Wisdom From The Women Leading The AI Industry, With Dalith Steiger-Gablinger of SwissCognitive
An Interview With Vanessa Morcom
Understanding the Power of Technology: It’s crucial for women in AI to grasp the potential of technology and articulate its implications for their businesses. This understanding enables effective communication and decision-making in this tech-driven world.
As part of our series about the women leading the Artificial Intelligence industry, we had the pleasure of interviewing Dalith Steiger-Gablinger.
Dalith Steiger-Gablinger is an AI investor, serial entrepreneur, and co-founder of SwissCognitive. As an AI strategist, innovator, and investor, she advises various companies and actively participates in boards, AI accelerator programs, and mentors young girls in tech. Dalith delivers insightful keynotes worldwide, drawing from her extensive experience and knowledge. Beyond her professional endeavors, she finds joy in mountain biking and spending time with family and friends.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you share with us the ‘backstory” of how you decided to pursue this career path in AI?
Thank you for having me! I studied mathematics and information technology, although I faced many challenges with math during my schooling, leading me to drop out temporarily due to a lack of understanding. Upon returning and taking a mathematics course with a different teacher, I was able to grasp the subject. This experience taught me the importance that clear communication is key to understanding, and if someone doesn’t understand something, it’s the mistake of the messenger, not the receiver. This became an important backbone to my future career pursuits in AI.
I then started a career in the banking industry as a software developer 28 years ago. I was just one of the two women in this male-dominated field in the Zurich area, where I quickly became valued for my ability to bridge communication gaps between the IT and business teams.
About 10 years ago, I then attended a Gartner event in Barcelona where I was introduced to the concept of the “Digital Employee”. The Digital Employee is a conversational system powered by AI that can interact with users in order to accomplish a wide range of business tasks. Recognizing its immense potential, I was inspired to start my journey into the complex, and growing AI space.
And it turns out I wasn’t the only Swiss professional becoming drawn into the field of AI. The unique talents and attributes of Switzerland’s business community meant that we had the brain and technology power to quickly become globally competitive. This realization prompted the founding of SwissCognitive, where I currently work as a Global AI Strategist, facilitating knowledge exchange among companies and advise them on AI strategies and investments.
What lessons can others learn from your story?
The pivotal lesson from my experience is to challenge assumptions about oneself and the information received. Many women may doubt their understanding, but it’s essential to challenge this mindset and advocate for clearer communication, especially in the world of emerging technologies. Remember, if something isn’t clear, it’s not solely the individual’s fault; instead, it’s crucial to prompt the communicator to explain in simpler terms.
One instance where I shifted from self-doubt to challenging the communicator was when I joined a select group of AI fund investors as an expert to help explain the AI landscape. Despite having ongoing meetings with older male investors and initially refraining from expressing my opinions, I eventually felt compelled to speak up in a particular situation. Although I felt insecure at that moment, when I did speak up, the investors acknowledged the value of my insights and responded by saying “Wow, you’re so right.” And then the dialogue flowed much more effectively and productively from there!
It’s important to keep in mind that encouraging dialogue with phrases like “Am I right?” fosters an environment where everyone can contribute and question the message. The transformation in Switzerland’s history of women’s voting is very recent compared to other counties, so the female voice is still growing here! In my role, now supporting women and entrepreneurship in this critical AI space, I am always encouraging women of the need to challenge assumptions and promote equality.
Can you tell our readers about the most interesting projects you are working on now?
Currently, one of the most engaging projects I’m involved in is my ongoing effort to empower women entrepreneurs and the younger generation by raising awareness about the exciting potential of AI. Another one would be supporting AI startups in their strategy, growth and market entry. These activities include participating in keynote panels, engaging with students at universities, and connecting with the vibrant community we lead of over half a million AI enthusiasts on platforms like LinkedIn.
It’s crucial to invest in the younger generation and recognize the responsibility of the older generation in shaping their future. The intersection of that idea with cutting-edge technologies like AI is what I find most interesting today. I do this work through educating, giving lectures, and creating forums for collaboration and ideation.
Another dear project to me, is unleashing investments for AI startups. We mix and match these startups with investors, VC funds and corporate ventures to boost their success. Especially in Switzerland, we are proud to see that more and more Swiss investors are willing to invest into this particular growing tech scene. We see Switzerland turning more and more from a heritage culture to an investment culture, believing in its startup scene and enabling our innovation nation to become a startup nation.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
My Grandmother has been a significant influence in my life. Born in 1920 and passing away at 102 in 2022, she led an extraordinarily driven life as a journalist, author, and TV moderator while raising two children almost single-handedly, after her husband’s early passing.
