Summary
AI is fundamentally changing what it means to be an engineering leader. As AI takes on more of the execution layer, from generating code and tests to analyzing defects, monitoring systems, and identifying risks, the question leaders should be asking is not “How do I use AI?” but “What should I stop owning?”
This session explores how engineering leaders can move beyond being the bottleneck for technical decisions, execution, quality, and cross-functional coordination, and instead focus on what truly requires human leadership: context, judgment, trust, responsible AI, risk, culture, and business outcomes. We’ll examine how to redesign engineering operating models so that humans own what requires judgment, AI owns what can be intelligently automated, and teams have the autonomy to move faster.
The future of engineering leadership isn’t about owning more, it’s about creating the systems, guardrails, and culture that allow people and AI to deliver better outcomes together.
Host
Priyanka Halder
Associate Vice President, AI & Engineering @ Deloitte
Priyanka Halder is an Associate Vice President, AI & Engineering at Deloitte Consulting, with nearly 20 years of experience leading technology transformations across healthcare, technology, and digital product organizations. She helps global companies modernize their engineering strategies, adopt responsible AI, and build scalable capabilities that deliver measurable business value.
Throughout her career, Priyanka has built and led large engineering organizations, driven enterprise automation and AI initiatives, and helped teams improve software reliability while accelerating delivery. She is a recognized industry thought leader, international speaker, advisor, and two time recipient of the Top 10 Women in Quality Engineering recognition.
Priyanka is passionate about developing the next generation of technology leaders and helping organizations distinguish meaningful innovation from temporary trends. Outside of technology, she enjoys Indian semi classical dance, performing at cultural celebrations, and preparing traditional Indian delicacies that keep her connected to her roots.
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