{"id":10517,"date":"2025-06-25T10:32:48","date_gmt":"2025-06-25T09:32:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fortude1.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/cxo-insights-pivoting-businesses-through-digital-transformation-and-navigating-the-ai-frenzy-with-shiraz-omar\/"},"modified":"2026-05-18T05:06:36","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T04:06:36","slug":"cxo-insights-pivoting-businesses-through-digital-transformation-and-navigating-the-ai-frenzy-with-shiraz-omar","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/fortude.co\/blog\/cxo-insights-pivoting-businesses-through-digital-transformation-and-navigating-the-ai-frenzy-with-shiraz-omar\/","title":{"rendered":"CxO Insights: Shiraz Omar"},"content":{"rendered":"

The US is shifting gears, from how industries operate to how they embrace tech. As AI agents become part of the workplace, we spoke to Shiraz Omar, Vice President \u2013 Digital<\/a> at Fortude, about his insights from a16z<\/a>\u2019s Tech Week<\/a> in NYC, shifting industry attitudes in the US, the tech trends he\u2019s most excited about, and Fortude\u2019s growth journey in the Americas.<\/p>\n

1. What were some key themes or innovations at a16z\u2019s Tech Week in NYC that stood out to you?<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\u201cAI was everywhere \u2013 tailored to industries and tackling tough deployment issues.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Shiraz Omar:<\/strong> At a16z\u2019s Tech Week in NYC, AI dominated the conversation. We saw a big focus on \u201cvertical AI\u201d \u2013 industry-specific AI solutions addressing real operational challenges in fields from manufacturing to energy. There\u2019s a growing awareness of the hurdles enterprises face in deploying these AI tools at scale, especially around data privacy, security, and integration with legacy systems. Many tech leaders shared how robust governance and careful planning are needed to move AI pilots into production, given concerns like data privacy and ROI risk.<\/p>\n

On the e-commerce front, generative AI is being used to optimize everything from product descriptions to ad targeting. But an interesting takeaway was that brands are balancing automation with a human touch: partnering with micro-influencers for authentic engagement, rather than relying solely on AI-generated content. And of course, beyond the sessions, the real energy came from networking \u2013 thousands of founders, investors, and innovators connecting across 1,000+ events citywide. The chance to swap ideas with such a diverse group of tech builders was as valuable as any panel or keynote.<\/p>\n

2. How have recent U.S. macroeconomic developments (taxes, inflation, interest rates) shaped tech adoption?<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\u201cValue, not volume, is the new benchmark for tech investment.<\/em>\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Shiraz Omar:<\/strong> Higher interest rates and inflation have made ROI king. Companies are laser-focused on tech that drives efficiency and delivers fast returns, rather than broad, speculative projects. In practice, that means digital initiatives must show clear operational value \u2013 doing more with less and doing it faster. We\u2019ve also seen incentives (for example, policies encouraging domestic manufacturing) nudging firms to invest in relevant innovations. At the same time, trade and tariff pressures are inflating input costs, which pushes businesses to rethink supply routes and adopt technologies that optimize the supply chain and provide better visibility.<\/p>\n

In this climate, operational efficiency isn\u2019t just a goal \u2013 it\u2019s a necessity. Every IT spend is being scrutinized for impact. Even cybersecurity spend has become non-negotiable despite tight budgets, because the cost of breaches is too high. Overall, U.S. organizations are prioritizing tech that drives value, aiming for quick wins that help navigate inflationary pressures and higher borrowing costs.<\/p>\n

