Embracing the AI Future: A New Chapter in Leadership

Hello and welcome to my very first post! I’m Barış Karakullukçu, and I couldn’t be more excited to start this new chapter by sharing my thoughts, experiences, and aspirations with you.

After more than two decades in technology and management—working across 25 countries at Accenture, transforming a beloved Turkish retail brand as CEO, steering data and analytics at Turkcell, leading IBM Global Business Services, and now championing next-generation entrepreneurship at Türkiye İş Bankası—I’ve learned one thing above all: the future belongs to those who can harness change to create opportunity.

Why I’m Launching This Blog

In today’s hyper-connected world, leadership isn’t just about decisions made behind closed boardroom doors. It’s about authenticity, dialogue, and a willingness to share your journey—complete with its ups and downs. Research shows that people are far more likely to trust a company whose senior executives are active and visible in the public eye. As leaders, we owe it to our teams, partners, and communities to be transparent about what we stand for and where we’re heading.

For me, this blog is a platform to do just that. It’s a place to demystify artificial intelligence, share lessons learned from digital transformation projects, and explore what it means to be a “next-generation” CEO. Most importantly, it’s a space to connect with all of you—innovators, entrepreneurs, students, and curious minds—who are as passionate about the future as I am.

A Journey Through Innovation

When I first started my career as a consultant, AI was little more than a sci‑fi concept. Today, algorithms augment doctors’ diagnoses, transform supply chains, and even power the very recommendations that brought you to this page. My own path has mirrored this incredible evolution.

As CEO of Mudo from 2012 to 2016, I had the privilege of leading a bold transformation that redefined how a legacy brand could thrive in the digital age. Harvard Business School later used our journey as a case study in successful leadership—a testament to what’s possible when you combine vision with execution.

At Türk Telekom, I oversaw strategy, planning and digital initiatives, proving that even large, established institutions can reinvent themselves. Today, at İş Bank’s AI Startup Factory, we’re cultivating a new generation of entrepreneurs who are reimagining industries from finance to healthcare.

The Promise (and Responsibility) of AI

Artificial intelligence is more than a buzzword; it’s a transformative force shaping every facet of our lives. But with great power comes great responsibility. As leaders, we must ensure AI is used ethically, inclusively, and in ways that enhance human potential rather than replace it. I believe deeply in “technology for social good”—using AI to tackle big problems like climate change, healthcare accessibility, and equitable education.

In future posts, I’ll break down complex AI concepts, share success stories from the startups we mentor, and offer practical advice for organizations looking to embark on their own AI journeys. Whether you’re a student curious about machine learning, a corporate executive grappling with digital transformation, or a founder building the next big thing, my goal is to provide insights you can act on.

Looking Ahead

This blog isn’t just about me. It’s about us—about building a community of forward-thinking leaders and learners. I’ll be exploring topics such as:

• Next-Gen Entrepreneurship: How can founders balance agility with sustainability? What support do they need to turn ideas into impact?

• Leading Through Change: What are the soft skills that matter most in an AI-driven world? How can we build cultures that embrace experimentation and learning?

• Women in Tech & Leadership: As someone honored to be listed among Turkey’s most powerful businesswomen, I’m passionate about mentorship and empowerment.

• Global Perspectives: Lessons gleaned from working across borders and cultures, and why diversity is a catalyst for innovation.

Thank you for joining me on this new adventure. I invite you to subscribe, comment, and share your own experiences. Let’s learn from each other and co-create a future where AI amplifies our humanity rather than diminishes it.

Until next time,

Barış