My career trajectory was undoubtedly influenced by my father. Our dinner conversations often revolved around leadership, people management, and strategic boardroom discussions. His insights provided me with invaluable exposure to executive leadership dynamics, shaping my journey toward becoming an SAP expert myself.
However, my fascination with technology was kindled during my time at Purdue University, immersed in an environment pulsating with technological innovation. It was there that I fell in love with the boundless possibilities of tech. An impactful moment was participating in a project sponsored by Melinda Gates, exploring the intersection of computer interfaces and human interaction. Though our ideas aimed at making interfaces more social didn't fully materialize due to technological limitations of the time, it offered me a glimpse into the transformative potential of technology across all facets of life.
Following this epiphany, I embarked on my career in the software industry, driven by the conviction that technology could revolutionize our world. Since then, I've never wavered in my commitment to harnessing the power of technology to drive innovation and positive change.
Being different has always been my superpower. I embraced this mindset early on, from being one of the best in business school and even better in tech-related studies, to working in advanced technology sectors without a computer science degree. Surrounded by people unlike myself, I never saw my uniqueness as a disadvantage. Instead of feeling marginalized or concealing what made me stand out, I chose to leverage my differences as strengths.
I bring a unique perspective that can enhance the collective insight of any group I'm part of. If I withhold my viewpoint, the group loses out on a broader perspective.
My father had a plaque in his office that I always admired. It read, "When two people in business always agree, one of them is unnecessary." This saying became a guiding principle for me after he passed away and I placed the plaque in my own office. I strive to embody this philosophy personally and cultivate teams that embrace diverse viewpoints. It’s not the easiest path, but it's one that fosters superior results.
Speaking of my time at SAP, one of the highlights of my experience was the warm welcome from the SAP community. It truly felt like joining a family, with many reaching out to offer kind words and share their excitement about me coming on board.
I was also incredibly impressed by SAP's global operations. Unlike other companies with international teams, SAP exhibits a seamlessly integrated and universally inclusive approach. Often, US-based companies may have a US-centric view, even when serving customers worldwide. SAP, however, embraces a more globally inclusive perspective in its operations.