“Challenges Are Opportunities. Embrace Them!”
Neelu Arora, the Business Unit Manager at Mindware says she believes in granting her team autonomy, giving them the freedom to make decisions and take ownership of their work
Can you share your journey into the technology world? What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
Graduating as an Engineer, pursuing a career in the tech field felt like a natural progression for me. My journey began at Johnson Controls, where I had the chance to engage directly with End Customers, before moving on to the Canadian Embassy, a pivotal point in my career.
A life-changing moment came when my husband took a job in Kenya, and we relocated with our young child. The transition was challenging, but I decided to continue with my career. I joined a regional Systems Integrator (SI), which was a demanding yet rewarding role. I embraced the challenges, which gave me the opportunity to learn about the region, the market, and the people. It was an amazing experience, and I fell in love with Kenya and East Africa.
Through my role at the SI, I gained visibility with vendors, leading to my next position managing key customers in East Africa for Hitachi Data Systems. This opportunity expanded my expertise and opened new doors. Later, I joined Oracle, initially in sales, where I was inspired to transition to the Partner Organization. I was fortunate to study in the USA, completing my MBA, and then was given an exciting opportunity to relocate to the UAE and work with Mindware, a leading IT distributor in the Middle East. I am incredibly grateful to be working under the mentorship of some truly inspiring leaders.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a woman, and how did you overcome them?
Challenges are opportunities—embrace them. Relocating to a new country and continent with a small child was certainly a huge challenge, but it also presented an incredible opportunity. In Kenya, there was a strong acceptance of female leaders and professionals, which made the experience even more rewarding. I truly loved the eight years I spent there, experiencing complete professional satisfaction.
Like many women, I faced challenges in balancing personal and professional responsibilities, especially when it came to family. It took a lot of time management and grit to make it all work. A turning point came when I started seeking flexible work arrangements and leaned on the support of my friends, family, and colleagues.
How do you describe your leadership style, and how has it evolved over time?
Love to lead from the front. Will not ask my team to do a task that I can’t. I’ve had the privilege of working with various leaders, most of whom embraced an approach to give autonomy to team. I’ve adopted a similar style because I believe teams work best when everyone contributes and takes ownership of the success of the business unit. As I’ve gained more experience over the years, I’ve learned when to step back and allow the team to take the lead, and when to step in to provide guidance.
What strategies do you use to motivate and empower your team?
Motivating and empowering a team involves understanding the unique needs of each individual, being empathetic, setting clear goals, and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued. I believe in granting my team autonomy, giving them the freedom to make decisions and take ownership of their work. I trust them fully, knowing they have my full support when they need it.
Have you had any mentors or role models who have significantly influenced your career? How did they impact your journey?
I feel incredibly fortunate to have mentors who have not only guided me professionally but also encouraged my love for travel, helping me explore different countries. Their support has profoundly shaped both my career and personal growth, enabling me to achieve goals I once thought were beyond my reach.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the technology world?
I’d like to share a couple of pieces of advice that have been invaluable in my career. First, find your passion and turn it into a fulfilling career. Another key piece of advice for young women is to seek out a mentor who can guide you during challenging times. Lastly, remember that success takes time. Be patient with your journey, dream big, and stay focused on your goals.
Can you highlight some of your proudest achievements in your career so far?
Moving to Kenya with a young child was a huge personal and professional challenge. Despite the initial difficulties, I not only adapted to a new environment but also thrived in my career, gaining invaluable experience in East Africa and forming lasting connections. It was a turning point that shaped my professional journey.
During my time at Hitachi Data Systems and Oracle, I had the privilege of leading initiatives that strengthened relationships with key customers and partners in East Africa. These collaborations were not only advantageous for the businesses involved but also played a significant role in the growth of the region’s technology landscape. I was honoured to receive the Best of the Best Award for my contributions at Oracle. Completing my MBA in the U.S. was a significant personal achievement. It broadened my perspective and opened doors for career opportunities, including my role with Mindware in the UAE.
Working with Mindware has offered me invaluable opportunities to enhance my professional skills and support my career development. It was truly a proud moment to receive the “Transformation Leader” award at a recent leadership event hosted by Mindware. As I am transitioning into leadership roles, empowering and motivating my team has become a top priority. Each of these achievements holds a special place in my career, and I feel immense gratitude for the opportunities that have shaped my journey.
