsoft and Accenture. Her expertise in AI, IoT, and analytics has helped businesses embrace digital transformation at scale.

Recognizing a gap in technology accessibility, she co-founded DaasTek in 2020, navigating the uncertainties of the pandemic to help organizations leverage data, AI, and automation. Today, DaasTek is a trusted partner in digital transformation, empowering companies across diverse industries by driving automation while ensuring the ethical use of data and AI. The company remains committed to regulatory compliance, proactively adapting to evolving regulations that shape the future of technology for all.

Beyond her corporate role, Neelima is an active voice in AI compliance and data strategy, contributing to global initiatives that simplify regulatory complexities and drive best practices. She is also leading efforts to build a network around the EU Data Act and AI Act, bringing together decision-makers, technologists, business leaders, and legal experts to foster awareness and develop solutions that align with these evolving regulations.

Leadership Principles: Courage, Empathy & Lifelong Learning

Neelima attributes her success to three core principles: Courage, Empathy, and Lifelong Learning (C-E-LL). Courage fuels her bold decision-making and willingness to disrupt traditional business models, allowing her to drive meaningful change in the industry. Empathy enables her to lead diverse teams with a focus on inclusion, fostering innovation by valuing different perspectives and experiences. Lifelong learning keeps her ahead of emerging AI and data trends, ensuring continuous evolution in an ever-changing technological landscape. Her leadership is deeply rooted in cultural awareness and servant leadership, emphasizing the importance of diverse viewpoints in building high-performing global teams.

The Future of Data & AI: Key Industry Trends

Neelima believes that AI, automation, cloud scalability, and cybersecurity will shape the next era of enterprise technology. Generative and agentic AI will revolutionize decision-making by enabling intelligent automation with minimal human oversight. Hyper-automation and predictive analytics will drive data-driven operations, allowing businesses to anticipate trends and mitigate risks proactively. Meanwhile, cloud flexibility and ethical AI governance will ensure secure, scalable, and responsible AI adoption. As these advancements continue to evolve, organizations must embrace AI-driven transformation to remain competitive in an increasingly data-powered world.

Advice for Aspiring Professionals

For those looking to build a successful career in AI, data, and IT consulting, Neelima emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, urging professionals to stay curious about emerging trends. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential, as clear messaging fosters collaboration and innovation. Leading with integrity, building meaningful relationships, and empowering teams are key to driving impactful change. Adaptability is crucial in navigating industry shifts and making strategic decisions. Most importantly, viewing setbacks as learning experiences fuels innovation and growth. Neelima’s journey exemplifies the power of resilience, vision, and strategic leadership, inspiring the next generation of data and AI pioneers.