Rahat Yasir was named one of Canada’s Top 30 Software Developers Under 30 in 2018 and is a twelve-time Microsoft Most Valuable Professional in Artificial Intelligence. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering, a master’s degree in computer science with a specialisation in Artificial Intelligence, and has completed multiple executive education programmes focused on enterprise data, AI policy, strategy, and leadership.He brings extensive experience across artificial intelligence, cloud, data analytics, cross-platform system development, and large-scale enterprise systems. Rahat authored the first eBooks on Windows Phone 8.1 and Universal Windows Platform development and has held a range of senior technical and research roles, including AI Researcher at the University of Saskatchewan’s P2IRC, Lead AI Developer at Immersive Design Studios, and AI Engineer at Intact Financial Corporation. He has also led AI initiatives at OSEDEA, CAE, and ISAAC Instruments.Currently, Rahat serves as Head of Data Insights & Advanced Analytics at IATA, where he leads global data, analytics, and AI initiatives supporting aviation safety and security use cases. In 2025, he was recognised with the AI100 Early Adopters in North America award. His work has also been honoured with the DataIQ Data & AI for Good Hero Organisation Award and the Grand Prix Award at DataIQ North America 2025.Kasam Shaikh is a four-time recipient of the prestigious Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award in AI—and the first and only Indian professional under the age of 40 to earn this honor consecutively for three years. A recognized global AI speaker, published author, and tech influencer, Kasam is widely known for his contributions to the AI ecosystem through his YouTube channel, mentoring initiatives, and thought leadership. He currently serves as a Cloud Solutions and Generative AI Architect at the Associate Director level, driving digital transformation and AI adoption across business units. As the founder of Dear Azure – Az-INDIA, the largest Azure AI community in the region, he plays a key role in nurturing AI talent and fostering innovation. Additionally, he is acknowledged as a Career Expert in AI by RediffGuru and leads the Gen AI Expert Community at the practice level within his organization.

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• Part I: The Data-Driven Business Landscape.- Chapter 1: Introduction: Why Data is Your Business Superpower.- Chapter 2: The Modern Data Stack in Microsoft: Explained Simply.- Chapter 3: Must Have Cloud Data Components.- Chapter 4: The Role of the Business Leader in Data Strategy.- Part II: The Advanced Analytics & AI Ecosystem.- Chapter 5: Democratising AI: Unlocking Opportunity and Maximising ROI.- Chapter 6: Analytics Maturity Model.- Chapter 7: Data Storytelling & Democratizing Analytics within an Organization.- Part III: AI in Action.- Chapter 8: Traditional Machine Learning (Narrow AI).- Chapter 9: Foundational Model / Generative AI.- Chapter 10: Responsible & Trustworthy AI in the world of AI Laws & Regulations.- Part IV: Strategy, Culture, Execution & Future Proof Next Steps.- Chapter 11: Data Culture & Literacy.- Chapter 12: The Data & AI Roadmap.- Chapter 13: Conclusion: Leading with Confidence.- Appendix / References of the book.

Rahat Yasir was named one of Canada’s Top 30 Software Developers Under 30 in 2018 and is a twelve-time Microsoft Most Valuable Professional in Artificial Intelligence. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering, a master’s degree in computer science with a specialisation in Artificial Intelligence, and has completed multiple executive education programmes focused on enterprise data, AI policy, strategy, and leadership.He brings extensive experience across artificial intelligence, cloud, data analytics, cross-platform system development, and large-scale enterprise systems. Rahat authored the first eBooks on Windows Phone 8.1 and Universal Windows Platform development and has held a range of senior technical and research roles, including AI Researcher at the University of Saskatchewan’s P2IRC, Lead AI Developer at Immersive Design Studios, and AI Engineer at Intact Financial Corporation. He has also led AI initiatives at OSEDEA, CAE, and ISAAC Instruments.Currently, Rahat serves as Head of Data Insights & Advanced Analytics at IATA, where he leads global data, analytics, and AI initiatives supporting aviation safety and security use cases. In 2025, he was recognised with the AI100 Early Adopters in North America award. His work has also been honoured with the DataIQ Data & AI for Good Hero Organisation Award and the Grand Prix Award at DataIQ North America 2025.Kasam Shaikh is a four-time recipient of the prestigious Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award in AI—and the first and only Indian professional under the age of 40 to earn this honor consecutively for three years. A recognized global AI speaker, published author, and tech influencer, Kasam is widely known for his contributions to the AI ecosystem through his YouTube channel, mentoring initiatives, and thought leadership. He currently serves as a Cloud Solutions and Generative AI Architect at the Associate Director level, driving digital transformation and AI adoption across business units. As the founder of Dear Azure – Az-INDIA, the largest Azure AI community in the region, he plays a key role in nurturing AI talent and fostering innovation. Additionally, he is acknowledged as a Career Expert in AI by RediffGuru and leads the Gen AI Expert Community at the practice level within his organization.

