Laura Hernandez Gonzalez, Managing Director for MENA at Globant opens up about her mission to foster diversity, inclusivity, and innovation in the tech world. She shares her approach to leading projects that prioritize the integration of emerging technologies like AI, while ensuring that these advancements benefit underserved communities and drive positive societal change.

What inspired your journey into technology and business strategy, and how did you transition into leadership roles in the industry?

From the start, my path into technology and business strategy has been shaped by curiosity, adaptability, and a deep belief in transformation through innovation. With a background in chemical engineering, I started my career in the Oil & Gas sector, where I was exposed very quickly to large-scale transformation projects and the power of digitalization. Working on pioneering technology-driven initiatives sparked my passion for strategic problem-solving and business evolution, eventually leading me to transition into business consulting. There, I found the opportunity to help organizations rethink their models and unlock new avenues for growth through technology and innovation.

Throughout my career, I’ve also embraced an entrepreneurial mindset, taking on initiatives that required me to navigate uncertainty, build solutions from the ground up, and drive meaningful impact beyond traditional corporate structures. This experience reinforced my ability to spot opportunities, adapt quickly, and lead with a results-driven approach—qualities that have shaped my leadership style over the years.

Working across multiple industries, countries, and cultural landscapes, has helped me gain a global perspective that has been instrumental in shaping my strategic thinking. Understanding different market dynamics, leadership styles, and business environments has only strengthened my belief that adaptability and innovation are key to long-term success. The defining moments in my journey have always been those that challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, embrace change, and take bold action.

What ultimately drew me to the tech industry was its boundless potential to reshape entire sectors. Technology is no longer a supporting function—it is the driving force behind transformation in finance, healthcare, entertainment, and beyond. Being part of Globant, a company that partners with the world’s most influential brands, has allowed me to contribute to high-impact projects while continuously evolving as a leader.

Today, leadership in technology is not about authority—it’s about empowerment. At Globant, we embrace a leadership model that fosters autonomy, collaboration, and continuous learning. My role is not to dictate every decision but to create an environment where brilliant minds can thrive, innovate, and challenge the status quo.

Having worked across multiple continents, how have these diverse experiences shaped your leadership style and strategic approach to business?

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is that leadership is rooted in adaptability and empathy. Working across multiple continents—from Europe and the Americas to the Middle East—has reinforced the importance of understanding diverse perspectives, adapting to different business dynamics, and fostering inclusive environments where teams can thrive.

At Globant, with operations in 35 countries across five continents, we have built a culture of collaboration, agility, and innovation. Our Agile Pods model—autonomous, multidisciplinary teams that experiment and innovate continuously—has shown me firsthand that true innovation happens when different perspectives and expertise come together. This approach not only enhances efficiency and creativity but also empowers teams to take ownership of their goals and drive meaningful impact.

My global exposure has shaped my leadership philosophy—I’ve seen that success isn’t just about expertise; it’s about embracing diversity of thought, culture, and experience. Inclusion isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a competitive advantage, and in a world where technology is bridging gaps and redefining industries, leaders who cultivate diverse, adaptable teams will be the ones who shape the future.

Can you walk us through your daily routine and also share some positive habits you’ve developed to continually improve and adapt in your leadership role at Globant?

Balance is essential. My daily routine revolves around three key pillars: connection, continuous learning, and well-being. No matter how fast-paced our industry is, I prioritize meaningful interactions with my team and clients—because people are at the heart of every successful company. Staying engaged fosters trust, collaboration, and innovation.

The rapid pace of technological change means stagnation is not an option. To stay ahead, I make continuous learning a priority, whether through executive education—like my experience at Stanford GSB—or by engaging with leading voices in the industry. One key takeaway? Technology’s true power is unlocked through human ingenuity and creativity.

Equally important is well-being, because high performance is not sustainable without balance. I ensure that self-care remains a priority, whether through sports, reading, or moments of reflection. Maintaining mental sharpness and energy is essential, not just for personal resilience but for making better, more strategic decisions as a leader.

Great leadership is about inspiring, empowering, and driving meaningful impact. I believe that staying curious, agile, and engaged is what makes this journey fulfilling.

As a woman leader in technology, how do you see AI-driven personalized banking solutions advancing financial inclusion, particularly for women and underserved communities?

AI is reshaping financial services, making them more accessible than ever. Traditional banking models often rely on rigid credit requirements, leaving many individuals—including those in emerging markets—without access to essential financial tools. We are now seeing AI-driven solutions democratizing access to banking, credit, and investment opportunities, reaching populations that were previously underserved.

