Empowering Women in Tech: An Inspiring Conversation with Mugdha Choudhari
In the fast-paced world of technology, where innovation drives progress, leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping the future. Today, we bring you the inspiring journey of Mugdha Choudhari, a Tech Lead at Salesforce, whose passion for coding, collaboration, and mentorship has carved her path to success.
From Valedictorian to Tech Leadership
Mugdha excelled academically, becoming the valedictorian of her engineering college, despite initially aspiring to be an architect or fashion designer. Encouraged by her parents to pursue technology for its stability and opportunities, she embraced the field, securing a full scholarship for her Master’s degree at the University of Minnesota.
She began her career at a startup, gaining hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment. She then moved to Yummly, refining her skills in software development and problem-solving. Eventually, she joined Salesforce, where she has thrived for the past eight years, leading complex projects and making a significant impact. Her journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and the power of continuous learning.
Breaking Barriers and Leading by Example
Mugdha has been actively involved in mentorship programs aimed at uplifting women in technology. She serves as a mentor in the TechWomen Initiative, a U.S. government-run program that connects and empowers emerging women leaders from developing countries.
“TechWomen is an incredible program where I get to share knowledge and learn from brilliant women worldwide. Their resilience despite immense challenges is humbling. If they can achieve so much with so little, imagine what we can do with the resources we have. Mentoring them has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career.”
The Power of Mentorship
Mugdha has mentored women from diverse backgrounds, helping them navigate challenges and develop leadership skills. She shares:
“These women face cultural and economic barriers yet stand on stage with confidence, pitching their ideas and driving change. Their determination is inspiring, reminding us of our privilege and responsibility to do more.”
She encourages women to seek mentors, advocate for mentorship programs, and foster inclusive professional environments.
Overcoming Challenges: Confidence, Bias, and Visibility
For women in tech, the road to leadership comes with unique challenges. Mugdha highlights three major obstacles women face:
- Lack of Confidence: Many women hesitate to take on leadership roles due to self-doubt.
- Bias and Prejudice: Women are often judged based on their personal circumstances, such as balancing work and family life.
- Undermarketing Their Work: While men tend to confidently showcase their achievements, women often shy away from self-promotion.
Her advice to women facing these challenges?
“Speak up, advocate for yourself, and find a support system of allies who uplift you.“
Asking for Help: The Key to Growth
Mugdha emphasises that seeking help is not a weakness but a strength. She advises women to reach out to mentors, managers, and peers when facing challenges, rather than struggling in isolation.
“Too often, women hesitate to ask for help, fearing it may make them appear less capable. But in reality, seeking guidance accelerates growth and builds stronger professional relationships.”
She believes in creating spaces where open conversations are encouraged and where women feel comfortable voicing their concerns without fear of judgment.
Making an Impact: Leadership Through Action
Leadership isn’t just about technical skills; it’s about visibility and impact. Mugdha shares her strategies for making a mark in the tech industry:
- Announce milestone achievements, share credit, and ensure your contributions are recognized.
- Lift others—advocate for your team and recognize their successes.
- Ask the right questions in meetings and always be prepared.
- Build meaningful relationships with allies who support your success.
She has led multiple cross-functional projects at Salesforce, working with diverse teams to solve complex technical problems. Her ability to communicate effectively, align teams, and drive projects to completion has established her as a respected leader in the organisation.
What’s Next for Mugdha?
As Mugdha continues to grow in her career, she aims to expand her expertise in AI applications and drive innovation at Salesforce. While many encourage her to transition into management, she remains passionate about coding and developing impactful solutions. She is also dedicated to mentoring and advocating for women in tech, ensuring that the next generation of female leaders has the confidence and resources to succeed.
“Technology is evolving rapidly, and so must we. My goal is to continue learning, leading, and inspiring others to break barriers.”
⚡ RapidFire with Mugdha
One word that describes you?
👉 People person
Your go-to stress reliever?
👉 Going for a run or walk
A book that inspired you?
👉 Atomic Habits
Who do you look up to the most?
👉 Violet Gong, (Senior Director at Salesforce.)
What does empowerment mean to you?
👉 Being able to share my thoughts fearlessly, feel confident in my decisions, and believe I can achieve anything by giving my 100%.
Best advice for women in tech?
👉 Have a mentor, do leadership trainings, speak up, and be your own cheerleader. Don’t shy away from asking for a raise or promotion—go prepared and advocate for yourself.
Final Words of Inspiration
“Listen to people’s concerns, connect with your team, and always empower others. The more we uplift each other, the stronger we become as leaders.”
Mugdha’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, mentorship, and self-belief. For women striving to break barriers in tech, her journey serves as a guiding light.
Connect with Mugdha on LinkedIn
Know more about TechWoman – https://www.techwomen.org/
What’s Your Leadership Story? Share your experiences, and let’s continue empowering each other in the tech industry! #WomenInTech #Leadership #Empowerment
