"The future of AI is built on copyright"

The publishing industry is undergoing a digital transformation – and women are playing a decisive role in shaping this change. From artificial intelligence to new distribution channels and innovative production processes, technology is fundamentally changing how books are created, distributed, and read. But who are the women behind these international developments? What visions drive them, what challenges do they face, and how do their perspectives shape the future of publishing?

In this interview series, we speak with leaders in Publishing Technology – women who are not only driving technological innovation but also setting new standards for inclusive leadership and equal opportunity. They share their career paths, their insights on the most important future technologies, and their experiences with gender stereotypes in a still male-dominated tech world. Their stories demonstrate that diversity in leadership positions is not just a matter of fairness, but a crucial factor for innovation and success in the digital book industry.

This interview series is a collaboration with Emma House, an international publishing consultant specialising in event curation and management, research and reports, international business development and mentorship. More information.

Read also the interviews with Emily Guille-Marrett, Sarah Arbuthnot, Meru Gokhale, Ingrid Skrede, Awatef Mozbeh, Arantza Larrauri, Laura Werle, Brooke Dobson, Virginie Clayssen.

How did your career lead you to work in Publishing Technology?

I was motivated to work on interesting projects, and those projects, which I advocated to be a part of, ultimately led to the leadership role I have today. I like solving problems, and for decades, we have been using technology to address the challenges in our industry.  This continues today with AI, and the incredible importance of clean, quality data and standards. I enjoy working on difficult problems, and most recently, I am fully committed to creating solutions that foster the responsible use of AI.

What technologies are you most excited about that will change the face of publishing over the next 5-10 years?

The future of AI is built on copyright, so it is imperative to build smart, scalable licensing solutions that enable AI and creators. Human beings create high-quality content. This content powers economies globally, as do technological advancements such as AI. Today, the creative economy contributes approximately $4 trillion or 6% of global gross domestic product (GDP). Proper marketplace mechanisms that foster value for users and compensation for rightsholders, including direct and voluntary collective licensing, are essential. Without them, we risk undermining the very ecosystem that produces the high-quality content essential for the internet and effective AI systems. CCC is pro-copyright and pro-AI. AI outcomes are strengthened by reliance on responsibly sourced copyrighted works, and that starts with licensing.

What skills do you think the next generation of publishing leaders need most?

I think the basic ingredients of good leadership will persist. Being your authentic self, treating the people on your team the way you want to be treated, focusing relentlessly on your customer, hiring strong, intelligent, collaborative, and curious people, and fostering an environment of continuous learning – including for yourself as a leader.  These are some of the basic ingredients that I think will be just as essential with AI as they were with the typewriter. The next generation of publishing leaders needs a combination of adaptability, technological savvy, and a high comfort level navigating change and interpreting dat

What is one leadership myth or stereotype about women that you’ve personally worked to overcome—or help others see differently?

Hard to limit to one stereotype in response to this question. Maybe the emotionality stereotype – that women are more emotionally driven than, for example, data-driven in decision-making.  I think even the vocabulary we use can help overcome these types of stereotypes.

How can the industry better support and advance women in technology leadership?

Focus on creating more intentional opportunities for career pathing, mentorship, and job rotations. Organizations can initiate mentoring circles, career pathing with skill development, flexible work environments that recognize a people-first approach to work, and job rotations or project assignments that foster individual growth and leadership and cross-functional collaboration. 

What advice do you have to encourage more women to work in publishing technology?

Be confident in the unique perspectives and strengths you bring to the table. This industry is evolving rapidly, and there is a real need for diverse voices to help shape its future. Do not be afraid to take on challenges, ask questions, and seek out opportunities that push you beyond your comfort zone. I also encourage women to build strong networks and find mentors who can offer guidance and support along the way. The publishing technology space thrives on collaboration, so connecting with others can open doors and help you grow professionally. Believe in your ability to make an impact. Publishing technology is about more than just code and algorithms; it is about enabling storytelling, protecting intellectual property, and creating access to knowledge. Your contributions can drive meaningful changes in a dynamic industry. Embrace the journey, stay curious, and know that your leadership matters.

What is likely to change if there were more women in leading positions in your line of business?

We each bring unique experiences and approaches to problem-solving, collaboration, and leadership that can help address complex challenges more effectively. Increasing the representation of women and people with different perspectives and lived experiences on teams and in leadership will improve outcomes. Diverse teams also help to ensure that the products and services we develop reflect the needs and aspirations of all members of our community, making the industry stronger and more resilient.

Which other women do you most admire in the area of Publishing Technology?

I was very fortunate to learn from some strong women who paved the way for women of my generation, something that I think about often from a pay-it-forward perspective.  Beth Loker, who was the first woman to become a vice president at The Washington Post, was a great mentor to me. Karen Hunter, who was Senior VP of Global Academic and Customer Relations at Elsevier, was another. I hope to pay this forward for the next generation of women leaders in our industry.