Dr. Mozhgan Tavakolifard

"In the autumn of 2012, I attended the Researcher Grand Prix event at Studendersamfundet in Trondheim. This competition featured PhD students who were challenged to present their research in an engaging and understandable way for the general public. I’ve always had a deep passion for research, education, and communicating complex ideas in simple terms, which is why I regularly attend such events. One of the many presentations that evening stood out to me in particular—Mozhgan Tavakolifard’s.
While most other students relied on props or costumes to symbolize their fields of study, Mozhgan’s approach was refreshingly different. She used only her voice, body language, and intellect to convey her research on trust in a digital world—a deeply human concept. Her work explored how trust plays a crucial role in making intuitive decisions in unfamiliar situations, something Artificial Intelligence and technology have yet to replicate. This idea resonated profoundly, as I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of human elements and technology.
Our professional relationship grew stronger when Mozhgan became a postdoctoral researcher in our department. As one of the few female professors, I’ve always valued opportunities to mentor and collaborate with young female researchers, and working with Mozhgan was particularly rewarding. We shared a passion for fostering inclusion in our field, organizing seminars and conferences to encourage more women to pursue careers in technology and research. Beyond work, we also formed a close personal bond, often going for runs through the scenic landscapes of Trondheim, where we would discuss everything from our professional lives to personal philosophies.
Mozhgan has worked with various organizations throughout her career, from medium-sized businesses to major Fortune 500 companies. After founding two startups in 5 years, she transitioned into executive roles, serving as Chief Data Officer (CDO) and Chief Analytics Officer (CAO) in the utility, green energy, and retail sectors. Her primary focus has always been leading digital transformations, leveraging data and AI to drive organizational change. However, her approach goes beyond just the technical—Mozhgan excels at creating governance frameworks and building architectures that allow businesses to scale sustainably. She understands that true digital transformation is as much about people as technology.
What sets Mozhgan apart is her human-centered approach. She consistently emphasizes the importance of involving people in every step of the digital transformation process, from strategy development to adopting new technologies. This unique perspective has resonated with businesses of all sizes, reminding them that while technology can enhance operations, the human element ensures lasting success.
More recently, Mozhgan has shifted her focus to helping startups and scale-ups through her company, AI Alchemy Hub, a community designed to nurture a new generation of leaders who aim to create a positive impact. By fostering a space where businesses can grow while contributing meaningfully to society, she is helping shape a future where technology and humanity thrive together.
Her journey from a PhD student exploring trust in a digital world to a leader in data and AI-driven transformation is inspiring. I enjoyed reading Mozhgan’s book in September 2024, during a busy time with conferences and research travel. The book is divided into two parts: the first explains the importance of digital transformation, and the second details the steps required to achieve it. What struck me most about her work is how she seamlessly weaves together insights from personal and business transformation, showing how principles of human growth apply to organizational change.
Mozhgan’s human-centered philosophy extends beyond her book. Through keynote speeches, podcasts, and AIzen, her latest venture, she has shared her vision of businesses as living ecosystems. This view reflects her belief that personal growth and business evolution are deeply interconnected. Her TEDx talk, "Your Data is Your Currency," further underscores the critical role that personal data plays in the digital economy. Mozhgan’s ability to integrate technology with conscious awareness exemplifies her entrepreneurial ventures, such as IPower.me and DharmicData, which focus on sustainable, data-driven growth.
Mozhgan has been recognized as one of Norway's 50 Leading Women in Tech. Her expertise spans industries and regions, from U.S. tech giants to emerging companies. In her book, she provides concrete examples of digital transformation in various sectors, drawing connections between established companies like Google and Uber and newer players such as Jumia in Kenya and Nigeria.
Reading Mozhgan’s book has left a lasting impact on me. I feel inspired to share her insights with my students, colleagues, and the companies I work with. It’s one of those rare books I wish I had written myself—deeply reflective of the balance between technology, humanity, and growth. The book reinforces my belief in the importance of blending the human and technical aspects of our work and offers practical guidance for anyone involved in digital transformation. I’m excited to pass on her wisdom and continue exploring the interplay between personal development, organizational growth, and technology."