Interview with Edge Women of the Year Finalist. Inna Ushakova – CEO and President at AI EdgeLabs
In the lead-up to Edge Computing World, we’re taking some time to speak to this year’s finalists for The Edge Women of the Year Award.
Today we’re talking to Inna Ushakova, CEO and President at AI EdgeLabs
- How do you see the edge market developing over the next few years?
Increased edge adoption has the potential to change the world for the better from improved patient care, safer autonomous vehicles to better precision agriculture. These are only a few of the major shifts will see as a result of Edge computing changing the world as we know it. But it also creates more entry points for attack.
If left unprevented, unchecked or unprotected, edge computing and IoT devices will create a greater attack surface that cyber attackers are eager to penetrate, endangering business operations, business continuity, and even human lives.
- How does diversity benefit the edge environment?
We’ve always embraced and actively sought diversity in our teams, and we are a genuinely diverse and inclusive team of professionals from all corners of the world, looking for talent and disregarding race, religion, gender identity, physical location. Our global footprint is evidenced by our presence in Ukraine, Poland, Canada, Mexico, Portugal, Turkey, Israel, and the US. Thanks to our diverse team, we’ve realized that different perspectives pave the way for innovation, giving us a competitive advantage on how to tackle or address different situations.
- Tell us one lesson you’ve learned that’s unique to being a female leader in the Edge space.
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to form a network of trusted mentors, esteemed colleagues, and other female leaders who inspire me and share their wisdom with me.
The greatest lesson I’ve learned as a female leader is: even if you are the only woman in the room, be confident that your voice and perspective are needed and valuable.
- What advice would you give to other women entering the edge space?
The Edge space is by far one of the most fast-paced environments, not to mention it’s perpetually evolving and changing, so it’s imperative that you remain adaptable and responsive to cope with the latest business demands. Also, I would advise all my fellow female leaders to lean on the qualities that make them strong, even if others perceive them as weaknesses. Female leaders should use their qualities to their advantage and build a network of mentors, colleagues, and other leaders who can help them grow, connect, and motivate.
- What are some ways in which you have helped to support and lift other women in the space up?
One of my passions is being an ally to other female leaders and entrepreneurs. I know how tough and unforgiving the field can be, so I try to be as empathetic with my colleagues as possible. At AI EdgeLabs, we believe in talent, and women happen to be a huge part of our executive team as decision makers and
decision influencers.
