Her Story
About Sruti
Sruti Permalla is an AI transformation and technology leader serving as Senior Director of IT, AI Center of Excellence and PLG at SentinelOne, where she leads initiatives focused on applying artificial intelligence across enterprise applications and business functions. With nearly two decades of experience in IT, enterprise applications, product management, and business transformation, she has built a career around solving complex challenges, improving operational efficiency, and delivering scalable, data-driven solutions. Her expertise spans AI transformation, cybersecurity, enterprise applications, strategy and operations, new product introduction, go-to-market strategy, and customer experience.
Prior to SentinelOne, Sruti spent more than a decade at Palo Alto Networks, progressing through leadership roles across strategy and transformation, product management, finance and operations, go-to-market, mergers and acquisitions, and enterprise applications. During this time, she led major digital transformation initiatives, developed AI-powered solutions, modernized financial and operational processes, and helped accelerate new product introductions. Earlier in her career, she worked as a senior SAP consultant, leading global finance, procurement, and enterprise systems transformations across a range of industries and international markets. This breadth of experience has given her a strong ability to connect technology, business strategy, and operational execution.
Beyond her corporate leadership, Sruti serves as a board advisor to a healthcare startup, where she provides strategic guidance on IT infrastructure, compliance, enterprise systems, and AI readiness. She holds a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University and has pursued executive education in AI applications at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, along with professional certifications in generative AI. Passionate about responsible innovation and practical AI adoption, Sruti actively engages with technology and cybersecurity communities, sharing insights on AI infrastructure, observability, governance, automation, and the evolving role of technology in business transformation.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sruti
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success first and foremost to my faith in God, which guides me throughout my journey. I’m also deeply grateful for the support of my family and the strong core values I was raised with, which have shaped who I am and continue to help me move forward.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is not to let someone else’s perception or judgment define me. Who I am is shaped by the life I’ve lived, the career I’ve built, and the lessons, knowledge, and experience I’ve gained.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be fearless, never stop learning, and continue challenging yourself every day. Growth often comes through challenges, so don’t be afraid to take risks or fail. Failure is part of the journey and can teach you valuable lessons that help you grow.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field is keeping pace with rapid technological change. Tools, platforms, and best practices are constantly evolving, so staying current, recognizing what is becoming outdated, and adapting quickly are essential in today’s fast-changing environment.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are ingenuity, accountability, and respect. I believe innovation and creative thinking are essential for growth, while accountability means taking ownership of my responsibilities. I also value mutual respect and treating my teams and peers with the same respect I expect from others.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.