3. What shifts do you see emerging across industries like fashion and F&B? Could you highlight some standout tech trends?<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\u201cInnovation is blending high tech with high touch in these industries.<\/em>\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Shiraz<\/strong> Omar:<\/strong> In fashion, we\u2019re seeing technology woven into every part of the value chain<\/a>. AI-driven design and forecasting are now helping brands analyze tons of data (from social sentiment to sales trends) to create products that hit the mark. There\u2019s also a big push toward hyper-personalization \u2013 using AI to tailor recommendations and even design elements to individual consumer preferences. On the retail side, augmented reality (AR) try-ons have become a game-changer, letting customers virtually \u201cwear\u201d outfits via smartphone or smart mirrors. Fashion brands are also investing in sustainability tech, like blockchain for supply chain transparency (proving authenticity and ethical sourcing) and on-demand manufacturing (including 3D & digital printing) to reduce waste.<\/p>\n

In Food & Beverage (F&B), the buzz is around smarter, more efficient operations<\/a>. About half of F&B companies are investing in AI and advanced tracking systems to improve production and logistics. For instance, AI is accelerating new product development \u2013 even formulating novel recipes and ingredients \u2013 and improving real-time monitoring for food safety. Meanwhile, supply chain and traceability tools are big: producers are implementing tech to track ingredients and products from farm to table in near real time, which not only helps with safety compliance but also optimizes inventory and reduces spoilage.<\/p>\n

Across both fashion and F&B, one standout trend is the rise of data-driven decision-making. Whether it\u2019s a fashion retailer using data analytics for trend spotting or a beverage company using predictive models for demand forecasting, leveraging data has become the new competitive edge in these industries.<\/p>\n

4. In response to U.S. manufacturers\u2019 pressure to optimize, what digital trends are emerging?<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\u201cReal-time factories \u2013 connecting the shop floor to the top floor.<\/em>\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Shiraz<\/strong> Omar:<\/strong> Faced with rising costs and labor challenges, U.S. manufacturers are embracing smart factory technologies to boost efficiency. A key trend is the use of IoT sensors and edge devices on the shop floor to stream real-time data into unified dashboards\u2014connecting machines to management for shared, live visibility into equipment performance, output, and inventory. AI-powered predictive maintenance is also taking hold, using sensor data to anticipate failures before they cause downtime. Automation continues to scale, handling repetitive or precision tasks and freeing up human workers for higher-value work.<\/p>\n

At the core of these advancements is the integration of OT (Operational Technology) and IT (Information Technology). Manufacturers are implementing cloud-based ERP and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) platforms to connect data from production to finance. At Fortude, we help clients create this shop-floor to top-floor connectivity by embedding real-time manufacturing insights directly into their ERP, enabling faster decision-making and greater agility in the face of demand shifts or supply chain disruptions.<\/p>\n

In short, the manufacturers leading the way are the ones building fully digital, data-driven operations with a 360\u00b0 view of their businesses.<\/p>\n

5. How are U.S. businesses adopting AI and AI-powered agents in practice?<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\u201cPractical pilots are everywhere \u2013 AI is becoming a daily co-worker.<\/em>\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Shiraz<\/strong> Omar:<\/strong> U.S. businesses have moved past the AI hype and are now deploying it in practical, value-driven ways. In fact, more than three-quarters of U.S. executives<\/a> say their teams are already using AI agents or assistants in some form. A common entry point is AI that augments employees, like coding copilots helping developers write and debug code, or customer service chatbots managing routine queries 24\/7.<\/p>\n

Often, these tools are embedded directly into everyday platforms\u2014CRMs, office suites, analytics dashboards\u2014so employees use AI throughout the day without needing separate apps. We\u2019re also seeing early adoption of more autonomous agents, such as those handling inventory management or pricing adjustments based on real-time data.<\/p>\n

Overall, companies are taking a phased, use-case-led approach: starting with AI applications that offer clear ROI, like automating manual tasks or surfacing insights faster. And so, AI is increasingly acting as a digital \u201cco-worker,\u201d freeing up human teams to focus on strategic work and paving the way for more ambitious transformations down the line.<\/p>\n

