Women leadership series - In conversations with Padmavathi BK

How would you introduce yourself?

I am a dedicated professional, a wife, and a mother to a preteen boy. Beyond work, I am a passionate trekking enthusiast who finds joy in the mountains and adventure. I firmly believe in living in the present moment and embracing life’s experiences to the fullest

Can you tell me a bit about your career journey? When did you first get into a leadership role?

My career journey began as an entry-level Accounting Executive at Zee Network. Shortly thereafter, I transitioned into IT by joining Accenture as a Business Operations Analyst. Over an 11-year tenure at Accenture, I advanced from Analyst to Associate Manager, eventually becoming a subject matter expert in business operations. My first leadership role emerged at PwC, where I served as Senior Manager of Operations Excellence—an experience that marked the start of my formal leadership journey. During my time there, I was fortunate to receive invaluable guidance from  Ashwin Rao, whose mentorship has been a constant source of inspiration. After a rewarding 1.5 years at PwC, I joined LTIMindtree in 2022.

My leadership path took an exciting turn when I became part of the CIO leadership team under the exceptional leadership of Swapnil Deshpande, who believed in me from day one and has played a pivotal role in my continued growth as a leader.

What were the top challenges you faced during your journey and how did you overcome them?

One of the most challenging moments in my career was returning to the office just four months after maternity leave. As a new mother, leaving my young baby behind was incredibly difficult—especially at a time when work-from-home or hybrid work arrangements were almost unheard of. I often felt overwhelmed, unsure of how to navigate the conflicting demands of work and motherhood.This experience taught me the vital importance of asking for help. I was fortunate to have a compassionate manager, Shubhajit Mukherjee, who recognized my situation and enabled a work-from-home arrangement so I could spend precious time with my little boy. This support not only eased my transition back to work but also underscored the value of a nurturing workplace culture.

I firmly believe that asking for help is essential for achieving a healthy work-life balance, a necessity for both personal well-being and professional success.

What motivates you?

On a lighter note—my bank EMI! But on a more serious note, what truly motivates me is the role I play and the impact I create.

The trust my leaders place in me, pushes me to go the extra mile. Knowing that my contributions drive meaningful change keeps me motivated to do more and continuously improve.

Do you have a role model in your life? Can you name a few people who you look up to?

My ultimate role model, and the one person I always look up to, is my elder brother, Dr. Lokesh Krishnamurthy.  He has been my greatest mentor, guide, and support system.

Beyond him, I have been fortunate to have incredible individuals who continue to inspire me and bring out the best in me, including Ashwin Rao and Saikat Ray. 

What does leadership mean to you? How would you describe your leadership style?

To me, leadership is about inspiring, empowering, and making strategic choices that drive both people and business forward. It’s about creating an environment where individuals can grow, contribute, and feel valued while ensuring organizational goals are met with efficiently.  I believe in making practical, well-informed decisions that prioritize business outcomes.

While emotions are essential in understanding and managing people, I firmly believe that strategic decision-making requires setting them aside when necessary to ensure clarity and objectivity. I believe this balance helps lead with fairness, confidence, and a results-driven mindset

What would be your advice to young leaders?

Be strong & humble.  Take ownership-don’t wait for directions.  Ask for help when needed and last but not the least, don’t shy away from making bold decisions!!