Journey of Code to Leadership: Insights from Soma Joshi, Director at VISA

SOMA JOSHI, an accomplished IT professional with a remarkable career spanning over 17 years. Currently serving as the Director at VISA in Bengaluru, Soma has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in project management, software development, and client relations.

Soma's extensive experience includes key roles at renowned organizations such as Capgemini, Société Générale, Walmart Labs India, Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse, and BNP Paribas. Her adeptness in handling large-scale projects in diverse domains like Retail, Finance, Telecom, and Insurance has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Achiever's Award and multiple client appreciations.

A certified PMP, Six Sigma Yellow Belt, and Certified Java Developer, Soma is well-versed in a multitude of technologies and methodologies. She holds a Master of Technology in Data Science from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology from University of Mumbai.

Soma's proficiency extends to multilingual communication, being fluent in French, English, Marathi, and Hindi. Her commitment to excellence and continuous learning makes her a valuable asset to any team.

Join me as I delve into her journey, insights, and advice for aspiring professionals in this exclusive interview.

Soma Joshi can be reached at: soma.joshi@gmail.com | LinkedIn Profile

Dr. Anand Wadadekar in a chat with her...

1. Can you talk about your school life in terms of studies, exams, scoring marks and extra-curricular activities? Can you also share some of your most memorable experiences from your time at Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani and how did all these experiences contribute to your personal and professional development?

My academic voyage originated at St. Joseph's High School in Kandivli, Mumbai. I was an earnest student, habitually found in the front row of the classroom. During my high school years, scoring above 80 percent was a noteworthy accomplishment, and I managed to attain a mark near that benchmark. Despite not being among the highest scorers, I discovered a distinct fascination for science, driven by an insatiable curiosity and an eagerness to decipher the world around me. My proclivity for science and mathematics was unmistakable, as I consistently achieved top scores in Mathematics. Consequently, despite my overall grades, I confidently chose to specialize in Science for my higher studies.

 

My academic journey continued as I obtained my BTech from Thakur College of Engineering & Technology, affiliated to University of Mumbai, followed by an MTech in Data Analytics from BITS Pilani. The invaluable knowledge I gathered each year in these prestigious institutions played a significant role in shaping my career trajectory. I graduated from BITS with an impressive 8.94 CGPA. My tenure at BITS offered me profound insights into Data Analytics and paved the way for deeper exploration into Machine Learning. A project on stock market prediction utilizing Machine Learning models further solidified my understanding of the field.

 

The exceptional faculty at BITS were instrumental in addressing my queries and offering valuable insights. Their mentorship profoundly enhanced my approach to problem-solving, a skill that has been immensely beneficial in navigating real-world challenges in my personal and professional life.

A key takeaway from my academic journey is the importance of maintaining equanimity and systematic approach while tackling challenges. My educational experiences have instilled in me virtues of humility, composure, and empathy, virtues I believe integral to personal growth and professional progress. I also learned the importance of embracing change and accepting constructive criticism as avenues for continuous self-improvement.

 

In terms of extracurricular activities, I have a passion for solo trekking and mountain climbing, especially in the Himalayas. I am actively involved in social causes, specifically concerning education and talent development. I also enjoy dancing, engaging in sports like badminton and tennis, maintaining a regular workout routine, and cherishing moments with my child.

2. You have held various significant roles in prestigious companies like Capgemini, BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley, Walmart Labs India, and now Visa. How did you decide the job switches and how did they help you make career progress and challenge yourself?

My professional journey started right from campus, where I was recruited by Capgemini as a Java developer. This first phase of my career, spanning five years, was an intense learning period. I honed my skills in various technologies and processes, earned multiple certifications, and even mastered French to better communicate with clients. This foundation at a service-oriented organization fostered a client-first mindset in me. My diligence and performance were rewarded with regular promotions, and I left Capgemini as a Senior Consultant, primed for new challenges.

