Women : Changing the Landscape of the Leadership!

During this year’s VARINDIA’s discussion with women leaders, it was unanimously agreed that work-from-home and hybrid models have created better opportunities for women in tech, particularly from small towns. These models offer flexibility, support work-life balance, and foster inclusivity through mentorship and remote collaboration.

The IT and telecom industries, traditionally male-dominated sectors, are witnessing a remarkable transformation as more women ascend to leadership roles. From coding to leadership positions, women are breaking stereotypes and driving innovation in unprecedented ways. This shift is not only breaking stereotypes but also fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, driving innovation and growth.

In the recent years, women have been taking center stage in IT and telecom, leading global organizations, driving technological advancements, and shaping industry narratives. They are stepping into C-suite roles, spearheading digital transformation initiatives, and redefining business strategies.

Trailblazers such as Ginni Rometty (former CEO of IBM), Padmasree Warrior (former CTO of Cisco), and many others have paved the way, proving that women bring unique perspectives and collaborative leadership styles that can inspire teams and enhance organizational resilience. The rise of female leaders in tech companies is inspiring. Women like Sheryl Sandberg, Safra Catz, and Reshma Saujani have redefined leadership in technology, proving that diversity at the top enhances organizational growth and decision-making. Female-founded startups are also thriving, challenging industry norms and inspiring the next generation.

The number of women in technology is slowly rising, driven by inclusive policies, STEM initiatives, and diversity advocacy.

Driving Forces Behind the Change

1.            Educational Empowerment: An increasing number of women pursuing STEM education has bolstered their entry into IT and telecom sectors.

2.            Corporate Diversity Initiatives: Companies are prioritizing diversity and inclusion, ensuring women are represented in decision-making roles.

3.            Mentorship and Networking: Programs and communities supporting women’s growth are helping them navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

4.            Government and Policy Support: Progressive policies encouraging gender diversity are also playing a pivotal role in bridging the gender gap.

Almost everyone agrees that remote work empowers women by overcoming geographical and societal barriers, enabling career growth while managing caregiving duties. This shift fosters merit-based advancement, but companies must support it with mentorship and visibility initiatives to ensure women's success in the evolving workforce.

Despite progress, women in technology face challenges such as pay gaps, underrepresentation, and workplace biases. However, advocacy groups, mentorship programs, and corporate diversity initiatives are creating supportive ecosystems to empower women. To continue progress, companies and educational institutions must remain committed to building environments that support women through equal opportunities, career development, and creating workplaces where they can thrive. The tech industry needs continuous effort to ensure sustainable and meaningful progress in gender diversity.

The future of technology is brighter with the increasing participation of women. Their involvement is not just a step toward gender equality but a crucial driver of innovation, creativity, and progress in the ever-evolving tech world. Women’s contributions are shaping a more inclusive, balanced, and advanced technological landscape. This emergence is not just a trend but a movement that promises to redefine the world of IT and telecom in the years to come.

       Women Advancing in Technology Through Inclusivity and Innovation

Anita Kukreja

Head of Strategic Alliances and Brand, IceWarp

Global talent landscape

The rise of women in tech leadership is transforming the talent landscape by promoting diversity, innovation, and inclusivity. Women in leadership roles drive comprehensive problem-solving, work-life balance policies, and mentorship programs, attracting diverse talent. This shift encourages young women to pursue tech careers, addressing gender imbalances. Female leaders also advocate for ethical tech practices, setting standards for equitable growth. Remote and hybrid work models offer opportunities for women to balance career and family, making leadership roles more accessible. However, organizations must actively support women through mentorship and inclusive policies to ensure sustainable growth and career advancement.

My journey

Opportunities often arise unexpectedly. My first breakthrough came with a System Integrator company, where I gained experience in market analysis, sales collaboration, product positioning, and OEM marketing strategies. This fueled my passion for building brands and driving growth. Over the years, I’ve excelled in Marketing Strategy, Partner & Alliances Management, and Business Development, blending intentional choices with unexpected opportunities that deepened my trust-building skills and broadened my perspective. As a woman, I overcame early gender bias by demonstrating expertise, delivering results, and championing the value and potential of women leaders.

