Meri Rosich
trader working
A
the stock market
makes millions
inside a week. When
questioned, he says
he’s a financial whizz kid from the
future, capitalising on early-21st-
century volatility.
This sci-fi story makes Meri
Rosich laugh – but it contains a
grain of truth, she says: “That’s how
future generations will look back at
this period in human history. An
era marked by volatility in finance,
in tech disruption and in public
opinion – a lot of it driven by the
phenomenon of connectivity and
its capacity to shape big trends.”
Rosich has a unique vantage
point from which to assess our
times. For two decades, she has
enjoyed an international career at
the frontier of digital innovation
and business transformation. Her
résumé spans pioneering leadership
roles in digital with many of the
world’s foremost innovators,
through to starting up her own
award-winning business publishing
educational apps.
A globally recognised thought-
leader in data-led strategy, Rosich
currently heads up data science
for Visa in Asia Pacific. She has
collected industry and academic
awards, her PhD thesis being
honoured with the European
Doctorate Award.
The common thread that runs
through her professional life is
change: “You start your career
pursuing a passion or a dream. For
me, what was most interesting was
online publishing and digital media
“Meri Rosich’s reflections
on the changing workplace
remind me of that old saying:
technology is a good servant
but a bad master. We can use
the new data analytics tools to
free up our time and to help us
make better decisions, or we
can allow them to propagate
through society unchecked
34 LONDON BUSINESS SCHOOL REVIEW ISSUE 1 - 2019
The pursuit of equality mobilises
Is technology our servant or our master?
Rosich, together with an acute
love of learning. There is, she says,
so much to learn: from work, from
THOUGHT-LEADER IN DIGITAL INNOVATION WHO BELIEVES IN THE research, from other cultures and
POWER OF TECH TO TRANSFORM THE WORLD FOR THE BETTER languages and from the teaching
work that she does with
international executives.
sales at a time when that industry was in its infancy. for people with disabilities. Balance But what really drives her is
I’ve always been fascinated by the power of technology and independence are two really happiness. “You can lose yourself
to transform business and business processes, drive important dimensions that we in wanting the unattainable or in
innovation and improve things. Ten years ago we called need to protect. And it’s going to measuring yourself against
it innovation. Today we call it business transformation.” be absolutely critical that we unattainable standards or role
Her current work revolves around the future of data include everyone – that everyone models. Happiness comes from
and the transformational power it has to change is brought along in this evolution.” enjoying the moment, enjoying
businesses, create new business models and empower Part of the democratisation of the journey without distractions
leaders. She also teaches executive MBA electives at a technological advancement means and forgetting about the opinions
number of universities, focusing on big-data strategy: addressing the diversity gaps in of others. I’m fascinated by people
“I’m always interested in areas that have to do with the science, technology, engineering who are genuinely happy, rather
power of data, which has the potential to revolutionise and maths (STEM), an area Rosich is than those who are trying to
so many areas of life. We’re starting now to understand passionately about as an ambassador pursue perfection.”
the full potential of data, the opportunities as well as for the UN Women STEM Her own greatest sources of
the threats and the challenges, and how it can generate programme. She has also led the happiness are her children. And
ethical dilemmas. Business ethics is going to be a women’s group in the United she derives great satisfaction from
growing area in the future.” Nations Association in Singapore, continuing to learn and “trying to
A growing concern in the age of digital disruption where she is currently based and ‘My hope is that improve a little every day.”
is the capacity for transformation to drive inequality. co-founded the Female Founders “It is a journey. Its end point is
Rosich is particularly concerned about the over- regional think-tank and the Women
digital change will being the best possible person I
exposure of personal data and the implications this has Data Leaders Asia network: “I always usher in new skills, can be. My work every day brings
for cybersecurity, with policy decisions always lagging dreamt of doing something for the new opportunities, me into contact with big ideas and
behind technological advances. As new problems United Nations and these concepts – changing our world
with automation
emerge, she argues, organisations have a duty to address opportunities have dovetailed with through big data and machine
the ethical issues that arise: “Policy has trouble keeping my ambition to do something about giving humans the learning. But at its core, what
up with technology, so it’s really down to businesses and the lack of diversity in STEM. Over freedom to do more drives me is empowering my
organisations to develop their own sets of ethical my career I’ve learnt that equality of team to achieve their goals in these
interesting things’
standards. And they need to be held to account to very opportunity can vary dramatically interesting times we’re living in.”
high standards in this regard.” from country to country. What does she think the future
That said, Rosich is optimistic about our future. “Here in Singapore equality is holds? “Everything will be more
“It’s human nature to be hungry and lean and to push very high, but in some other integrated, more seamless. In 100
at the boundaries of what we know and what we can do. societies in Asia women’s priorities years we will have the resources
We need to harness that and drive a positive outlook as are very rooted in family needs and and materials to do things that
we imagine our future in technology. We’re already there is a striking lack of support She urges organisations everywhere to think more I call it out with a smile. I don’t we can’t contemplate yet.