 

The next step in my career was BNP Paribas, which allowed me to delve into the fintech world. Working in a smaller, product-focused organization, I gained a holistic understanding of the product development cycle. My contributions there led to a promotion to Technical Project Manager, where I handled multiple projects.

 

A relocation to Bangalore led me to Societe Generale, BNP Paribas's competitor. My time there enhanced my tech expertise and underscored the shared fundamentals across diverse technologies. I then transitioned to Credit Suisse, stepping into the role of an AVP. There, I led and managed several data-centric projects and experimented with machine learning through various POCs.

 

With a desire for greater challenges and an opportunity to handle large-volume transactional data, I joined Morgan Stanley. I was entrusted with crucial projects like the Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Reporting (CCAR) and Liquidity Management, where I learned to manage heavy data loads, infrastructure requirements, and architectural necessities.

 

After spending seven years in fintech, I decided to diversify my experience and joined Walmart. My role there exposed me to the Supply chain domain. I managed two teams and learned to effectively handle large volumes of data and the importance of system resilience.

 

With a wealth of technology and business insights, I was eager to make strategic decisions and found an opportunity to do so at VISA. As the leader of the Alternate Payments unit based in Bangalore, I have been able to apply my accumulated knowledge and experience to this role. Each career transition has been a strategic move, offering more complex roles, wider responsibilities, and richer learning opportunities.

3. Moving from technical roles to managerial positions requires a different skill set. How did you navigate this transition, and what challenges did you face and overcame them?

Transitioning from technical roles to leadership positions indeed necessitates a different skillset. My journey was relatively smooth as I possess a natural propensity for leadership, bolstered by my technical expertise and industry knowledge. I embraced a 'lead by example' leadership style, which facilitated in building a strong bond with my team. They felt comfortable discussing their problems with me, knowing that I understood their challenges from a technical perspective.

 

A crucial aspect of transitioning to a leadership role involves effective team engagement and providing clear direction aligned with the organization's broader objectives. It's also important to foster a culture of continuous improvement, regularly gathering feedback from the team and implementing necessary improvements.

 

However, the transition isn't about completely stepping away from technology. Staying updated with technical advancements is critical to maintaining a strong connection with your team and the work they do. The shift to a leadership role requires a change in mindset, emphasizing delegation, trust in your team, and constant engagement.

4. What are the most important skills students and fresh graduates should focus on developing to be successful in IT?

When it comes to success in IT, both technical and behavioral skills are essential. On the technical front, it's crucial to stay updated with the most recent, influential technologies. Presently, being a full-stack developer and having a working knowledge of Generative AI, big data and analytics, machine learning, and data science will serve you well.

 

As for behavioral skills, it's important to nurture a customer-centric mindset, demonstrate courageous leadership, and embrace curiosity and boldness. Strive for excellence in execution and foster strong collaboration. Above all, develop your listening skills and learn to accept and act upon constructive feedback positively.

5. Technology is evolving rapidly. How do you stay updated with the latest trends and ensure your skills remain relevant and how can experienced professionals ensure they are continually developing these skills to remain competitive?

Maintaining relevance in the rapidly evolving field of technology requires a proactive, self-driven approach. Regularly reading articles and blogs, participating in training sessions, and getting practical experience through hands-on coding are all vital methods to stay updated. Pursuing certifications in the latest technology stacks and conducting proof-of-concept (POC) projects can also help in maintaining your technical edge.

 

For experienced professionals, it's equally crucial to embrace lifelong learning. Participate in industry webinars, workshops, and conferences to gain insights into emerging trends. Join professional networks and communities where knowledge sharing and discussions on the latest technologies take place. It's also beneficial to mentor or teach others, as it deepens your understanding and keeps you in touch with the basics. Ultimately, the key is to foster a growth mindset and a passion for continuous learning.

6. As a leader, what does leadership mean to you? How can one become a leader?

To me, leadership is about inspiring others to achieve shared objectives through a clear vision, fostering a cooperative team environment, and striving for continuous growth both individually and collectively. It involves demonstrating courage in decision-making, maintaining integrity, and treating each team member with respect and fairness. A leader should also be a good listener, valuing the input of the team, and using constructive feedback for self-improvement.

