Women leadership series - In conversations with Rashmi Siddagangaiah

How would you introduce yourself?

I am an IT professional with over 20 years of experience in Quality Engineering. I develop and implement test strategies that align with business objectives. My approach focuses on achieving high standards through continuous improvement. Balancing work and personal life can be challenging; however, I manage factors within my control.

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

My career journey began with a clerical position at a nationalised bank, after which I transitioned into the IT industry as a tester for the banking product Finacle. During my tenure, I had the opportunity to test and certify renowned products such as Finacle, booking.com, eTrade, and numerous applications within the banking, insurance, eCommerce, and CRM sectors. I have gained experience working across various domains and technologies, encompassing different facets of testing.

For the past 10 years, I have been leading the Quality Engineering team for Enterprise Applications. In this role, I oversee all aspects of project delivery. I have developed extensive expertise in quality assurance, covering functional, integration, impact analysis, automation, performance, security, usability, and data privacy testing. My responsibilities include managing QA activities for DOTNET applications, SAP, ServiceNow, SuccessFactors, Salesforce, and DW reports.

I have spearheaded the definition of Azure DevOps processes and implemented Microsoft ALM tools to ensure automated and secure application delivery, achieving 100% tool-driven traceability from requirements to production deployment. Additionally, I have established the change management process for applications and other portfolios within the Enterprise Systems organisation, driving its adoption through collaboration with cross-functional teams in the IT department.

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

I was tasked with implementing the end-to-end SDLC process using Azure DevOps for Enterprise Applications. Coming from a QA background, this was quite a challenge. However, by collaborating with the COE team to understand best practices, receiving guidance from my manager, and working closely with the development and support teams, we successfully achieved 100% traceability on the tool, from requirements all the way to go-live.

Process and governance have been an area of interest, and I was allowed to implement the Change Management process across Enterprise systems. This initiative required coordination with multiple teams and achieving consensus within a three-month period. Initially, introducing a change in the workflow and convincing all teams to adopt it was challenging. However, after explaining the benefits and discussing the problems that could be avoided by adhering to the Change Management process, industry-standard procedures of the ServiceNow (SNOW) Change Management module were adopted, defined, and successfully implemented across all teams within the agreed timelines.

What motivates you?

What drives me is the creation of a nurturing environment where open communication, mutual respect, and the opportunity to witness and contribute to each other's best qualities are paramount. This supportive atmosphere fuels my motivation and inspires me to excel.

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

I do not have just one role model in life; rather, I admire and adopt various traits from many individuals.

My parents have been significant role models for me. My father is exemplary in his ability to think ahead and plan meticulously. My mother has taught me the importance of remaining calm and composed, which helps in assessing options and making the best choices.

My previous manager, Pooja Wahi, inspires me with her extensive technical knowledge on any subject, motivating me to explore further. My friend, Chaitra Kashinath, exemplifies excellent leadership skills, encouraging others to achieve more and fostering strong teams.

Chitra Iyengar, AVP Training and Development, stands out as a dynamic individual who empowers others through her inspiring words.

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

One of my favourite quotes on leadership is from John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States. He said: "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." I believe this captures the essence of what leadership means to me: inspiring others to grow and achieve their full potential.

I describe myself as a collaborative and participative Leader.

What would be your advice to young leaders?

I believe that the way you think, act, and treat others defines a leader.

Collaborate and gain visibility to strategize effectively; discuss key objectives, identify growth opportunities, cultivate trust, and ensure that everyone is heard, treated fairly, and respected.