Sponsored
From Delhi to Dublin: Shreya Aggarwal’s inspiring career in data analytics
Sponsored By
Sponsored By
Shreya Aggarwal, Data and AI Lead at PwC, is a trailblazer in the world of data analytics, seamlessly merging business acumen with technological expertise to drive innovation in a male-dominated field.
“It’s a very male-dominated field? Are you sure?” Shreya still remembers her mother asking her this when she said she was going to study engineering. “At that time in India, if you were interested in science, men usually went into engineering and women took biology. But I wanted engineering and I only applied to two schools, which was a bold move.”
Her risk paid off and she secured her spot at NSIT, Delhi College of Engineering, majoring in biotechnology, where her introduction to data analytics sparked a passion. “My favourite subject was genomics, which focused on studying genes and how data can improve health outcomes for people and society,” Shreya explains. This foundational experience led her to join a boutique consultancy firm, where she began exploring how companies could leverage data analytics, particularly within the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors.
“At that time, data was abundant, but there was uncertainty about its application. The idea of generating reports and dashboards was novel,” she says. As her career progressed, Shreya merged her knowledge of business and technology, noting that this unique intersection was “quite niche” and something she genuinely enjoyed. She took a detour into financial analytics, but felt a compelling need to return to life sciences, believing she could make a more significant impact there.
What followed was a number of years with a professional services firm, where quarterly travel cycles saw her spend one month in Delhi, one in Bangalore and one in the US. She cites a big client meeting in the US as a moment from which she “didn’t look back”.
“The MD couldn’t attend and asked if I could take it. I was one of two women at a roundtable of 15, and the other woman was one of the highest stakeholders in the room. I was wondering if this group of really experienced people with sharp minds would listen to me, in my early 20s. They all listened. They all took in what I was saying and what I proposed to them as a solution to their problem. I didn’t expect them to listen to me, because I thought ‘I’m not that credible’. I remember ringing the MD after the meeting and telling him it went better than I had expected. It was then I realised that we, as women, sometimes hold ourselves back, because we think we are not good enough, that we are not credible. But we are. We are really good. We need to condition our brains to know that and to recognise our value. That first board meeting, that made the difference.”
The challenging travel schedule meant Shreya was ready for a change and decided on Europe as a base, on the recommendation of her MD. She applied with PwC and arrived in Ireland 10 days before the pandemic lockdown. “I knew no one and was watching YouTube videos on things I should know about Ireland. But I was living with a wonderful Irish couple… we spent a lot of time together,” she laughs. Despite the unusual circumstances of the lockdown, Shreya found her footing and success at PwC, working on data strategy, business intelligence, and reporting projects. The work was, in her words, “fantastic”.
Pictured, left, Kelly McKillen and Shreya Aggarwal as part of the IMAGE x PwC Women in Tech series.
Bringing new perspectives together, diverse perspectives, can help to fade out gender-based distinctions and impact change
As Data and AI Lead at PwC, Shreya has noticed a shift in her Irish client’s attitudes to technological innovations over the past four years. “Ireland is becoming really experimental with technology, and we’re seeing clients move from hesitation to a genuine desire to invest in AI.”
“When I came in, I talked to the clients… and the response wasn’t that they didn’t want to do it. It was because they weren’t technically or talent-wise mature enough to take that on. And that can be the truth, so it was about bringing people on a journey – ensuring the quality of the data they have, ensuring it’s robust, and then investing in the technology, whether it’s cloud, AI or Gen AI.”
“Now I might hear things like: ‘AI sounds interesting. I want to see the use cases; I want to know how I can implement them; I want to know what the regulations are; I want to know how I can be compliant’. Our team supports them through all of this.”
She has the following advice for anyone thinking about the fast-paced world of tech: “My advice is simple: be ready to learn and unlearn; that’s how we evolve.”
Shreya’s team at PwC comprises about 35 data analytics experts with diverse skill sets, and Shreya prioritises creating an environment where different perspectives are valued. She believes this is an important element of leadership which facilitates effective problem-solving and ways of working and assists teams to find creative solutions for clients.
She also believes it is important in terms of challenging biases and creating an inclusive and diverse workplace.
The role of male allies in the workplace is vital for fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, particularly in male-dominated fields like tech. As Shreya Aggarwal highlights, it is essential to have both men and women in the conversation to share diverse perspectives. Male allies can help challenge the inherent biases that exist and amplify the voices of their female colleagues, creating a culture of mutual support. She points out that when women in tech, for example, gather to share their experiences, it can turn into an echo chamber. She emphasises the importance of involving male colleagues in these discussions to encourage a richer dialogue and to help break down the barriers of misunderstanding.
“Bringing new perspectives together, diverse perspectives, can help to fade out gender-based distinctions and impact change,” she says. Men can share their insights and experiences and highlight areas where gender dynamics may impact workplace interactions and by actively participating in these conversations, male allies not only contribute to the empowerment of their female counterparts but also enhance their own understanding of the unique challenges women face, she believes.
Pictured, right, Ashling Cunningham, Anne Sheehan, Siobhan Noble, Kelly McKillen, Shreya Aggarwal and Adebola Olomo as part of the IMAGE x PwC Women in Tech series.
As leaders, we need to develop those around us rather than see their growth as a threat to our value
When it comes to her leadership philosophy, Shreya defines two core principles: integrity and empowerment. “Being true to your values and treating people right is critical,” she says. “It is very important to do the right thing,” she says, emphasising the importance of treating people right and making principled decisions. Additionally, Shreya firmly believes that empowering others is essential for collective success.
“It is absolutely necessary,” she points out, “to bring your people up the ladder,” as this not only promotes their development but also contributes to her own as a leader. By prioritising these values, Shreya cultivates a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere where diverse perspectives are celebrated, ultimately driving innovation and progress within her team.
“As leaders, we need to develop those around us rather than see their growth as a threat to our value. It’s a natural synergy – uplifting others ultimately lifts ourselves.”
This article originally appeared in the IMAGE Autumn 2024 issue.
The “Women in Tech” series, sponsored by PwC, spotlights seven inspiring leaders who have carved out remarkable and diverse careers, while contributing to the advancement of Ireland’s technology scene and empowering other women to excel in the sector.
Credits for this photoshoot include – Photography: Barry McCall, Stylist: Sarah Rickard, Hair: Eva Kyne, Make-up: John Bowe, and Video: Dan Dunne.
Styling credits: Ashling Cunningham wears Italian crepe dress, And Tate, €850 at Emporium Kalu. Anne Sheehan wears jacquard dress, Natan, €939 at Emporium Kalu; velvet courts, Ted Baker, €135.95 at zalando.ie. Siobhan Noble wears satin pleated dress, Amsale, €1,050 at Emporium Kalu; leather courts, €65 at Marks & Spencer. Kelly McKillen wears pinstripe waistcoat, €129; and trousers, €139; both Whistles at Brown Thomas; cream boots, Dwrs, €149.99 at styledby.ie. Shreya Aggarwal wears fit and flare dress, Weekend Max Mara, €325 at Brown Thomas; suede courts, €65 at Marks & Spencer. Adebola Olomo wears blouse, Avn, €339 at Emporium Kalu; tapered trousers, €120 at Marks & Spencer.
Also Read
