Less Hype. More Practice. Women Shaping AI AI dominates headlines. But real transformation happens behind the scenes, inside organisations, systems, and products where people move beyond buzzwords to make change real. Shaping AI Without the Hype brings together stories from 20 women driving progress in AI strategy, digital transformation, machine learning, data science, responsible AI, product innovation, cybersecurity, and tech policy. These women lead from within, shaping systems, scaling solutions, and turning AI’s potential into practical results. Inside, you’ll find: Practical lessons from applying AI in real-world settings - Insights on leadership, ethics, and inclusion in tech - Honest reflections on what it takes to deliver meaningful impact as a woman in tech This is not another AI playbook or glossy vision of the future. It is a grounded look at how transformation really happens, and the women doing the work. Contributors include: Michaela Hermans (Curator and Editor), Demet Dagdelen, Klaudia Czarnecka-Kowcun, Katia Kobylinski, MBA, Emma Di Iorio, Stefania Angius, Dr. Simona Jeners, Marta Jakab, MBA, Tamara Zavisic, Tijana Žunić Marić, Sanja Bogdanovic Dinic, Frances Phillips Taft, JD, CIPP/E and CIPP/US, Anna Juli Rosenfeld, Irina Joanna Gebauer, Dr. Marina Economidou, Elisavet Kyritsi, Sanaz Jamalzadeh, PhD, Rosaline Pahud de Mortanges, Dr. Patricia Goodwin-Peters, Isaura Martínez. Foreword by Meghna Sinha "This book highlights the work that shapes AI applications by the women who build them. A timely and valuable contribution." Dr. Katia Walsh, one of the first Chief AI Officers in the world; author of Winning with AI: The 90-Day Blueprint for Success "Finally - an AI book written by people who've actually had skin in the game. Shaping AI Without the Hype strips away the vendor promises and consultant mystique to show what really happens when you try to implement AI in organizations that don't run on PowerPoint. Keep this book close." Daniela Stefan, EMBA, FCCA, Head of M&A Integration; Finance Transformation, EMEA & APAC, Cognizant "Grounded, real-world leadership in AI bridges vision with impact. Voices like these remind us that true innovation isn't just about advancing AI, it's about shaping it responsibly, inclusively, and with purpose." Faye Murray, Field Chief Data Officer, Dataiku "Valuable learnings on impactful and ethical AI in real-world challenges." Yana Hristova, Technology Strategy Lead, Life Science Consulting Michaela Hermans is a digital and AI transformation leader focused on turning complex ideas into practical results. She has led strategic initiatives and cross-functional technology teams across aviation, retail, and tech, helping organisations apply AI in ways that create real impact. She is the creator of Shaping AI Without the Hype, built together with twenty exceptional women who lead AI, data, product, engineering, and digital transformation across industries. The project highlights their expertise and shows how progress in technology is driven by clarity, collaboration, and grounded leadership. A recognised advocate for women in AI and technology, Michaela works to bring visibility to female expertise and more human, practical perspectives in the field. Her writing blends hands-on insight with honest reflection, shaped by leading demanding work while raising a young child. She is committed to making AI accessible, responsible, and firmly rooted in real-world impact.