Jane Chen is an enterprise leader with over twenty years of experience driving data analytics, AI strategy, and digital transformation. Known for turning data into growth, she has unlocked profit and redefined customer engagement across the consumer, retail, and technology sectors. A passionate advocate for authentic leadership and leading-edge innovation, Jane serves on the CDO Magazine Editorial Board and was named to the Global Data Power Women List in 2024. She is currently exploring new executive opportunities where she can lead transformative AI strategies and cultivate data-centric cultures.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with CXO Magazine, Jane shared insights on what fuels her passion for leveraging AI and data to drive business growth, thoughts on authentic leadership, her secret to striking a work-life balance, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
What drives your passion for leveraging AI and data to drive business growth?
I’ve always believed that data tells a story— when paired with the right technologies, it reveals its secrets. AI isn’t just about automation; it’s about efficiently mining truth from massive datasets to enable smarter, faster, and more impactful decisions. What excites me is AI’s transformative potential to reveal previously hidden opportunities and empower organizations to innovate boldly. I’ve seen firsthand how AI can unlock billions in revenue and redefine customer experiences—that’s what fuels my passion.
What do you love the most about your current role?
I love motivating and coaching my teams to turn data into actionable insights that make a tangible impact. My teams—comprising data engineers, scientists, and analysts—often work at the intersection of business, math, and technology. Whether it’s launching a predictive model that uncovers billions of dollars in opportunities or developing a pricing engine for thousands of products, I find purpose in helping my team succeed and seeing analytics drive meaningful business transformation.
What’s your perspective on the role of AI in driving marketing and sales efficiency?
AI is revolutionizing how we understand, reach, and serve customers. From predicting customer intent to optimizing pricing and personalizing engagement, AI enables marketing and sales to become more intelligent and responsive. In previous roles, my teams used AI to transform GTM processes; instead of manually gathering insights from disparate sources, we synthesized earnings calls, financials, market reports, and customer web behavior to automatically score leads and prioritize outreach. AI can even compare thousands of SKUs against competitors’ products to recommend optimal products for customer design—unlocking extraordinary value.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in AI and data science?
I stay connected through executive summits, peer networks, and my role on the CDO Magazine editorial board. I also invest in continuous learning—whether through university courses, industry certifications, or staying current with the latest research, case studies, and industry news. In such a rapidly evolving field, lifelong learning is essential.
Do you notice a lack of women in CX? If so, why do you think that’s the case?
Yes, there’s still a gender gap—especially in senior AI and data leadership roles. Possible issues are long-standing underrepresentation in STEM, limited mentorship, and sometimes unconscious bias in leadership pipelines. But that’s changing. Increasing the visibility of women in leadership is making a real impact. Representation matters, and I’m proud to be a part of that shift.
Looking back, which women in your life have had the most influence on your career?
My mother has had a profound influence. She was a talented anesthesiologist and an incredible mom who kept our home full of love. Her resilience, integrity, and deep support of education shaped my values and leadership style. Professionally, I’ve been inspired by women in tech who lead with both intellect and heart—showing that authenticity and success can go hand in hand.
What does the term “authentic leadership” mean to you?
Authentic leadership means leading with integrity, empathy, and a clear sense of purpose. It’s about aligning your values with your actions and creating an environment where people feel heard and valued. I embrace a servant leadership style with an analytical lens—helping my team succeed while anchoring decisions in data.
What is your secret behind striking a work-life balance?
Balance isn’t about equal time—it’s about being fully present. I set boundaries, prioritize what matters most, and embrace flexibility when needed. As a mother and a leader, I’ve learned that a mix of grace, planning, and a strong support system—both professionally and personally—makes all the difference.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
I see myself leading transformative AI and data strategies as a Chief Data Officer or Chief Analytics Officer in a customer-focused company. I’m also passionate about mentoring young professionals in tech and giving back through community building and thought leadership. My long-term vision is to shape data-driven cultures across industries.
What advice would you give to businesses looking to leverage AI for growth?
Start with the problem, not the technology. I strongly believe a well-stated problem is half-solved. Align AI initiatives with business goals, invest in robust data foundations, and foster cross-functional collaboration. Don’t wait for perfection—embrace experimentation and scale what works. Most importantly, bring your people along. AI should empower people rather than replace them. And it thrives in a culture of learning, openness, and innovation.