Becoming a leader doesn't necessarily require a formal title. It begins with cultivating the right mindset. It involves being proactive, taking responsibility, and demonstrating a strong commitment to your work. Leaders are often those who aren't afraid to challenge the status quo, are continuously learning and adapting, and who build strong, respectful relationships with their peers. They demonstrate resilience in the face of obstacles and see failures as opportunities for learning and growth. By embodying these traits, one can naturally transition into a leadership role, regardless of their position in an organization.

7. Looking ahead, what do you see as the most exciting trends and opportunities in IT?

Looking to the future, one of the most exciting trends in IT is the emergence and evolution of Generative AI. This technology has the potential to revolutionize various industries by creating new content and solutions. The scope of possibilities is virtually limitless.

In the realm of software automation, Generative AI is a game-changer. For example, it can generate code snippets, automate testing processes, design user interfaces, fix bugs, and even maintain software. These capabilities drastically reduce manual effort and time, thereby enhancing productivity. For instance, GitHub's Copilot, an AI-powered tool, suggests entire lines or blocks of code as developers type. This not only speeds up the coding process but also aids in learning new programming languages or frameworks.

Generative AI isn't merely about automating tasks; it's also about augmenting human creativity. It can help us think outside the box, explore new ideas, and solve complex problems. It presents opportunities for personalization and automation in diverse sectors like entertainment, healthcare, education, and more.

Alongside Generative AI, other promising trends include quantum computing, which could lead to breakthroughs in drug discovery and climate modeling, and edge computing, which brings computation and data storage closer to where it's needed, improving response times and saving bandwidth.

These advancements underscore the vast potential of IT to reshape our lives in the coming years. The key to capitalizing on these opportunities will be continuous learning and adaptation, staying abreast of technological advancements, and leveraging them to drive progress.

8. With a demanding career spanning multiple high-impact roles in the IT industry, how do you manage stress, pressures, challenges? Can you share some of your strategies for managing stress and the activities you engage in to de-stress and recharge?

Managing stress, pressures, and challenges in a demanding IT career requires a balanced approach to work and personal life. I firmly believe in the adage, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular physical activity, is crucial. I incorporate daily workouts, running, and yoga into my routine to keep myself physically and mentally fit. These activities not only promote fitness but also enhance focus and mental clarity.

In addition, I make a conscious effort to stay active throughout the day, opting to take the stairs over the lift whenever possible. Once a year, I engage in solo trekking. This serves as a refreshing break, helping to rejuvenate both my body and mind.

 

However, managing stress isn't just about physical activity. It's also about maintaining a calm demeanor in the face of challenges. One key strategy is to not take professional issues personally or bring work-related stress home. Drawing a clear line between professional and personal life contributes to better stress management.

 

Ultimately, navigating high-pressure situations involves retaining composure and keeping a level-headed perspective. This approach aids in making effective decisions and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

9. Being a mother, spouse, how has been your daily routine and how do you manage it in terms of family time and personal time?

Striking a balance between professional and personal life is indeed challenging, but it's crucial to remember that our mindset plays a significant role. When we are content and fulfilled, we can positively influence those around us, including our family and colleagues.

 

Professional commitments are important, but carving out time for personal care and fitness is equally vital for maintaining overall well-being. I make a conscious effort to spend quality time with my child, whether it's engaging in casual conversations, playing games, or assisting with homework. My spouse and I also ensure to plan outings with our child during the weekends, reinforcing family bonds.

 

My ability to manage these various roles is greatly aided by the unwavering support of my extended family. My father and mother-in-law provide invaluable assistance, especially in caring for my child while I'm engaged with work. Knowing my child is in the safe and loving company of family members I trust completely alleviates stress, allowing me to focus on my work. Their support also underscores the importance of a strong support network in maintaining a harmonious work-life balance.

© Dr Anand Wadadekar