Ctrl+Shifter Podcast

EP 05: How to Build a Winning Enterprise AI Strategy in 2026

AUGUST 20, 2025

In this episode of “How to Build a Winning Enterprise AI Strategy in 2026” Sana Zia Hassan, Senior Manager in AI & Data at EY, provides an in-depth look at how large enterprises can successfully develop and implement scalable, ROI-driven AI strategies. Drawing on her expertise, Sana shares actionable insights into every stage of the AI strategy lifecycle, from aligning cross-functional teams to managing governance, risk, and business impact. She takes us through the journey of transitioning from technical AI applications to strategic, enterprise-wide solutions. The conversation covers how to identify meaningful business problems that AI can solve, ensuring that AI initiatives drive measurable business value. Sana also discusses the importance of making strategic decisions during AI implementation to achieve long-term success.

Timestamp

00:00 Introduction

01:51 – Behind the Shift: From Technical to Strategic AI

10:02 – The AI Rollout Journey

20:49 – Identifying the Meaningful Problems for AI Solutions

28:56 – Strategic Decision-making in AI Implementation

33:40 – Outro

The future of AI leadership is less about choosing between technical or strategic skills. It’s about range – the ability to zoom in on the mechanics and zoom out on the business impact.

About Our Guest Speaker

Sana Zia Hassan

Senior Manager in AI & Data at EY (Ernst & Young)

Sana Zia Hassan is a recognized AI and Data leader with deep expertise in building and scaling enterprise AI solutions. With a background in Machine learning, Data-driven transformation, and Generative AI systems, she helps organizations unlock value at the intersection of artificial intelligence and data networks. Sana has advised Fortune 500 companies, driven innovation in CPG, retail, and healthcare, and is known for translating complex business problems into actionable AI architectures and products. She is also a published researcher and a passionate advocate for responsible AI and next-generation AI talent development.