Her Story
About Neha
Neha Sharma, MPS, PMP, ICP, is a Managing Consultant at IBM based in Washington, D.C., with over seven years of experience in technology and management consulting. She specializes in bridging technical and functional domains, helping organizations translate emerging technologies—such as AI, data analytics, and data strategy—into practical, scalable business solutions. Her work focuses on client engagement, project management, and guiding enterprises through complex data transformation initiatives. She began her academic journey at Penn State University, where she earned a B.S. in Information Sciences and Technology, a minor in Supply Chain Management, and an M.P.S. in Management & Organizational Leadership. Her education combined technical foundations with business strategy, shaping her approach to consulting at the intersection of people, processes, and technology. She has also pursued continued professional development through certifications and training in business analytics, project management, AI foundations, and business acumen. Throughout her career at IBM, Neha has progressed from associate consultant to senior consultant and into her current managing consultant role. She is actively involved in thought leadership around emerging technologies such as post-quantum cryptography and AI adoption, while also contributing to mentoring and professional development initiatives. Beyond her client work, she participates in industry and academic engagement efforts, supporting programs that connect students and professionals and strengthen the future technology workforce.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Neha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a blend of rigorous training, hands-on experience, and the people who have supported me along the way. My education at Penn State gave me a strong technical and leadership foundation, and seven years in tech consulting taught me how to translate complex data and AI concepts into practical, business-changing solutions. In my current role at a major technology company, I draw on that background every day—leading initiatives, mentoring professionals, and partnering with clients to solve high-stakes problems. Above all, staying curious, resilient, authentic, and committed to lifting others has been the guiding force behind my career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to get comfortable with the unknown and view challenges as opportunities for growth. I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty, accept failure, and quickly adapt from setbacks, using each experience as a foundation to improve and move forward. Ultimately, it’s about owning my journey and defining success through continuous learning, resilience, and authenticity.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The first thing that comes to mind is to be the driver of your own career and truly own your story. You can always map out your career with a destination in mind, but if anything, it’s the unexpected moments that redefines a self-made journey. I didn’t start in tech when I was in college, and I had to face unexpected challenges that taught me how to adapt while staying true to my interests and goals. Though it was challenging, those experiences shaped who I am and brought me to where I am today. Be comfortable with your story, own the journey, and be willing to grow as you go. Let that drive lead you to what you’re proud of – a worthy, exciting destination.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is keeping pace with the rapid advancement of tools and skills—particularly data service and AI—as they move from concept to practical application. This requires not only learning new terminology and systems quickly but also understanding how to apply them effectively in daily operations, team dynamics, and client solutions. In a client-centric environment, the opportunity is to become a trusted advisor—someone who can confidently translate emerging technologies into practical, structured outcomes while continuing to learn in real time, adapt as the landscape evolves, and share knowledge across communities.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity, integrity, and empathy are the cornerstones of both my professional and personal life. Authenticity means being true to myself while transparently sharing opportunities, challenges, and progress with clients, colleagues, and peers so we can make better decisions together. Integrity guides my commitment to doing the right thing—even when it’s difficult—by delivering on expectations, owning mistakes, adapting as times change, and protecting the trust placed in me. Empathy enables deep listening and kindness, understanding diverse perspectives, and designing solutions that meet real needs. Together, these values shape how I mentor others, collaborate across teams, and measure success—not just by outcomes, but by the positive, respectful relationships and sustainable impact we create.
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