“Be Inquisitive, Stay Open to New Ideas and Cultivate Resilience”

Arushi Goel, the Policy Lead for Middle East and Africa at Chainalysis, says, leadership is not about having all the answers, rather it is about creating space for the team to find them

Can you share your journey into the technology world? What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
My journey into the tech world started surprisingly in a courtroom. As a judge in India, I often witnessed how technology was changing society faster than the rules could keep up. While legal decisions had impact, tech had the power to drive change on a much larger scale and that is what drew me in.

Curious to understand this shift, I dove into emerging technologies like blockchain and data, working as a legal advisor to tech companies, international organizations and currently leading the policy function at Chainalysis. This has given me a front row seat to both the potential and the challenges relating to technology.

My path, though non-linear, has been fueled by my curiosity to understand the forces that shape our world, and an interest in problem solving and making an impact.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a woman, and how did you overcome them?
I have been fortunate to have incredible mentors and supporters, but the reality is, there are still too few women in leadership and technical roles. I have sometimes been the only woman in the room, something I am hopeful will change.

To navigate this, I have built a strong network of allies, people who support and challenge me. I also make sure to stay ahead of the curve by constantly learning and sharing. More importantly, I try my best to mentor and support other women in the field, given the countless efforts that have paved the way for all of us.

How do you describe your leadership style, and how has it evolved over time?
I believe leadership is not about having all the answers, rather it is about creating space for the team to find them, while ensuring both professional and personal growth. From my early days in the government services to the tech world today, I tend to be very meticulous about the “why” to ensure clarity for everyone in the team. Over time, I have learned to be more flexible with the “how”, enabling the team to find their own path.

What strategies do you use to motivate and empower your team?
While motivating and empowering teams, it starts with the essentials. First, it is valuable to know why the work matters. When the team sees the bigger picture and how their efforts move the needle, they naturally feel more invested. Then, it is about setting clear, achievable and measurable goals.

Everyone on the team needs to know what success looks like and this is where having a constant feedback loop helps the team iterate and calibrate as needed. Finally, it is equally important to make sure that the team is well equipped with the necessary tools, training and information to be able to accomplish their work.

Have you had any mentors or role models who have significantly influenced your career? How did they impact your journey?
I have been lucky to learn from remarkable mentors, both colleagues and external experts, who have supported me throughout my career. They have helped me navigate complex conversations, cultivate a forward looking mindset and generally allowed me to learn from their experiences.

Mentorship, however, is not just about structured guidance, I believe it is the everyday interactions that shape you. That is why I am so grateful for the powerhouse of colleagues at Chainalysis — from different domains including legal, marketing, engineering, security, policy, and sales — constantly pushing me to evolve and see things differently.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the technology world?
To every aspirant, I would say that the tech world, today more than ever, needs different perspectives and your perspective matters just as much. I have seen this play out countless times, whether it’s designing new products or drafting policy positions or making investment decisions, diversity in skills and viewpoints is usually the gap between good solutions and great ones.

Most importantly, be inquisitive, stay open to new ideas and cultivate resilience.

Can you highlight some of your proudest achievements in your career so far?
What makes me proud is not just the major milestones, but the ripple effect of what we do on an ongoing basis. Having mentored students and professionals, I always feel proud whenever I see them thriving.

Another initiative that was quite rewarding was conceptualizing and building a data exchange ecosystem for responsible data sharing in the agriculture sector, reinforcing my belief that tech, when used right, can be a force multiplier for good. Not only was it ambitious in terms of its vision but also in execution, requiring collaboration across diverse stakeholders, jurisdictions, and industries.

At Chainalysis, I take pride in facilitating meaningful conversations with policymakers and the industry, helping bridge the gap between technology and governance.

How do you manage work-life balance, and what tips do you have for other women striving to achieve this balance?
I see work-life balance as a goal post that is constantly moving. I am blessed to have a supportive family, and they are really the ones enabling me to manage.

For me, the key is being fully present. Whether it is a work commitment or time with family, I try to give it my full attention instead of multitasking. It is also acknowledging that no two days are the same. Some days, work takes priority and other days, it could be family or health or even just personal time.

More importantly, especially as women, we should not be afraid of asking for help, whether it is from colleagues, friends or family. More often than not, I have found that when I do, I am met with generosity and support, which helps me keep going.