As generative AI transforms the enterprise, it’s becoming a powerful career accelerator, especially for women in tech. No longer just a tool for automation, AI is opening doors to leadership, visibility, and influence. Women who build expertise in generative AI (GenAI) are not only enhancing their performance but also stepping into roles that shape the future of technology and workplace culture.
According to the “2025 Speak Up Report” from Ensono, 89% of women in tech agree that their GenAI skills have helped accelerate their careers, whether by enhancing performance in their current roles or unlocking new opportunities. The proportion of women who ranked their GenAI skills as “expert” doubled year over year to 24% of the 1,500 respondents.
As women embrace GenAI, they are not only advancing their careers but also playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology and fostering an inclusive workplace culture.
GenAI: A Career Catalyst
Generative AI’s ability to automate repetitive tasks is well-documented, creating an inflection point that enables employees to make space for strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and leadership.
As AI becomes central to business strategy, those who understand and apply it are increasingly seen as innovators and leaders. For women, this shift presents a chance to move beyond traditional support roles and into positions of influence — driving innovation, leading cross-functional initiatives, and shaping business outcomes.
Visibility at the Top
GenAI isn’t just changing how work gets done, it’s also changing who gets seen. AI initiatives are drawing attention from senior leadership, and women who lead or contribute to these projects are gaining visibility that might previously have been out of reach.
This exposure is helping to surface emerging leaders and foster cross-functional innovation. Those at the forefront of AI-driven transformation are not only enhancing their own career trajectories, but they are also accelerating business outcomes. As result, they’re being invited into strategic conversations, asked to mentor others, and trusted to shape the future of their organizations.
Driving AI adoption through influence
The Speak Up report also highlights that women are rapidly building AI expertise and aspiring to leadership roles. These women are not just using AI, but they’re also influencing how it’s utilized across teams, often through collaboration, experimentation, and knowledge sharing.
This kind of influence — whether through leading pilots, contributing to cross-functional projects, or helping peers navigate new tools — is a powerful form of leadership. It reflects initiative, strategic thinking, and a commitment to innovation.
Early Adoption, Long-term Impact
In the race to adopt GenAI, early adopters are already seeing outsized returns, and women in tech are among them.
The fact that 89% of women surveyed said their AI skills have accelerated their careers, and that the number of those who identify as “expert” has doubled year over year, signals not just their enthusiasm, but also their readiness to lead, despite a steep learning curve.
Employees who adopt AI early are often the best positioned to drive transformation. They understand the tools, see the opportunities, and are willing to experiment.
The Value of Diverse Perspectives in AI
As GenAI shifts how organizations operate, the perspectives shaping its adoption matter just as much as the technology itself.
Women bring a range of experiences and approaches that can enrich how AI is implemented, often emphasizing collaboration, ethical considerations, and user-centric design. These qualities are becoming increasingly vital as enterprises navigate the cultural, operational, and governance implications of AI.
Building diverse teams to lead AI initiatives can help organizations anticipate risks, improve adoption, and ensure that innovation reflects the needs of a broader workforce and customer base.
A Strategic Imperative
GenAI is more than a technological shift: It’s a leadership opportunity.
Women in tech are rapidly building expertise, driving adoption, and influencing how AI is integrated across the enterprise. Their contributions are accelerating innovation, improving team performance, and reshaping what leadership looks like in a digital-first workplace.
The message is clear: Supporting women in AI isn’t just about equity, it’s also about strategy. By investing in inclusive upskilling, recognizing emerging leaders, and fostering diverse innovation teams, organizations can unlock the full potential of GenAI and build a more resilient, future-ready workforce.The future of work is being shaped now. IT leaders who champion inclusive AI leadership won’t just keep pace: They’ll set it.