addressing some of the major problems we face – things for women’s right and capabilities about issues like parental leave, workplace flexibility tolerate it. I’ve never defined myself “Technology will augment our
like water conservation in our big cities, or quality of life to realise their ambitions.” and how to build more choice into company culture. by gender. When I encounter issues ability to imagine by thousands
It’s a responsibility that forward-thinking employers – when I’m the only woman in a of times. My hope is that digital
might want to invest resources, capital and research room – I make myself look at the change will usher in new skills,
into, she says: “I hope that in the workplace of the advantages as well as the new opportunities, with automation
– with potentially deleterious has a bigger database of white world doesn’t lose its human future, men and women will have more options open disadvantages and I figure out giving humans the freedom to
consequences. One well-known men to draw on when making touch.” Julian Birkinshaw, to them to attend to the needs of the family without that how to focus on the challenge and do more interesting things and
example is the biases in facial its predictions. These types Professor of Strategy and meaning an enforced break or disruption in their career amplify my strengths. to innovate.
recognition software. Studies of problems need addressing Entrepreneurship, trajectory. Smart businesses are already thinking about “When I have a female translator “I love to think of a future where
have shown that this software now, while the field of data Academic Director this and figuring out what works and what doesn’t work in a business meeting, I’ll insist technology lets us develop stronger
is up to 99% accurate for science is still relatively of the Institute of when you have people working at home.” that she literally takes her place at bonds with the things that are most
white men, but as low as 35% young. So I applaud the Innovation and For herself, Rosich has been fortunate in having the table too, for instance. I think important; where machines do the
Entrepreneurship, flexible employers, as well as an uncompromising women need to understand that boring things and we are freer to
RAPHAEL OLIVIER
accurate for non-white women. work of Meri and others
Of course, the technology isn’t who are trying to make sure Deputy Dean (Executive position on inequality of treatment that has seen her it’s our responsibility to push the enjoy the outcomes of that
deliberately biased – it simply that our increasingly digital Education), LBS call out bad behaviour when she encounters it: “If my agenda and teach people how to productivity by being better
hand is not shaken or if I find someone ‘mansplaining’ treat us and what we deserve.” connected to our loved ones.”
LONDON.EDU/LBSR LONDON.EDU/LBSR LONDON BUSINESS SCHOOL REVIEW ISSUE 1 - 2019 35

trader working
A
the stock market
makes millions
inside a week. When
questioned, he says
he’s a financial whizz kid from the
future, capitalising on early-21st-
century volatility.
This sci-fi story makes Meri
Rosich laugh – but it contains a
grain of truth, she says: “That’s how
future generations will look back at
this period in human history. An
era marked by volatility in finance,
in tech disruption and in public
opinion – a lot of it driven by the
phenomenon of connectivity and
its capacity to shape big trends.”
Rosich has a unique vantage
point from which to assess our
times. For two decades, she has
enjoyed an international career at
the frontier of digital innovation
and business transformation. Her
résumé spans pioneering leadership
roles in digital with many of the
world’s foremost innovators,
through to starting up her own
award-winning business publishing
educational apps.
A globally recognised thought-
leader in data-led strategy, Rosich
currently heads up data science
for Visa in Asia Pacific. She has
collected industry and academic
awards, her PhD thesis being
honoured with the European
Doctorate Award.
The common thread that runs
through her professional life is
change: “You start your career
pursuing a passion or a dream. For
me, what was most interesting was
online publishing and digital media
“Meri Rosich’s reflections
on the changing workplace
remind me of that old saying:
technology is a good servant
but a bad master. We can use
the new data analytics tools to
free up our time and to help us
make better decisions, or we
can allow them to propagate
through society unchecked
34 LONDON BUSINESS SCHOOL REVIEW ISSUE 1 - 2019
Meri Rosich
The pursuit of equality mobilises
Is technology our servant or our master?
Rosich, together with an acute
love of learning. There is, she says,
so much to learn: from work, from
THOUGHT-LEADER IN DIGITAL INNOVATION WHO BELIEVES IN THE research, from other cultures and
POWER OF TECH TO TRANSFORM THE WORLD FOR THE BETTER languages and from the teaching
work that she does with
international executives.
sales at a time when that industry was in its infancy. for people with disabilities. Balance But what really drives her is
I’ve always been fascinated by the power of technology and independence are two really happiness. “You can lose yourself
to transform business and business processes, drive important dimensions that we in wanting the unattainable or in
innovation and improve things. Ten years ago we called need to protect. And it’s going to measuring yourself against
it innovation. Today we call it business transformation.” be absolutely critical that we unattainable standards or role
Her current work revolves around the future of data include everyone – that everyone models. Happiness comes from
and the transformational power it has to change is brought along in this evolution.” enjoying the moment, enjoying
businesses, create new business models and empower Part of the democratisation of the journey without distractions
leaders. She also teaches executive MBA electives at a technological advancement means and forgetting about the opinions
number of universities, focusing on big-data strategy: addressing the diversity gaps in of others. I’m fascinated by people
“I’m always interested in areas that have to do with the science, technology, engineering who are genuinely happy, rather
power of data, which has the potential to revolutionise and maths (STEM), an area Rosich is than those who are trying to
so many areas of life. We’re starting now to understand passionately about as an ambassador pursue perfection.”