In her early days, modern conveniences like dishwashers and washing machines were nonexistent, in fact, she even wrote her articles by hand, taking them to the office for typesetting. Reflecting on her challenges and resilience, I’m deeply inspired by my grandmother’s ability to stand up for herself and challenge unfair practices throughout her career.
My grandmother taught me to always be yourself and remain authentic, she was always well-dressed, by this I mean high heels at all times. She never felt like she had to hide her femininity, this is something a lot of women tend to struggle with. I continue to embrace the same mindset that she taught me.
Regarding my AI career, my grandmother’s enthusiastic embracing of evolving technology, from pen and paper to mastering apps like WhatsApp, encouraged me. I always say, if she can adapt to new technology at her age then I certainly can adapt to the ever-changing world of AI!
What are the 3 things that most excite you about the AI industry? Why?
Switzerland’s prosperity is largely due to our spirit of innovation. Unlike other countries, we do not have a great wealth of natural resources; our greatest asset is our intellect. In Switzerland, we have a long tradition of leveraging our intellectual capabilities in conjunction with technology to maintain our competitive edge. With the advent of AI, I see a significant opportunity for the re-industrialization of our nation. For instance, I am convinced that we can even revive our textile industry and that our watchmaking industry can reclaim its world dominance thanks to these tools.
Below are three things about Switzerland’s thriving AI industry that excite me the most:
- Transferring Knowledge of AI to Society: Sharing insights empowers communities to harness AI’s benefits.
- Societal Impact of AI: Witnessing how AI enhances accessibility for society in education and healthcare aligns with the UN’s sustainable development goals. I’m passionate about demonstrating how AI advancements in the areas of education and health can contribute to achieving these goals.
- Shaping the Meaning of Responsible AI: Switzerland has taken a central role in the question of responsible AI. Further, the United Nations relocated their AI Headquarters to Geneva, and the most important AI for Good Conference is taking place in Geneva this year. Switzerland is a country driven by consensus and has a strong culture of respecting human rights. This means that Switzerland can play an important role in the global discussions about responsible and ethical AI.
What are the 3 things that concern you about the AI industry? Why?
The human being would be my answer to all 3 things. Human beings concern me when it comes to the AI industry because humans can be cruel, and they are in fact what uses and drives the AI landscape.
The solution to this concern is to respect others no matter what their background is and although there might be cruel humans in the world, it’s crucial to invest in positive AI agents who support us and help encourage us to think and communicate respectfully.
As you know, there is an ongoing debate between prominent scientists, (personified as a debate between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg,) about whether advanced AI has the future potential to pose a danger to humanity. What is your position about this?
I don’t believe AI inherently poses a threat. Just like with knives, words, or bullying, humans have the capacity to misuse technology. To mitigate this risk, we must prioritize the positive application of AI, and continue to increase our investment into instilling good values into the people who develop and use the technology. The AI for Good Global Conference coming up in Switzerland is a great example of how the Swiss community is unabashedly focusing on principles and ethics in this technological space.
What can be done to prevent such concerns from materializing? And what can be done to assure the public that there is nothing to be concerned about?
We can’t say that there is nothing to be concerned about. However, educating people is key to mitigating risks associated with human involvement. Increased awareness empowers individuals to make informed decisions and take responsibility. Just as we learn not to use a hairdryer near water, understanding AI’s capabilities and limitations is crucial for responsible and successful implementation. The fundamentals of “safe AI” have to become ingrained in our society.
Technology must align with human values and boundaries. We must maintain a critical mindset 365 days a year, questioning and analyzing information, not only on April 1st (ha!). Human intuition is very valuable; we shouldn’t blindly trust sensors over human judgment, as illustrated by examples like Formula 1 racing.
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?
As an innovator in the AI industry, I believe my greatest contribution extends beyond technology — it’s about inspiring and educating the next generation. My role as a mentor began at home with my two daughters, who have grown increasingly fascinated by the fields of AI and technology. Our discussions are more than just educational; they are a forum for developing critical thinking and nurturing a healthy curiosity about the future. This approach to change management and empowering individuals with knowledge transforms companies, universities, and families.
