Her Story
About Saadhana
Saadhana Reddy Koothati is a technology professional whose career has been shaped by curiosity, continuous learning, and a strong desire to solve meaningful problems. Her journey has taken her across data engineering, machine learning, cloud technologies, and artificial intelligence, giving her the opportunity to work on complex initiatives while continuously expanding her perspective on technology and business.
In her current role as an AI Specialist III at Duke Energy, Saadhana focuses on developing innovative solutions that improve efficiency, support better decision-making, and help organizations prepare for the future. While technology is an important part of her work, she believes the greatest value comes from understanding people, business needs, and the broader impact of the solutions being created.
She holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Rowan University and is currently pursuing an MBA at New England College. This combination reflects her broader career goal of growing beyond technical expertise into leadership, strategy, and business transformation.
Saadhana is passionate about lifelong learning, taking on new challenges, and encouraging other women to confidently pursue opportunities in technology and leadership. She believes influence is not defined only by titles, but by the ability to create opportunities, support others, and make a meaningful difference through one’s work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Saadhana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to consistent hard work, curiosity, and a genuine desire to keep learning. I have always believed that growth comes from being willing to explore new ideas, take on unfamiliar challenges, and continuously improve.
One principle that has guided me throughout my career is to step back when faced with a difficult problem rather than immediately jumping into a solution. Looking at challenges from a broader perspective often leads to better questions, better decisions, and ultimately better outcomes. For me, success has been less about having all the answers and more about staying curious, adaptable, and committed to learning.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to stay curious and approach every day as “day zero.” Yesterday’s accomplishments are important, but they should never become a reason to stop growing.
I try to measure progress by what I learn today, what I improve today, and how I evolve compared with who I was yesterday. That mindset has helped me stay humble, adaptable, and focused on continuous growth throughout my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice would be to pursue work that genuinely interests you. When you are interested in what you do, you naturally become more engaged, productive, and willing to take ownership of your work.
Stay curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or explore new areas. Just as importantly, take responsibility for your work and the decisions you make. Curiosity helps you grow, and accountability helps you earn trust. Together, they can take you a long way in your career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
AI is evolving at an incredible pace, and I see that as both the biggest challenge and the biggest opportunity in the field. The challenge is keeping up with how quickly the technology is changing, but the opportunity is that there is always something new to learn and apply.
I strongly believe that most technologies are learnable. You do not have to know everything from the beginning—you need curiosity, interest, and the willingness to dedicate time to learning. The people who continue to adapt, stay open-minded, and invest in developing themselves will be well positioned to grow along with the industry.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is the value that matters most to me. I believe in doing the right thing, being accountable, and taking ownership of my responsibilities, whether they are big or small.
I also place a strong emphasis on respect—respect for people, for commitments, and for the work itself. For me, integrity, ownership, and respect go hand in hand, and I try to carry those values consistently in both my professional and personal life.
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