How did you get started in the field of analytics?

From childhood, I was passionate about studying art and science. So I zeroed in as economics as my subject of choice. After graduating, I pursued my Masters in Business Economics from Delhi University. In 2002, I decided to take up a PhD in Economics from IIT Delhi - all while working as a research & analysis executive in Ernst & Young, and while pregnant with my first child. I was just really passionate about economics and it felt like a logical mix of science and art. We use scientific and statistical tools, but it is an art to understand how metrics and numbers impact an organisation.

How can female participation in the workforce improve?

Despite being among the top 3 countries producing female STEM graduates, India ranks significantly lower in terms of employment of women. As they move up the ladder, the numbers keep falling. There are many systemic issues that first need to be addressed. Firstly, employers must provide more flexibility to women in terms of hours, especially for familial responsibilities and childcare. In addition, feedback from female employees should be heard - unless organisations understand what women want, it is not easy to help them out the way we need. Leadership councils and decision groups must include women, not as an afterthought or to fill a slot, but to seriously weigh in their perspectives and contributions. This is how inclusion can be brought about. Additionally, we should all acknowledge that inherent biases exist - what matters is being cognisant of them and addressing them actively. At EXL, we have several workshops across the board to drive more awareness surrounding workplace bias. And finally, women do need to be recognised and appreciated for their contributions. I believe we have the potential to make any environment exponentially better. I also believe familial support has a very significant role to play. Personally, my husband is my biggest support and champion. The widespread perception is women don't need to have a job unless she has financial obligations. Our passion, interests and capabilities deserve a platform like any other, and we should have the freedom to choose. Having a family that supports your choices plays a vital role in career longevity as well.

As a role, does analytics bode well with the inherently strong qualities of women?

I don't think analytics is a gender-centric role, but I have come to believe female leaders in this domain add that extra diligence and commitment. Driving analytics is a job that requires multi-tasking and multiple stakeholder management. It is extremely important to keep the morale up, bring teams together, foster collaboration, all while keeping an eye on the data. Analytics management is so much more than just the technology - today, it is a vital business function and requires flair and maturity to run competently. I believe women have these qualities inherently, and can foster togetherness naturally. From time to time, I heard my male team mates tell me that women are more dedicated, and I have to believe this is because we all have our own stories of struggle, and have overcome hurdles to get to where we are. We know what's at stake to take it for granted, and we attach immense value to our jobs. This makes men rethink and re-evaluate their own approach towards work.

How can AI impact an organisation?

Aside from driving customer experience, manage data and smoothen workflows, AI has way more value. I'm personally excited to see what AI can do when its democratized. Businesses should now focus on opening up analytics to even non-technical teams and business users, so the entire organisation can reap these benefits. I've seen some sophisticated applications emerge even for non-technical areas because the endeavour is about focusing on a use case, not the technology itself.

What's your advice to women pursuing a career in tech?

If technology is your passion, pursue it no matter what. Don't be put off by hurdles. Organisations today are far more accommodating than earlier. Always keep learning, keep aside an hour everyday for yourself to learn something new. This is absolutely imperative for anyone specialising in any technology domain. Lastly, don't be afraid to speak up. Include yourself in discussions, find your own voice and engage actively.