How to Harness Tech for Change

How do you turn a passion for technology into a powerful tool for inclusivity and change? In this episode, Pratima Amonkar, Area Lead for Cloud and AI Strategy at Microsoft, shares her remarkable 25-year journey in tech. From her early fascination with computers in India to leading transformative projects across ASEAN, Pratima delves into the pivotal moments and insights that shaped her career.

She discusses the synergy between passion and purpose, the impact of organizational support, and the importance of mentorship and a learning mindset in overcoming challenges and making meaningful contributions. Join us as Pratima reveals how technology can empower businesses, governments, and individuals to create a more inclusive society!

Discussion Topics: How to Harness Tech for Change

• What ignites a lifelong passion in tech? Pratima Amonkar recounts her initial fascination with computers and the beginning of her tech journey in India.
• How is Pratima using Cloud and AI to empower the Microsoft ASEAN region?  Learn about Pratima’s role in leading Cloud and Artificial Intelligence strategies to supercharge ASEAN’s transformation.
• Where do passion and purpose intersect in technology? Discover how Pratima’s dedication to inclusivity and accessibility merges her passion for innovation with a meaningful purpose.
• Navigating career changes: Chance or strategy? Hear about the pivotal moments in Pratima’s career, including navigating through company acquisitions and the evolving tech landscape.
• What role does organizational support play in career growth? Delve into how flexibility and empowerment within organizations have been crucial to Pratima’s development and success.
• Why are mentors and sponsors vital for career advancement? Learn from Pratima’s experience how mentors and sponsors can shape the professional journey, offering both guidance and opportunities.
• Staying sharp in tech: Just how important is a learning mindset? Discover Pratima’s approach to continuous learning and the importance of embracing a “learn it all” culture in a fast-paced industry.
• Advice for female leaders starting out on their journey

Our Guest: Pratima Amonkar

As Microsoft’s leader for Business Strategy, Pratima Amonkar spearheads the work Microsoft does to empower customers, partners, governments and startups to digitally transform their businesses using Microsoft Cloud and artificial intelligence technologies.

She chairs the ASEAN Microsoft Diversity and Inclusion Council and the Council on Accessibility and Assistive Technology and is a core member of Microsoft’s Global Commercial Accessibility Council that influences Microsoft product and tools design.

Pratima established and led the Microsoft Enabler program that seeks to improve employability for People with Disabilities, in collaboration with Microsoft commercial partners in the region. She’s a member of Singapore Enabling Technology Advisory Group (ETAG) as well as Singapore Business Network on Disability (SBNOD) and works with Microsoft’s customers and partners to help them establish accessibility inclusive practices.

Over the last 20 years, Pratima has held leadership roles at various technology firms like Rational Software, IBM, and Sun Microsystems. She has built and led technical teams that have delivered high growth cloud revenues across emerging and developed global markets.

Your Host: Ritu Gupta Mehrish

Ritu Gupta Mehrish is a speaker, executive coach and author, with 20 years of corporate experience working in companies such as P&G, GE Capital and GE spin-off Genpact. In her last role, Ritu ran a multimillion-dollar business vertical with 1000 people across eight countries and five continents. Throughout her extensive career, Ritu has had the opportunity to work, coach and converse with leaders across the globe from diverse industries. Her business and leadership experience has enabled her to bring in a pragmatic approach to leadership development. Her client list of Google, PayPal, Swiss Re, JP Morgan, Applied Materials, Intel, Knight Frank, Johnson & Johnson, AIA, Medtronic, Wharton Executive Education highlights the level of expertise she brings to the leadership topic.

Rajita Saxena is a leader and people manager with over 20 years of business experience in sales, sales support, strategic operations, and learning & development. She builds strong, high-performing teams and believes in being a Level 5 leader to unleash the potential and performance of teams. She thrives in an environment that provides an opportunity to problem solve or create impact, whether it is a situation that is full of change and ambiguity or one that requires creating a strategy.