the full potential of data, the opportunities as well as for the UN Women STEM Her own greatest sources of
the threats and the challenges, and how it can generate programme. She has also led the happiness are her children. And
ethical dilemmas. Business ethics is going to be a women’s group in the United she derives great satisfaction from
growing area in the future.” Nations Association in Singapore, continuing to learn and “trying to
A growing concern in the age of digital disruption where she is currently based and ‘My hope is that improve a little every day.”
is the capacity for transformation to drive inequality. co-founded the Female Founders “It is a journey. Its end point is
Rosich is particularly concerned about the over- regional think-tank and the Women
digital change will being the best possible person I
exposure of personal data and the implications this has Data Leaders Asia network: “I always usher in new skills, can be. My work every day brings
for cybersecurity, with policy decisions always lagging dreamt of doing something for the new opportunities, me into contact with big ideas and
behind technological advances. As new problems United Nations and these concepts – changing our world
with automation
emerge, she argues, organisations have a duty to address opportunities have dovetailed with through big data and machine
the ethical issues that arise: “Policy has trouble keeping my ambition to do something about giving humans the learning. But at its core, what
up with technology, so it’s really down to businesses and the lack of diversity in STEM. Over freedom to do more drives me is empowering my
organisations to develop their own sets of ethical my career I’ve learnt that equality of team to achieve their goals in these
interesting things’
standards. And they need to be held to account to very opportunity can vary dramatically interesting times we’re living in.”
high standards in this regard.” from country to country. What does she think the future
That said, Rosich is optimistic about our future. “Here in Singapore equality is holds? “Everything will be more
“It’s human nature to be hungry and lean and to push very high, but in some other integrated, more seamless. In 100
at the boundaries of what we know and what we can do. societies in Asia women’s priorities years we will have the resources
We need to harness that and drive a positive outlook as are very rooted in family needs and and materials to do things that
we imagine our future in technology. We’re already there is a striking lack of support She urges organisations everywhere to think more I call it out with a smile. I don’t we can’t contemplate yet.
addressing some of the major problems we face – things for women’s right and capabilities about issues like parental leave, workplace flexibility tolerate it. I’ve never defined myself “Technology will augment our
like water conservation in our big cities, or quality of life to realise their ambitions.” and how to build more choice into company culture. by gender. When I encounter issues ability to imagine by thousands
It’s a responsibility that forward-thinking employers – when I’m the only woman in a of times. My hope is that digital
might want to invest resources, capital and research room – I make myself look at the change will usher in new skills,
into, she says: “I hope that in the workplace of the advantages as well as the new opportunities, with automation
– with potentially deleterious has a bigger database of white world doesn’t lose its human future, men and women will have more options open disadvantages and I figure out giving humans the freedom to
consequences. One well-known men to draw on when making touch.” Julian Birkinshaw, to them to attend to the needs of the family without that how to focus on the challenge and do more interesting things and
example is the biases in facial its predictions. These types Professor of Strategy and meaning an enforced break or disruption in their career amplify my strengths. to innovate.
recognition software. Studies of problems need addressing Entrepreneurship, trajectory. Smart businesses are already thinking about “When I have a female translator “I love to think of a future where
have shown that this software now, while the field of data Academic Director this and figuring out what works and what doesn’t work in a business meeting, I’ll insist technology lets us develop stronger
is up to 99% accurate for science is still relatively of the Institute of when you have people working at home.” that she literally takes her place at bonds with the things that are most
white men, but as low as 35% young. So I applaud the Innovation and For herself, Rosich has been fortunate in having the table too, for instance. I think important; where machines do the
Entrepreneurship, flexible employers, as well as an uncompromising women need to understand that boring things and we are freer to
RAPHAEL OLIVIER
accurate for non-white women. work of Meri and others
Of course, the technology isn’t who are trying to make sure Deputy Dean (Executive position on inequality of treatment that has seen her it’s our responsibility to push the enjoy the outcomes of that
deliberately biased – it simply that our increasingly digital Education), LBS call out bad behaviour when she encounters it: “If my agenda and teach people how to productivity by being better
hand is not shaken or if I find someone ‘mansplaining’ treat us and what we deserve.” connected to our loved ones.”
LONDON.EDU/LBSR LONDON.EDU/LBSR LONDON BUSINESS SCHOOL REVIEW ISSUE 1 - 2019 35