We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chaitra Vedullapalli a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Chaitra , we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Developing confidence and self-esteem, especially in the tech industry, is a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and a deep commitment to personal growth. For me, the foundation of confidence has always been rooted in curiosity and a relentless pursuit of understanding the fundamentals. The cloud and AI industry, with its ever-evolving landscape, demands not just theoretical knowledge but also the practical application of skills. It’s this continuous loop of learning, applying, experimenting, and succeeding that has been instrumental in building my confidence.
The initial step in this journey was to cultivate a genuine curiosity for the subject you are interested in pursuing. This curiosity led me to delve deeply into the fundamentals of my field that I am very passionate about – tech, fund development, and strategic collaborations. Understanding the basics provides a solid foundation upon which you can build complex ideas and solutions. It’s akin to learning the rules of a language before trying to write poetry. This depth of understanding gives you the confidence to navigate the landscape, which is often complex and intimidating.
Reverse engineering outcomes played a significant role in my growth. By deconstructing successful projects or systems, I was able to understand not just the ‘what’ but the ‘how’ and ‘why’ behind them. This process demystified the path to success in technology projects and made the outcomes more attainable. Seeing the underlying principles at work in successful systems helps in internalizing that success in technology is not a matter of chance but of well-applied principles and hard work.
Preparation and practice are the bedrock of confidence. The more you prepare, the more you practice, the more familiar and comfortable you become with your domain. This familiarity breeds confidence. It’s about being prepared to execute your ideas, having rehearsed and anticipated challenges, and being ready to tackle them. Every successful project under your belt is a testament to your capability and a boost to your self-esteem.
For women in the tech industry, developing confidence and self-esteem is not just important; it’s imperative. The tech field, historically male-dominated, can often feel unwelcoming to women. Confidence rooted in competence and preparation becomes our armor and our strength. It enables us to claim our space, contribute our ideas, and lead with authority. It’s about showing up, not just for ourselves but for other women in the field, to create a more inclusive and diverse industry.
Every woman in tech should take responsibility for her growth. It’s about embracing the process of learning, understanding your worth, and recognizing the unique perspectives you bring to the table. Confidence and self-esteem in tech are not just personal assets; they are tools for change, paving the way for a more diverse, inclusive, and innovative industry.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As the president of Women in Cloud (WIC), we are dedicated to an extraordinary journey of empowerment, innovation, and community building. As a part of this vibrant global network, I am deeply involved in fostering an environment where women and allies can thrive, innovate, and lead in the 7 trillion dollar cloud and AI ecosystem. The essence of Women in Cloud lies in its commitment to creating an inclusive tech ecosystem that not only advocates for gender equality but also drives substantial economic impact through technology and innovation.
What sets Women in Cloud apart is its holistic approach to achieving gender inclusivity and economic access in the tech industry. By focusing on areas such as Cloud Workforce Development, Civic Engagement through Policy Advocacy, Entrepreneurship, and Cloud/AI Innovation, WIC is building a robust platform for women to excel and lead. This is underpinned by a strong alignment with the ESG and UN Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that our efforts contribute towards sustainable development, diversity and inclusion, and technological innovation. We are a global network of 100,000 Women Tech Founders, Executives, Tech Professionals, and Allies in 67 countries who are committed to inspiring the tech ecosystem to be an inclusive force for change and take collective action by providing a powerful platform to collaborate, build community engagement and unlock $1B in new net economic access by 2030.
The X Factor of Women in Cloud lies in its unique blend of tech skilling, leadership preparation, and access to customer markets, technology, funding, and people. We’re not just talking about creating opportunities; we’re actively building pathways for women to excel in high-tech roles, lead with confidence, and gain access to critical networks and resources that can catapult their careers and ventures to new heights.
One of the most exciting aspects of my work with WIC is being a part of groundbreaking initiatives that have a tangible impact on women’s lives and careers. For instance, our recent achievement of setting a Guinness World Record was a testament to our collective vision and action. But we’re not stopping there. Looking ahead, we’re excited to unveil several transformative initiatives:
– WICxCybersecurity Scholarships: We’re unlocking over 5,000 scholarships to help women upskill and pursue careers in the critically important field of cybersecurity.
– ICONS Movie Integration: In collaboration with ShortsTV and OscarShorts 2024, this initiative aims to showcase the stories of women leaders in tech, inspiring a new generation and supporting the entire media & entertainment ecosystem to gain economic stability.
– Collective Thought Leadership and Authorship: This project provides a platform for women to share their insights, experiences, and visions for the future of tech, amplifying their voices in the industry.
– GTM Momentum Accelerator: Designed to help women entrepreneurs scale their businesses with Microsoft, this accelerator focuses on go-to-market strategies and business growth with Cloud marketplaces.
– .AI Preparedness Summit for Founders: Recognizing the pivotal role of AI in the future of tech, this summit prepares women founders to leverage AI for innovation and competitive advantage.
In 2024, we are deploying resources valued at $30 million to equip women with the tools, skills, and networks they need to succeed. Being a part of Women in Cloud is not just about being part of an organization; it’s about being part of a movement that is reshaping the tech industry to be more inclusive, innovative, and impactful.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as particularly impactful: executive gravitas, continuous learning, and mastery of specific tech topics. These elements have not only shaped my path but also provided a solid foundation for growth and leadership in the tech industry.
