Leading Ethically Through AI: IBM’s Nabeel Nawaz Spotlight

Charting a Responsible AI Future

In a candid Q&A with Technology Magazine, Nabeel Nawaz, Director of AI Strategy at IBM, reveals the principles guiding IBM’s approach to responsible AI. As one of The Global Tech & AI Awards’ Top 100 Leaders, Nawaz emphasizes the importance of ethics, transparency, and governance in AI innovation. He outlines how IBM is focused not just on creating powerful AI solutions but doing so in a way that ensures trustworthiness and accountability. By embedding responsibility into both tools and workflows, the company aims to proactively minimize bias and risk. Nawaz believes responsible AI is not only a moral imperative but a practical necessity for long-term success and societal impact.

Collaboration as a Catalyst

Nawaz underscores the irreplaceable role of collaboration across industries, governments, and academia in shaping a better AI future. At IBM, fostering cross-functional partnerships and engaging diverse perspectives help identify ethical pitfalls early and engineer holistic solutions. This collective mindset transcends mere compliance—it’s about shaping the culture of AI development from design to deployment. Nawaz points to IBM’s work on open-source governance frameworks and AI standards as part of larger efforts to align global approaches for maximum impact. For Nawaz, leadership in tech means not just staying ahead but bringing others along responsibly.