“True leadership in technology is about breaking barriers, embracing change, and inspiring others to create a better future together.”
This sentiment embodies Vidya More, the Director of Cloud, Data & AI at Capgemini, and a leader who has carved out a remarkable path in the tech industry while uplifting those around her.
The essence of this quote lies at the heart of Vidya’s journey—one marked by resilience, courage, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. This article explores how Vidya not only redefined leadership in technology but also paved the way for countless women aspiring to leave their mark in an industry that still presents challenges to those who dare to dream big.
A Journey Beyond Excellence
Vidya was born in a middle-class family in Mumbai, India, where education was a core value, but engineering was far from a common career path for women. It took courage and the unwavering support of her parents for Vidya to pursue her dreams.
She earned a degree in Electronics Engineering from Mumbai University, becoming the first engineer in her family. Her path was not without its hurdles; engineering was a male-dominated field, and she had to push against societal expectations and norms. But these challenges only strengthened her resolve.
Vidya’s career trajectory took her across borders to Ireland and London. These experiences broadened her worldview, exposing her to diverse cultures and ideas. Inspired by this global perspective, she set her sights on the United States, determined to build a career in this dynamic country. With determination and perseverance, she turned her aspirations into reality.
Over the years, she held various roles in software engineering, solution architecture, and engineering leadership at firms such as PwC, EY, KPMG, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Vidya’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and the importance of embracing opportunities.
Creating Waves of Impact
When asked about what inspired her to pursue a career in tech, Vidya speaks of her passion for problem-solving and making a positive impact on people’s lives. “I was fortunate to have great parents, teachers, and mentors who continuously inspired me, challenged me, and motivated me to achieve my full potential,” she reflects. This passion for improving people’s lives became her guiding purpose, driving her to take on leadership roles where she could influence innovation and impact the world.
Vidya’s desire for continuous personal growth and lifelong learning has been constant throughout her career. “It’s like how I can try to be better than yesterday—there is no competition but lifelong learning,” she says. This philosophy has been instrumental in her journey from an aspiring engineer to a leader in the technology space.
A Transformative Accomplishment
We asked Vidya about her most significant accomplishments in her career, to which she said, “One of the most significant rewards and forms of recognition as a leader is witnessing the growth and development of the individuals I lead. I find great satisfaction in investing in the professional development of my team members, helping them reach their full potential, and achieve their goals.”
“Observing the progress, they make is incredibly rewarding and brings a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, I find recognition in the impact of my work on the organization. Seeing the tangible results of my efforts and knowing that I have made a positive difference in the lives of others is a powerful form of recognition for me as a leader,” she adds.
Additionally, one of Vidya’s most recent and significant accomplishments has been leading the development and launch of an AI-powered healthcare platform designed to connect silos in the individualized cell and gene therapy supply chain. The goal was to ensure that the right treatment reached cancer patients at the right time. This project not only achieved business success but also made a meaningful social impact by improving patient outcomes.
“Leading this project shaped my leadership style,” Vidya explains. “It reinforced the importance of having a clear vision, empowering team members, and staying focused on creating value for users.”
The experience taught her to balance technical expertise with strategic thinking and people management. It is these qualities that have allowed Vidya to excel in her current role as Director of Engineering at Capgemini, where she leads with empathy, vision, and a focus on innovation.
Overcoming Challenges as a Woman in Tech
Despite the progress that has been made, Vidya acknowledges that biases—both conscious and unconscious—still exist in the tech industry. “Even though we are living in 2024, there are still microaggressions and biases around us,” she says. Throughout her career, Vidya has often found herself as the “only one” in the room, but she has used these experiences as opportunities to learn, grow, and lead by example.
Vidya emphasizes the importance of building a support system, finding mentors, and promoting a culture of inclusivity. “It’s important to me that we build inclusive teams. I always aim to be someone who leads with empathy, who listens, and who creates a collaborative and psychologically safe environment,” she shares.
Empowering women in tech is something Vidya is deeply passionate about, and she is committed to helping others overcome the barriers that she herself faced. Sharing some powerful advice for young women aspiring to enter the tech industry and take on leadership roles, Vidya says, “It’s important to build your support system, get continuous feedback from your mentors or coaches, and develop confidence. Get over your imposter syndrome. Accept failures and learn continuously.”
She encourages young women to dream big and believe in themselves, and most importantly, to not let their limiting beliefs or past experiences hold them back. “Your opinions matter. Dream big, believe in yourself, and have the courage to break the biases and stereotypes,” she emphasizes.
Fostering Innovation Through Collaboration
As a leader, Vidya believes in fostering a culture of innovation by encouraging experimentation and learning from failures. One of her recent initiatives was organizing a GenAI hackathon in partnership with clients to develop tech solutions for real-world challenges. This event resulted in several promising prototypes that are now being explored further.
Vidya’s approach to innovation is rooted in collaboration, passion, and a desire to create meaningful impact. She understands that innovation is not a solo endeavor—it requires a collective effort, diverse perspectives, and a willingness to take risks.
Mentorship has played a crucial role in Vidya’s career, and she is committed to paying it forward. “I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who provided guidance, opened doors, and pushed me out of my comfort zone,” she says. Today, Vidya is a mentor to young women in tech, helping them grow in their engineering or technical careers. She believes in creating more diverse leadership in the industry and helping the next generation of women break barriers and achieve their full potential.
Rooted in Balance, Empathy, and Growth
Juggling the demands of a high-profile role with personal life is an ongoing effort for Vidya. She prioritizes self-care, sets boundaries, and manages her time effectively. “I schedule dedicated focus time on my calendar and engage in personal interests like traveling and building Lego to rejuvenate myself,” she shares. Vidya believes that achieving work-life balance is essential for sustained success and personal well-being.
The way Vidya looks at leadership can be summed up in a few words: “Be kind, have compassion, dedication, empathy, and respect towards your team members. Continuous innovation and lifelong learning.”
For Vidya, leadership is about building trust, empowering people, and creating an environment where everyone can do their best work. She believes that diversity is essential for success, and she is committed to building inclusive teams that leverage the unique strengths of everyone.
A Vision for the Future
Being recognized as one of the “Women Leaders in Tech to Watch in 2024” is a tremendous honor for Vidya. “It validates the hard work and perseverance I’ve put into my career,” she says.
More importantly, Vidya hopes that this recognition serves as a platform to inspire other women and girls to pursue careers in technology. She is determined to use her voice and her story to make a difference, helping to pave the way for more women to enter and thrive in the tech industry.
Vidya’s priorities for the next year are ambitious and forward-thinking. She is focused on enabling innovation and scaling AI capabilities within her organization. Additionally, she is dedicated to developing a diverse leadership pipeline, launching an internal innovation lab to explore emerging technologies, and expanding community outreach and STEM education initiatives.
Vidya is passionate about creating opportunities for others and using technology as a force for good. Her vision for the future is one where diversity, innovation, and empathy are at the core of technological advancement.
Vidya More’s journey is an inspiring testament to resilience, courage, and the power of innovation. From breaking stereotypes as a young girl in Mumbai to leading impactful tech initiatives in corporate America, Vidya has shown what’s possible when passion meets perseverance. Her leadership style, rooted in empathy and a commitment to diversity, is helping shape the future of technology—one that is more inclusive, innovative, and impactful.
Her story is a beacon of hope and a call to action for aspiring women in tech: dream big, break barriers, and lead with compassion.