1. Executive Gravitas
Developing executive gravitas was pivotal. This quality is about more than just confidence; it’s about embodying authenticity, making informed decisions, and inspiring others. For women in tech, where our leadership is often scrutinized more closely, having executive gravitas can break down barriers and establish credibility. To develop this, focus on enhancing your communication skills, practice decision-making in challenging situations, and seek feedback from mentors. Remember, gravitas comes with experience, but its foundation is built on how you present yourself and engage with others.
2. Continuous Learning & Experimentation
The tech industry’s constant evolution means that continuous learning and experimentation isn’t just beneficial—it’s necessary. Initially, this meant diving deep into certification courses and hands-on projects to understand the technical aspects of my field. Over time, it evolved into staying abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and innovative practices. For those starting, my advice is to cultivate a habit of learning and experimenting. Engage with online platforms, attend webinars, and participate in workshops. This continuous learning journey will not only keep your skills relevant but also fuel your curiosity and passion for technology.
3. Mastery in Specific Tech Topics
Specializing in one or two areas of technology significantly impacted my career. I focused on GTM and Licensing. It allowed me to contribute meaningfully to projects, lead initiatives, and offer unique insights. Mastery comes from deep, focused learning and practical application. Choose an area that excites you, whether it’s artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or cloud computing, and immerse yourself in it. Participate in projects, contribute to forums, and share your knowledge through blogs or presentations.
Advice for Early-Career Individuals:
1. Embrace Executive Gravitas Early: Start working on your leadership presence now. Volunteer for speaking opportunities, lead meetings, and seek roles that challenge you. These experiences build confidence and hone your decision-making and leadership skills.
2. Commit to Continuous Learning and Experimentation: Set aside time each week for learning and experimenting. Use a mix of resources—online courses, books, podcasts—to keep learning varied and engaging. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone; it’s often where the most growth happens.
3. Aim for Mastery: While broad knowledge is valuable, deep expertise in a specific area can set you apart. Engage deeply with your chosen specialization, seek out mentors in that area, and apply what you learn in real-world projects.
Remember, your journey in tech is unique to you. Embrace your path, leverage your strengths, and don’t shy away from challenges. Joining communities like Women in Cloud can provide support, resources, and opportunities to grow and lead.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The number one obstacle we are currently focusing on at Women in Cloud (WIC) is enhancing access to investment from private foundations, government, and corporations to create $1B in economic access.
This challenge is multifaceted, touching on issues of Representation, Equity, and Inclusion, economic turbulence, the political climate, financial strains, ESG pushbacks, the evolving tech landscape, wellbeing and mental health concerns, and gender-specific considerations. Each of these areas presents its own set of challenges but also opportunities for innovative solutions and partnerships.
Addressing the Obstacle:
1. Economic and Political Climate:
In 2024, the global political and economic landscape is indeed complex and uncertain, with implications for investment in technology and innovation. To navigate this, WIC is leveraging global partnerships and aligning our initiatives with the broader economic and political dynamics. We are actively engaging with policy-makers and industry leaders across the 10+ countries we operate in to advocate for policies that support tech innovation and investment, focusing on areas like AI & Data privacy, cybersecurity, voter protection and counting, and international policies.
2. Financial Strain and Tech Landscape:
The financial strain on the tech industry, exacerbated by global GDP growth slowdowns and potential credit crunches, requires a strategic approach to fund development and investment. WIC is addressing this through:
– Partnerships with Corporates: Collaborating with companies like Microsoft, Google, and their channel partners to unlock investment and support for women-led tech initiatives.
– Grants and Fund Development: Leveraging support from organizations like the Mackenzie Bezos Foundation, Pivotal Ventures, and others to provide financial backing for innovative projects and scholarships.
– Tech-Specific Initiatives: Focusing on areas like cybersecurity, where there is a 300% increase in cybercrimes post-pandemic, by offering scholarships and training programs to equip women with the necessary skills to lead in this field.
3. Wellbeing and Mental Health:
Recognizing the high-stress environment of the tech industry and its impact on mental health, WIC is implementing support systems and resources focused on the well-being of our community. This includes mental health workshops, stress management resources, and creating a supportive community where members can share experiences and solutions.
4. Gender-Specific Considerations:
To tackle the unique challenges faced by women in tech, including gender biases and fewer advancement opportunities, WIC is:
– Creating Readiness and Access: Offering scholarships and accelerators like the Insider Circle and GTM Momentum Accelerator to empower women with the skills and opportunities to succeed.
– Showcasing Success Stories: Through initiatives like the ShortsTV integration, and MXW Venture: Film Fund, we’re producing movies that highlight the achievements of women in tech, changing perceptions and inspiring future generations.
We are committed to not just navigating these challenges but also turning them into opportunities for growth and innovation. By focusing on building skill sets, job readiness, and access creation through scholarships in cybersecurity, AI, and cloud, and through accelerators and storytelling via movies, we aim to build a resilient, inclusive, and thriving tech ecosystem.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://womenincloud.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womenincloud
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaitrav/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/globalwic/
Image Credits
Image Credit: Chaitra Vedullapalli. Images Courtesy of Women in Cloud.
