Madhavi Donepudi

I think my success comes from my approach to problem-solving in the technology world. In technology, there are so many things that can be done and achieved, and I believe that saying no to anything is not possible a lot of times. We have to learn how to get to the solution instead of saying 'I don't know.' I don't know is not an answer - I need to find a solution, that is the answer. A lot of times when someone says 'I don't know,' I don't think that's a good answer. It should be 'I may not know this now, but I know I can find out how to.' That's my mantra most of the time, and that is where I think my success story comes from. I can pivot in different directions with flexible learning. It's all about logical thinking in this industry, so that's really what I think has been a success for me. It's not about I don't know, it's about how do I get to that knowing is important for me.

We get a lot of advice, especially from all the different managers that you work for - everyone gives you valuable lessons and suggestions. But I think for me, the most important thing that I've always felt is that whatever you do, you should be happy in the job, and give your best to that position as long as you're there, and the day that you're not happy about it, it's time to leave. So for me, irrespective of what the job is, I perform 100%, and I give 100% in a positive way. It's not about comparing myself to other people, but it's more about keeping my professionalism intact and ensuring that I give that positive vibe to anybody that comes and works with me.

My industry is technology, and I think it's very good that a lot of women are looking into the engineering field these days. They are getting opportunities and doing wonderful work, and there's never a dull moment in this industry - it's a fast-growing industry and it only gets better. The other thing I would say to women is that we have the capability to do good work-life balance. We should use that skill for both home and at work because we're able to juggle things very well. Use that skill that we have to develop ourselves more, and always remember that learning never ends. In technology, or in any profession, I think learning never ends, so as long as you continue to keep abreast with the latest and be happy in whatever profession you are in, that should be good.

I think everyone talks about AI a lot, but there's some sort of a fear in AI for people's careers. However, I think it's only going to help the technology and opportunities emerge themselves. There's a fear that there could be a challenge that it may not have jobs or anything, but like I said, the more abreast you are with the technology and if you're able to keep up with it, then I think there's nothing to fear. That's really challenging for sure, because you have to recognize that technology is fast-growing now than what it used to be 10 years ago or 15 years ago - it's much faster paced now. So it could be challenging, but again, if you're keeping abreast with it, then it should not be too difficult.

I think communication and trust are very important, no matter whether it's work or personal life.