CEO & Founder of Digital Advice Consulting | AI Readiness Assessment
Female Leadership & Empowerment | Data | Agile Enablement | Sustainable Development
Shayma Kurz’s incredible story is one of constant growth, determination, and a passion to inspire others, shaped by personal and professional trials that many could not imagine. Fleeing from Afghanistan during the Afghan Civil war at a young age, Shayma's childhood was marked by fear, uncertainty, and a desperate search for stability. Her family’s escape to Ukraine and then Germany gave Shayma her first lessons in adapting to new environments. Despite cultural and linguistic barriers, she quickly learned the resilience necessary to thrive in unfamiliar worlds. In Germany, Shayma found refuge in education. Developing a love for technology early on, she went on to earn a degree in Computer Engineering—a feat made all the more remarkable by the fact that she was a woman breaking into a field dominated by men. Her intellectual curiosity and drive pushed her to new heights, and in 2011, her career took a bold leap forward when she joined Mercedes-Benz in Dubai. At Mercedes-Benz, Shayma became a project leader for market rollouts and digital transformation initiatives. Her pioneering work in developing a Data & Analytics platform revolutionized how data was utilized within the company. More than just technical prowess, Shayma had a clear vision for the future of AI in business, setting the foundation for her later entrepreneurial endeavors. By the time she co-founded Digital Advice Consulting in August 2024, Shayma had already cemented her status as a thought leader in AI and digital strategy. Her consulting firm is dedicated to helping organizations leverage AI technology, while also focusing on advancing gender diversity, particularly in STEM fields. With a focus on agile transformation and future-proofing businesses through AI readiness assessments, Shayma’s company is designed to not only guide organizations through technological shifts but also to foster leadership among women. Her commitment to gender equality in tech is evident not only in her professional work but also in her personal mission to mentor and inspire young women, particularly in her home country of Afghanistan.
As a mentor to Afghan women, Shayma plays a crucial role in supporting those who are overcoming societal and cultural obstacles, helping them break into male-dominated fields like tech. She offers mentorship, guidance, and the belief that these women, too, can succeed and thrive against the odds. Shayma also serves on the board of the Woman Business Circle, where she advocates for leadership development and gender diversity in the business world.
Her advocacy doesn’t stop there. In everything Shayma does, she brings a level of empathy and passion that reflects her own experiences of struggle and success. She’s a trailblazer not just in digital transformation but in creating opportunities for others, especially for women from underrepresented backgrounds. She believes that as you climb, you must lift others with you, making the path smoother for those who follow.
Today, Shayma is not only a successful entrepreneur and digital strategist but also a living testament to the power of perseverance. Her work spans continents, and her impact resonates across industries. She continues to push boundaries, creating a legacy of innovation and inclusion that will inspire generations to come. For anyone looking to create their own path, Shayma’s story is an extraordinary example of how far determination, vision, and resilience can take you—even from the most challenging beginnings. From refugee to CEO, Shayma Kurz embodies the very essence of turning adversity into opportunity. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment, particularly for young women and professionals, proving that no dream is too big when you have the courage to pursue it relentlessly.
Shayma’s mission is not just about leading in the world of AI and technology but about transforming lives and mindsets—reminding us all that success is measured not only by individual achievements but also by the positive change we bring to others. The future is hers to shape, and she’s doing it in ways that will leave a lasting mark on industries, societies, and the next generation of leaders.
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