My Strengths 

My strengths are resilience, adaptability, strategic thinking, and strong communication. Resilience helps me overcome challenges and biases, while adaptability allows me to embrace change. Strategic thinking aligns efforts with goals, and communication fosters collaboration, driving innovation and continuous growth in my career.

Note:

3 Must on office table: family pictures, organizer

Favorite activity:  Books and articles on marketing trends and leadership. Bollywood fan, love watching movies.

Favorite sports : Cricket

Guiding book:

1) Good to Great by Jim Collins

2) Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey A. Moore

Success mantra: My success mantra is: "Stay focused, be consistent, and

add value in everything you do."

       Empowering Women means Empowering Businesses

Anusha Wadhera

Director – HR, Sify Technologies

Global talent landscape

Women leaders bring diverse perspectives, inclusive leadership, and innovative problem-solving to organizations, enriching culture and driving sustainability. Their rise in tech leadership fosters gender equity, unlocks global talent potential, and promotes inclusivity, creativity, and growth. Recognizing their value, organizations and governments are implementing policies to encourage women in leadership. The adoption of work-from-home (WFH) and hybrid models provides women greater career opportunities, enabling them to balance personal and professional responsibilities and avoid career breaks. Many organizations now offer support systems to empower women, helping them realize their potential and thrive in a competitive, interconnected world.

My journey

My journey into technology was unplanned, but embracing opportunities led me to fulfilling roles where I drive innovation and create value. As a Strategic Human Resource Leader with over 18 years of experience across diverse industries, I’m recognized for harnessing human performance to align with organizational design, driving business growth. Continuous learning, adaptability, and collaboration have been key to my success. I’ve been fortunate to work with organizations and leaders who prioritized preparation, clarity, and inclusivity, fostering confidence and breaking stereotypes to create workplaces where merit thrives over bias.

My Strengths 

One of my greatest strengths lies in the relationships I build and the teams I work with. I firmly believe in the power of collaboration, mutual respect, and empowering those around me to achieve their full potential. Every person brings unique perspectives and skills. I’ve grown immensely by listening to and learning from my colleagues, peers, and mentors.

Note :3 Must on office table: Bottle of Water, A cup of coffee + Presence of mind

Favorite activity:  family time & Art & Craft

Guiding book that guides you: The Power of Subconscious mind, Atomic Habits, Rich Dad Poor Dad

Success mantra: "Change your thoughts and you change your world." And “Achieving success comes from consistently practicing good habits

       Women Leaders Shaping AI, Cloud, and India's Digital Transformation

Falguni Patel

Sr. Vice President and Regional Head West, Hitachi Systems India Pvt. Ltd.

Global talent landscape

Women are at the forefront of advancements in AI, cloud computing, and emerging technologies, driving global innovation. Fei-Fei Li, co-director of Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute, leads efforts to make AI ethical and inclusive. Ginni Rometty, former IBM CEO, transformed enterprise solutions through cloud adoption. Debjani Ghosh, the ex-President, NASSCOM, accelerates India’s digital transformation and champions inclusive tech policies.

Women leaders are transforming industries by driving innovation, inclusivity, and diverse perspectives, enhancing organizational decision-making and performance. In India, initiatives like Digital India and STEM programs have boosted female participation, with women comprising 35% of the IT workforce-above global averages. Hybrid work has further enabled career-family balance.

At Hitachi Systems India, women leaders play key roles in growth and innovation, reflecting the tech industry’s progress toward a more equitable future. Flexible policies post-pandemic continue to nurture this shift, unlocking new opportunities for women in technology.

My journey

My journey into technology has been both purposeful and rewarding. With a foundation in computer science and a passion for problem-solving, I’ve advanced through diverse roles in software engineering and product management, gaining experience in startups and established enterprises. A key milestone came in 2013 at Hitachi Systems India, where I’ve held leadership roles such as Business Head and now Regional Business Head & Senior Vice President. Highlights of my journey include driving strategic initiatives at Reliance, IBM, and MIEL e-Security, complemented by the transformative Senior Executive Leadership Program at Harvard. Adaptability, strategic thinking, and inclusive leadership define my success.

