Despite some progress, women still make up just 22-27% of AI professionals worldwide. The numbers are even lower in leadership roles, with women holding less than 15% of senior executive positions in AI. As AI continues to grow and change the landscape of technology, the need for gender diversity in this field is becoming increasingly urgent. To address this, SAP hosted a study tour for nine female tech leaders from Australia, focusing on AI.

Over four days, spanning two countries, the tour tackled a crucial question: How can we lead responsibly and boldly in the AI era? The SAP Intrepid AI Women’s Tour wasn't just about the technology itself. It was about people, mindsets, and showcasing what’s possible when women are part of the conversation and decision-making process.

The journey began at SAP's headquarters in Walldorf, Germany, and concluded in Paris. Throughout the tour, initial feelings of uncertainty and fear about AI transformed into confidence. This shift didn't happen because every problem was solved in just a few days, but because the participants empowered each other to take the lead.

One participant expressed a key realization: “Australians are fearful of AI. But there is so much opportunity from generative AI to enterprise innovation. We just need to start.” A recurring theme was that AI and data should be integral to business strategies, not just an afterthought. Many of the women realized that AI efforts in their organizations were often isolated from the main business plans. The challenge now is to integrate AI into the core strategy, which begins with leaders asking the right questions.

The tour explored how AI platforms and data interact in real-world scenarios. Participants discussed the challenges and potential of integrating AI into business operations. Many left with practical ideas on how to immediately leverage AI for better insights and innovation.

A significant part of the conversation wasn't just about technology; it was about visibility for women in AI. Being present is one thing, but being heard and creating opportunities for other women is crucial. Many of these women have worked hard to reach their positions, often without seeing others like them in leadership roles. The consensus was clear: it's time to be vocal and supportive of one another.

One participant was inspired to be more proactive in hiring and encouraging women in tech. This ripple effect is precisely what the tour aimed to achieve—not just learning about AI, but leading with visibility and paving the way for future generations of women in AI.

AI can be daunting, with numerous platforms and potential risks. However, the tour demonstrated that fear doesn't have to be a barrier. With the right mindset and support, fear can be transformed into motivation. Participants returned with bold plans to educate their teams and embrace AI tools, understanding that today's choices will shape the future of AI.

The tour's conclusion marks just the beginning. The participants returned to Australia with renewed energy, clearer ideas, and a stronger network, ready to influence how AI is adopted in their organizations and beyond.

AI has the potential to drive economic growth and innovation, and it can also empower women to enter new roles and industries. This empowerment happens when we lead with intention, visibility, and support for each other. The SAP Intrepid AI Tour taught us that leadership, strategy, and visibility in AI are crucial, and leading in this new age is more important than ever.