6. With generative AI advancing, how does Fortude help clients balance innovation and governance, especially in regulated industries?<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\u201cControlled innovation \u2013 we put guardrails around AI.<\/em>\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Shiraz<\/strong> Omar:<\/strong> It\u2019s all about governed innovation. We help clients, especially in regulated sectors like healthcare, finance, and food & beverage, adopt AI securely and responsibly. We encourage experimentation with generative AI, such as prototyping chatbots or content tools, but always within a controlled environment to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.<\/p>\n

Fortude brings a strong data governance framework to every AI initiative, setting access controls, anonymizing sensitive data, and establishing audit trails. In regulated industries, we ensure AI workflows align with legal and ethical standards, keeping systems within private cloud environments, using explainable AI when needed, and incorporating human oversight before final decisions are made.<\/p>\n

We also support clients with clear AI policies, staff training, and continuous monitoring to catch issues like bias or errors early. This balanced approach allows organizations to tap into the power of generative AI, boosting productivity and customer experience while staying compliant and building trust for long-term scale.<\/p>\n

7. Could you share a standout Fortude U.S. case study of digital transformation through ERP, data, automation, or AI?<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Turning data into decisions \u2013 a 3PL\u2019s transformation.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n

Shiraz Omar:<\/strong> One example that stands out is a fast-growing U.S.-based 3PL provider<\/a> we helped transform through data and analytics. They had vast logistics data\u2014trucks, routes, shipments\u2014but it was scattered across systems, making reporting slow and insights hard to come by.<\/p>\n

Our team conducted a full analytics health check and then built a modern data platform using Microsoft Azure. We consolidated their data into a centralized lake and introduced real-time dashboards and self-service analytics.<\/p>\n

The impact was huge: executives now have instant visibility into KPIs across sales and operations, with predictive insights like more accurate shipping cost forecasts. Manual data prep was cut by 50\u201360%, freeing up data teams to focus on deeper analysis.
\nSelf-service BI empowered business users to build their own reports, boosting agility and fostering a data-driven culture. This project became the foundation for their broader digital transformation\u2014proof that with the right strategy, even the toughest data challenges can be solved.<\/p>\n

8. What excites you about Fortude\u2019s growth and partnerships in the U.S.?<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\u201cMid-market transformation at scale \u2013 with data, automation, and AI leading the way.<\/em>\u201d<\/em>
\n
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

Shiraz<\/strong> Omar:<\/strong> Honestly, it\u2019s the outcomes we\u2019re delivering that get me excited. Fortude\u2019s rapid expansion in the U.S. is driven by mid-market companies seeking a partner that can bring cutting-edge digital solutions\u2014data, automation, AI\u2014with a personal, business-focused touch. We\u2019re helping 120+ businesses globally, many in the U.S., solve challenges once thought \u201cunsolvable,\u201d from poor supply chain visibility to manual, time-intensive processes.<\/p>\n

With the right mix of cloud ERP, automation, and AI-driven analytics, we\u2019ve helped clients unlock control and visibility like never before, whether it\u2019s shop-floor to top-floor analytics or AI-powered forecasting that replaces guesswork with precision. Partnerships are a big part of this journey. From Infor and Microsoft<\/a> to new alliances like Ettos<\/a> in sustainability, these relationships help us deliver tailored, future-ready solutions, especially in areas like ESG traceability.<\/p>\n

What excites me most is seeing Fortude become a true transformation partner\u2014modernizing systems, unlocking insights, and scaling innovation for our clients. The growth validates our hands-on, client-centric approach, and we\u2019re just getting started. With each project, we\u2019re not just solving today\u2019s challenges, we\u2019re building what\u2019s next.<\/p>\n

