Dive into Sushma’s inspiring journey as she breaks tech diversity barriers, championing inclusion and driving innovation. Discover her impactful work in digital transformation and its significant benefits for the industry.
Highlights
Who is Sushma?
Sushma Krishnamurthy is a senior leader at VASPP and the founder of InzpireU. She has over 20 years of experience in digital transformation, focusing on Data and AI Product Strategy. Throughout her career, Sushma has guided technical visions, built high-performing teams, and driven innovation in product delivery.
Additionally, she is also dedicated to making a difference in the community through her non-profit, InzpireU. One of her significant achievements was creating an AI framework for early cancer detection in 2003, highlighting her expertise in medical technology.
In this article, Sushma shares her journey and thoughts on diversity in the technology industry.
Inclusion and Empowerment in Technology
As an Asian woman navigating the path of technology leadership, I’ve come to understand the profound impact of representation, inclusion, and empowerment in the workplace. As a Technology leader, my role isn’t just about leading innovation. It’s also about creating a culture where women are valued for their hard work and contributions. As you can see, it is not just diversity tokens.
In my journey to foster a culture of inclusion and empowerment, I’ve encountered varied reactions when discussing women’s roles and contributions in the workplace. From nods of agreement to the dismissive rolling of eyes, these reactions remind us of the challenges we still face. However, there’s a key truth: others’ perceptions should not define our self-worth or diminish our achievements.
Embracing Our Worth
As women, especially in fields where we are underrepresented, it’s crucial to anchor our sense of value in our hard work, expertise, and unique perspectives. The notion of being considered a “diversity hire” can be disheartening. However, we must navigate this perception with grace and confidence. The key is not to internalize these views but to challenge them through our excellence, leadership, and contributions.
The Importance of Genuine Inclusion
In the tech industry, where the gender gap is a well-documented challenge, the role of women, especially those from diverse backgrounds, becomes pivotal in reshaping the narrative. It’s not enough to fill quotas; it’s about creating environments where women are hired for their merit, skills, and the unique perspectives they bring to the table. As a leader, I advocate for a culture that moves beyond mere representation to genuine inclusion. This means recognizing the contributions of women as intrinsic to
Building a Supportive Community
Community plays a crucial role in empowering women in tech. It’s about creating spaces where women can find mentors, allies, and role models who have navigated similar paths. As a CTO, I prioritize building this community within our organization, encouraging open dialogues, sharing success stories, and acknowledging the challenges. Through this community, we can inspire, support, and uplift one another, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond our organization.
A Call for Cultural Shift
The journey towards a more inclusive and equitable workplace is ongoing. Therefore, a cultural shift that starts with individual awareness and extends to organizational practices is required. As leaders, colleagues, and allies, we must all be willing to challenge outdated stereotypes and advocate for a culture that recognizes the value of every individual. This means celebrating achievements, providing opportunities
As a CTO and a woman in technology, my commitment extends beyond technical innovation. It includes cultivating a workplace where women are acknowledged for their contributions, not their gender.
When we discuss women at work, it is crucial to move beyond superficial acknowledgments toward a deeper understanding and appreciation of each person’s value. While some may still hold onto outdated perceptions, we are responsible for not internalizing these views.
We deserve to be acknowledged for our contributions. It’s okay if others initially see us as fulfilling a diversity quota, as long as we don’t view ourselves that way. Our worth is defined by our hard work, dedication, and the impact we make. Together, we can continue to break barriers through resilience, advocacy, and the support of allies. We can certainly pave the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplace.