Select Guide Rating

• Part I: The Data-Driven Business Landscape.- Chapter 1: Introduction: Why Data is Your Business Superpower.- Chapter 2: The Modern Data Stack in Microsoft: Explained Simply.- Chapter 3: Must Have Cloud Data Components.- Chapter 4: The Role of the Business Leader in Data Strategy.- Part II: The Advanced Analytics & AI Ecosystem.- Chapter 5: Democratising AI: Unlocking Opportunity and Maximising ROI.- Chapter 6: Analytics Maturity Model.- Chapter 7: Data Storytelling & Democratizing Analytics within an Organization.- Part III: AI in Action.- Chapter 8: Traditional Machine Learning (Narrow AI).- Chapter 9: Foundational Model / Generative AI.- Chapter 10: Responsible & Trustworthy AI in the world of AI Laws & Regulations.- Part IV: Strategy, Culture, Execution & Future Proof Next Steps.- Chapter 11: Data Culture & Literacy.- Chapter 12: The Data & AI Roadmap.- Chapter 13: Conclusion: Leading with Confidence.- Appendix / References of the book.

Rahat Yasir was named one of Canada’s Top 30 Software Developers Under 30 in 2018 and is a twelve-time Microsoft Most Valuable Professional in Artificial Intelligence. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering, a master’s degree in computer science with a specialisation in Artificial Intelligence, and has completed multiple executive education programmes focused on enterprise data, AI policy, strategy, and leadership.He brings extensive experience across artificial intelligence, cloud, data analytics, cross-platform system development, and large-scale enterprise systems. Rahat authored the first eBooks on Windows Phone 8.1 and Universal Windows Platform development and has held a range of senior technical and research roles, including AI Researcher at the University of Saskatchewan’s P2IRC, Lead AI Developer at Immersive Design Studios, and AI Engineer at Intact Financial Corporation. He has also led AI initiatives at OSEDEA, CAE, and ISAAC Instruments.Currently, Rahat serves as Head of Data Insights & Advanced Analytics at IATA, where he leads global data, analytics, and AI initiatives supporting aviation safety and security use cases. In 2025, he was recognised with the AI100 Early Adopters in North America award. His work has also been honoured with the DataIQ Data & AI for Good Hero Organisation Award and the Grand Prix Award at DataIQ North America 2025.Kasam Shaikh is a four-time recipient of the prestigious Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award in AI—and the first and only Indian professional under the age of 40 to earn this honor consecutively for three years. A recognized global AI speaker, published author, and tech influencer, Kasam is widely known for his contributions to the AI ecosystem through his YouTube channel, mentoring initiatives, and thought leadership. He currently serves as a Cloud Solutions and Generative AI Architect at the Associate Director level, driving digital transformation and AI adoption across business units. As the founder of Dear Azure – Az-INDIA, the largest Azure AI community in the region, he plays a key role in nurturing AI talent and fostering innovation. Additionally, he is acknowledged as a Career Expert in AI by RediffGuru and leads the Gen AI Expert Community at the practice level within his organization.

Select Guide Rating

• Part I: The Data-Driven Business Landscape.- Chapter 1: Introduction: Why Data is Your Business Superpower.- Chapter 2: The Modern Data Stack in Microsoft: Explained Simply.- Chapter 3: Must Have Cloud Data Components.- Chapter 4: The Role of the Business Leader in Data Strategy.- Part II: The Advanced Analytics & AI Ecosystem.- Chapter 5: Democratising AI: Unlocking Opportunity and Maximising ROI.- Chapter 6: Analytics Maturity Model.- Chapter 7: Data Storytelling & Democratizing Analytics within an Organization.- Part III: AI in Action.- Chapter 8: Traditional Machine Learning (Narrow AI).- Chapter 9: Foundational Model / Generative AI.- Chapter 10: Responsible & Trustworthy AI in the world of AI Laws & Regulations.- Part IV: Strategy, Culture, Execution & Future Proof Next Steps.- Chapter 11: Data Culture & Literacy.- Chapter 12: The Data & AI Roadmap.- Chapter 13: Conclusion: Leading with Confidence.- Appendix / References of the book.