In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, John Lombard, CEO for APAC at NTT DATA, shared his leadership journey and key insights gained from a career spanning consulting, international business, and technology. Starting in consulting with PwC and KPMG, John explained how early exposure to diverse industries and global markets shaped his adaptable leadership style. His international experience, particularly in Southeast Asia during times of political and economic upheaval, taught him the importance of flexibility, cultural awareness, and the ability to make informed decisions based on past cycles. John also discussed the future of AI and its transformative potential, comparing it to the impact of electricity. He emphasized that AI will be human-led in the near term, supporting rather than replacing human intelligence, and highlighted the growing trend toward lightweight, industry-specific AI models. John further stressed NTT DATA’s commitment to sustainability, particularly in reducing energy consumption in data centers and developing green technologies. He sees sustainability and innovation as critical challenges for the tech industry, and NTT DATA is actively investing in research to address these global concerns while driving technological progress. For sponsorship request, please contact us at: contact@undercovermedia.io