In regions like the Middle East, where financial ecosystems are evolving rapidly, AI has the potential to expand access to personalized financial services at a larger scale. By leveraging alternative data and intelligent credit scoring, financial institutions can move beyond traditional eligibility criteria and offer more inclusive, tailored financial solutions.

At Globant, we believe in technology for good. AI shouldn’t just drive efficiency; it should empower people. If leveraged correctly, it can help millions gain financial independence and control over their economic futures. The key is to ensure that these technologies are designed with inclusivity, transparency, and ethical considerations at their core.

What’s one important leadership lesson you’ve learned that every woman in leadership roles should embrace?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to embrace challenges, take risks and step out of comfort zones. Growth happens when we push ourselves beyond what feels familiar—whether that means leading a new initiative, transitioning into a different industry, or taking on a bigger role. The key is to say yes to opportunities, even before feeling fully ready—because that’s where real development happens.

Having spent many years in the Middle East, I’ve witnessed firsthand the significant progress in women’s inclusion and leadership across industries. More women are stepping into technology, entrepreneurship, and executive roles, actively shaping the region’s innovation landscape. This transformation highlights the impact of opportunity, mentorship, and education—key drivers of meaningful and lasting change.

Another key lesson is the power of community and mentorship. No one succeeds alone, and building strong networks of support, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing is essential for any leader. At Globant, we encourage a mindset of boldness and continuous learning, providing the tools and support for people to develop professionally and thrive. We actively promote STEM education and initiatives that encourage young women to pursue careers in technology and leadership.

To anyone looking to thrive in tech, my advice is simple:

•  Keep learning and evolving—curiosity fuels growth
•  Build a network of people who challenge, support, and inspire you
•  Own your journey—confidence comes from action, not just certainty

The future of technology is diverse, and we all have a role in shaping it.

By Nezha Alaoui

The tech industry has long enough been a space defined by innovation and progress, yet when it comes to gender diversity, the sector still has a bit of a ground to cover. Despite increased awareness, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles, funding opportunities, and technical positions. For Nezha Alaoui, Founder and CEO of Women Choice, the conversation is not just about bridging gaps but it is about ensuring women play a central role in shaping the future of technology.

Being a social impact entrepreneur and global thought leader, Alaoui has worked extensively on initiatives aimed at empowering women in professional spaces. She emphasizes that while talent is equally distributed, opportunities are not. “The challenge is not a lack of skill or ambition, it is the absence of access, mentorship, and representation,” she says.

Through Women Choice, Nezha has collaborated with fortune 500 companies and institutions to implement mentorship programs, leadership training, and inclusive hiring strategies to help women navigate and advance in the tech industry. In the last twelve months, Nezha and her team gathered 550+ women in tech in a series of monthly events held in Dubai in partnership with a tech leader. She is creating spaces where women can connect, learn, and step into leadership roles. She acknowledges that real progress requires a shift beyond policies, it demands a cultural change within organizations and the industry at large.

She also highlights the importance of visibility in driving change. “When women see leaders who look like them, it creates a ripple effect. It signals that there’s space for them at the table,” Alaoui notes. Her work is focused on fostering real connections, creating professional pathways, and ensuring that inclusion is not just a buzzword, but a business imperative.

As technology continues to shape every aspect of modern life, ensuring diverse perspectives in its development at a grassroot level is crucial. Nezha believes that tech companies must go beyond performative gestures and commit to real structural changes. From funding more women-led startups to building diverse and dynamic leadership teams, the industry stands to benefit from making inclusivity a core part of its growth.

While the road ahead remains challenging, Alaoui remains optimistic. “The future of tech is being written today, let’s make sure women are co-authors of that story.

By Alaa Antar – Regional Sales Manager, Liferay

AI is revolutionizing enterprises by enhancing efficiency, personalizing customer experiences, and unlocking new business opportunities. With Machine Learning (ML) and Generative AI (GenAI) driving automation and data-driven insights, organizations can streamline operations, optimize decision-making, and foster innovation—while ensuring ethical AI practices that promote fairness, transparency, and security in a digital world.

While our introduction to Artificial Intelligence started as a sci-fi fantasy some decades back, today, it is rapidly intertwining with all things digital to infuse accuracy and generate quick results. AI underpins many aspects of our daily lives, often working behind the scenes to personalize our experiences, optimize processes, and even entertain us. From unlocking smartphones with facial recognition to receiving accurate product recommendations online, AI has become an integral part of our interactions with technology. According to PwC, the Middle East, is poised to become a global AI hub, and anticipated to accrue  US$320 billion in AI related benefits by 2030. 

