Ariana Smetana
Fractional Chief AI & Innovation Officer
Ariana is a visionary entrepreneur at the helm of a global technology advisory firm, blending traditional business acumen with a deep understanding of emerging digital solutions and trends.
Her expertise in innovation management, design thinking and strategic leadership positions her as a key player in transforming how businesses approach operational efficiency with emerging technology, and its adaptation.
With a robust background in digital transformation, business innovation, and AI /machine learning solutions, Ariana leads her team in bridging the technological divide, ensuring corporations are not merely digital participants, but industry pioneers.
Ariana Smetana
“Ignite innovative ideas and human-centric solutions - follow the Deming 85% Rule;
“The role of management is to change the process rather than badgering individuals to do better.”
Education
1992
UNIVERSITY OF ZAGREB, CROATIA, FACULTY OF BUSINESS
B.S. Economics
2008
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Interior Design
KELLOGG SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT
Northwestern University
Digital Transformation Certification
Experience
Since 2022
Accel IQ Digital
CEO & Founder
2018-2023
artVIA
CEO, Founder & Design Principal
1997-2007
Shell Chemicals, Shell USA
Manager, Credit & Control.
Desktop Planner,
Financial Representative,
Skills
Thinking Differently
Innovation Development & Management
Leveraging Strategic Partnerships
STRATEGIZING FOR THE FUTURE
Ariana Smetana stands out as a conceptual creative thinker with a global perspective, consistently offering innovative plans for solving organizational problems. Her deep understanding of the intricate connections within organizations enables her to be action-oriented and strategically ahead of the curve.
With a keen strategic purview, Ariana excels in thinking ahead, anticipating potential challenges, and devising broad, effective strategies. She skillfully marshals both human and technological resources, aligning them purposefully to achieve organizational goals.
This unique blend of foresight, creative problem-solving, and holistic solutions thinking underscores her exceptional ability to drive transformative change across various industries.
2021
Core Competency
Visionary
Ariana has excellent ability to foresee trends, anticipates challenges, and see opportunities to devise strategic solutions.
She possess a natural inclination to explore and be curious, actively seeking information in areas of specialization that lead to innovation.
Sagatious
Ariana is a consummate learner aiming to ensure that her thinking is sharp and effective in embarking on big projects. She invests time in considering all aspects in projects, allowing for intelligent and efficient progression without backtracking.
Resourceful
Ariana's ability as an analytical and creative thinker, positions her to be adept at enabling sound solutions to complex organizational challenges. She aptly builds and leverages resources of a global network of advisors, technologists, and innovators
THE
NUMBERS
FINANCIAL IMPACT
$9M
Led growth programs impacting significant investments of over $9 million into market expansion initiatives.
COST REDUCTION
50%
Achieved a 20-50% reduction in space costs for clients through innovative design strategies and efficient space utilization.
CONTINENTS OUTREACH
4
Built a network of advisor partners and technologists across multiple continents, including the USA, Europe, Brazil, and Asia.
EXPERIENCE
25
Over the past 25 years, her experiences were forged working in corporate roles within Global Fortune 500 companies, and being an innovative leader and entrepreneur with expertise in digital transformation and design. She created impactful results in various sectors in Energy, Transportation, Construction and Architecture & Design industries.
Testimonials
Happy Customers
What they're saying
We have worked together on development of an AI strategy roadmap for a commercial real estate developer and construction/engineering company. In this project we have evaluated the organizational processes, volume and complexity of the data, and assessed the systemic inefficiencies. We proposed the roadmap for digital transformation and organizational improvements of a stair-stepper path to ultimately using advanced technologies such as ML/AI to create operational efficiencies and increase productivity. We continue working with them on new process integrations and technology implementations.
Guilherme Rocha
Business Innovation
Beyond her deep vision on the impact of artificial intelligence in many businesses and the new business models that result from it, it is the leadership that Ariana showed that blew my mind. In the context of the pandemic, nothing went as planned, and Ariana proved to be an incredible partner to the entire Kellogg academic team and our international group, managing despite the distance to unite the group, and generate momentum to develop business projects. I truly believe that Ariana is an incredible asset to any organization!
Mélanie Hacquin-Borio
Transformation Director EMEA
AYoshii management was exceptionally satisfied with the guidance and advisory provided in aligning stakeholders, resources, and the organization towards the next stages of business growth through innovation. We have learned where the most promising opportunities lie in evolving the organization, positioning employees for more critical thinking and strategic work with improved operational efficiencies, intelligent data analytics, and AI.
Leo Yoshii
CEO & President
Frameworks
Thought Leadership
Innovation
Ariana Smetana
Welcome to a leaders series "A day in the life of a fractional executive". Our days are dynamic, filled with challenges, but ultimately rewarding when we see our strategies come to life and drive success for our clients.
