AI Leadership at IEEE TEMSCON Global 2025, San Diego, CA

The IEEE Technology and Engineering Management Society (TEMS) traces its roots back to 1951 as the Engineering Management Society, later evolving into the Technology Management Council in 2007 before adopting its current name in 2015. With over 4,000 members across all 10 IEEE regions, TEMS is dedicated to advancing the management and leadership skills of technology professionals worldwide. Its field of interest spans innovation and entrepreneurship, technology management, leadership, project management, and the socioeconomic impacts of technology. TEMS also publishes leading journals like the IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management and the IEEE Engineering Management Review, and hosts international events such as TEMSCON, fostering global collaboration and thought leadership in the profession.

This year’s TEMSCON Global, held in San Diego on August 4 to 7, 2025, gathered experts, innovators, and leaders to explore how technology is shaping the future of leadership and business. One of the featured sessions was “AI-Powered Projects: Redefining How We Lead, Build, and Deliver”, sponsored by IEEE Women in Engineering. The panel examined how Artificial Intelligence is shifting project management from a tactical role to a strategic driver of innovation.

Ines Nasri, founder of WebPower USA, joined panelists Megha Ben (Siemens), Abir Chermiti (IEEE), Yousra Magouri (Expedia; formerly at eBay and Microsoft), and Shweta Neglur (Qualcomm). The discussion was moderated by Professor Boutheina Tlili of RIT Dubai, IEEE TEMS WiE Liaison.

Key Insights from Ines

Ines shared how AI is enabling leaders to move from reactive problem-solving to proactive strategy. Tools like Asana Intelligence, ClickUp Brain, and Tableau with predictive analytics allow project leaders to forecast risks, optimize resources, and spot opportunities early—freeing them to focus on growth, scaling, and innovation.

Beyond operational and analytics tools, Ines also highlighted the growing role of generative AI platforms like ChatGPTand Gemini in transforming how businesses think, create, and communicate. These tools enable leaders and teams to generate content, streamline research, enhance customer interactions, and accelerate decision-making with greater speed and clarity. She explained that when used strategically, they act as thinking partners. These tools help refine ideas, test scenarios, and simplify complex concepts. Their impact goes beyond efficiency; they empower non-technical users to engage with AI directly, making innovation more accessible across all levels of an organization.

She emphasized that the real power of AI emerges when technology is paired with human connection. For non-technical stakeholders, Ines begins with understanding their goals, translating AI outputs into clear, relevant language, and co-creating solutions. This approach turns data into action and builds trust.

One example she shared was working with a business owner hesitant about AI recommendations until real-world competitor data confirmed the forecast. That moment shifted skepticism into confidence, showing that AI works best as a partner instead of being a replacement in decision-making.

Themes Explored by the Panel

The panel explored how AI is helping project leaders move from operational tasks to strategic decision-making, offering early visibility into potential challenges and opportunities. They discussed AI-powered tools and platforms that improve workflow efficiency and how integration across functions can eliminate silos. The conversation also addressed stakeholder trust, with an emphasis on transparency, collaboration, and ensuring AI insights are communicated in ways that encourage understanding and action. Ethical considerations and the balance between human judgment and AI recommendations were also part of the discussion, highlighting the importance of defining boundaries in AI-assisted leadership.

Positive Audience Response

The session sparked engaged discussions among attendees, from startup founders to senior engineers. Feedback highlighted the practical frameworks, real-world stories, and actionable advice that panelists shared. Participants left with new ideas for integrating AI into leadership while preserving the human elements that drive team alignment and trust.

Interested in bringing Ines to your next conference or leadership panel?

Contact Ines and her Team here or book a strategy session to explore how AI-powered strategies can transform your business.