My Strengths 

My core strengths include adaptability, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and Inclusive behaviour. These attributes have been instrumental in navigating challenges, driving innovation, and achieving success in the dynamic world of technology. Each strength has allowed me to contribute effectively to my teams and organizations, fostering growth and delivering impactful results.

Note :

3 Must on office table: To-do List / Organizer, Calculator, Remarkable (Note-pad).

Favorite activity: Listening to Ghazals, Reading Books

Favorite book: Atomic

habits.

       Hybrid Work Models: Empowering Women in Tech Across Geographies

Illamathy E.N

Director, Engineering Product Management, Ascendion

Global talent landscape

Women leaders are breaking barriers in emerging technologies like AI and cloud computing with innovative solutions and ethical frameworks. Notable women like Daniela Rus, Diane Greene, and Mira Murati are shaping advancements in robotics, cloud platforms, and AI models. Increasing numbers of women are leading scalable cloud transformations and contributing to AI-driven healthcare solutions. As tech companies expand into tier 2 and 3 cities and adopt hybrid work models, women are accessing more opportunities, balancing work and personal commitments. With mentorship and supportive policies, women are inspiring future generations, narrowing the gender gap, and driving diverse, innovative workforces.

My journey

My journey in the world of technology began with a Computer Science & Engineering degree, starting at Xansa (now Sopra Steria) in Chennai, where I mastered coding, analysis, and system design on Tandem Mainframe. At Cognizant, I transitioned from a Business Analyst to consulting, later expanding my expertise to pre-sales. Over time, I grew into leadership roles, managing healthcare consulting engagements and large deals.

My Strengths 

My key strengths are grit, discipline, attention to detail, adaptability, and integrity. Grit drives me to seize opportunities and push boundaries. Discipline ensures consistency and work-life balance. Detailing enhances my analysis and quality delivery. Adaptability helps me stay current, and integrity fosters trust and effective collaboration with teams.

Note :3 Must on office table: Things I always have on my table is Notepad, pen, a water bottle

Guiding book:  ‘Thirukkural’ written >2000 years ago by Thiruvalluvar

Success mantra: Growth is 3 dimensional – Grow tall, big and deep. At any given time, you will have the opportunity to grow at least in one of the dimensions. Never miss the growth.

       Embracing the Power of AND, Women Balancing Dual Roles

Kirthiga Reddy

CEO & Cofounder of Virtualness

Global talent landscape

As a woman leader in technology, I witness the transformative impact women are having across fields, driving innovation and shaping the future. Pioneers like Fei-Fei Li in AI, Rana el Kaliouby in emotional AI, and Cynthia Breazeal in social robotics lead the way. My experience as SoftBank's first female investing partner, focusing on frontier technologies, reflects how diverse leadership fosters creativity, enhances problem-solving, and attracts top talent. The rise of women in tech leadership is changing the global talent landscape, with flexible work models and inclusive policies creating more opportunities for women, empowering them to thrive and drive innovation forward.

My journey

My journey in technology combines intentional decisions with unexpected opportunities. Initially drawn to STEM by societal pressures, I discovered my passion for it. Starting with Yashwant Kanetkar, I developed anti-virus software and training programs. After earning a master’s in computer engineering from Syracuse University, I joined Silicon Graphics, becoming one of its youngest engineering directors. An MBA from Stanford deepened my business acumen, leading to a role at Good Technology, later acquired for $500 million. As Facebook India’s first employee and now CEO of Verix, I champion blockchain-based credential verification. Facing gender bias, I embraced "AND" over "OR," balancing priorities creatively while fostering thriving team cultures.

My Strengths 

One of my key strengths is my focus on the success of clients, my organization, and my team. Early advice from my manager, Betsy Zeller, shaped my approach. I craft bold visions, prioritize people, and ensure alignment between business goals and team aspirations, fostering a culture of accountability and openness.

Note :

3 Must on office table: picture of my family, Ganesha idol / picture, notepad 

Favorite activity:  Playing with my chocolate lab, Nado (short for Tornado)

Favorite sports: running, next Half marathon is in Feb 2025

Guiding book: Bhagvad Gita

Success mantra:  When businesses succeed, livelihoods flourish.  Or

Focus on the success of my clients, organization, and team; my success is a by-product.

