Women leadership series - In conversations with Vaishali Kulkarni

How would you introduce yourself?

Hello. I work as an IT professional, specializing in Project and Program Management. I enjoy focused work and engaging with people in my comfort zone.

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

I began my career as a trainee 26 years ago, undertaking various roles such as developer, tester, and analyst in the initial stages. The projects I worked on allowed me to grow into a lead role. After gaining 8 years of experience, I was assigned to manage a group of 10 new employees independently. Within 2 years, the team size increased to 30. This expansion was facilitated by management's confidence in my capability to manage the team.

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

There were challenges faced at each stage. Initially, I was hesitant to engage in open conversations, which resulted in missed opportunities. Another challenge was the lack of guidance in the IT career, as there was no one available to provide reliable advice. This led to some mistakes, but these mistakes provided learning experiences. Reflecting back, it is now clear how certain situations should have been handled more effectively.

What motivates you?

The availability of new opportunities continues to motivate me. I have the chance to engage in various types of work, conduct experiments, and acquire new knowledge. Collaborating with my team throughout this journey brings me great satisfaction.

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

In truth, it is challenging to single out any individual by name here. However, various situations offer substantial lessons. The manner in which one analyses and manages a situation provides significant learning opportunities.

I have observed many individuals performing exceptionally well under immense pressure without losing their composure. Additionally, I have witnessed some effectively handling conversations to persuade others. Moreover, I have seen people navigating through critical 'do or die' situations successfully.

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

I have gained valuable insights into effective leadership practices from various individuals. In my view, a leader serves as both a protector and a guide for their team. My preferred leadership style is to lead by example, setting positive precedents that others are inspired to follow.

What would be your advice to young leaders?

It is acceptable to fail. Use mistakes as learning opportunities. Maintain honesty. Collaborate towards shared objectives. Verify that the approach and methods used are aligned with achieving the target.