At just 29, Azhar Aziz-Ismail has carved a reputation as one of the legal profession’s most dynamic young leaders who blends law, technology and leadership to drive change. While his path once pointed toward journalism, a humanitarian aid mission abroad ignited his passion for law as a tool for human rights and social change. Azhar is a knowledge manager at global law firm Baker McKenzie, where he spearheads legal innovation, champions the responsible use of generative AI, and ensures legal knowledge is accessible and effective. His work sits at the intersection of law, technology and strategy. In 2023, Azhar made history as the youngest chairperson of the Johannesburg Attorneys Association, where he led digital transformation to bridge the legal sector’s digital divide. His influence extends through his faculty role at the Legal Technology & Innovation Institute, where he teaches AI and legal chatbots, and as an ambassador for the South African AI Association. A director of Constellation 150, Azhar also drives education initiatives, including robotics training for teachers in under-resourced schools.
I have been fortunate to have several role models who’ve shaped my journey, though I have to say that some of my most influential “mentors” have been people who probably don’t even realise the impact they’ve had on me. One of my greatest sources of inspiration, beyond any religious context, is the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). What draws me to his example is his extraordinary leadership style, characterised by unmatched humility, modesty and unwavering commitment to fairness. The Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessings be upon him) qualities of authentic leadership, humility in power and unwavering justice are principles I try to embody in my own leadership roles. Beyond this foundational inspiration, I’ve learned from various leaders throughout my journey — from educators who taught me that authentic leadership is about being present and accessible, to colleagues who’ve shown me that you can maintain professionalism while remaining genuinely human and approachable. I’ve also been inspired by young leaders who’ve demonstrated that age doesn’t define your ability to create meaningful change in the world. What all these role models have taught me is that leadership isn’t about having all the answers or being perfect — it’s about being fully present in conversations, showing up authentically and using whatever platform you have to lift others up.