Despite incremental improvements, recent estimates suggest only about 22–27% of AI professionals globally are women. Women are even more underrepresented in top AI leadership roles, holding less than 15% of senior executive positions. As AI continues to evolve rapidly, the push for gender diversity in AI is more urgent than ever. So, we decided to do something about this and hosted nine executive women technology leaders from Australia for an AI study tour.
Over four days in two countries, we asked one of the most critical questions in business today: How do we lead responsibly, visibly, and boldly in the age of AI? The SAP Intrepid AI Women’s Tour was never just about AI as a technology. It was about people, mindset, and showing what’s possible when women have a seat at the table and shape the agenda.
We began our tour in Walldorf, Germany, at SAP’s headquarters and wrapped up at SAP Paris. Along the way, something incredible happened. Conversations that started with hesitation, fear of AI, lack of skills, and unclear strategies turned into conviction. Not because we solved everything in four days but because we gave each other permission to step forward and lead.
One participant said it best about their Aha moment: “Australians are fearful of AI. But there is so much opportunity from generative AI to enterprise innovation. We just need to start.”
Across both countries, a consistent theme emerged: AI and data cannot be afterthoughts; they go hand in hand. AI is not just a project or an initiative, it is core to business strategy. Several women reflected on how AI strategies in their organisations were still siloed or disconnected from the broader business plan and what their role will be going forward in changing the narrative. It starts with leaders willing to ask better questions and push for integration, not isolation.
We examined how AI platforms, applications, and data interact in real scenarios. We discussed the trade-offs, the challenges across organisations and practical ways to bring AI into business. Many left with clear ideas on unlocking value with AI immediately, from improving internal insights to creating more space for innovation.
One of the most potent conversations we had wasn’t about technology; it was about female visibility in AI, about who sees us. Who sees themselves in us? Being present is one thing, being heard is another, and creating opportunities for other women across the organisations is a must in the age of AI.
Many women on this tour have worked for years to get to where they are. They’ve had to push back, speak up, and support themselves often without seeing many others like them at the table. Yet, what we heard repeatedly is this: it’s time to stop being quiet about it and support each other.
One participant said, “The tour has really inspired me to be louder. To hire more women. To actively encourage others to step up.” That kind of ripple effect is exactly what this tour was about. Not just learning about AI, but leading with visibility, so future generations of women in AI know this path is possible and worth it.
There’s no denying that AI can be overwhelming, with multiple AI platforms and vendors around, figuring out the best way to use the technology and the new possible risks it can bring to business. However, we proved on this tour that fear doesn’t have to be a blocker. With the correct exposure, mindset, and support, fear becomes fuel.
Attendees shared bold commitments to take back to their businesses. Some pledged to start educating their teams and removing fear through clear roadmaps. Others planned to dive into AI tools themselves to “actually use it,” not just talk about it. One attendee captured it beautifully when she said, “We’re setting ourselves up now for the future. The choices we make today, good or bad, will shape our AI outcomes for years to come.”
They’re right. This is the moment to get intentional about responsible governance, upskilling teams, and linking AI to things that matter, such as security, sustainability, ethics, and economic inclusion.
The end of the tour is only the beginning of what’s to come next. We’re back in Australia with new energy, sharper ideas, and a stronger network, knowing that we are the ones who will shape how AI gets adopted in our organisations and across our country.
AI can drive economic growth and innovation, and it is also a tool to empower people, especially women, to step into new roles, new industries, and new futures. That only happens when we’re intentional, when we lead visibly, and when we support each other in taking bold steps. So, what did we learn on the SAP Intrepid AI Tour? Leadership, strategy, and visibility in AI matter, and leading in the age of AI is more important than ever.