Zahra Shah is an expert and entrepreneur who has spent her years reframing how businesses integrate AI into their daily practices. Passionate about the many uses of AI as a safe solution-generating tool, she has become a speaker regarded for her ability to convey her extensive AI expertise cleverly and concisely. Recently recognised as one of the Top 100 Influential People Award 2025 Winner, Zahra offers invaluable insights fit for any AI and Frontier Technology event.
Initially, Zahra began her career in Management Consultancy. For over a decade, she accumulated experience within the Financial Services – Capital Markets practice area at Accenture, which saw her assisting global investment banking clients in a wealth of essential areas. During this time, she became well-versed in the usage of AI for digital transformation, strategy management, and high-impact solution generation. From here, Zahra went on to become the Co-Founder and Investor of Seers , which specialises in the development and growth of B2B SAAS based privacy compliance. In particular, she helped to lead the development of the UK’s first – and only – Child Privacy Consent Management Platform.
Zahra has since made waves throughout the artificial intelligence sphere, with many turning to her for dependable advice on how to leverage AI in a helpful and cost-effective way. Her role as NexaQuanta’s Board Advisor is just one example of her integral input. Zahra has transformed her passion into tangible guidance, granting her the ability to educate and inspire any interested in AI and its boundless applications. Additionally, she is proud to serve as an Expert Member of the Technology Advisory Panel at the Information Commissioner’s Office – a position that sees her advising on the nuanced applications of frontier technologies.
However, Zahra is so much more than an AI expert. As the former CEO turned Trustee of the British Pakistan Foundation, Zarah spent three years between 2016-2019 guiding British Pakistanis through their entrepreneurial journeys. Now, she is a figurehead for what British Pakistanis and Muslim women alike can accomplish – an achievement best reflected through her invitation to the late Queen’s Annual Garden Reception in Buckingham Palace. Coming as a direct result of her contribution to the “Grand Trunk Project,” this illustrious opportunity captures Zahra’s selfless dedication to more than just her professional passion. Additionally, Zahra’s position as a Member of the Google for Startups: Female Founders Program 2020 offers a further glimpse into her passion for uplifting women around the world.
Zahra serves as AI Advisor to the Commonwealth Businesswomen's Network (CBWN) and Chairs the Women in AI Working Group at UKAI - the trade association for the UK's AI Sector. She also serves as Chair & President of OPEN London CIC - London Chapter of OPEN Global, a premier, global, nonprofit fostering entrepreneurship and professional growth with over 15 chapters across North America, UK, Middle-East and Pakistan. She has completed 8 AI and Generative AI Certifications from IBM. She is an Award-Winning AI & Frontier Tech Expert and a regular media commentator who has been interviewed by BBC, LBC, Channel 4, Bloomsbury Radio, Awaaz FM and other media platforms.
Holding an MBA from both the London School of Economics and Political Science, an MSc. Analysis, Design & Management of Information Systems, a Financial Times Non-Executive Director Diploma, and 6 AI and Generative AI certifications from IBM, Zahra Shah is an exemplary speaker who will certainly bring unparalleled insight to your event. Between her nationwide impact on community building efforts between various cultures and her astounding influence in the world of AI and Frontier Technology development, Zahra is sure to share pointers that will undoubtedly shape how you see AI. Book Zahra as a speaker for your event today and see for yourself just how flawless her navigation of the AI landscape is.
