I feel women need to develop skills that are essential for leadership role
Published on : Tuesday 08-03-2022
Dr Sheela Siddappa, Principal Data Scientist, Kyndryl.
What was the inspiration that prompted you to pursue this career path?
My passion for Data Science even as a BE student has helped me carve this path. The passion for a topic or subject grows as we study it, and yes, it was the faculty who made all the difference. Yes, Dr H N Narasimha Murthy taught Operations Research for three semesters for us at RVCE, and it was amazing. I knew it was a difficult course and very few took that course during their Master’s as Major, as getting ‘A’ grade is not that easy.
I never thought of what grades I can make, the impact or consequences due to that. I only wanted to study what I know has a lot of value in industry and can be of great value to the business. I know Data Science is an amazing subject and will be able to do wonders. Hence, not thinking too much about the future – grades, job, salary, career, etc., I simply went for my higher education and today, I landed up being an example for – someone who is working on exactly what he/she has studied.
Focus on one topic, giving my best to it and not getting distracted with other outcomes, has helped.
Can you recall your early days – say the first few days at work – and anything you would like to mention about that?
When I joined the Research Organisation, almost all were men – except for a couple of them, who were women (juniors). My PhD classmates said, Sheela, it is not at all easy, while it is an honour to get this job, how will you manage with these people?
I look at things in a positive way. I only knew I must give my best.
For a woman, it is a matter of finding the right balance between the jobs and managing the home – how do you manage this?
1. When I give my time, it will be 100% whether family or work. I do not sit at the office and think of family or vice-versa. So, it is effective.
2. I prioritise the tasks I want to do in my family and do only those. Do not want to be a super woman who is able to do all and be responsible for all. Of course, family support is one big thing.
Have you ever missed a career opportunity or promotion due to gender?
No. I was always allowed to work, given access, and connected to all levels of leadership even as a young Researcher at my first job. This was mainly because they knew I would contribute and be able to put my thoughts clearly to the leaders. So, I did not feel I missed anything.
Are workplaces today more sensitive to gender issues than say, a decade ago?
Yes. They try to make sure there is good diversity and try to involve women in all types of tasks.
Are there areas at work that still restrict women when it comes to leadership roles?
I feel women need to develop skills that are essential for leadership roles. It is more the need of the business skills that determines the person and not the gender, these days.
Do you have a mentor or a role model? If yes, you may state briefly how it inspired you.
No. People travel their path due to the scenarios/situation they encounter and the need of the hour. So, it is difficult to have one mentor or one role model to follow.
What would be your message to the youth who are just starting their career?
Know the skill (business understanding/interpersonal relation/…) that is essential for your current or upcoming role and work towards being good at them. Technical knowledge (being a first rank at college etc.,) alone cannot take you a long way.
Describe yourself or your aspirations, dreams in 3 words.
Innovative. Practical. Aggressive.
With over 15 years of Industry Experience in the field of Data Science, Dr Sheela has addressed business problems in domains like Industry 4.0, Health Care, Energy, Manufacturing, Smart city, etc., and provided innovative Machine Learning solutions. Prior to joining Kyndryl, Dr Sheela worked as an Expert – Data Science, at Bosch; Senior Research Scientist and Scientist at the Research Centres of Infosys and General Motors respectively.
Dr Sheela is recognised as one of the Top 10 Data Scientist in India, 2020; as one of the Top 10 Women Technology Leaders, 2021; as one of the Top150 AI leaders and Influencers, 2021. She is the Associate Editor for Inderscience – International Journal of Big Data Management Journal. Advisory Board member for Data Science program at multiple Tier 1 Academic Institutes in the country. Received Tool Method Invention Award, Best Poster Award, and International Best Speaker Award and many more for her innovative and novel work.
Sheela received Engineering (2000) from RVCE, Bengaluru, MS (2002) and PhD (2006) from University of Texas at Arlington, USA, with majors in Machine Learning and Optimisation.
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