Interview with Shayma Kurz, FOUNDER OF DIGITAL ADVICE CONSULTING

"Women Bring Unique Perspectives to Innovation"

Shayma Kurz, CEO and founder of Digital Advice Consulting, embodies resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to empowering women. Her incredible story begins in Afghanistan, a country she left as a child, and leads to her role as a trailblazing leader in the tech industry.

“It wasn’t just about proving others wrong—it was about proving to myself that I could do it.”

Shayma was born in Afghanistan during a tumultuous era, with the civil war casting a shadow over daily life and turning survival into a constant battle. Yet, even in the midst of chaos, her family nurtured her with unwavering values of perseverance, hard work, and an insatiable curiosity. She fondly recalls how, during their darkest hours, her parents instilled in her and her siblings the courage to dream and the power of learning. They inspired her to believe that no matter how humble the beginning, the possibilities for their future were limitless.

As the conflict escalated, Shayma and her family fled Afghanistan, first finding refuge in Ukraine and later in Germany. The journey wasn’t easy. Every move to her meant starting over—new languages, new cultures, new struggles. But each time, it made Shayma stronger.

In Germany, Shayma discovered her love for technology. It began with a family computer that had broken down. “No one else in my family could fix it, so I decided to figure it out myself,” she says with a smile. That spark of curiosity grew into a passion for problem-solving and innovation.

Shayma pursued a degree in Computer Engineering, stepping into a field where women were—and still are—underrepresented. “It was intimidating at times,” she admits. “But I reminded myself that I belonged in this space. It wasn’t just about proving others wrong—it was about proving to myself that I could do it.”

"When we’re part of the equation, we create solutions that are more inclusive, impactful, and sustainable.”

Shayma’s career began in Germany, but her ambitions took her to Dubai, where she joined Mercedes-Benz in 2011. She led digital transformation initiatives and spearheaded the development of a Data & Analytics platform that revolutionized how the company utilized data. Reflecting on this period, she says, “I wasn’t just working with technology; I was connecting with people across the world, understanding their needs, and using tech to solve real problems.”

For Shayma, technology was never the end goal—it was the means to create impact. “It’s not just about technology; it’s about the people,” she explains. “The tech gives me the tools, but the real passion comes from helping others, building connections, and solving challenges that matter.”
In September 2024, Shayma founded Digital Advice Consulting, a firm specializing in AI readiness assessments and digital transformation strategies. Her mission is twofold: to help businesses harness the power of AI and to champion diversity in STEM. “Women bring unique perspectives to innovation,” she says. “When we’re part of the equation, we create solutions that are more inclusive, impactful, and sustainable.”

Shayma is particularly passionate about empowering women. “The number one thing I tell young women is to have self-respect and self-love,” she says. “Surround yourself with people who value you and who recognize your capabilities. Don’t waste your time in environments that don’t uplift you.”
Her company reflects this ethos, fostering a culture where diverse voices are not only heard but celebrated. Shayma’s leadership style, rooted in empathy and authenticity, has become a hallmark of her success. “For me, leadership is about understanding people, listening to their stories, and creating a shared vision,” she says.

“It’s not just about technology; it’s about the people."

Shayma’s journey, from fleeing Afghanistan to leading a tech company, is a testament to the power of resilience, self-belief, and community. She hopes her story inspires others to overcome adversity and build lives of purpose and impact. “Every challenge I faced taught me something valuable,” she reflects. “It’s not about avoiding obstacles—it’s about learning from them and moving forward.”

Shayma Kurz’s journey is an inspiring reminder of the strength and potential within all of us. As you reflect on her story, ask yourself: How can you use your own challenges to grow? And what can you do today to empower the women around you?

By:                            
Revathi Sreejith

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