Growth and comfort do not Coexist

Some of Thoughtworks’ most accomplished engineers in India talk about their work, and their recipe for success

SHRADDHA SURANA
Global Data Community Lead and Data Scientist

Shraddha Surana is an AI researcher. Having worked in various domains like astrophysics, life sciences, drug discovery, retail and BFSI, she considers herself a multi-domain data scientist. She is an international conference speaker and has published research papers.

Shraddha chose to pursue electronics & telecommunications which, in hindsight, greatly aided her interest and skills in AI. She dove deeper into machine learning (ML), by majoring in the subject during her Masters in 2013. She is currently researching ‘reasoning within AI’ to create explainable AI and responsible AI.

Shraddha is an active mentor to many professionals and students. “My advice to aspiring women technologists is to find an able mentor. Women technologists must be bold and connect with people in their field,” she says.


BALVINDER KHURANAPrincipal Consultant and Data Strategist

Balvinder Khurana says her passion has always been in solving complex customer problems and delivering sustainable results. “This was evident even when I began my career as a software developer in 2007. I gradually transitioned to big data technologies and was able to lead numerous client engagements. I took the opportunity to traverse both enterprise and open-source initiatives and play a crucial role in technology, delivery and consulting aspects,” she says. She says a quality she has picked up and honed over the years is being a strong advocate for knowledge sharing and mentorship. “I constantly strive to empower my colleagues to reach their full potential. I do this by actively sharing my insights and experiences. My objective is to inspire others to think creatively, embrace data-driven approaches and push the boundaries of what is possible,” she says.


CHHAYA DHANANI
PORTFOLIO HEAD, ENGINEERING FOR RESEARCH

Chhaya Dhanani says she has always been ready to pick up assignments and roles that she thought she was not ready for at the time. “I believe that’s how one grows. Pushing through those moments when one thinks, ?Wow, I’m not really sure I can do this,’ is when you have a breakthrough. I don’t believe growth and comfort coexist,” she says.

Chhaya has worked across domains. “Through it all, what helped me connect with my clients and the work community was being authentic. I also consistently worked with sponsors and coaches,” she says. Leading an R&D unit has been a game changer for her. It involved much unlearning and relearning. “It involved defining a vision with my fellow teammates, applying business sensibilities to run a sustainable research engine that today collaborates on mega science engineering projects in the country.”