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, delivering exceptional customer experiences is paramount. AI, low-code development, and automation are transforming the way businesses interact with their customers. By harnessing the power of these technologies, organizations can streamline operations, personalize interactions, and drive innovation.

Understanding AI, ML, and GenAI 

At its core, artificial intelligence refers to the ability of machines to mimic human cognitive functions without explicit programming. These encompass a wide range of capabilities, such as learning and problem-solving, visual perception, speech recognition, and language translation with commonly known examples of Siri, ChatGPT and more. 

Artificial Learning (AI) usually refers to the field of machine learning. But AI can do more than just learn from data; it can also reason, make decisions, solve problems, and be creative.

As a subset of Artificial intelligence, Machine Learning (ML) powers many AI applications encountered daily. ML uses an algorithm, often referred to as a model, to analyze and extract patterns from data. . Over time, the models become adept at making predictions, classifications, and recommendations, automating tasks, and improving decision-making – all based on the learned pattern

Using ML and GenAI to Create Business Value

Early adopters of AI, ML, and GenAI gain a competitive edge. For example, both ML and GenAI offer great opportunities to unlock the hidden potential within the data in enterprises. ML uncovers valuable insights to inform strategies, while GenAI transforms content creation processes and personalize customer interactions.

Cumulatively, through a systematic leverage of AI, organizations improve decision-making, automate and streamline operations, and enhance customer experiences.

Practical examples of GenAI in the Enterprise:

• In customer service,​​​​​​​ GenAI can handle real-time language translation to support agents responding to customer queries from multiple regions. AI-powered chatbots can answer routine questions, engage in dynamic conversations, offer empathetic responses. By offloading common inquiries, human agents can focus on complex, high-value tasks, leading to improved efficiency and enhanced customer satisfaction.
• In marketing, GenAI can support generating personalized marketing copy, headlines and social media posts based on target audience preferences. GenAI can even be trained on a company’s brand voice and product data, automatically crafting unique descriptions for online stores.
• In product design, GenAI can assist by generating design variations or optimizing product descriptions for different markets and target groups. If trained on existing product data and user reviews, GenAI can suggest design iterations to address customer pain points or cater to specific market preferences, allowing for data-driven product development and accelerating time-to-market. 
• In media production, GenAI can assist in scriptwriting, music composition, and movie trailers.

Responsible AI: A Crucial Consideration

Although AI offers immense potential, it also demands careful consideration of ethical implications. Models learn from data, and if that is biased, the resulting outputs can lead to discriminatory outcomes. Additionally, the lack of transparency in some AI algorithms can make it difficult to understand how they reach their conclusions. That’s why ensuring responsible AI development and use is paramount. Here’s why:

• Fairness and bias – Biased training data can lead to biased outputs. Businesses should scrutinize data and employ debiasing techniques to provide fairness, accountability and transparency in AI.
• Transparency and trust – Algorithms that are a “black box” can erode trust. Businesses should strive for transparency in AI decision-making processes and provide explanations for outputs, allowing users to assess their validity. Users deserve explanations for GenAI outputs and an understanding of how the AI arrived at its results.
• Human oversight. AI and ML should augment, not replace human judgement. A “human-in-the-loop” approach ensures ethical considerations are factored in and safeguards against unintended consequences.​​​​​​​
• Privacy and security. AI systems that handle sensitive data necessitate robust privacy and security measures. Enterprises should comply with data protection regulations and implement appropriate safeguards to protect user privacy.

Embracing AI is not just about adopting new technologies—but about rethinking business strategies.  Integrating AI, ML, and GenAI into daily operations can reveal hidden efficiencies, enable personalization, spark innovation, and secure a competitive edge in a digital world. 

​In addition, Open source DXP platforms such as Liferay encourage organizations to adopt a BYOAI (Bring your own AI) approach. This facilitates a formidable combination of Gen AI with DXP platforms, driving advanced results and widening new possibilities of use cases through combined features. As an example, Liferay’s robust out-of-the-box content management features simplifies social media posting through a tailored approach to communicate with audiences using the company’s preferred AI engines. Organizations can then accurately schedule and publish content on different platforms such as FB, Twitter and LinkedIn. This empowers a marketeer with seamless integration to streamline different workflows, save time and ensure consistent messaging across different channels making it an essential tool to enhance social media strategy across content and images.

By breaking down the complexities of AI, enterprises can embark on this journey with confidence. Implemented ethically and responsibly, AI can fuel sustainable growth, enhance decision-making, please customers, and shape a future where human expertise and AI capabilities work in harmony.