Ehrar Jameel is an award-winning Data and AI leader recognized for transforming organizations through strategic innovation, AI governance, and advanced analytics. Currently leading Data & AI initiatives at TK Elevator, Ehrar drives measurable impact across global teams, spearheading multimillion-dollar projects in AI, Machine Learning, MDM, and Salesforce migration. His dynamic, collaborative leadership style—rooted in high emotional intelligence and a passion for empowering teams—has earned him multiple accolades, including recognition as an AI100 Leader at MachineCon 2025 and a nominee for DataIQ’s Top 10 AI Leaders in NA. Ehrar serves as a Governing Body Member for Gartner’s C-communities and as an Advisory Board Member for the CDAO Circle. Outside work, he enjoys cricket, gardening, woodworking, fishing with his family, mentoring aspiring data leaders, and actively supporting social causes close to his heart.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Digital First Magazine, Ehrar shared insights on what drives his passion for data and analytics, the secret mantra behind his success, his favorite quotes, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Ehrar. What drives your passion for data and analytics, and how do you stay current with emerging trends and technologies?
For me, the excitement in Data and AI comes from the opportunity to solve complex problems and genuinely impact people’s lives through innovation. I’m naturally competitive and strategic. I love identifying big-picture opportunities and then rallying teams around ambitious goals. Bringing diverse teams together to turn visionary ideas into practical solutions energizes me. Honestly, my greatest satisfaction is seeing my team’s work translate directly into measurable value for our business.
To me, analytics isn’t just technology; it’s about connecting with people, understanding their unique challenges, and crafting solutions that truly matter. That human aspect keeps me motivated every day.
Staying at the cutting edge of AI and analytics means constant learning—I actively engage with professional communities, speak at global events, mentor team members, and experiment hands-on with emerging technologies. The LinkedIn community and broader data industry connections inspire me daily, keeping my ideas fresh and my enthusiasm high.
What do you love the most about your current role?
What I love most about my role at TK Elevator is the incredible opportunity to blend my passion for innovation with my strengths in strategic thinking and collaboration. The organization’s trust in exploring cutting-edge ideas fuels my drive and keeps my competitive spirit energized.
Leading a global, cross-functional Data & AI team, I get immense satisfaction from seeing our collective vision become reality—transforming ideas into measurable business impact. Whether it’s preventing contract cancellations using AI, predicting sales with advanced analytics, or deploying generative AI knowledge bots, the tangible outcomes are deeply rewarding.
Above all, working closely with talented individuals across diverse backgrounds—understanding what uniquely motivates each person and empowering them—is what makes my role so fulfilling.
What are some common misconceptions or myths about AI that you’d like to debunk?
One myth I love debunking is that AI will steal our jobs—trust me, it’s not here to replace us, but to augment and supercharge our work. Every company has a huge backlog of tasks, and AI helps us efficiently tackle that backlog, enabling us to achieve far more with less. But the key is proactive adoption—embracing AI today means we’ll spend less time catching up tomorrow!
Another common misconception is that AI can fully replace human intuition. Not really! AI complements human judgment beautifully, but it simply can’t replicate intuition, creativity, or emotional intelligence—those uniquely human strengths that truly drive innovation.
What personal or professional philosophies have contributed to your success, and how have you applied these principles in your career?
My philosophy is simple: “Dream big, act fast, and build meaningful relationships along the way.” Leveraging my strengths in strategic thinking and influencing others, I proactively identify opportunities and quickly turn ideas into actions, motivating teams around clear, ambitious goals. I’m always striving for excellence, but I deeply value individual connections—understanding each team member’s unique strengths and empowering them. In practice, this means fostering enthusiasm, collaboration, and a culture where innovation thrives, ultimately delivering measurable results and sustained impact across the organization.
What are some of your passions outside of work? What do you like to do in your time off?
I thrive in dynamic environments, professionally and personally. Cricket fuels my competitive spirit and is my favorite way to recharge, while family is at the heart of my life—especially spending quality time with my mom, wife & kids, gardening, or building backyard projects like our vegetable garden. I’ve discovered the joy of fishing with my son, a peaceful yet exciting new hobby. I also deeply enjoy mentoring others, nurturing their unique strengths, and empowering them to excel. These experiences ground me, inspire fresh ideas, and bring balance to my high-energy, results-driven professional life.
What is your favorite quote?
“The purpose of life is a life of purpose.” This quote deeply resonates with me. Personally, and professionally, I strive to ensure every moment and interaction counts. My Clifton Strengths reflect my passion for connecting with people, inspiring teams, swiftly turning strategic ideas into impactful results, and—most importantly—uplifting others. Nothing brings me greater joy than seeing people succeed, grow, and reach their fullest potential.
The saying, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together,” further reinforces my belief in combining speed with meaningful collaboration. My focus remains purposeful impact, continuous growth, and building lasting connections.
Congratulations on being recognized as an AI100 Leader at MachineCon 2025! Our readers would love to know the secret mantra behind your success.
Thanks so much! Honestly, the secret isn’t very secret—it’s curiosity, stubborn persistence, competitive enthusiasm, and plenty of coffee! But most importantly, it’s about always staying humble, hungry, and willing to embrace discomfort. My real superpower lies in recognizing each individual’s unique strengths and placing them in roles where they can truly shine. For me, building a winning team means collectively showcasing our best sides while covering each other’s weaknesses. I’m incredibly fortunate to lead amazing teams that embrace bold, visionary ideas and turn them into reality. My mantra for AI remains simple: “Start small, dream big, move fast—and have fun along the way!”
Which technology are you investing in now to prepare for the future?
At TKE we are predominantly an Azure shop and right now, my primary focus is on Data & AI Governance, building a Common Data Platform across all BUs, generative AI, and AI agents—particularly their ability to automate complex tasks and significantly enhance decision-making. I’m especially passionate about bringing these transformative AI capabilities to customers who genuinely need help but might lack the resources or expertise to fully leverage data.
Also, someday hopefully will get time to focus on my startup, Datakeys.ai, I’m committed to taking advanced data and AI solutions to organizations ready to transform their businesses but unsure where to start. With robust governance frameworks and ethical AI at its core, Datakeys.ai will ensure sustainable innovation—amplifying human potential and delivering real, measurable impact.
What are your long-term career aspirations, and how do you see yourself evolving as a leader over the next five years?
Long-term, my goal is to significantly scale my impact as a strategic and innovative Data & AI leader, driving transformational change on larger projects and across broader global teams. Over the next five years, I confidently see myself stepping into greater strategic roles, including formally embracing a Chief Data & Analytics Officer (CDAO) position. Additionally, I’m deeply passionate about scaling my startup, Datakeys.ai, to deliver powerful, practical AI and data solutions to a wider range of organizations. Regardless of path, my leadership evolution will remain anchored in empowering teams, fostering innovation, and creating measurable, lasting value.
What advice would you give to aspiring data and analytics leaders?
My advice is simple: Stay curious, keep learning, and never underestimate the power of building genuine relationships. As you grow, focus on understanding people as much as you understand data—great analytics leaders don’t just drive numbers; they inspire, connect, and empower those around them.
Invest in your EQ as much as your IQ, embrace collaboration across teams, and proactively adopt new technologies. And most importantly, always lead with authenticity, humility, and purpose. Remember, your success isn’t measured just by achievements, but by the positive impact and lasting value you create for others.