       Hybrid culture Empowers Women to participate fully in the Workforce

Liat Hayun

VP - Product Management Cloud Security and Research, Tenable

Global talent landscape

A diverse workforce, including strong representation of women, is vital for innovation and success. In security and tech, diverse perspectives challenge conventional thinking, driving groundbreaking solutions. Women leaders play a key role in fostering inclusivity, shaping equitable workplaces, and inspiring future talent. Progress in promoting women in technology is evident through STEM initiatives, mentorship, and diversity awareness. However, leadership representation still lags behind. Work-from-home and hybrid models address challenges like work-life balance, opening opportunities for women globally. By embracing flexibility and inclusivity, organizations unlock potential, ensuring tech solutions address diverse needs and driving global impact in transformative ways.

My journey

As a child, I was fascinated by how things worked, often dismantling gadgets to uncover their mechanics. Encouraged by my parents, this curiosity blossomed into a passion for science and math, initially inspiring aspirations to become an aeronautical engineer. However, my time in the IDF’s elite Talpiot program shifted my focus to software development. After serving in Unit 81 and advancing to group leader, I spent six years at Palo Alto Networks, becoming VP of Product Management. In 2021, I co-founded Eureka Security, later acquired by Tenable, where I now lead as VP of Product Management and Cloud Security Research. Earning the Israel Defense Award and co-founding Eureka are proud milestones that shaped my journey in tech.

My Strengths 

Cybersecurity demands technical expertise, creativity, and precise problem-solving. Success requires resilience, adaptability, and thriving in a competitive environment. As a leader, I’ve learned that agility, clear vision, and a well-defined strategy are vital for navigating this dynamic field and inspiring others to contribute meaningfully to shared goals.

       Women in Tech Leadership inspiring more women to pursue STEM careers

Nidhi Srivastava

Vice President and Head of Offerings AI.Cloud, TCS

Global talent landscape

Women leaders are driving AI and Cloud innovation, holding key roles like CEO, CIO, and CTO across industries. Their blend of technical expertise, people management, and change management skills is vital for business transformation. This rise inspires more women to pursue STEM careers, addressing the growing demand for tech talent.

I see below reasons contributing to more women working in technology

a) Technology careers are well-paying

b) Access to a good education ecosystem 

c) Supportive societal culture that is encouraging women to take up tech careers

d) success of women in the technology field serves as an inspiration to others.

My journey

My journey into technology was thoughtfully planned, driven by my strength in science and mathematics and a passion for engineering. Specializing in Computer Science during my B.Tech laid the foundation for a fulfilling career. When considered for a Global Leadership role, doubts arose about managing international travel as a woman with potential home commitments. I assured my ability to meet all demands and excelled in building a successful practice while seamlessly handling global travel challenges.

My Strengths 

My key strengths are goal orientation, focus, drive, and people management.

Note:  Favorite sports: Cricket and Basket Ball

Guiding book: Becoming by Michelle Obama

Success mantra: Work hard and play hard!

       Women are Building Leadership Through Vision, Collaboration and Results

Ramya Mohan

Senior Software Engineering Manager, Honeywell India

Global talent landscape

Women leaders are revolutionizing emerging technologies. In robotics, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, they innovate solutions, enhance security, and shape infrastructure. Visionaries like Diane Greene, Padmasree Warrior, and Ramkripa Ananthan have driven breakthroughs in cloud computing, IoT, and automotive design. Encouraging women in tech leadership fosters diverse perspectives, fueling innovation, inclusivity, and transformative advancements across industries. When I joined Honeywell, women made up 15-18% of the workforce, now 1.5 times higher. Yet, untapped potential remains. Flexible work boosts job satisfaction, retention, and loyalty, enabling women to thrive while fostering inclusivity and productivity for employees and organizations alike.

My journey

With a Computer Science background, my unexpected journey into technology at Honeywell began in Aerospace, where avionics initially felt unfamiliar. Over time, I developed a passion for aviation, leading strategies for cockpit display validation and evolving from a Tools & Technology COE strategist to a technology leader in Analytics & Automation. As a woman in leadership, I overcame perceptions by confidently sharing ideas, delivering results, and fostering inclusivity. By tackling challenges head-on and valuing diverse perspectives, I built a leadership style grounded in respect, collaboration, and measurable success. 

