Sneha Utturwar is an accomplished leader with more than two decades of experience in data analytics and business intelligence. Last year, she won the industry award "Women in Tech Leadership 2023." As Senior Director and Delivery Head of CAAS (Clinical AI & Analytics Services) at Saama Technologies, she leads the overall delivery and execution of complex cloud-based solutions for global pharma companies. She has played a key role in developing various solutions in the Clinical data analytics space leveraging AI/ML.

Can you tell us about your AI journey? 

Throughout my 21-year journey in data and analytics, I've witnessed a significant evolution in industry practices, transitioning from traditional on-premise data handling to the current era characterized by cloud-based storage, highly accessible and scalable infrastructure, and a plethora of analytics tools.

Acknowledging the critical role that domain expertise plays in propelling successful data analytics initiatives, I have focused the last 16+ years in the Life Science domain. 

In 2018, I encountered a pivotal moment when clients sought chatbot solutions for interactive analytics on top of clinical operations data, marking the initial foray into this technology. Back then, these chatbots were developed using intent-context-based models. The advent of Gen AI is exciting, as it unlocks numerous avenues to enhance efficiency in clinical trials, ultimately reducing the time it takes for life-saving drugs to reach patients in need.

What is your area of expertise in AI, and what made you choose it?

My field of AI expertise includes various applications designed to meet specific business requirements. Among the successful implementations I led, to name a few, we have utilized NLP techniques to extract invaluable insights from medical literature. Additionally, we have employed predictive analysis to forecast patient enrollment for clinical trial sites, optimize patient selection criteria, and enhance patient diversity based on various enrollment parameters.

What continually drives my passion is technology's profound impact on improving people's lives. This direct connection to humanity fuels my motivation to innovate and apply AI solutions for the betterment of mankind.

How did generative AI impact your field of work?  

Generative AI has significantly influenced our work by revolutionizing how we handle the data generated throughout the various stages of the drug discovery process. A particularly thrilling application of Generative AI is its integration into our platform, which we have designed to support Biometrics and Statistical programming functions. Using knowledge graph-driven intelligence, this platform seamlessly connects specifications, data, code, and deliverables, bringing efficiency and enabling innovative solutions that accelerate drug approval processes.

Describe some challenges you have faced in reaching where you are now.   

I am fortunate to work in environments and organizations that value meritocracy above all else and support women. However, I've encountered my fair share of challenges along the way. To mention a few, I had to exert extra effort during my formative years to assert my opinion, especially in a diverse group. The fight for female voices to be heard in technical subjects has also been a persistent challenge, often due to a bias that women lack the depth necessary to contribute to complex technological solutions.

As my personal and professional responsibilities expanded, balancing work and family life became increasingly demanding. I remained focused on the overarching objectives during such periods, which helped me navigate challenges. For example, I established a good support system at home with multiple backups, enabling me to undertake greater responsibilities at work while attending to my family's needs as my children grew. Focusing on our goals empowers us to find solutions and persevere through challenges without giving up midway.

Do you see enough female leadership roles in corporates? In your opinion, what should change?  

Unfortunately, the representation of female leadership roles in corporations tends to decline, particularly at senior levels. This decline in gender diversity can be attributed to various factors, including workplace biases, societal pressures, and the prevalent expectation in Indian culture that females bear sole responsibility for managing family and childcare duties. This paradigm must shift, and we can initiate this change by addressing the factors within our control—starting with ourselves.

I've spearheaded a program within my organization for the past four years to address these challenges, drawing inspiration from Lean In principles. This initiative aims to mentor and empower a cohort of female associates by fostering a collaborative ecosystem where they can support one another, achieve their goals, and overcome the barriers hindering their confidence and resilience as leaders. Crucially, we must challenge the social conditioning that equates a "superwoman" with managing household and professional responsibilities single-handedly—a myth that must be dispelled. Every female must overcome this guilt; she should learn to accept assistance, delegate tasks where feasible, and build a supportive network to pursue professional goals without compromising personal responsibilities.

What do you want to say to women who wish to build careers in AI and other tech-related fields? 

To women aspiring to build careers in AI and other tech-related fields, I would encourage you not to hold back. Regardless of perceived biases, pursue roles that align with your passions and interests. Thankfully, many organizations are actively promoting gender diversity and offering various platforms to support women in tech. However, it's essential to recognize that the journey may come with its challenges. Seek mentors and allies who can guide and help you along the way. Additionally, don't underestimate the power of networking and building connections within the industry. Remember, your unique perspectives and contributions are invaluable to the field, and by embracing opportunities and overcoming obstacles, you can forge a fulfilling and impactful career in tech.