What if the biggest mistake companies make with AI isn’t technological at all?
For Lisa Davis, the answer is clear: “It’s never about the technology. It’s about the business outcomes.” After more than 30 years as a technology executive across government, academia, high tech and healthcare, Davis is now helping executives, boards and entrepreneurs navigate AI, leadership and sustainable growth.
Her story reflects the kind of real-world leadership Humans of Fuzia (HOF) brings to a global community of more than 5 million members across 35 countries. At the intersection of leadership, entrepreneurship, coaching, women empowerment and socially conscious business, HOF explores how founders and expert-led businesses actually build authority, overcome challenges and scale.
From Technology Executive to Purpose-Driven Entrepreneur
Davis describes her career as “non-linear by design.” Her journey took her from 26 years across the U.S. Department of Defense and Department of Justice to Georgetown University, Intel—where she eventually ran a $7 billion P&L—and Blue Shield of California.
About a year ago, she launched Data Score Advisory, creating what she calls a “portfolio career” spanning consulting, coaching, mentoring, board advisory work, speaking and authorship.
Her decisions today are guided by three principles: values alignment, trust with founders and CEOs, and a meaningful vision she can help advance.
AI Leadership Requires More Than Technology
In 2026, organizations face increasing complexity: rapid AI adoption, accountability pressures, decision-making bottlenecks and the challenge of turning innovation into measurable business growth.
Davis believes many organizations approach AI backwards. Instead of starting with technology, leaders should begin with business priorities, define the desired outcomes and then determine where AI can accelerate them.
Successful AI adoption also requires accountability across the organization—not just the technology team—and clear ROI measurement.
Women in Leadership: From Visibility to Systemic Change
Davis’s book, The Only Woman in the Room: How to Win in a Workplace Built for Men, emerged from her desire to help diverse and female leaders navigate workplaces that were not always designed for them.
Her message is especially relevant to women in leadership and entrepreneurship: learn, step forward and take a seat at the table—even when you don’t have every box checked.
She is now amplifying other women’s stories to expose systemic workplace challenges and encourage broader change.
Growth Systems Built on Relationships
Davis rejects the idea that relationships are simply networking. She emphasizes genuine connection and community.
In fact, she says her last four or five executive roles “never” came from applications—they came through people who knew her work and trusted her brand.
For entrepreneurs, the lesson is practical: build an ICP around shared values, sharpen your messaging, nurture relationships, pursue speaking opportunities and create scalable systems that turn authority into sustainable business growth.
Execution Tip
Audit your AI strategy tomorrow: Write down your top three business priorities before identifying a single AI tool. Then ask: What measurable outcome could AI accelerate?
Connect with Lisa Davis
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-davis-cio
- Website: www.Daviscoreadvisory.com
