In the dynamic landscape of technology and corporate governance, Anju Virmani emerges not only as a seasoned executive but also as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring leaders. Born and raised in India, Anju’s narrative unfolds as a tapestry of resilience, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Journey to Independence: A Tech Odyssey
Anju’s journey into the world of technology wasn’t fueled by a passion for algorithms or coding languages. It was a quest for independence, a realization that technology could be the catalyst for her professional autonomy. Arriving in Canada at the age of 20 with a background in special education, Anju sought financial independence, recognizing that technology offered the most lucrative opportunities.
In the male-dominated tech landscape of the 1980s, Anju Virmani faced discouragement from a male mentor who questioned her ability to handle coding. Undeterred, Anju enrolled in a part-time program in New York, where she not only mastered coding but also found herself teaching her male counterparts about logic and process. This marked her entry into a technology career that would span over three decades.
Anju Virmani: Navigating the Male-Dominated Terrain
Anju’s strategy to navigate the male-dominated tech domain was simple yet powerful: stay ahead of the game. Through relentless research and investment in self-education, she became an early adopter of emerging technologies. Her mantra was to be proactive, to know the next technological wave, and to position herself as a leader in that space.
Being a self-proclaimed geek, Anju Virmani didn’t see her gender as a hindrance but rather viewed it as an opportunity for men to adapt to the evolving landscape. Her advice to women aspiring to thrive in male-dominated fields is clear: speak up, be confident, and make your contributions heard.
Overcoming Challenges: The Power of Knowledge
Challenges, according to Anju Virmani, were opportunities to enhance her knowledge. Faced with peers underestimating her value, she responded by increasing her expertise. Knowledge, she believes, is power. She immersed herself in technical manuals, learned industry buzzwords, and sometimes even oversold herself—a strategy driven by confidence and a healthy dose of fear.
Leadership, for Anju Virmani, goes beyond technical know-how. Emotional intelligence, collaboration, empathy, and trust-building are vital components. Overcoming challenges, she asserts, requires preparation, confidence, and fearlessness.
Embracing Change: The Technological Revolution
Anju Virmani witnessed the evolution of technology, from the era of IBM punch cards to the omnipresence of the internet. The most revolutionary change, she notes, was the advent of the World Wide Web. Now, in the era of 5G, she reflects on the constant connectivity that, while offering immense opportunities, has blurred the lines between work and personal life.
Staying Current in a Rapidly Changing Landscape
Anju’s approach to staying abreast of technological innovations involves keeping her “antennas on in all different directions.” From podcasts and vendor insights to engaging with youth through entrepreneurship organizations, she embraces learning as a continuous journey.
Inspiration and Mentorship
Reflecting on the women who inspire her, Anju Virmani acknowledges the profound influence of her mother and grandmother. Their commitment to hard work and education shaped Anju’s values. She emphasizes the role of education as a great equalizer and actively supports women in STEM education.
The Essential Skills of Digital Business Leaders
In Anju’s view, every leader today is a digital business leader. Skills such as risk management, value creation, empathy, collaboration, and transparency, backed by data, are crucial. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords for Anju; they are principles she actively practices in her board roles and personal life.
Safeguarding the Digital Realm: The Imperative of Cybersecurity
As a passionate advocate for security, Anju recognizes the dual nature of technology, offering rewards and risks. She emphasizes that the human factor is the biggest vulnerability and underscores the importance of security training at all levels within an organization.
Technical competence, according to Anju, is now a prerequisite in the boardroom, with the SEC mandating cyber literacy as a skill set for board members.
Data: The New Gold
Anju unequivocally declares that data is the new gold, a priceless asset with the potential for business simulations, targeted algorithms, and AI advancements. However, she raises concerns about the biases inherent in AI, emphasizing the need for responsible data usage, privacy protection, and sustainable practices.
Also Read: Vinod Gopal: The first Indian-American in NJ’s State Senate