Neeraj Wadhera Reflects on How Her Global Technology Career Empowers Her to Mentor Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners
“Mentoring helps to remove some of the preconceived notions we carry about work / bosses / travel. “ Today’s woman dreamer, Neeraj Wadhera is the Chairperson for SCORE Boston, and has had extensive experience working with companies from around the world, including Fidelity Investments and Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Originally from India and how based in Boston, she began her technology career in Abu Dhabi in the 1980s where she worked to computerize the Credit card processing and help introduce ATMs in UAE at the Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank. With a strong passion for empowering women, she currently dedicates herself to paying forward via mentorship in her work with SCORE Boston. Enjoy!
1. Tell us your story. Originally from India and based in Boston, you are the Chairperson for SCORE Boston, and have always dedicated yourself to mentorship and volunteering. What inspires you to give back in life?
My husband and I , along with our two sons, have been Boston residents since 1988. Educated in India as a teacher, I spent most of my career in technology! My romance with technology began in Abu Dhabi, where we lived and worked for 12 years. We (at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank), were the first to computerize the Credit card processing and first to introduce ATMs in UAE. That was the 80s! I was probably one of the few woman among the Indian Diaspora in Abu Dhabi at that time, who chose to work in technology. In Boston, I was fortunate to work at a world class company, with really bright people. It was a time when new technologies - programming languages, operating systems, database systems and what not - were being introduced rapidly. I lapped up all the opportunities to learn and continued to grow within the company!
Then came an interesting twist in our lives. I went to India (Bangalore, Chennai and Gurgaon) to set up the offshoring centers for my company. I learnt and grew at a rapid pace to take on management and executive leadership positions. We were thrilled to be in India at a time of rapid growth. Working with young Indian professionals, grooming them to work with their American peers, grooming them for senior roles, was the best experience of my career! I loved it so much, that I took a second assignment for 5 years. Working in India was a rare opportunity, a second chance, to experience the diversity, energy, enthusiasm, traditions, culture - all of that is modern India. I made long lasting friendships with the young and talented people I worked with.
After I retired, I was keen to volunteer. I was eager to share all that I had learnt in my 40 year journey. That is when an acquaintance mentioned SCORE and here I am. I have been mentoring with SCORE for last six years. At SCORE, our mission is to enhance entrepreneurship in the country. We do so by mentoring budding entrepreneurs or anyone who needs a hand in growing their existing business. Also, we run webinars on all the aspects of business. It is very rewarding to work with our mentees, help them to shape their ideas into viable plans. Besides SCORE, I am on the advisory board for the Council of Aging in Somerville, and have also been volunteering with Somerville Schools.
2. You have had 30 years of experience in the corporate world, including at Fidelity Investments and Royal Bank of Scotland Group. What is the biggest lesson you have learned in your career? What is your advice to young professionals?
This is a great question. There are a lot of things that come to mind. Being hard working, committed and loyal to the organization is a mantra everyone knows. Learning and adapting to new technologies, willing to embrace change, building a strong network with peers and colleagues, enhancing your visibility by active participation in internal and external events!
3. Is there an empowered woman in your life that you admire?
I am amazed at how accomplished and empowered women are all around me. Women are leading companies, running their own businesses and doing so, while raising families! Like so many others, I am an ardent fan of Indira Nooyi, the ex CEO of Pepsico! Closer to home, I admire my dear friend, Monica Chandra, who came to Boston as a student and is now the president of 3Edge investment company. She is on the board of several organizations, including Dana Farber and MFA and making a difference in the lives of people.
4. Tell us more about your mentorship experiences. Why do you believe mentorship is so important for women? Can you share a story of a mentor or mentee that resonates with you? [you do not have to name]
My mentoring experience has been very rewarding. While not being part of a formal program during my early years at work, I was very fortunate to have people around me whom I could emulate and learn from.
Mentorship is invaluable for everyone, but especially for women. Mentoring helps to discover one’s potential. Learning from another’s experience, being able to seek advice on specific issues, making career decisions! Mentoring helps to remove some of the preconceived notions we carry about work / bosses / travel. While there has been a sea change in the attitudes towards women at the work place, biases still exist. Mentoring helps women to overcome any hindrances, real or imagined, to maximize their growth, to achieve work life balance and enjoy what they do by making good choices.
As part of the CWEL program at Babson, I have enjoyed mentoring the young students who come to study in our country. They are immersed in new experiences every day and have to find their way in the complex world of internships and jobs. Its a pleasure to see how they have blossomed in their new lives - found good jobs, companions and adapted themselves! I encourage them to step out of their comfort zone, build good networks, participate in extra curricular activities at school and work and seek help and advice without hesitation. At SCORE, I work with first time entrepreneurs. Building business plans, building strong teams, delegation, and efficient operations are some of the areas we work on. Its my opportunity to share what I learnt as a leader in my corporate roles. I learn a lot from my mentees too.
5. As the platform for women dreamers, what is your next big dream?
As I look back, I have derived great satisfaction and joy in taking on new roles, meeting and working with new people, and through it all, making new acquaintances and friends. All along, the opportunities to travel, to work and to serve have unfolded! My hope is that in the coming years, I can get more actively involved with the community activities. I want to get engaged in mentoring, coaching young leaders, especially women and based on my experience at SCORE, lend a hand to the young entrepreneurs as well.