Her Story
About Sapna
Sapna Manjunath is a senior Quality Assurance leader with over two decades of experience in the quality engineering field. She started her first job in 2005 while completing her master's degree at North Carolina State University. In her role as a manager, she combines individual contributions with leadership responsibilities, managing team members across diverse locations and time zones, supporting clients to meet their quality objectives, mentoring and coaching staff, and aligning team efforts with organizational goals. Sapna holds a master's degree in computer engineering from North Carolina State University, having completed her earlier education in India. She values integrity and work-life balance, and sees significant opportunities in AI to enhance creativity and professional growth in her field.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sapna
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best career advice that I keep receiving, even till today, is never let anyone determine your true potential or barriers. I don't think they know where the full stop is, or where the lines are. So your capabilities can only be determined by myself. I remind myself every day of that.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
There is no such thing as women can't do this in my industry. There's absolutely anything that a man can do, a woman can do. Whether it's trying to build a new software, getting into AI, or sitting in a boardroom. If you are capable, if you are true to your values, absolutely continue learning and listening. Always have that inquisitive mind to learn. At the same time, not to lose confidence in bringing up, ask the right questions, and make things work.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Opportunities with AI are plenty. AI can be a challenge as people talk about it taking jobs away, but I see it as an opportunity because it gives us time to think about what we actually want to do and use our creativity at work, rather than spending time on tasks that may not grow us. AI will really open up a lot of windows for us.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value integrity very highly. I would like to work as if somebody's watching over me all the time, even though nobody is. I would love to stay true to the organizational values and live up to the integrity. We also try to strive a work-life balance because I have a family. Making sure everybody has enough time to support their family or personal commitments.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.