Usha Jagannathan

About Usha Jagannathan

I\'m a pragmatic technologist and a Co-Author of The AI Optimization Playbook, specializing in transforming AI from proof-of-concept into scalable, trustworthy enterprise solutions. My mission is to bridge the gap between AI strategy and operational excellence, so complex technologies that we work today such as GenAI are deployed ethically and securely at scale.As an accomplished AI leader with a product engineering mindset, I specialize in taking AI from strategic vision to the operational excellence of AI product lifecycle and risk governance. At companies like McKinsey and Marsh McLennan, I led high-performing teams architecting solutions to build scalable, trustworthy AI products, that not only drove innovation but also delivered tangible business results, including reducing AI production incidents by 50% in highly regulated environments.My expertise extends to translating complex business goals into a clear, actionable data strategy, making sure technology directly serves the company\'s mission. My current role leading AI products at SA directly applies product engineering and software principles to operationalize industry standards for responsible AI. The choices we make now in the tech sector will shape whether AI empowers everyone or just a select few, and my vision is to build a future that delivers economic advancement for all.My unique blend of corporate and academic experience including leading the IT graduate program at Arizona State university and advising AI startups, positions me to bridge the gap between AI research and practical, impactful deployment. A recognized voice on Responsible AI and passionate about mentoring the next generation of talent and forging strategic partnerships that drive innovation and foster a culture of integrity.Let\'s connect and collaborate to drive positive change through responsible and impactful AI development.Favorite Quotes I live by:“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” - Benjamin Franklin“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” - Mahatma Gandhi“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou*Disclaimer: Views expressed on this platform are solely my own and do not represent the opinions or beliefs of my employer.

Experience

1. Director of Ai Products

   Ieee Standards Association Ieee Sa

   Jan 2024 — Present · NJ, US

   Leads the productization of global AI standards (e.g, 3119, series), transforming complex governance frameworks into executable, scalable digital products and GenAI solutions- Champions the integration of AI ethics, risk, and governance frameworks into product development, with a focus on delivering solutions that meet and exceed industry best practices and regulatory compliance- Drives the SA\'s transition to a product-led organization by creating the AI ecosystem necessary to accelerate responsible AI adoption across corporate and academic institutions globally.

Education

• Bharathidasan University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Industrial Electronics

• Northcentral University

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Technology & eLearning

• The Wharton School

  Executive Education

  2021

• Bharathiar University

  Masters, Computer Applications

Skills

• Training
• Databases
• Networking
• Information Technology
• Agile Methodologies
• Scrum
• Systems Analysis
• Adult Education
• Higher Education
• E-Learning
• Distance Learning
• Instructional Design
• Curriculum Development
• Educational Technology
• Program Management
• Instructional Technology
• Classroom
• Software Project Management
• Sdlc
• Service-Oriented Architecture (Soa)
• Programming Expertise
• Java Certified Programmer
• Teaching
• Learning Management Systems
• Faculty Development
• Academic Administration
• College Teaching
• Leadership
• Student Affairs
• Curriculum Design