My Strengths 

My passion, accountability, and courageous mindset have driven my career. Embracing both success and failure fuels growth, while an inclusive leadership style fosters collaboration and respect. This blend of values empowers me to overcome challenges, achieve success, and confidently navigate new professional opportunities.

Note :

3 Must on office table:

Pen and paper: Perfect for capturing ideas and initial brainstorming.

Inspirational quote: A daily reminder to stay motivated through challenges.

Daily dose of vitamins: A healthy body fuels a healthy mind.

Guiding book: My Life in Full by Indra Nooyi. Key lessons that I took away from the book are- lifelong learning, pursuing visions with courage and passion, making bold decisions, and balancing career and family with a strong support system.

Success mantra: "Nothing is impossible,

the word itself says 'I'm possible'!"

       Women leading Innovation in Emerging Technologies, AI and Beyond

Sharda Tickoo

Country Manager - India & SAARC, Trend Micro

Global talent landscape

Women have always been instrumental in driving technological innovation. In AI, where women represent only 22% of the workforce, leaders like Cynthia Breazeal and Dr. Fei-Fei Li have made groundbreaking contributions. At Trend Micro, we champion gender diversity in leadership, confident that merit and representation go hand in hand. Research shows that increased female participation enhances business outcomes. In India, we must nurture the growing pool of talented women in tech. While maternity policies support women, flexibility should be offered equally to both men and women, ensuring a balanced and inclusive work environment for all.

My journey

My professional journey began at Reliance Infocomm as a Systems Administrator, where I gained exposure to complex IT infrastructure and developed a passion for cybersecurity. This led me to Trend Micro in 2007 as a Technical Account Manager, progressing through roles like Team Lead, Product Specialist, and Technical Product Marketer. A stint at EY broadened my strategic and program management expertise in cybersecurity. Returning to Trend Micro, I transitioned to lead the enterprise sales team, engaging with CXOs to demonstrate technical value. In April 2024, I became Country Manager, leveraging over 16 years of experience to drive growth and innovation in cybersecurity.

My Strengths 

I thrive on routines, viewing them as a key strength that drives consistent progress. Disciplined and action-oriented, I make decisions carefully but commit fully once made. I focus on strategy, execute efficiently, and adapt quickly to refine my approach when needed, ensuring successful outcomes.

Note :

3 Must on office table: Anything that reminds me of my family - greeting cards from kids, pictures etc; something that nurtures my spiritual self; Water bottle

Favorite activity: Listening to all kinds of music, across genres

Favorite sports:  Watching Tennis

Guiding book: This continues to evolve. My current favorite is Peter Thiel’s, Zero to One.

Success mantra: Most successful strategies and plans are deeply authentic and individual. There are no dogmas around ways to be successful. However consistency and

hard work have no substitute

   Women are positively shaping Innovation and Sustainable Growth

Siki Giunta

EVP and Global Head CloudSMART strategy Cloud Native CoE, HCLTech

Global talent landscape

Women are mastering emerging technologies and driving innovation, leveraging leadership roles to foster balanced hiring, inclusivity, and collaboration. Their diverse perspectives fuel creativity, resulting in inclusive products and services. Studies show gender-diverse leadership boosts performance and supports sustainable growth. Increased representation inspires more women to pursue STEM careers, supported by flexible work models, education, and corporate diversity programs. Work-from-home and hybrid models have expanded career opportunities by allowing women to balance personal and professional responsibilities. However, these models can reduce visibility, affecting career growth. Organizations must ensure policies that provide equal opportunities for remote workers, enabling women to thrive.

My journey

My journey was intentional, shaped by the privilege of an exceptional education across multiple European countries, which I actively sought out. I consistently chose paths that were neither the easiest nor the safest, helping me build resilience, take risks, and work hard to achieve success. Entering the workforce in the 80s, I faced many challenges, with my skills and knowledge often questioned. However, I navigated these situations by believing in myself, having confidence in my work, and drawing strength from my upbringing. Determination allowed me to stand firm, and women naturally thrive when their capabilities are recognized and valued.

