Alia Zahid, CSM, SAFe® 6 SPC
Alia Zahid, CSM, SAFe® 6 SPC, is a results-driven Senior Product Manager with extensive experience leading complex initiatives across Finance, FinTech, and Retail. Currently at Bank of America, she specializes in bridging strategy and execution, guiding projects from concept to completion while ensuring alignment with business objectives and customer needs. Alia excels at leading high-performing cross-functional teams, managing large-scale agile programs, and delivering critical initiatives in fast-paced, evolving environments.
Throughout her career, Alia has demonstrated expertise in Agile methodologies, SAFe, Scrum, and Lean-Agile practices, enabling her to drive delivery, mitigate risks, and ensure stakeholder satisfaction. She has successfully led cloud-based initiatives across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, and continues to innovate through emerging technologies such as Generative AI. Her hands-on experience includes leading ServiceNow integration projects, replacing legacy ITSM systems to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
Passionate about collaboration, measurable outcomes, and clear communication, Alia balances technical rigor with a people-oriented leadership style. She is committed to mentoring her teams, turning business visions into tangible value, and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. Beyond her professional achievements, Alia enjoys home decor and interior design, bringing creativity and attention to detail into all aspects of her life.
• Certified SAFe® 6 Practice Consultant, SAFe by Scaled Agile, Inc.
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
• Generative AI Certificate, Coursera
• Lake Forest College – Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
• National Association of Professional Women
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of deep technical expertise, a disciplined professional mindset, and the ability to balance multiple priorities effectively. Over the years, I have honed my skills in leading cross-functional teams, turning complex business visions into tangible solutions, and maintaining focus on delivering measurable outcomes while fostering collaboration.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
You can and you will achieve your goals if you maintain focus, balance your responsibilities, and never take challenges personally.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Always strive to turn ideas into action, embrace lifelong learning, and lead with clarity and confidence. Your voice matters, and strong communication is just as important as technical expertise.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The rapid evolution of technology presents both a challenge and an opportunity—especially with emerging tools like Generative AI and cloud platforms. Staying ahead requires continuous adaptation, upskilling, and the ability to align innovation with tangible business outcomes.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, clear communication, collaboration, and fostering meaningful outcomes. I am passionate about mentoring teams, driving results, and creating solutions that positively impact both the business and its customers.