<p>Most AI companies are built to scale fast. Melissa Solis built hers to last.</p><p>In this episode of <em>Women Disrupting Tech</em>, I talk with <strong>Melissa Solis</strong>, founder and CEO of <strong>Inbenta</strong>, about AI leadership, customer-centric AI, inclusive leadership, and what it really takes to build an AI company that creates long-term value.</p><p>Melissa has spent three decades leading AI companies through rapid industry change while prioritizing trust, inclusion, and sustainable growth. She brings a grounded perspective shaped by lived experience in environments that don’t always change on their own.</p><p>This episode is intended to help female tech entrepreneurs and AI leaders who are building for the long term.</p><p><strong>In this episode, we explore:</strong></p><p>• How to build an AI company that prioritizes customer trust over quick wins</p><p>• How AI is shifting access and opportunity beyond traditional credentials</p><p>• What inclusive AI leadership looks like in practice</p><p>• Why gratitude matters as a leadership choice</p><p>• Why DEI policies don’t work without respect</p><p>• What “building your own table” means in practice</p><p><strong>Chapters:</strong></p><p>02:25 Journey to CEO: Melissa Solis’ Path</p><p>05:18 Inbenta: Transforming Data into AI Solutions</p><p>08:03 The Importance of Customer Partnership in AI</p><p>11:05 Challenges in Data Management and Deployment</p><p>13:43 AI’s Role in Accessibility and Education</p><p>16:39 Earning Recognition vs. Receiving It: A Discussion on DEI</p><p>25:26 Creating a Fair Workplace: The Future of Leadership</p><p>27:48 Building Your Own Table</p><p>30:53 The Importance of Open Conversations</p><p>32:32 Merit Over Background</p><p>35:17 The Power of Gratitude in Leadership</p><p>42:16 Surrounding Yourself with Support</p><p>46:52 Leaving a Legacy and Empowering Others</p><p><strong>More information and links to connect:</strong></p><p>Blog and show notes: https://womendisruptingtech.blog/2026/02/12/episode-139/ </p><p>Connect with Melissa Solis on LinkedIn: <a href="http://linkedin.com/in/melissa-solis-3532302a" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">http://linkedin.com/in/melissa-solis-3532302a</a></p><p>Learn more about Inbenta: <a href="https://www.inbenta.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.inbenta.com/ </a></p><p>🎧 Listen to more Women Disrupting Tech episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.</p><p>👉 Follow for more conversations with leaders building the future of AI and tech.</p>