Chief Data Officer at Verizon, Kalyani Sekar, Shares Insights on Women’s Leadership in AI and Telecom
“The mantra, ‘lead with value’ guides how we prioritize AI investments.” Today’s woman dreamer, Kalyani Sekar reflects on her journey from growing up in Tamil Nadu, India, to leading AI and data strategy at one of the world’s largest telecom companies. In this exclusive interview with Women Who Win, Kalyani discusses how her upbringing shaped her leadership style, Verizon’s approach to AI, and how we can support the next generation of women in tech. She also shares insights on how women can thrive in the evolving telecom and AI industries, stressing the need for continuous learning, mentorship, sponsorship, and strong networks. We are honored to share her story!
1. Tell us your story. You have an inspiring journey—from growing up in India to becoming Verizon’s Chief Data Officer in New Jersey. How did your childhood experiences shape your leadership approach and influence who you are today?
I was born and raised in the state of Tamil Nadu in the South of India. My childhood and my experiences along the way, certainly helped shape the person and the leader I am today. I studied computer science in college and started my career as an application developer for Bell Atlantic. During that time, I got an opportunity to work for a short stint in the US where I learned a lot about the functioning of the IT industry, global delivery, account management and financials. Then in 2002, I started my career with Verizon as an architect. Since then, I have worked in different technology and leadership roles in the wireline and wireless business, Verizon Business Group, Consumer group including serving as Managing Director of Verizon India where I was responsible for Verizon’s capability center in India. Eventually, I moved to the US and took on a role as a Vice President of Data Engineering and Industrialization and then my current role as the CDO.
Growing up, I was surrounded by a strong sense of community and family, which instilled in me the importance of collaboration, empathy and resilience. Both my parents were hardworking, and my father in particular, has always been my role model. His dedication to work and commitment to integrity deeply influenced my approach to leadership. Besides, India’s diversity exposed me to a variety of perspectives early on, helping me develop a growth mindset. It’s that diversity which also taught me to foster inclusion and continuous learning.
2. As Verizon’s Chief Data Officer, you’re at the forefront of using AI to enhance both business operations and customer experiences. With so many opportunities and varying perspectives, how do you as a leader prioritize where to invest AI resources into?
Our approach to AI is aggressive experimentation and thoughtful implementation, ensuring we unlock value at every step, responsibly. The mantra, ‘lead with value’ guides how we prioritize AI investments. Which means, every initiative is measured against its potential to create business value. Alongside, leadership discretion plays a key role in identifying future-oriented opportunities with focus on long-term impact. Equally important is technical feasibility - having a deep understanding of the data domain allows us to ensure that our AI solutions are scalable and sustainable. We also have a strong responsible AI framework helping prioritize the most promising opportunities balancing risk-vs-reward. Lastly, talent is a crucial factor in our success. We consistently invest in building the right capabilities and partnerships to ensure that our AI strategies are executed effectively and efficiently.
3. How can the telecommunications industry better support and encourage women to take on leadership roles in AI development and implementation? What are your hopes for empowering and advocating for the next generation of women in technology?
In telecom, as in many industries, the gender gap in leadership has historically been noticeable, but we are seeing progress. More women are stepping into leadership roles and driving change, which is encouraging. However, we still have work to do to close the gap. It’s not enough to simply acknowledge this–action is required. We need to be deliberate about creating opportunities for women to thrive.
As a woman leader, I believe we have a responsibility to mentor and sponsor others. It’s not just about breaking barriers for ourselves but lifting others as we rise. By sharing our experiences, raising visibility for other women, and creating support systems, we can open doors for the next generation. For women to stay at the forefront of this rapidly evolving industry, continuous learning, upskilling, and networking are critical. We must ensure that women have access to these resources and to opportunities for entrepreneurship, where they can lead, innovate, and disrupt the status quo. And for those of us who have reached leadership roles, we have an obligation to share our stories and pay it forward. It’s through visibility and advocacy that we ensure more women step into leadership, shaping the future of tech and telecom. By empowering others, we not only create a more inclusive and diverse workforce but also build stronger, more innovative industries.
4. Reflecting on your career, what milestones in your journey as a woman in AI/data do you consider most significant? Is there an initiative or project you are most proud of?
In my view, a successful career isn’t shaped by one defining moment but by the cumulative effort we put in each day. It’s the hard work, our willingness to take on new and challenging responsibilities, and the daily dedication and learning along the way that gradually build the foundation for a long-standing and fulfilling career. Every small step contributes to the larger journey and creates a legacy of growth and achievements.
Looking back, some things that have served me well are, staying attuned to evolving customer needs, emerging technologies, and data trends. Listening and learning from internal experts and external forums as well as adapting and aligning technology adoption with real business needs. Networking has been another cornerstone; it’s not just about connecting with peers or leaders - genuine engagement and authentic connections with team members at all levels often lead to the most valuable insights. To me, ensuring that value flows in both directions makes networking meaningful.
For me, career growth isn’t just about moving up the ladder. Some of my most rewarding opportunities came from exploring new areas, taking calculated risks, and staying open to unexpected paths. I believe in staying curious, consistent, and true to my values. These principles have shaped my journey, creating space for advancement and new possibilities while building a fulfilling career.
5. We’ve heard you’re passionate about traveling and Indian classical music. Is there a particular travel and/or music experience that you always remember?
Every year in December, the South of India becomes a vibrant hub for music as the Madras Music Season takes center stage. This event brings together legendary artists, rising talent and music enthusiasts from all over the world, to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Indian classical music. The festival is not just a series of performances but a deep expression of devotion and emotion that has been passed down through generations. I find immense joy and inspiration in the soulful music and the community it creates, and have many fond memories from these events that I cherish.