Each of us has a unique origin and growth story that defines who we are. I often describe myself as the sum of many roles – a mother to a teenager, leader of a global workforce, wife to a startup founder, chief technology officer, and daughter to an aging parent. Some days, I’m more of one and less of another, depending on what the day demands. Over the years, I’ve learned to blend these roles and accept that ‘the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.’ This approach has helped me navigate the challenges of a demanding career while staying grounded – it’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present and embracing the moment.
Growth and comfort don’t coexist: I strongly believe that your career is shaped by the ability to continuously learn, adapt and push your boundaries. It’s all about honing a growth mindset. When I started at my current company, I had front-row seats to experience hypergrowth and scale. This required stepping into uncharted territory and tackling challenges for which I had no predefined playbook. I had to say ‘yes’ to opportunities that stretched me – roles I didn’t feel entirely prepared for at the time. Pivoting from a programme management to a product leadership role was one such experience. It was a series of firsts – defining new product strategies, reimagining technology vision, and scaling product development while navigating rapid growth. Simply put, growth and comfort do not coexist. As uncomfortable as it was, saying yes to these diverse experiences shaped my growth.
Practice systems thinking: Some of my best learning has come from the trenches – constant interactions and feedback loops with the broader ecosystem. I’ve learned to approach every product challenge with a systems mindset, connecting the dots between customers, business needs, and technology. Adopting a 360-degree perspective enables you to create meaningful value not just for yourself but also for those around you. This involves drawing insights from leaders, teams, and even the challenges themselves. A guiding question for this approach is: How does my work influence and contribute to the bigger picture? The answer shapes the depth and reach of your impact.
Blitz the obstacle course: Often, the toughest battles aren’t external but internal. Earlier in my career, I’ve grappled with moments of self-doubt – the infamous imposter syndrome. What kept me going were the people around me – managers, colleagues, and family (my personal cheerleaders!) who believed in me. This belief helped me replace my ‘inner critic’ with a voice of reason. My mantra has been to surround myself with people who challenge me, amplify my confidence, and push me to raise the bar.
For women aspiring to lead, your story is your strength. Our careers are not linear paths but a series of moments that build career momentum. As Brené Brown eloquently puts it, ‘When we have the courage to walk into our story and own it, we get to write the ending.’
For me, leadership is an evolving journey – a constant balancing act of growth, authenticity, and impact. I fully embrace that I am a work in progress.
So, to anyone reading this: Seize your story, own it, and let it guide you toward creating the future you deserve.
Roopa Jayaraman is chief technology officer at Odessa