From Dreams To Reality: Sheroes Amongst Us Celebrates Women Who Defied The Odds

"Sheroes Amongst Us - Real Women, Real Stories", an inspiring anthology co-authored by Falguni Desai and Dr Amit Nagpal with a foreword by Shardha Sharma, Founder & CEO of YourStory, is a book that showcases the extraordinary stories of 32 trailblazing women who have broken barriers and redefined success.

With stories spanning leadership, entrepreneurship, technology, and social impact, this book offers inspiration, guidance, and reassurance to anyone seeking mentorship or navigating uncharted paths. Each narrative offers a glimpse into struggles, breakthroughs, and unwavering dedication to making a difference. Here is one such story of Falguni Desai, who is also the co-author of Sheroes Amongst Us.

Here's an excerpt from Sheroes Amongst Us - Real Women, Real Stories

Born into a traditional Gujarati family, my career path seemed pre-determined. For women in our community, the choices were clear-cut—become a teacher or an accountant, often within the confines of a school or college. While women were encouraged to work, it was primarily to contribute to the household income, as a single income alone couldn’t sustain a family. A job was deemed essential, but ambition rarely extended beyond these predefined roles.

As a child, I dreamed of becoming a doctor, inspired by my father, a pathologist, who often collaborated with doctors to grow his business. That dream, however, remained unfulfilled when I fell short of the marks required for medical school. Around the same time, Apple launched its iconic Macintosh with its strikingly large display. A cousin of mine owned one, and seeing that machine for the first time sparked something within me. Fascinated by its design and potential, I decided to explore this unknown territory. I visited a local computer training institute out of curiosity, and that visit marked the beginning of my journey into the world of technology—a path I had never anticipated but one that shaped the course of my life.

In choosing this unconventional path, I became the first woman in my family to break away from tradition and pursue a career beyond the expected norms. Today, I look back with pride as I see many young women in my family following similar footsteps, embracing careers in diverse fields with confidence and determination. It’s a reminder that every step we take has the potential to open new doors for others.

Stepping into the Professional World

The professional world was a whole new landscape, requiring not just learning but also unlearning many concepts I had picked up at the computer institute. While the institute had taught me how to write a new piece of code, it was my first manager who introduced me to the art of debugging and the importance of seeing the bigger picture. He emphasised the need to look beyond technical details to focus on outcomes and the business context driving them. Under his guidance, I was given the opportunity to engage with stakeholders early in my career, pushing me to think creatively and design solutions that addressed real-world problems. The satisfaction of presenting those solutions and witnessing their tangible impact gave me an immense sense of purpose and fulfilment.

I was fortunate to have excellent managers throughout my career, who not only guided me but also mentored me. They believed in my potential and entrusted me with responsibilities like team and stakeholder management early on. I relied on my observation skills to learn how to navigate challenges and lead effectively, watching closely how seasoned professionals got things done.

Those early years were demanding yet transformative. I often worked odd hours, driven by a relentless curiosity to learn and grow. Google became my go-to resource, and I regularly sought advice from colleagues, not just to survive but to excel. Each new challenge fuelled my determination to carve out a meaningful path in the field of technology.

The Shift to Leadership and Strategy 

With growing experience and confidence in my technical abilities, my role naturally evolved from execution to leadership and strategy. This transition taught me the profound difference between being a manager and being a leader. I realised that while technical guidance was important, empathy played an equally crucial role. During times of crisis, it became my responsibility to unify the team, assign work based on individual strengths, and shield them from external pressures. Taking ownership of the stress from leadership while keeping the team motivated and focused became a critical part of my role.

I also came to understand that technology, while essential for any organisation, cannot exist in isolation. Those driving technology innovations and operations must have an in-depth understanding of the business—its revenue streams, operating models, and long-term goals. Such knowledge transforms technology from being merely an enabler to a collaborative force that directly contributes to the organisation’s success. By aligning technology strategies and innovations with business objectives and clearly communicating their value without relying on jargon, I was able to deliver solutions that not only addressed critical challenges but also ensured the required return on investment.

Family: My Foundation and Pride 

Beyond my professional journey, my life has been deeply enriched by my family. I have been married for over 20 years and am blessed with a wonderful daughter, who is now in her first year of college, pursuing economics. My family has been my unwavering support system, especially during the many years when my work required extensive travel. Their presence and understanding ensured that my daughter was well cared for, even when I was away.

As a mother, my aspiration has always been to nurture a sensible, compassionate, and independent individual. Open communication has been at the heart of our relationship. I’ve made it a point to discuss everything with her, sharing my perspectives while respecting her autonomy and giving her the space to make her own decisions.Watching her grow into the person she is today has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.

IT Consultant: Driving Technology for Business Success

Currently, I work as a freelance IT consultant, partnering with businesses to shape and execute their technology strategies. My role encompasses a broad spectrum—ranging from developing IT strategies and reviewing existing setups to serving as a fractional CTO for companies requiring senior technology leadership. I specialise in delivering business-critical projects, helping organisations define product roadmaps, and ensuring seamless project execution. 

I also work closely with startups, guiding them in translating their ideas into robust, scalable technology solutions. Additionally, I assist companies in navigating technology migrations and adopting emerging technologies like AI, ML, and IoT to stay competitive in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape.

My goal is to collaborate with businesses of all sizes to solve complex challenges, unlock opportunities through innovation, and ensure technology becomes a true enabler of growth and success.

Lessons Learned Along the Way 

As I look back on my journey so far, several lessons stand out. These lessons have shaped not just my career but also my outlook on life:

1. Stay Curious: The technology landscape is constantly evolving, and the only way to stay relevant is to keep learning. Whether it’s picking up a new programming language, understanding AI, or exploring blockchain applications, I’ve found that curiosity is my greatest asset.

2. Family as a Source of Strength: My family has been my anchor through the highs and lows of my career. They have taught me that while professional success is important, personal connections and open communication are what truly enrich life.

3. Invest in People: Technology is powerful, but it’s the people behind it who make the real difference. Whether it’s building a high-performing team or fostering a culture of collaboration, I’ve learned that investing in people is the key to long-term success.

4. Balance Technical Depth with Strategic Vision: While it’s important to have a deep understanding of technology, I’ve realised that the ability to align technology initiatives with business goals is what sets true leaders apart.

5. The Journey of Self-discovery: Over the years, I’ve come to understand myself better—my strengths, values, and aspirations. Whether through meditation or reflection, investing in self-awareness has helped me make better decisions, both professionally and personally.

Extracted with permission from Sheroes Amongst Us; published by OakBridge Publishing.