Sudha Adarsh, Technology Leader at Target (ex-Oracle, ex-Tata Consultancy Services), play a pivotal role in the technological advancement in every changing world. With a remarkable career spanning over 25+ years, Sudha brings a wealth of experience in Digital and Cloud transformations for various industries. Holding a master's degree from Indian Institute of Technology and having completed the Senior Leadership program at Harvard Business School, she stands as a testament to both technical prowess and leadership acumen.

Sudha's influence is profound as she guides a glob-ally diverse team of engineers currently focusing on `Power of Data and Data Democratization' through data engineering techniques and help organizations in their transformation journey around `Data growth and AI adoption'.

Beyond her technical prowess, Sudha is an advocate for empowering women in Tech, serving as an inspi-ration to aspiring professionals within the technology sector.

Take us through the initial stages of your life. Which significant factors during your early years contributed to your personal development?

The unwavering belief my parents had in me, combined with my strong commitment in achieving success and making them proud in everything I do, gave me the motivation to develop a confident outlook and a consistently positive mindset. Additionally, I saw how my responsible brothers not only looked after their own families but also stepping up to help extended families and friends had a significant impact on me during my formative years. It inspired me to cultivate a selfless nature and promote a widespread attitude of support to build inclusive society.

Share your background in the industry. What are your main areas of proficiency as a leader in the fields of engineering and technology?

I possess diverse experience in both cloud and digital transformation journey for industries such as enterprise software, FinTech, banking, and retail. My primary expertise lies in building innovative products through multifunctional, geographically distributed teams, with a strong emphasis on engineering excellence and deliv-ering compelling value for customers.

Tell us about the significant insights you've gained throughout your extensive 25+ years in the professional realm.

Interestingly, I was fortunate to be part of tech transfor-mation journey, that was relevant during the time for all the organizations I have worked with. This gave me immense exposure and experience in building products and solutions keeping `customer success' as the center of focus. This exposure facilitated resiliency and quick adapting to every changing needs of the `Tech Sector'.

The second crucial lesson I learned is about `respon-sible leadership' emphasizing the critical role human capital or people play in the success of any organization. I highly value the significance of shared vision, nurtur-ing personal connections, demonstrating environmental responsibility and building diverse communities.

Can you provide insights into your life and interests outside of your professional endeavors? Are there specific activities or projects that occupy your time beyond work?

I am deeply committed in making a positive impact to our communities in every possible way. As a trustee member of an NGO based in Bangalore, my efforts are focused in ensuring access to education and essential healthcare services for deprived children and villagers. I am an active social worker, providing assistance in various capacities. Amidst the challenges of the Covid pandemic, I utilized my network to save the life of a sole breadwinner by ensuring timely hospitalization. I also extended support to essential workers like the police, health personnel, and BBMP workers in our locality by distributing food and essential supplies. This was a gesture of gratitude for their relentless efforts in safe-guarding our nation during unprecedented times. It is truly humbling experience of all.

“My passion lies in creating a meaningful impact for our communities through technology, empowerment & inclusivity”

In your perspective, what are the most significant accomplishments you've attained thus far in your professional voyage?

Being among the few diverse leaders of my generation to hold senior leadership roles and possess the authority to assist others in their personal growth and profession-al advancement is something I continue to cherish and accomplish. I have always believed in creating a tribe culture around shared vision and purpose. As part of performing several roles (mentor, coach, sponsor, diver-sity, equity and inclusion champion) both within and outside the organizations, I can proudly mention that, the relationships I have built with people is my biggest accomplishments.

I am gratified to have upheld the values my parents instilled in me ­ striving for excellence in all endeavors.

According to your perspective, what characterizes your leadership style? What principle drives your achievements?

I view myself as an authentic, reliable, and compassion-ate leader. My formula for success revolves around a commitment to perpetual learning and personal growth for me as an individual. I diligently strive to set a prece-dent by embodying values like integrity, responsibility, empathy, and a robust work ethic. My emphasis lies in forging connections and serving as a source of inspira-tion, encouragement, and advancement for those around me.

I hold a steadfast dedication in building diverse workforce and empowering teams.

Sudha Adarsh, Technology Leader & A Social Entrepreneur, Target Brands

Possessing 25+ years of experience in the technology sector with expertise in digital and cloud transformation for industries such as enterprise software, FinTech, Banking and Retail, she is a passionate social entrepreneur, who is always looking for opportunities to create positive impact in the society through innovative and sustainable ways. The social enterprise that Sudha is associated with, empowers artisans PAN-India, by enhancing their livelihoods, contributing to the sustainable development of their communities and preserving traditional art and crafts form through uniquely designed sustainable hand-made products. It embodies the concept of LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), a behavior-based movement that draws from India's rich, ancient sustainable traditions to nudge customers and in turn markets to adopt environmentaly-consicous. This ties closely with India's G20 theme- `Vasudhaiva Kutumbakkam', or `One Earth, One Family, One Future'.