Olga Czabaj-Shetty, Managing Director, Global Markets Strategic Investments, Bank of America, won Excellence in Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning at Markets Media Group’s 2024 Women in Finance (U.S.) Awards.

What inspired you to pursue a career in finance?

It might sound a bit cliché, but I had an incredible finance professor in college who had spent years on Wall Street before transitioning to academia. He had a unique talent for bringing finance theory to life through engaging personal stories, which really inspired me to pursue a career in finance. That interest led me to investment banking, where I worked on complex transactions in the fintech space and saw firsthand how technology can quickly transform entire industries and the opportunities it unlocks. From there, I moved into the strategic investments & innovation area within the Global Markets division at Bank of America. In this role, I help our firm assess fintech partnerships that are strategic to the business and help us future-proof. The most exciting part of my job is working with passionate founders who are building innovative solutions to solve real-world pain points. It’s like having a crystal ball and getting an early glimpse of what the future of the industry might look like.

What excites you about the potential of artificial intelligence?

Tracking developments in Natural Language Processing and Artificial Intelligence has been a fascinating journey. The technology has progressed significantly since the days when distinguishing between ‘jaguar’ the car and ‘jaguar’ the animal was groundbreaking. With recent advancements in both the technology itself and how we interact with it, Al has the potential to transform the way people work. One of the most exciting applications is the automation of manual processes to free up time for more meaningful and strategic work.  Al has the ability empower people to make better and faster decisions. The technology holds enormous potential, but it is crucial that we approach its implementation thoughtfully.

What’s something you’re really proud of and why?

I’m incredibly proud of my efforts to create an inclusive and supportive workplace. Early in my career, I benefited from the guidance of mentors and colleagues who supported me on my journey, and that inspired me to “pay it forward.” For the past decade, I’ve been actively involved with our women’s network, Women’s Leadership Council, where I’ve served as treasurer and now oversee external partnerships with organizations aligned with our mission. Through these efforts, we’ve hosted impactful client events, created spaces for women to engage on important personal and professional topics and facilitated various networking and learning opportunities. In 2023, my colleagues andI received a company-wide award, recognizing our efforts to foster an environment where everyone can thrive. This work has been deeply rewarding and underscores the meaningful impact I strive to have in my career.