> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.foundedbywomen.org/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Carol Richards of RAI By Design on Building Trust Into AI From Day One - URL: https://www.foundedbywomen.org/women-who-lead/carol-richards-of-rai-by-design-on-building-trust-into-ai-from-day-one/ - Published: 2026-10-22T08:36:29.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-22T08:36:29.000Z - Author: Editorial team - Tags: Women Who Lead Carol Richards is the founder of [RAI By Design](https://www.raibydesign.uk/?ref=foundedbywomen.org), which helps start-ups, small businesses and investors build, fund and adopt AI responsibly through training, coaching and advisory work. After a career in software companies, including time at Microsoft, she saw first-hand what good Responsible AI looks like inside some of the world’s largest organisations. In this Q&A, Carol shares why the EU AI Act pushed her to start RAI By Design, what small teams and founders most often get wrong when they start using AI, and why trust will decide who wins in the long run. Her perspective offers a practical, people-first way to think about AI adoption, along with a reminder for women entering the field that you don’t need to be an expert in everything before you begin. > Know a founder (or are one) doing incredible work? **Founded by Women Awards** are open for entries. Showcase your story, gain visibility, and connect with a community of leaders. 👉 [foundedbywomen.org/awards](https://www.foundedbywomen.org/awards/) --- ### Q: What made you start RAI By Design, and why Responsible AI? I have spent my career in software companies, small and huge, across most functions apart from coding. I have seen first-hand how innovation can create enormous opportunities, but also how easily trust can be lost when organisations move faster than their ability to manage the consequences. When AI exploded, I was lucky enough to be at Microsoft, one of the leading companies, and part of that story. The focus was on what the technology could do, and not enough was done on how it was used. There were plenty of conversations about tools and productivity gains, but far fewer about accountability, transparency, fairness and the impact on people. Then the EU AI Act changed the conversation. What had often been a discussion about ethics and brand trust became a much broader one about responsibility for anyone building, adopting or using AI, even if the developer sits elsewhere in the world but sells into the EU. At Microsoft, I saw what good Responsible AI looks like in practice, with dedicated teams helping some of the world’s largest organisations adopt AI safely. It struck me that the companies needing the most help were often the least equipped to get it. A start-up trying to secure investment, or a small business working out where AI fits into its future, doesn’t have dedicated AI teams, compliance specialists or big consulting budgets. Yet they face many of the same questions as large enterprises. I founded RAI By Design to help smaller teams and organisations build, invest in and adopt AI with confidence and responsibility from the outset, rather than trying to fix problems after they have emerged. Responsible AI shouldn’t be a barrier to innovation. It should be an enabler of sustainable innovation. For me, it is ultimately about people. Technology will keep evolving, but trust remains the foundation of every successful business, and humans should always be at the centre of decision-making and impact. ### Q: What do small teams and founders usually get wrong when they start using AI? The biggest misconception is that Responsible AI is something only large enterprises need to worry about. In reality, small businesses and founders often face the same risks, just with fewer resources and less formal governance. Ironically, they also have the biggest opportunity, because being smaller means they can build the right behaviours and skills early and grow them as they grow. For those building AI, considering Responsible AI principles before they start coding helps them build better systems, and retro-fitting fixes later is much harder. For those seeking investment, many get stuck on compliance, governance and regulation, which creates friction and can affect valuations and future funding rounds. Many teams jump straight into experimentation without asking some basic questions. What data are we sharing? How are outputs being checked? Who is accountable if something goes wrong? And do our people know when to trust AI and when to challenge it? I also see organisations focus on the technology and forget the people. Change starts with individual awareness, but teams change with shared understanding. Training on a new AI tool isn’t the same as change management, and it doesn’t address the human side. What’s encouraging is that most founders don’t get this wrong because they’re careless. They want to do the right thing, but they are moving quickly with limited time and budget. My advice is to start simple. Focus on good habits and behaviours rather than lengthy policies, and keep it lightweight, proportional and practical for the risk involved. Higher-risk AI needs more accountability and oversight. Make sure your team understands both the opportunities and the limitations of AI, thinks critically about outputs and keeps humans involved in important decisions. The founders who succeed over the long term won’t necessarily be the ones who adopt AI the fastest. They’ll be the ones who build trust while they innovate, adopt and use. ### Q: What’s next for you, and what would you tell women thinking about building a business in AI? I’m focused on making Responsible AI practical and accessible for organisations of all sizes. There’s still a perception that governance and compliance are complex or only relevant to highly regulated sectors, but every organisation using AI can benefit from understanding how to use it safely, responsibly and effectively. I’m also passionate about education and capability building. Through training, coaching and advisory work, I want to help more leaders, teams and investors see that Responsible AI isn’t just about managing risk. It’s about creating confidence, trust and competitive advantage. For women considering building a business in AI, my advice is simple: don’t wait until you feel like an expert in every aspect of the field. I’ve had a huge learning curve and it will never stop. AI is evolving so quickly that nobody has all the answers. Curiosity, continuous learning and a willingness to contribute your perspective matter far more than trying to achieve perfection. We need more diverse voices shaping how AI develops and is used. The future of AI shouldn’t be designed by a narrow group of people. If you can see a problem that needs solving, a community that is underserved, or a different way of approaching a challenge, that’s often where the most impactful businesses begin. You don’t need to know everything before you start. None of us do. Stay curious, keep learning, and don’t underestimate the value of your own perspective. AI will change how we work, but trust will always determine whether people embrace that change. My mission is to help organisations build both. > Are you a woman leader with an inspiring story? Founded by Women elevates the voices of women making an impact. > Breaking barriers or paving the way for others? We'd love to feature you. Get in touch! 👉 [hi@foundedbywomen.org](mailto:hi@foundedbywomen.org)