Featured in Clinique’s #EvenBetterYou Campaign
Dr. Ayesha Khanna was featured in Clinique’s #EvenBetterYou in partnership with HerWorld Singapore.
The journey to becoming your ideal self starts with putting your best face forward. take the first step towards radiant, even toned and even better skin here
BY HER WORLD / MARCH 13, 2020
We hear women say it all the time. “I want to do things better”, “I want to look like myself but better”, “I want to be a better person”.
There could be many reasons behind this never-ending push for self-improvement. Sometimes, it stems from a desire to hit higher standards. Sometimes, it’s wanting to make a difference in the lives of others. Or it could be a belief that we should always be learning and evolving. But one thing’s for sure – it’s a tough thing to do, and even tougher to keep up.
We speak to four highly accomplished women – all whizzes in their chosen field – on how they pull it off.
Ayesha Khanna
Co-founder and CEO of artificial intelligence solutions firm ADDO AI
There aren’t many women in the field of artificial intelligence. How did you get into it?
I worked in applied mathematics and computer science for many years, including 12 years on Wall Street. When I came to Singapore, I saw there was a big gap in the market for helping companies use big data and artificial intelligence to optimise their operations, automate and expand their market base. So, I started my company. We’ve had a lot of success with some very large clients in Asia. Now, we’re expanding to the US and the Middle East.
What has your work taught you about yourself?
That I like working with people a lot. I love that technology is about collaboration. It’s about problem-solving for people.
What challenges did you face to get to where you are now?
The biggest challenge is getting used to hearing “no”. For every one project that you win, you hear a hundred “nos”. It’s a challenge to remain positive.
So how do you cope?
I’m very optimistic and I don’t fear failure. I think that’s my main strength. You tried something, it didn’t work out, so you learn from that experience and try something else.This fearlessness has helped me a great deal.
On a personal level, what would you like to be better at?
As a mum, an entrepreneur and a working woman, it’s important to take time out for myself. I love that technology is such a collaborative thing, but there’s a great deal of pleasure in doing something on your own from beginning to end. Right now, I’m writing a book called U+AI. I get into an immersive flow and when I come out, I’m refreshed by that period of deep focus. It’s very meditative and creative.
What kind of changes do you hope to bring about in society?
For me, the most important thing is education. That’s why I have a charity called 21C Girls. We teach girls coding and AI, partnering with Google, IMDA and Saturday Kids to teach thousands of kids coding.
With such a packed schedule, what do you look for in a skincare product?
As I travel often, it needs to work in different kinds of weather. I like something that keeps my skin hydrated, so I can just put on some makeup and it’s easy.
Would a product like Clinique’s Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter fit your needs?
Definitely. I love my dark brown skin, so for me it’s really just about getting an even tone. Whatever your skin colour, having an even complexion is always nice.
And your regular makeup look?
Natural but professional. I do love using makeup – just a little bit will do. It perks your skin up and makes you look fabulous, which then makes for a better work day.
