In a field often dominated by men, Shruti Worlikar began her career as an individual contributor, working as a systems engineer in data centers. Her dedication and talent enabled her to grow her skillset in cloud computing, eventually transitioning to a solution architect role in AWS. With a commitment to continuous learning and leadership, she advanced further to lead worldwide teams, showcasing her expertise and vision in the tech industry. Shruti broke the stereotypical molds created for women within the industry by breaking the glass ceiling and redefining success in the cloud industry. As a prominent figure in this domain, she shares her insights and experiences, shedding light on the challenges faced, the support systems that helped her thrive, and the future she envisions for women in tech.
Breaking the glass ceiling involves overcoming invisible barriers and systemic obstacles that prevent women and other underrepresented groups from advancing in their careers. In the context of the cloud industry, it signifies increasing representation of women in senior executive roles and positions of influence, creating equal opportunities for career advancement based on merit, and catalyzing a cultural shift towards inclusivity and diversity. It also involves inspiring and serving as role models for other women and girls. “Breaking the glass ceiling is about challenging and changing the structures, biases, and norms that perpetuate gender inequality,” Shruti explains. “It’s about opening doors for future generations of women, demonstrating that gender should not be a barrier to achieving professional success.”
Shruti’s journey in the tech world has not been without its hurdles. “Gender bias and stereotypes were significant challenges early in my career,” she recalls. “Comments questioning my suitability for tech roles because of my gender, race, or age were distressing and shook my confidence.” Despite these challenges, Shruti acknowledges the support she received from male leaders like Tim Bixler and Kevin Kelly. “Having strong male allies is crucial,” she says. “They supported me through rough encounters and helped navigate these challenges.” Work-life balance, particularly during her pregnancies, was another challenge. “Determining whether to keep my career on hold was difficult, especially with the lack of maternity leave policies in the USA,” she shares.
The tech industry sees a declining number of women in technical leadership roles, in 1984, 35% of tech leaders were women. By 2022, that figure had slipped to 32%, and further fell to 28% by 2023. “This gender disparity has impacted my career by limiting access to opportunities and reducing visibility,” Shruti notes. To overcome these obstacles, she employed several strategies: building a supportive network of peers, mentors, and allies, continuous learning and skill development, advocacy and visibility by taking on high-profile projects and speaking at conferences, joining women-focused tech groups for community and collaboration, and mentoring others to build a supportive community and encourage more women to enter and stay in the tech field. “Seeing fewer women in leadership or technical roles can be discouraging and contribute to feelings of isolation. Throughout my career, I have mostly worked for male leaders, except on two occasions. While I learned a lot from each of them and navigated various workforce challenges, working for Elizabeth Moon and Deirdre Toner was the most liberating experience. They demonstrated the importance of making your voice heard in a business setting with respect and confidence.” says Shruti.
Personal and professional support systems have been crucial to Shruti’s success. “My family, especially my husband Rohan Kamat, have been my biggest supporters,” she says. “Their belief in my abilities provided the emotional strength and motivation I needed.” Professional support systems, including mentors like Dr. Satish Lakshmanan and Adam Driver, have also played a significant role. “Mentors provide guidance, career advice, and open doors to new opportunities,” Shruti explains.
Shruti’s approach to leadership is characterized by empathy, emotional intelligence, and inclusivity. “I prioritize open and transparent communication, encouraging feedback and dialogue,” she says. “Involving my team in decision-making processes ensures that diverse viewpoints are considered.” Mentorship has been a cornerstone of Shruti’s career. “Mentors provide guidance, support, and inspiration, helping navigate the challenges of a male-dominated industry,” she notes. “Seeing the success and resilience of role models is incredibly motivating.”
Balancing professional responsibilities with personal life is challenging. “Set boundaries, prioritize tasks, and seek support from family and friends,” Shruti advises. “Don’t hesitate to ask for help and engage in self-care activities to manage stress.” To promote gender diversity in tech, Shruti suggests several steps for organizations: ensure job descriptions are free from gender-biased language, actively seek diverse candidates, foster a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusivity, support employee resource groups and mentorship programs, conduct regular pay audits and ensure equitable compensation, and strive for diversity in leadership positions and set measurable goals for diversity and inclusion.
For young women aspiring to enter and excel in tech, Shruti offers the following advice: focus on education and skills, gaining practical experience through internships and projects, stay curious and keep learning through courses, certifications, and industry events, build a network of supportive peers and mentors, develop strong communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, and advocate for yourself and believe in your abilities.
Looking ahead, Shruti envisions a future with increased representation and gender parity in tech. “I want to see a tech industry culture that values diversity and inclusivity, where women feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute their best,” she says. “Creating a supportive ecosystem and fostering work-life balance are crucial for encouraging more women to enter and remain in tech.”
Shruti Worlikar’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, support, and continuous learning. Her insights and experiences serve as an inspiration for aspiring women in tech, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse industry.
Published by: Khy Talara
