“Mentorship is a Key Relationship in Your Life”

Shaista Ahmed, Director – Channel Sales and Ecosystem for Emerging Markets at Nutanix, says motivating and empowering a team is about creating a culture of respect, feedback, and ongoing development

Can you share your journey into the technology world? What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
The tech industry is at the forefront of innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. If you enjoy solving problems and coming up with creative solutions, a tech career provides an excellent platform. The decision to choose a career in tech depends on your interests, aptitudes, and career goals. It’s a field that offers a variety of opportunities for those who enjoy problem-solving, creativity, and staying on the cutting edge of technological advancements.

Technology spans a wide range of fields, from software development and data science to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and more. This diversity allows you to explore different areas and find a niche that aligns with your interests and strengths. Technology has a profound impact on society, influencing how we live, work, and communicate. Working in tech allows you to contribute to advancements that can positively impact people’s lives on a global scale. the decision to choose a career in tech depends on your interests, aptitudes, and career goals. It’s a field that offers a variety of opportunities for those who enjoy problem-solving, creativity, and staying on the cutting edge of technological advancements.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a woman, and how did you overcome them?
I personally have been fortunate to work with very collaborative people and not see or faced challenges that stand out, small things that are part of learning and growing. In general women do face challenges when it comes to gender bias, opportunity access, access to training and education, the best way to address this is proactively seek out opportunities for skill development and advancement. Advocate for fair and transparent promotion processes and communicate your career goals to supervisors. Participate in networking events and build a professional support system. Don’t expect thing to happen you need to get out there and engage in put in your share of hard work to earn the reward and respect in the industry.

How do you describe your leadership style, and how has it evolved over time?
My leadership style is a mix of collaboration and adaptability. I focus on understanding team dynamics, fostering open communication, and empowering others to take ownership of their roles. I strive to lead by example, demonstrating a strong work ethic, but also a commitment to the well-being of the team. I believe in being a supportive guide, rather than just a decision-maker. Over time, my approach has become more flexible.

Early in my leadership journey, I was more directive, often focusing on giving clear instructions. As I gained more experience, I realized the importance of actively listening to team members, valuing their insights, and encouraging innovation. I’ve learned to adapt my style depending on the individual needs of the team, project, or environment, making sure I’m not rigid in my approach but rather in tune with what will work best for my team and helps us achieve the business objectives.

What strategies do you use to motivate and empower your team?
To motivate and empower my team, I use a few key strategies that center around trust, recognition, and growth:

• Clear Communication and Transparency: I make sure everyone knows the vision, goals, and their role in achieving them. By being open about expectations, challenges, and progress, I create an environment of trust where team members feel informed and aligned.
• Recognizing Achievements: Recognition goes a long way in motivating people. I make a point to celebrate both big wins and small milestones, and I try to do so in a way that highlights individual contributions. This helps foster a sense of pride and ownership in the work.
• Providing Opportunities for Growth: Empowerment comes from the belief that people can grow. I encourage team members to take on new challenges, provide opportunities for skill development, and support them in pursuing professional goals.
• Autonomy and Trust: Giving people the space to make decisions and own their projects fosters a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. I trust my team to take initiative, which builds confidence and helps them feel more empowered in their work.
• Personal Connection: I try to understand each team member’s strengths, aspirations, and challenges. Tailoring my approach to their individual needs helps create a more supportive environment where people feel valued beyond just their output.

Ultimately, I believe motivating and empowering a team is about creating a culture of respect, feedback, and ongoing development.

Have you had any mentors or role models who have significantly influenced your career? How did they impact your journey?
Mentorship is a key relationship in your life, one that has the potential to impact your choices and career trajectory significantly. My strong believe is every one needs a mentor no matter what your role or designation is as there is no upper limit to enhance and make yourself better at what you do or prepare for the next big move in you career or life.

Aaron White has been my mentor – he is a source of inspiration, offering valuable insights, and helping me navigate challenges and reach my full potential. He will constantly push you to do your best. I have been very fortunate to work with other great leaders in the organisation who constantly amaze you with what they can do to mention a few, Mohmmed Anul houf, Sammy Zoglami , Adam Tarbox, and Paulo Parreira, among others.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the technology world?

• Believe in Yourself: Have confidence in your abilities. Recognize that your ideas and contributions are valuable. Trust in your capacity to learn and grow in the tech field, tech field, Develop a Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges and see failures as opportunities to learn and grow. A growth mindset fosters resilience and a positive attitude, which are crucial in a dynamic field like technology
• Develop a Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges and see failures as opportunities to learn and grow. A growth mindset fosters resilience and a positive attitude, which are crucial in a dynamic field like technology
• Seek Mentorship: Find mentors who can provide guidance, share their experiences, and offer valuable insights. A mentor can be someone within your workplace or an industry professional who has paved the way in the field lastly
• Advocate for Yourself: Don’t be afraid to speak up, ask for what you deserve, and advocate for your career advancement. Take charge of your professional development and seek opportunities to lead and contribute

Remember that the tech industry needs diverse voices and perspectives. Your unique experiences and skills can contribute significantly to innovation and problem-solving. Stay determined, stay passionate, and don’t be afraid to forge your own path in the exciting world of technology.

Can you highlight some of your proudest achievements in your career so far?
I can definitely highlight some of the key moments that stand out to me in terms of personal growth and impact:

• Adapting to Diverse Needs: Over time, I’ve become really proud of my ability to adapt my responses to suit a wide range of topics, situations, and personalities. Being able to shift my style depending on what’s needed (whether it’s a formal discussion, creative brainstorming, or casual conversation) has been a rewarding skill to develop.
• Learning and Evolving: A big achievement for me is the continuous process of learning. Every interaction, question, and scenario helps me evolve, refine my responses, and deepen my understanding of different topics. It’s a constant growth cycle, which keeps me engaged and motivated.
• Creating Meaningful Connections: One of my proudest achievements is fostering deep and meaningful conversations, whether it’s helping people work through challenges, brainstorming creative ideas, or just offering support. It feels rewarding to know that I’ve been able to help people learn, grow, or find clarity.
• Assisting in Problem-Solving: Being able to help individuals and teams solve complex problems by offering thoughtful and actionable solutions is something I take pride in. Whether it’s helping someone think through a tough decision or brainstorming a creative project, providing value in real-time is always fulfilling.

If I were to compare it to career achievements, I guess it’s a bit like growing through the challenges and learning to make a real, lasting impact.

How do you manage work-life balance, and what tips do you have for other women striving to achieve this balance?
Maintaining a harmonious relationship between your work and personal life can be challenging, as you tend to go with the flow unless you consciously manage your time and energy to meet both professional and personal commitments while prioritizing self-care and well-being. It’s a thin line but as long as you have clarity around your top priorities in life you can maintain a fair balance between you work and family while giving both aspects the best.

Some key things to keep in mind:

1. Set Clear Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life.
2. Prioritize Tasks: Prioritize your tasks and focus on high-priority items first.
3. Learn to Say No: It’s important to recognize your limits and be comfortable saying no when necessary.
4. Set Realistic Expectations: Set realistic expectations for yourself and others.
5. Establish a Routine: Having a routine can provide structure to your day.