SABA X MBSA AI & Innovation Forum

Join us for a pragmatic conversation on how AI is reshaping products, careers, and decision-making across tech, finance, and media. Leaders from fintech and entertainment will unpack where value is being created now, what skills MBAs and technologists need, and how to evaluate AI risks and opportunities. The session ends with an open Q&A and networking. Open to UCLA students and alumni.

The AI & Innovation Forum brings together operators who have scaled products, teams, and markets to discuss what AI adoption really looks like inside companies. We’ll explore use cases across fintech, e-commerce, and media; the tooling and data needed to deliver ROI; responsible AI and cybersecurity; and how MBAs/engineers can position themselves for high-leverage roles. A moderated panel will be followed by audience Q&A and networking.


Speakers
Ashwin “Ash” Rangan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinsightfulcio/) - CEO, DoubleCheck; Former Officer at Rockwell, Conexant, Walmart, ICANN
Award-winning CxO and board director with three decades in the C-suite leading technology-driven growth (e.g., Walmart.com), M&A, and global market expansion. Expertise spans executive management, boards, cybersecurity/cyber defense, and AI. Serves on the boards of DoubleCheck, GrandPad, and NACD Pacific Southwest.

Awadhesh Kumar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/awadhk/) Indie Film Producer; USC Marshall MBA
Producer of feature films targeting top international festivals (including Cannes red carpet credits). Multidisciplinary background across media/entertainment, consulting, and technology, with global experience in strategy, sales, and operations running P&Ls and scaling teams. Focused on production, multi-platform distribution, syndication, and film marketing.

Moderator: Dr. Nitin Bajaj (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitinsbajaj/) - Builder, Investor, Operator; Founder of ASAN; Host, The INDUStry Show
Has built products and companies generating $400M+ in revenue, co-led 14 acquisitions worth $1B, and worked with IBM, Thomson Reuters, ICICI, Esri, Bloomreach, and SeaCastle across e-commerce, education, finance, healthcare, and more. Leads ASAN (https://www.linkedin.com/company/asanfyi/), the fastest-growing community platform for young South Asians in the U.S.

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Attin Kundra
Co-hosted with: South Asian Business Association

Contact the organizers