My Strengths 

I embrace change and the challenges it brings, always preparing for new opportunities. Resilient and persistent, I believe in bouncing back from setbacks and stepping up to lead. Innovation drives me, and in tech, continuous learning is key. I prioritize my team's growth, supporting them through both small victories and big successes. We can’t anticipate everything – but we can be prepared to respond to step up and fill the void by leading.

Note :

3 Must on office table: Coca Cola, notebook, photos of loved ones

Favorite activity:  Movies, music and watching professional sports

Favorite sports: Fan of American football

Rise of women in tech leadership, redefining the global talent landscape

Sneha Singh

General Manager - E-commerce, TP-Link India Pvt Ltd

Global talent landscape

Women leaders are driving innovation in AI, cloud computing, and emerging tech, championing inclusivity and sustainability. Their emotional intelligence and analytical rigor lead to transformative solutions. At TP-Link, women leaders accelerate smart home and security technologies. The rise of women in leadership fosters diversity, improving collaboration and driving innovation. Hybrid work models enable women to balance personal and professional responsibilities, fostering career growth. At TP-Link, we embrace diversity, ensuring women thrive in technical, operational, and leadership roles. Increased access to education and supportive policies further encourage women to pursue tech careers, benefiting businesses and industries globally.

My journey

My foray into technology was unplanned, stemming from chance rather than intention. As a Biotechnology graduate with a passion for life sciences, I initially felt out of place but soon discovered a love for problem-solving through logical reasoning, ultimately embracing the tech field. Early in my career, I led a high-stakes cross-departmental project, facing doubts as the youngest and only woman in the room. By focusing on collaboration and delivering results, I earned respect. I’ve since mentored a successful eCommerce team, driving a 27% revenue increase and streamlining workflows to enhance efficiency.

My Strengths 

Effective communication, empathy, and strategic thinking have shaped my journey. I foster trust through open communication and empathy, connecting with teams to drive performance. My strategic vision and adaptability help navigate change, while my commitment to ethics and accountability sets a strong example. I've built high-performing teams and driven significant growth.

Note :

3 Must on office table: Planner/ Personal Touch (Photo) / Coffee Mug

Favorite activity: Traveling / Listening to Music / Journaling/ Reading

Favorite sports:  Tennis + Cricket

Guiding book: Mind Platter by Najwa Zebian

Success mantra: Don't watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going by Sam

Levenson

  Women Leaders: Driving Ethical, Empathetic, and Innovative Solutions

Sonali Samarai

Sales Back Office Specialist for Asia Pacific, Kaspersky Lab

Global talent landscape

Women leaders are transforming AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity through innovation, ethical frameworks, and strategic leadership. At Kaspersky, they drive AI-powered solutions to detect cyber threats, enhance cloud security, and ensure ethical AI development. Their contributions safeguard digital ecosystems, inspire future talent, and foster diversity in tech. As role models, women leaders bridge the gender gap, creating equitable workplaces and inspiring others to pursue tech careers. They prioritize supportive cultures, work-life balance, and continuous learning, boosting retention and engagement. Remote and hybrid work models empower women with flexibility, but challenges like visibility require policies to ensure mentorship and recognition.

My journey

My journey into technology was driven by a deep interest in the field. After graduating in electronics, I started as a computer trainer and later managed a computer institute, advocating for computer education among school children. Over my 20-year career, I encountered challenges like job changes, relocations, and starting a family. At Kaspersky, I’ve thrived for 13 years, benefiting from a hybrid work model that supports work-life balance and inclusivity. I’ve earned certifications in CRM, conflict management, and business partner management, streamlining processes and optimizing sales support, while being recognized as Best Employee once and nominated twice.

My Strengths 

My strengths—adaptability, positivity, passion, dedication, flexibility, technical expertise, strong communication, and problem-solving skills—enable me to excel in dynamic environments. I collaborate effectively with teams, ensure clarity in projects, and creatively resolve challenges. These qualities have driven my success and will continue to support impactful contributions in any role.

3 Must on office table: Coffee, Family Picture, healthy snacks/fruits

Favorite activity:  Watching Movies

Favorite sports : Walking/Running

Success mantra: Believe in yourself