Dushala Agarwal, Marketing Manager ME, Jedox , talks about her passion for technology that drives her to reach new heights in the field of technology.
Tell us about your leadership style and philosophy
I believe in leading with a mindset that encourages autonomy, collaboration, and engagement. Aligning the motivations of your people with the ideal outcomes of the organisation ultimately leads to building that mutual trust as they are likely to feel more empowered and valued.
What prompted you to consider a career in technology?
I chose a career in IT because is an ever-growing and ever-evolving industry brimming with opportunities for growth. If you take an example of the pandemic, it is because of the rapid advancement and adoption of technology that new workforce paradigms such as digital workplaces are a reality today. With every technological advancement, we were able to respond to the outbreak and adapt to it. I like the fact that it is such a broad field where multiple career paths can be explored.
What do you think is the best part of being a woman in the tech industry?
I would say the most important part would be to encourage other women to be a part of this dynamic industry. It is not uncommon knowledge that the percentage of women in the tech industry is quite low. To me, the best part is my ability to thrive and truly love what I do in this field as that it distinguishes me as woman whose contribution not only makes a positive impact through work I do, but also gives me a chance to be a part of the wonderful community of #WomenInTech alongside my fellow women from the industry.
Do you feel you have had to work harder than male colleagues to advance your career?
I must admit that I have never faced a discriminating situation in my career so far. My hard work has always been recognized and rewarded. In my opinion, focusing on developing your skills and being respectfully assertive in demanding circumstances can empower you in dealing with challenging situations.
What motivates you every day?
My own constant evolution, both personally and professionally, motivates me to keep going. It is through the people I meet, situations I face and the lessons I learn at the end of each day that I constantly move ever closer to a better version of myself which is critical for success in life.
What is the best professional advice you have ever received?
A piece of advice that has stuck with me through time is to have a problem-solving mindset. There have been various occasions in my career where things have gone out of plan due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances, and I learnt that it is crucial to firstly embrace the problem and then focus on finding logical solutions with a level-head.
What’s next for you in terms of your career in the tech industry?
I have recently had the opportunity to take on a new role and all my focus is geared towards demonstrating my expertise in the field and excelling in the role, aiming at a natural progression that come with fresh challenges.
What are your thoughts on the next transformation in the tech industry?
Internet of Behaviors (IoB) that essentially refers to behavioural data analysis gathered from Internet of Things (IoT) and other similar sources will undoubtedly cause an upheaval in the tech industry as it can not only help businesses market more effectively based on their consumers’ buying behaviours, but also improve value chain and customer satisfaction.
What advice would you give to women looking to break into the field of digital technology?
There is no better time than now to break into this field as the world is rooting for digital transformation. Focus on bridging the technical skills gap, being agile and open to embracing global opportunities and identifying a mentor that can set a positive example for your career as they can play a key role in shaping your goals and career path.
Can you offer few tips on achieving work-life balance in today’s scenario?
Prioritize. Everything is not equally important, and you must decide what takes precedence. Block out distractions while working to stay focused and efficient. Lastly, unplug and do more of what makes you happy to truly unwind.
