Aisya Aziz
Chief Technology Officer, LiquiDonate
📍Fremont, United States
What qualities do you think leaders need to have in today’s world?
With all the shifts happening in today’s world, leaders need clarity in chaos and resilience without ego. In just a few years, we’ve seen major political shifts and rapid AI evolution. The only real constant is change. No matter how experienced or skilled we are, there will be moments when our thinking or approaches become outdated – and that’s okay. Strong leaders acknowledge it, adapt quickly, and focus on what truly matters. More than that, we create stability and confidence for our teams, helping others navigate uncertainty with purpose. Our role isn’t just to keep up – it’s to continuously redefine priorities, guide our teams forward, and turn change into opportunity.
If you had to describe your leadership style in one word, what would it be and why?
I’d say purposeful. I lead with purpose, build with purpose, and approach every challenge with intention. I focus on clarity and impact, helping my team see what truly matters and guiding decisions that drive meaningful results. I was drawn to LiquiDonate because the mission itself is purposeful – turning excess inventory into social impact. That same sense of purpose shapes how I lead every day. Our work even caught Time Magazine’s attention as one of the Best Inventions of 2025 for sustainable retail logistics software – which is a great reminder that meaningful work can also make waves!
How does your company’s Pledge 1% program help shape the kind of workplace culture you believe in?
At LiquiDonate, the Pledge 1% program isn’t just a perk – it’s embedded in how we work (and in our work!). We celebrate volunteering in our #volunteer Slack channel, which is a great nudge to step away from the keyboard and give back in person. We also offer paid time to volunteer and intentionally block time for group volunteering during on-sites. Giving back isn’t just encouraged here – it’s who we are.
This year marks the 7th year of Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead campaign. How can companies champion and support female leadership?
If anything, companies just need to be equitable. Women are more than capable – we don’t need special treatment. What we need is equal access to opportunity, equal pay, equal trust, and equal standards. Championing female leadership isn’t about lowering the bar or creating exceptions. It’s about removing bias, ensuring representation in decision-making rooms, and creating environments where women can lead fully and authentically.
If you could write a note to your younger self on her first day of work, what would it say?
Dive in and give your all – that’s part of who you are – but also make space to explore, experiment, and try new things outside of work. Take risks, pursue interests, and embrace experiences that challenge you in different ways. The perspectives and skills you gain beyond the job will make you more creative, resilient, and ultimately a stronger, more thoughtful leader.