Request a 1:1 Strategy Session with Shiraz<\/b><\/h5>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":10518,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":""},"industry":[14,13,11,16,12],"service":[52],"class_list":["post-10517","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"blog_render_type":"legacy_acf","sections":[{"section_title":"Introduction","section_content":"The US is shifting gears, from how industries operate to how they embrace tech. As AI agents become part of the workplace, we spoke to Shiraz Omar, Vice President \u2013 Digital<\/a> at Fortude, about his insights from a16z<\/a>\u2019s Tech Week<\/a> in NYC, shifting industry attitudes in the US, the tech trends he\u2019s most excited about, and Fortude\u2019s growth journey in the Americas.","section_image":"","table_rows":null,"pro-tip":""},{"section_title":"1. What were some key themes or innovations at a16z\u2019s Tech Week in NYC that stood out to you?","section_content":"\u201cAI was everywhere \u2013 tailored to industries and tackling tough deployment issues.\u201d<\/em>\r\n\r\nShiraz Omar:<\/strong> At a16z\u2019s Tech Week in NYC, AI dominated the conversation. We saw a big focus on \u201cvertical AI\u201d \u2013 industry-specific AI solutions addressing real operational challenges in fields from manufacturing to energy. There\u2019s a growing awareness of the hurdles enterprises face in deploying these AI tools at scale, especially around data privacy, security, and integration with legacy systems. Many tech leaders shared how robust governance and careful planning are needed to move AI pilots into production, given concerns like data privacy and ROI risk.\r\n\r\nOn the e-commerce front, generative AI is being used to optimize everything from product descriptions to ad targeting. But an interesting takeaway was that brands are balancing automation with a human touch: partnering with micro-influencers for authentic engagement, rather than relying solely on AI-generated content. And of course, beyond the sessions, the real energy came from networking \u2013 thousands of founders, investors, and innovators connecting across 1,000+ events citywide. The chance to swap ideas with such a diverse group of tech builders was as valuable as any panel or keynote.","section_image":"","table_rows":null,"pro-tip":""},{"section_title":"2. How have recent U.S. macroeconomic developments (taxes, inflation, interest rates) shaped tech adoption?","section_content":"\u201cValue, not volume, is the new benchmark for tech investment.<\/em>\u201d<\/em>\r\n\r\nShiraz Omar:<\/strong> Higher interest rates and inflation have made ROI king. Companies are laser-focused on tech that drives efficiency and delivers fast returns, rather than broad, speculative projects. In practice, that means digital initiatives must show clear operational value \u2013 doing more with less and doing it faster. We\u2019ve also seen incentives (for example, policies encouraging domestic manufacturing) nudging firms to invest in relevant innovations. At the same time, trade and tariff pressures are inflating input costs, which pushes businesses to rethink supply routes and adopt technologies that optimize the supply chain and provide better visibility.\r\n\r\nIn this climate, operational efficiency isn\u2019t just a goal \u2013 it\u2019s a necessity. Every IT spend is being scrutinized for impact. Even cybersecurity spend has become non-negotiable despite tight budgets, because the cost of breaches is too high. Overall, U.S. organizations are prioritizing tech that drives value, aiming for quick wins that help navigate inflationary pressures and higher borrowing costs.","section_image":"","table_rows":null,"pro-tip":""},{"section_title":"3. What shifts do you see emerging across industries like fashion and F&B? Could you highlight some standout tech trends?","section_content":"\u201cInnovation is blending high tech with high touch in these industries.<\/em>\u201d<\/em>\r\n\r\nShiraz<\/strong> Omar:<\/strong> In fashion, we\u2019re seeing technology woven into every part of the value chain<\/a>. AI-driven design and forecasting are now helping brands analyze tons of data (from social sentiment to sales trends) to create products that hit the mark. There\u2019s also a big push toward hyper-personalization \u2013 using AI to tailor recommendations and even design elements to individual consumer preferences. On the retail side, augmented reality (AR) try-ons have become a game-changer, letting customers virtually \u201cwear\u201d outfits via smartphone or smart mirrors. Fashion brands are also investing in sustainability tech, like blockchain for supply chain transparency (proving authenticity and ethical sourcing) and on-demand manufacturing (including 3D & digital printing) to reduce waste.