<p>In this episode, host <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-ann-shungu/">Kelly Shungu</a> sits down with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-ai/?originalSubdomain=uk">Rachel Kirkham,</a> CTO at MindBridge, whose career path took her from ACA-qualified chartered accountant and Head of Data Analytics at the UK National Audit Office to leading cutting-edge AI innovation in financial risk intelligence, and she's never looked back.</p><p>Rachel is a founding member of R-Ladies Global, a passionate advocate for women in technology, and a recognised voice in the world of ethical, explainable AI for regulated industries. She brings a rare combination of deep financial expertise and technical leadership to one of the most consequential questions in modern AI: how do we build systems we can actually trust?</p><p>If you've ever wondered how AI is transforming the way auditors and financial institutions detect risk or how women can break through systemic barriers to reach the top of STEM and tech leadership, this conversation will change the way you think about both.</p><p>Check Out Women In STEM Podcast New LinkedIn Page: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-stem-podcast/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-stem-podcast/</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://linktr.ee/womeninstem_podcast">https://linktr.ee/womeninstem_podcast</a></p><p>We dive into:</p><p>✨ How Rachel made the leap from chartered accountancy to leading AI product strategy at a global tech company </p><p>✨ What it really means to build ethical, explainable AI in a heavily regulated industry </p><p>✨ The ideal human + AI collaboration in financial risk analytics — and when it genuinely surprises even the experts </p><p>✨ The persistent barriers facing women in STEM and what organisations can actually do to dismantle them </p><p>✨ Rachel's experience as a founding member of R-Ladies Global and why community matters in tech </p><p>✨ How to tackle imposter syndrome in male-dominated leadership spaces </p><p>✨ Where AI in auditing and financial risk is heading in the next 5–10 years </p><p>✨ One action you can take this week to start building confidence and competence in AI or data science</p><p>Whether you're an aspiring data scientist, a finance professional curious about AI, or a woman navigating your own path in STEM leadership, Rachel's story is proof that unconventional career journeys can lead to the most extraordinary places.</p><p></p><p>Follow the Women in STEM Podcast:</p><ul><li>Host LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-ann-shungu/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-ann-shungu/</a></li><li>Podcast LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-stem-podcast/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-stem-podcast/</a></li><li>All Links: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://linktr.ee/womeninstem_podcast">https://linktr.ee/womeninstem_podcast</a></li><li>Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/womeninstem_podcast/">https://www.instagram.com/womeninstem_podcast/</a></li></ul>