CEO Insights Magazine

Leaders are the architects of progress in business and technology, guiding organizations through complexity and change. Their strategic vision, decision-making prowess, and ability to inspire teams to drive innovation, navigate challenges, and capitalize on opportunities. In the dynamic landscape of business and technology, effective leadership is paramount for sustainable growth and competitive advantage.

Sanam Arshadi is a seasoned executive and visionary leader, serving as the Co-Founder & CoCEO of Syenah, a pioneering startup revolutionizing the intersection of ESG and artificial intelligence. With over two decades of experience in the telecom industry, Sanam's journey has been marked by diverse roles spanning sales, marketing, and operational leadership. A graduate of Universiti Kuala Lumpur with an MBA and doctorate in business from San Francisco, her leadership ethos centers on transparency, authenticity, and continuous learning.

In an exclusive interaction with CEO Insights Asia, Sanam Arshadi elucidates more about her professional traits and leadership approach.

Give a brief account of your professional background and experiences. What is the motivation that fuels your daily routines?

Having spent a decade in Malaysia and Singapore, where I obtained my Bachelor's and MBA from UCSI and the Universiti Kuala Lumpur, respectively. My professional voyage spans more than 25 years in the telecommunications sector, encompassing diverse roles such as sales and marketing management, operational leadership, and a significant tenure as COO overseeing a groundbreaking 5G initiative in the Middle East in collaboration with Ericsson. Transitioning to the United States, I pursued a doctoral degree in business in San Francisco, later relocating to Frankfurt, Germany, where I presently contribute to the innovative endeavors of Syenah, a dynamic startup pioneering AI solutions.

At Syenah, we harness the power of NLP and machine learning, leveraging advanced language models to swiftly detect corporate malpractices about environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. Motivated by an unwavering dedication to personal growth and an insatiable thirst for knowledge, I find intrinsic motivation in the relentless pursuit of self-improvement. Each day presents an opportunity to surpass yesterday's accomplishments and explore uncharted territories, fueling my passion for venturing into new industries and embracing novel challenges.

Tell us about the unique experiences Universiti Kuala Lumpur offers and what you learned from the campus beyond academics.

My time at Universiti Kuala Lumpur was enriched by professors who brought real-world business acumen to the classroom, offering invaluable insights beyond textbook theories. Learning from their executivelevel experiences was invaluable during my MBA journey. The MBA program fostered a culture of practical learning, with opportunities like the MBA club, where I served as president, facilitating crosscultural exchanges and hands-on experiences. These initiatives extended learning beyond the confines of the classroom, exposing us to diverse business landscapes and enhancing our understanding of global dynamics.

How would you define Syenah as an organization and its current position in the market?

Syenah, a startup in its third year, addresses market gaps by leveraging cutting-edge technology. Traditionally, accessing company insights required extensive manual research, consuming valuable time for analysts, asset managers, and corporations. However, with the advent of large language models, particularly in December 2022, we've harnessed advanced machine learning to understand contextual tasks with over 99 percent accuracy. While we're yet to launch commercially, our innovative approach positions us as a future market leader. Through our commitment to technology-driven solutions, Syenah aims to revolutionize how businesses access and interpret crucial information efficiently.

Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines/methodologies you follow as a leader?

Over the years, my leadership journey has been transformative, marked by continual learning and growth. I've evolved in my approach to engaging and motivating teams, emphasizing equality in belief and fostering transparency and authenticity. Despite inevitable human flaws, I prioritize honesty and sincerity in communication, building trust, and fostering a sense of purpose among team members. By being transparent and authentic, I aim to build trust and inspire my team to align with our shared mission. Despite daily challenges, I've learned that genuine leadership resonates most profoundly, cultivating an environment where individuals feel valued, understood, and motivated to contribute to our collective goals.

How do you keep yourself up-to-date with ongoing industry trends to steer your organization?

In the dynamic realm of AI, I rely on various platforms such as LinkedIn, Bloomberg, and industry-specific websites to monitor trends. Constant learning is vital given the rapid pace of technological advancements. Remaining informed not only through mainstream media but also through academic articles bridges the gap between theory and practice. Additionally, our organization's growth necessitates staying ahead of emerging trends and innovations. By immersing myself in these resources, I ensure our strategies align with the evolving landscape, enabling us to adapt proactively and maintain a competitive edge in the dynamic market.

What future destination are you heading towards?

Currently, our primary market focus is Europe, particularly Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Future expansion plans include penetrating the Asian and US markets, positioning ourselves as a global player in the ESG and artificial intelligence sectors. While Europe remains our current priority, our vision extends to establishing a significant presence worldwide, leveraging our expertise and innovations to drive positive impact on a global scale.

Sanam Arshadi, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Syenah

Sanam Arshadi, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Syenah, brings over 25 years of expertise in the telecom industry and a deep passion for innovation. Graduating from Universiti Kuala Lumpur with an MBA and a Bachelor's degree from UCSI, Malaysia, her career spans diverse leadership roles, including spearheading a significant 5G project in the Middle East with Ericsson. With a doctorate in business from San Francisco, she now leads Syenah's groundbreaking AI project, leveraging NLP and machine learning to revolutionize ESG analytics.