\r\n\r\nIn Food & Beverage (F&B), the buzz is around smarter, more efficient operations<\/a>. About half of F&B companies are investing in AI and advanced tracking systems to improve production and logistics. For instance, AI is accelerating new product development \u2013 even formulating novel recipes and ingredients \u2013 and improving real-time monitoring for food safety. Meanwhile, supply chain and traceability tools are big: producers are implementing tech to track ingredients and products from farm to table in near real time, which not only helps with safety compliance but also optimizes inventory and reduces spoilage.\r\n\r\nAcross both fashion and F&B, one standout trend is the rise of data-driven decision-making. Whether it\u2019s a fashion retailer using data analytics for trend spotting or a beverage company using predictive models for demand forecasting, leveraging data has become the new competitive edge in these industries.","section_image":"","table_rows":null,"pro-tip":""}],"bottom_sections":[{"section_title":"4. In response to U.S. manufacturers\u2019 pressure to optimize, what digital trends are emerging?","section_content":"\u201cReal-time factories \u2013 connecting the shop floor to the top floor.<\/em>\u201d<\/em>\r\n\r\nShiraz<\/strong> Omar:<\/strong> Faced with rising costs and labor challenges, U.S. manufacturers are embracing smart factory technologies to boost efficiency. A key trend is the use of IoT sensors and edge devices on the shop floor to stream real-time data into unified dashboards\u2014connecting machines to management for shared, live visibility into equipment performance, output, and inventory. AI-powered predictive maintenance is also taking hold, using sensor data to anticipate failures before they cause downtime. Automation continues to scale, handling repetitive or precision tasks and freeing up human workers for higher-value work.\r\n\r\nAt the core of these advancements is the integration of OT (Operational Technology) and IT (Information Technology). Manufacturers are implementing cloud-based ERP and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) platforms to connect data from production to finance. At Fortude, we help clients create this shop-floor to top-floor connectivity by embedding real-time manufacturing insights directly into their ERP, enabling faster decision-making and greater agility in the face of demand shifts or supply chain disruptions.\r\n\r\nIn short, the manufacturers leading the way are the ones building fully digital, data-driven operations with a 360\u00b0 view of their businesses.","section_image":"","table_rows":null,"faq":null,"pro-tip":""},{"section_title":"5. How are U.S. businesses adopting AI and AI-powered agents in practice?","section_content":"\u201cPractical pilots are everywhere \u2013 AI is becoming a daily co-worker.<\/em>\u201d<\/em>\r\n\r\nShiraz<\/strong> Omar:<\/strong> U.S. businesses have moved past the AI hype and are now deploying it in practical, value-driven ways. In fact, more than three-quarters of U.S. executives<\/a> say their teams are already using AI agents or assistants in some form. A common entry point is AI that augments employees, like coding copilots helping developers write and debug code, or customer service chatbots managing routine queries 24\/7.\r\n\r\nOften, these tools are embedded directly into everyday platforms\u2014CRMs, office suites, analytics dashboards\u2014so employees use AI throughout the day without needing separate apps. We\u2019re also seeing early adoption of more autonomous agents, such as those handling inventory management or pricing adjustments based on real-time data.\r\n\r\nOverall, companies are taking a phased, use-case-led approach: starting with AI applications that offer clear ROI, like automating manual tasks or surfacing insights faster. And so, AI is increasingly acting as a digital \u201cco-worker,\u201d freeing up human teams to focus on strategic work and paving the way for more ambitious transformations down the line.","section_image":"","table_rows":null,"faq":null,"pro-tip":""},{"section_title":"6. With generative AI advancing, how does Fortude help clients balance innovation and governance, especially in regulated industries?","section_content":"\u201cControlled innovation \u2013 we put guardrails around AI.<\/em>\u201d<\/em>\r\n\r\nShiraz<\/strong> Omar:<\/strong> It\u2019s all about governed innovation. We help clients, especially in regulated sectors like healthcare, finance, and food & beverage, adopt AI securely and responsibly. We encourage experimentation with generative AI, such as prototyping chatbots or content tools, but always within a controlled environment to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.