Women on Wednesday with Meenakshi Khurana

At Precisely, we celebrate the women in our organization because we know that while more women are joining the technology industry, there’s still a gender gap. Supporting and advocating for women in technology is a top priority, which is why the Precisely Women in Technology (PWIT) program was established. Every month, a different woman from the program is featured in this Q&A to share her experience working in tech. Continue reading to learn more about Meenakshi Khurana, Talent Development Program Manager, and what she’s learned over the last decade.

Why did you choose to pursue a career in technology?

Technology is everywhere, and fortunately, I pursued an education in technology. After university, I started my career in the Talent Development department at Aon India, a professional services firm offering tech-enabled solutions. Later, I moved to Infogix, which was eventually acquired by Precisely. Over the last 10 years, I’ve been really interested (personally and professionally) in how quickly technology evolves. I love working in tech because I get to keep up with the latest innovations and I stay ahead of the curve!

Who has been your greatest professional mentor? What’s one thing you have learned from them?

My greatest professional mentor is my manager from my previous organization. He taught me the importance of paying attention to small details while keeping the bigger picture in mind. He also showed me how empathy and kindness can go a long way. He emphasized the value of kindness in every aspect of life – not just professionally. Over the last 10 years, I’ve been fortunate to have had other mentors as well, each leaving a significant impact on my growth.

What’s the biggest risk you took in your career? What was the reward?

The biggest risk I took in my career was moving from my first organization to a smaller company, where everything worked quite differently. In a smaller organization, you wear many hats, and things are often less structured. I found myself working closely with almost everyone in the company, which gave me a hands-on experience in many new areas. This environment also helped me become more confident in voicing my ideas and expressing myself; a skill that still benefits me today, even though I’m now in a different setting.

As a woman, what challenges have you faced in the technology industry? How have you overcome them?

The rapid pace at which things change means the outcomes we aim for can shift, and our strategies need to change with them. In order to navigate these changes, I’ve learned to stay flexible, keep an open mind, and avoid sticking to a narrow view.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? How do you apply it to your personal and professional life?

The best advice I’ve ever been given is to speak up and advocate for myself. Everyone is busy with their own work, which is completely understandable, but we each have to take charge of our own careers and personal lives. Don’t be afraid to speak up and make your needs and goals known. I apply this advice in both my personal and professional life by making sure I’m clear about what I want and taking action to make it happen.

What’s one piece of advice you’d offer to younger women entering the industry?

Stay curious! As the years go by, it’s easy to get comfortable, but if you want to grow, remember that intellectual curiosity takes you a long way.

As a successful woman in technology, what’s one thing you do to pay it forward and advocate for other women in the field?

I try to be there for those who need me by offering support in any way I can. Whether it’s mentoring, sharing advice, or simply listening, sometimes all someone needs is a little encouragement. I aim to create a space where other women feel comfortable reaching out and know they have someone to support them as they grow in their careers.

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