Resilient Leadership, AI in Regulated Industries, and Ethical Innovation – Erika Kiely

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In this powerful episode of SphereCast, Adin Heric (Head of Marketing at Sphere) and Mario Schwarts (Director of Data & AI Practice at Sphere) sit down with Erika Kiely — a transformational tech leader, AI advocate, and founder of ProTechtive Strategies. From growing up in politically unstable Peru to driving AI transformation in insurance and launching her own purpose-led venture, Erika’s story is a masterclass in resilience and intentional leadership.

The conversation spans AI in enterprise project management, ethical innovation, and building technology with a human lens. Erika breaks down real-world use cases from her time at American Fidelity, how she personally leveraged AI tools like ChatGPT and low-code platforms to launch her business, and why she believes AI should expand human capacity — not replace it.

We also dive into global perspectives: Erika and her daughter travel the world with a mission to give back and grow. She shares how emerging tech, especially AI, can help bridge inequality and accelerate global development — and what legacy she hopes to leave behind.

Whether you're a CTO, AI strategist, insurance innovator, or purpose-driven founder, this episode unpacks practical lessons on using AI at scale, building with ethics in mind, and leading through disruption.

Topics covered:

• Resilience in leadership: Erika’s journey from Peru to tech leadership
• Why she founded ProTechtive Strategies and its mission
• The role of AI in enterprise project management (insurance & regulated industries)
• Using AI tools (ChatGPT, automation, site builders) to launch and scale a business
• Ethical innovation and Erika’s vision for a national AI program
• AI as a force multiplier, not a replacement for people
• Global development, tech inclusion, and Erika’s legacy

Listen to this episode if you:

• Want to understand how AI can be used responsibly in highly regulated industries
• Are building or scaling a tech-enabled business with ethical foundations
• Care about global impact, inclusion, and leaving a legacy through innovation

Special Guest:
Erika Kiely — Founder of ProTechtive Strategies, Former Enterprise Tech Leader at American Fidelity

Hosts:
Adin Heric — Head of Marketing at Sphere
Mario Schwarts — Director of Data & AI Practice at Sphere