While I may not claim to have brought goodness to the world on a grand scale, I was certainly able to spread it through more focused channels — impacting companies, university professors, students, and families. Empowering people through education doesn’t just equip them with knowledge, it builds their confidence and prepares them for the future.
I remember a particularly enlightening moment when a student asked me to explain the importance of AI to his parents. He wanted them to understand why he was so passionate about pursuing a career in AI. It was a profound reminder of the influence and responsibility we hold as leaders in this field.
My approach has always been to present AI not just as a field of study, but as a catalyst for positive change. Whenever I encounter skepticism or fear towards AI, I strive to offer a different perspective — one that highlights the potential benefits rather than just the risks. Abusing the fact that people fear AI and badmouthing the technology are tactics that might garner more likes on social media, but they do little to advance our understanding or constructive use of these tools.
Take, for example, the controversy around the use of video cameras in public spaces. Many fear the invasion of privacy, but let’s consider the potential benefits. Advanced AI doesn’t need to recognize every detail of an individual’s face to be effective. The outline of a person is sufficient to detect suspicious behavior and ensure safety. Imagine a system that not only spots potential harm but also issues a warning to alert bystanders and notify nearby law enforcement. This is the kind of innovative thinking I advocate for — solutions that respect ethical and privacy standards while enhancing public safety.
In every discussion, my aim is not to debate the downsides but to explore how we can responsibly make technology work for us. It’s about pushing boundaries, thinking creatively, and always upholding our moral commitments.
As you know, there are not that many women in your industry. Can you share 5 things you need to thrive as a woman in the AI industry?
Understanding the Power of Technology: It’s crucial for women in AI to grasp the potential of technology and articulate its implications for their businesses. This understanding enables effective communication and decision-making in this tech-driven world.
Willingness to Explore New Tools: Being able to test and adapt to new tools while sharing experiences, including both success and challenges.
Challenge the Space: Always challenge the messenger and don’t question yourself but rather speak up for what you think is right.
Be open-minded: Be open to using AI and welcoming diverse perspectives and ideas as this is a rapidly evolving landscape.
Be inclusive: Creating inclusive environments not only promotes equality within the AI community but also enhances innovation by leveraging a broader range of talents and experiences.
Can you advise what is needed to engage more women in the AI industry?
Just like humans, algorithms must learn through experience. AI-driven developments are iterative processes that require constant questioning and the accumulation of experiences. This includes being open to consulting diverse opinions and allowing for mistakes. I would argue that openness to different viewpoints, integrative thinking, and effective communication are strengths typically associated with women. This is a driving reason why more women must engage with AI. Diversity in this field is essential. Interestingly, when I look around the rooms I’m in, I see more women involved in AI than the statistics suggest, indicating that the current numbers might not fully capture women’s participation, in Switzerland at least.
It’s important for all women in AI to be honest, authentic, and open about their experiences. In my keynotes, I often begin by sharing how I faced failures early in my career, which paved the way to my eventual success. This narrative is not just about my journey; it’s intended to inspire and motivate other women, showing them that while entering AI and tech might be challenging initially, it is undoubtedly achievable. Encouraging this honest and empowering discourse will continue to inspire more women to enter the field, motivating rather than intimidating them.
What is your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share a story of how that had relevance to your own life?
My favorite life lesson quote would be “I didn’t have time to write a short letter.” This goes back to my clear focus on communicating well about new and challenging topics like emerging technology. For all of us in the space, we need to welcome more people with kind and simple education, not with arrogance and intimidation. And for this, we need to invest time.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 😊
Ensuring access to education is fundamental to addressing many of the world’s challenges, and it is one of the pillars of Switzerland’s success (Switzerland has more top-200 universities per capita than any other country). If I were to initiate a movement, it would focus on educating humanity about the tremendous benefits of AI when implemented correctly.
AI acts as a mirror reflecting our biases, providing us with an opportunity to counteract these biases effectively. My goal is to shift the narrative from one dominated by fear and perceived danger to one filled with opportunities and excitement. I would emphasize how AI can elevate humanity — making us more educated, informed, respectful, and inclusive. Now we have the chance to unbias the bias. I’m working on doing this each and every day already, though, so I do believe I can!
How can our readers follow you on social media?
Thank you so much for these insights! We really appreciate your time.
About The Interviewer: Vanessa Morcom is a millennial mom of three and founder of Morcom Media, a performance PR shop for thought leaders. She earned her degree in journalism and worked for Canada’s largest social enterprise. She can be reached at vanessa@morcom.media
