Reflecting on My Journey
Reflecting on your recognition as a Women in Tech Global Awards 2023 winner, could you describe your journey to this achievement in your specific award category? What does this recognition signify for you personally and professionally, and how does it encapsulate your contributions to the tech industry?
From my earliest days as a university gold medalist, I had an unwavering commitment to discipline, rigor, curiosity, and a relentless problem-solving approach – the qualities that laid the foundation for my non-linear career growth. Maintaining clarity about my aspirations, I diligently worked hard on every opportunity, refusing to settle into the comfort zone. Instead, I embraced a mantra of "learning every day" adapting to discomfort. This skill is necessary in the ever-evolving landscape of AI and data science. Being on top of all significant developments helped me make the right business decisions at the right time. My decisions are rooted in data, based on rational thinking and continuous learning from past decisions.
While my journey may seem like an overnight success to some, the reality is a series of several late-nighters, tirelessly crafting cutting-edge solutions. I never settled for “no as an answer” and persevered through countless failures, going the extra mile each time, ultimately achieving success. Like they say, there is no free lunch. We all face hardships; it is our attitude of how we choose to embrace those challenges and show up to convert them into opportunities – that makes the difference. I always had an “entrepreneurial flair,” which involved taking it upon myself to research, architect solutions, do hard work, and go that extra mile - in a nutshell, owning up to my work and career.
Consistently embracing the bigger picture is the key. I am truly blessed that my efforts have not gone unnoticed and that industry veterans have taken my name in those rooms where I was not even present.
I am grateful for the opportunities and remain committed to helping the community by "paying it forward." I consider it a collective success.
Tech Industry's Most Rewarding Aspects
In your experience, what is the most rewarding aspect of working in the tech industry, and how has it influenced your career path?
Technology is an enabler of “what’s possible”. Stepping out of the university was truly a transformative experience; I saw numerous gaps waiting to be solved and addressed. Reflecting on that journey, I realize how far I have come from — merely contemplating problems to actively applying technology to solve them.
Being an AI technologist is like living out a long-held dream; today, no problem appears insurmountable.
My Tech Career Milestone
Could you share a defining moment or a key achievement in your tech career that has been particularly impactful or meaningful to you?
I have solved some of the most challenging problems in the AI space. My experience building a “state-of-the-art” supply chain AI solution has immensely contributed to my knowledge bank. With no incumbent solution that could solve even a part of the business problem, I started thinking of ways researchers have historically invented solutions. To put it in simpler words, the original problem is now distilled to – “How to think outside the box.”
Like they say, if you love your work, it no longer looks like work. I started designing the algorithm, failed several times, and finally succeeded, which later resulted in the filing of several patents.
As much as I enjoyed writing the patent, I absolutely loved the process – how I (and my brain) grew in unimaginable ways, going crazy for days, while inventing the novelty.
Empowering Women in Tech: Career Advice and Tips
From your experience, what essential advice and practical tips would you offer to women aspiring women in tech to establish a successful career?
We all are constantly learning from each other and growing together, and along this journey, we develop our own unique approaches. I am glad to share what worked for me:
- I strongly believe in the power of narratives. The narratives we construct not only shape how we present ourselves to others but gradually influence our self-perception. Out of all the people who can doubt you or your skills, it certainly should not be you. Whether someone stands with you or not, you must be your cheerleader.
- Own your career; nobody will come to make it easy for you. Step out of your comfort zone, raise your hand, and say “yes” to challenges. Learn from others – networking plays a big role now. The power of networking cannot be overstated—engage with peers, mentors, and industry experts, and gain insights into their projects and the technologies they are exploring.
- My insatiable curiosity has been a driving force, and I advocate for adopting a mindset of lifelong learning. Given the profound and expansive nature of AI, it's impossible to know everything. Approaching each problem with a lens of curiosity and consistently questioning the status quo - offers a fresh perspective that often leads to innovative solutions.
Who would you recommend to join the WomenTech Network, and why?
I have had amazing support from remarkable women leaders, such as Aruna Pattam, Vanessa Eriksson, and Merve Hickock. The women's community will significantly benefit from their wisdom and rich experience.
