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🏆 10 Most Inspiring AI Leaders in India 2026 | Shakil Akhtar | Associate Director of AI at Best Buy ✨

Inspired by the belief that the true essence of leadership lies in enabling others to grow, Mr. Shakil Akhtar has built his leadership philosophy around continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and innovation. He believes that creating opportunities for others to learn and contribute strengthens teams and builds a strong ecosystem in the organization.

With a vision for India’s AI future, Mr. Shakil Akhtar believes that the country is well positioned to become a global creator of AI rather than simply a consumer. Currently serving as Associate Director of AI at Best Buy, he encourages innovators to build indigenous AI platforms and products that address local challenges while competing on the global stage.

Motivated by the belief that “the more you contribute, the more you grow,” Mr. Shakil Akhtar has been recognized as one of the 10 Most Inspiring AI Leaders in India 2026. In an exclusive conversation with Corporate Trendz, he shares his vision for the legacy today’s AI leaders should leave for future generations:

“I hope they’ll remember the current generation as one that used AI responsibly to improve people’s lives. Every major technological shift has expanded human potential, from digitizing banking to transforming communication. AI represents the next chapter in that journey. Rather than replacing people, AI should augment human capabilities, especially in environments where precision, safety, and scale matter. Whether it’s robotics in manufacturing, healthcare, or autonomous systems, the most meaningful innovations will come from collaboration between humans and intelligent machines. Finally, I hope future generations see AI not simply as a technological breakthrough but as a force that makes businesses more productive, societies more inclusive, and opportunities more accessible. That’s a legacy worth building.”