Leading yourself with purpose, passion and perseverance

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Anuradha Dodda
Head of Engineering
Automatic Summary

An Inspiring Journey: Anu Doda at the Roman Tech Conference

Hi there, dear readers! Today, we'd like you to accompany us on a journey—an exceptional story from the recently concluded Roman Tech conference. It's the story of an extraordinary woman, Anu Doda, who in her distinctive manner, shared her inspiring journey.

Embracing Challenges: Anu Doda's Perspective

Anu Doda, a successful engineer leader, mentor, and more than anything, a proud individual of South Asian ethnicity and cultural background, delivered a powerful lightning talk at the Roman Tech Conference. She shone a beacon of hope on adversity, challenges, and unpleasant circumstances.

Anu emphasized the importance of sharing experiences, learning from challenges, and above all, helping each other out. While she graciously invited questions, she cleverly mentioned that the limited time left the room for personal offline meetups.

From a Small Town to Global Recognition

One can't help but admire Anu’s tenacity born out of her humble beginnings. Growing up in a small town in southern India, Anu was the first in her family to pursue education beyond the basic level. She defied the odds in a family where education was thought to be only essential for one to navigate life, not necessarily change the world. But her story is evidence of how a modest start and unceasing determination can result in world-altering achievements.

The Challenges and Triumphs of Education

Anu displayed an unflinching dedication to education despite the common societal expectations to marry at a young age. Her love for math and fear of blood led her to a decision that would shape her future—becoming an engineer. A decision she describes as, perhaps, "the best decision ever."

In her story, we find a resilient woman who maneuvered unfathomable challenges, such as studying many subjects in English, a language alien to her until then, and living independently in a city away from the warm confines of her small hometown.

The Road to Perseverance

The most compelling part of Anu’s narrative is her drive to keep going, a determination fueled by her aversion for the alternative: a life dominated by early marriage. Against the odds, she graduated and became a computer science engineer, but not without facing yet another trial—standing up to lecture in front of a class in English. But Anu, ever the fighter, didn't back down. In conquering her fears, she discovered a powerful truth that illuminated her life. She learned that she could continually grow and better herself and found humility in the persistent necessity for personal growth. This discovery became her guiding principle as she navigated different roles and opportunities in foreign lands.

Overcoming Work Challenges

There were significant roadblocks along her professional path, from individuals unwilling to report to a female superior to having to consistently prove her capacity. Yet, Anu was undeterred. She counteracted these adversities with a few strategic moves:

  • Volunteering for stretch assignments to demonstrate her aptitude.
  • Fostering a network of mentors and influential circles.
  • Seizing risks and learning from the outcomes.
  • Expressing how certain behaviors affected her.
  • Realizing the need to effect changes within her environment for others' benefits.

The Perseverance Mindset

Anu’s story paves the way for countless others. In her words, "people representation matters, and we all need to persevere the path for those behind us". Emerging out of adversity demands a growth mindset—an understanding of when to challenge oneself, when to defy the environment, and when to carry on with courage and clarity.

Be the Change

Being the woman of South Asian ethnicity that she is, Anu isn't merely striving to overcome the barriers encountered by those from similar backgrounds—she is challenging the structures that create these barriers. She emphasizes the need to "be the change", to enable an easier path for those who follow.

In conclusion, Anu Doda's story is in itself a testament to the power of perseverance, of the ability to turn fears into stepping stones for growth. It's a celebration of representation and a call to continuously challenge oneself and one's environment. We thank her for sharing her inspiring narrative.


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