Zahra Shah's official speaking topics are listed below:
- AI & Frontier Technology
- Women in Technology
- AI for Digital Strategy Management
- Responsible AI adoption
- Responsible AI and AI Governance for Boards
- AI Regulation and Governance
- AI for Digital Transformation in Financial Services
- AI Education and Upskilling
- AI and Creative Industries
- Bias in AI
- AI and Privacy
- Future of AI
- Building Responsible AI
- AI and Data
- Ethical AI
- Women in AI
- Building Gender Equitable AI
- Agentic AI
- AI as Co-Founder
- AI Agents in Business and Financial Services
- AI and Healthcare
- AI and Young People
- AI and Energy
- AI and Commonwealth
- AI and Cybersecurity
- UK's AI Opportunities Action Plan
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
"Zahra Shah served as a speaker on the "How Should Boards Consider AI Adoption" panel at the Global Innovation Summit. She provided expert guidance to the attendees who were board directors and C-suite executives of listed companies. She Discussed the key areas very well with plenty of examples to bring the insights to life. She received excellent feedback from the attendees." - Corina, Founder, Innovation Partnership
“Zahra Shah was recently a keynote speaker at one of our events aimed at UHN’s and Angel Investors on AI & Ethics. Zahra was an engaging and impressive speaker, delivering some thought-provoking topics which captured the imagination of the audience, leading to strong debate and questions in the crowd. She also dealt with the questions in a very professional and authoritative manner, looking forward to having her back to speak again soon.” - Michael, Founder & Founding Partner, Entrepreneurs Collective & Alator Capital
“Working with Zahra Shah was a pleasure. As an AI expert, she expertly navigated the complexities of data transformation in financial services. Her deep knowledge of both AI and the financial sector ensured a dynamic, insightful discussion. Zahra kept the conversation engaging, encouraged diverse perspectives, and skilfully managed audience interaction. I highly recommend Zahra for any event focused on AI and data transformation in financial services.” - Jawad, Head of Product Management, Regulatory & Risk, Vermeg
“Zahra works tirelessly to keep up to date with all things digital and cyber security-related at board level. Which means that as a speaker, you can be confident that Zahra is giving you an expert view on what board best practice looks like.” - Tony, Founder & CEO, Transpire Global Director Network
“Zahra kindly joined a panel discussion at Level39, exploring the revolution of Financial Services: The Intersection of Web3, DeFi & AI. Zahra was an incredible addition to our lineup of speakers on the night. She is a thought leader in this space, sharing her experience and insights as an entrepreneur and investor. We had such wonderful feedback from our audience about Zahra's energy and passion for this subject, and I truly appreciate Zahra for joining us to share her thoughts and vision with our startup and scaleup community!” - Amy, Director at Level 39
- 2025: Became Chair of UKAI Women in AI Working Group
- 2025: Became Chair at the UK Association for Medical Aid to Pakistan (UKMAP)
- 2025: Completed 2 additional AI and Generative AI Certifications from IBM
- 2025 - Became a Freelance Contributing Writer for The AI Journal
- 2025 - Won the prestigious Top 100 Influential People 2025 Award
- 2025 - Became an Advisor on Artificial Intelligence to the Commonwealth Businesswomen's Network (CBWN)
- 2024 - Completed NED Term at Seers
- 2024 - Became a Trustee at the UK Association for Medial Aid to Pakistan
- 2024 - Became an Associate Members of UKAI
- 2024 - Became Chair & President of OPEN London CIC
- 2024 - Completed 6 AI and Generative AI Certifications from IBM
- 2024 - Completed Climate and Sustainability Certification from the Conduit Academy
- 2023 - Became Board Advisor at NexaQuanta
- 2022 - Positioned as an Expert Member on the Technology Advisory Panel at the Information Commissioner's Office
- 2022 - Appointed Senior Board Advisor & Investment Committee Member at Teamup Ventures
- 2022 - Completed the FT Board Director Programme, earning a Non-Executive Director Diploma
- 2022 - Became an At-Large Consolidated Policy Working Group Member at ICANN
- 2021 - Became Co-Chair at TIE London Women
- 2021 - Became Board Advisor at Teamup Angels
- 2021 - Became Non-Executive Director for Seers
- 2020 - Started Serving as a Board Director for Seers
- 2020 - Won the prestigious Google for Female Founders Competition (selected as one of 12 female founders of the most innovative tech ventures in Europe)
- 2019: Became a Media Commentator on areas related to AI & Frontier Technology and contributed to BBC, ITN 5 News, Channel 4, LBC, Bloomsbury Radio, Awaaz FM etc.
- 2019 - Became Co-Founder & Chief Commercial Officer at Seers
- 2018 - Became a Key Investor for Seers
- 2018 - Completed the MBA (Essentials Certification) from the London School of Economics (LSE)
- 2017 - Became a Trustee of the British Pakistan Foundation (BPF)
- 2016 - Appointed CEO of the British Pakistan Foundation (BPF)
- 2004 - Became a Management Consultant at Accenture
- 2003 - Completed MSc. Analysis, Design & Management of Information Systems from the London School of Economics (LSE)
How to hire Zahra Shah
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Zahra Shah for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