\r\n\r\nFortude brings a strong data governance framework to every AI initiative, setting access controls, anonymizing sensitive data, and establishing audit trails. In regulated industries, we ensure AI workflows align with legal and ethical standards, keeping systems within private cloud environments, using explainable AI when needed, and incorporating human oversight before final decisions are made.\r\n\r\nWe also support clients with clear AI policies, staff training, and continuous monitoring to catch issues like bias or errors early. This balanced approach allows organizations to tap into the power of generative AI, boosting productivity and customer experience while staying compliant and building trust for long-term scale.","section_image":"","table_rows":null,"faq":null,"pro-tip":""},{"section_title":"7. Could you share a standout Fortude U.S. case study of digital transformation through ERP, data, automation, or AI?","section_content":"Turning data into decisions \u2013 a 3PL\u2019s transformation.<\/em><\/em>\r\n\r\nShiraz Omar:<\/strong> One example that stands out is a fast-growing U.S.-based 3PL provider<\/a> we helped transform through data and analytics. They had vast logistics data\u2014trucks, routes, shipments\u2014but it was scattered across systems, making reporting slow and insights hard to come by.\r\n\r\nOur team conducted a full analytics health check and then built a modern data platform using Microsoft Azure. We consolidated their data into a centralized lake and introduced real-time dashboards and self-service analytics.\r\n\r\nThe impact was huge: executives now have instant visibility into KPIs across sales and operations, with predictive insights like more accurate shipping cost forecasts. Manual data prep was cut by 50\u201360%, freeing up data teams to focus on deeper analysis.\r\nSelf-service BI empowered business users to build their own reports, boosting agility and fostering a data-driven culture. This project became the foundation for their broader digital transformation\u2014proof that with the right strategy, even the toughest data challenges can be solved.","section_image":"","table_rows":null,"faq":null,"pro-tip":""},{"section_title":"8. What excites you about Fortude\u2019s growth and partnerships in the U.S.?","section_content":"\u201cMid-market transformation at scale \u2013 with data, automation, and AI leading the way.<\/em>\u201d<\/em>\r\n\r\n<\/em>\r\n\r\nShiraz<\/strong> Omar:<\/strong> Honestly, it\u2019s the outcomes we\u2019re delivering that get me excited. Fortude\u2019s rapid expansion in the U.S. is driven by mid-market companies seeking a partner that can bring cutting-edge digital solutions\u2014data, automation, AI\u2014with a personal, business-focused touch. We\u2019re helping 120+ businesses globally, many in the U.S., solve challenges once thought \u201cunsolvable,\u201d from poor supply chain visibility to manual, time-intensive processes.\r\n\r\nWith the right mix of cloud ERP, automation, and AI-driven analytics, we\u2019ve helped clients unlock control and visibility like never before, whether it\u2019s shop-floor to top-floor analytics or AI-powered forecasting that replaces guesswork with precision. Partnerships are a big part of this journey. From Infor and Microsoft<\/a> to new alliances like Ettos<\/a> in sustainability, these relationships help us deliver tailored, future-ready solutions, especially in areas like ESG traceability.\r\n\r\nWhat excites me most is seeing Fortude become a true transformation partner\u2014modernizing systems, unlocking insights, and scaling innovation for our clients. The growth validates our hands-on, client-centric approach, and we\u2019re just getting started. With each project, we\u2019re not just solving today\u2019s challenges, we\u2019re building what\u2019s next.","section_image":"","table_rows":null,"faq":null,"pro-tip":""}]},"yoast_head":"\nCxO Insights: Shiraz Omar | Fortude<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover insights from Fortude's leadership in the US on how we drive digital transformation with AI, automation, data, and the Cloud.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/fortude.co\/blog\/cxo-insights-pivoting-businesses-through-digital-transformation-and-navigating-the-ai-frenzy-with-shiraz-omar\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"CxO Insights: Pivoting businesses through digital transformation and navigating the AI frenzy with Shiraz Omar\" \/>\n<meta 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