What if you could shatter glass ceilings while being fiercely devoted to family and passion projects? Revathi Pillai has walked that walk. As a woman of color who kicked off her tech career while 7 months pregnant, she broke barrier after barrier to reach executive leadership roles.
Revathi credits her success to embracing her authentic self and lifting others along the way. Her journey laid a path for boldly leading change despite norms or societal expectations.
If you feel called to something bigger or hunger to defy limits, Revathi’s story will re-spark your inner fire.
In this thought leadership article, we will explore the inspiring journey of Revathi Pillai, a senior vice president and chief engineering officer at Mutualink. Revathi has defied societal norms and achieved great success in the tech industry while balancing her family life and giving back to the community. We will delve into her background, her strategies for success, the challenges she faced, and the lessons we can learn from her remarkable story.
Introduction: Going Against the Norm
Revathi Pillai’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and authenticity. Growing up in India, Revathi was influenced by her grandfather and parents, who went against societal norms and stood up for what they believed in. This shaped her perception of what is possible and instilled in her the courage to forge her own path.
Balancing Family and Career
Revathi’s journey in the tech industry began when she started her tech career while seven months pregnant. Despite the challenges of starting a family and a career simultaneously, Revathi was determined to make it work. She requested flexibility from her employer, and they were accommodating, allowing her to work from home for four days a week. Revathi understood the importance of giving back to the company and worked hard to ensure that she delivered exceptional results. She states, “I try to do whatever is not working. If I think I can help, I do help, although it is not within my thing. So I think that’s how, it’s my guess that I got where I am.”
Revathi’s approach of giving 150% to her work while prioritizing her family paid off. She gained the trust and respect of her colleagues and superiors, leading to career growth and opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of open and candid conversations with management, stating, “If I feel that this is happening, I will talk to them, saying that I can do it, but I need help. So it is not all on me. So if you want to get these things done, there are few things I need from you.”
Thriving in Male-Dominated Tech Industry
As a woman in the male-dominated tech industry, Revathi faced unique challenges. During interviews, she encountered questions about managing all-male engineering teams. However, she remained focused on her skills and expertise, stating, “I know how to manage 50 engineers. That’s all it matters to me whether they have the right skill set to do their job. Doesn’t matter which gender or anything they are.”
Revathi acknowledges that biases exist, but she believes in finding the right company that appreciates her abilities and values diversity. She states, “You don’t need all jobs. You need only one job at a time. And there are people who really appreciate what you can do and who don’t care about any of those things other than your skill set.”
Gaining Respect as a Leader
As Revathi progressed in her career and took on leadership roles, she faced the challenge of gaining respect from her predominantly male teams. She approached this challenge by understanding her team, talking to them, and treating them with respect. She also focused on delivering results and being fair. Revathi shares her approach, stating, “Once you show that you can bring success to what you are doing, most people want to jump on the bandwagon.”
Revathi’s leadership style is characterized by passion and compassion. She believes that being genuine and leveraging emotional intelligence are key strengths for women leaders. She advises, “Be yourself. Be genuine. You don’t need to be like your counterpart. That’s what I think because we, as women, our EQ is much higher than anything anyone else. So use it.”
Giving Back and Entrepreneurship
Revathi’s commitment to giving back extends beyond her professional life. She is a member of Chief, an organization that provides a platform for executive women to connect, learn, and support each other. Through Chief, Revathi has found a trusted network of advisors and mentors who have helped her navigate challenges and gain valuable insights. She describes Chief as “my personal board of advisors and non-judgmental, trusted team.”
In addition to her involvement in Chief, Revathi embarked on an entrepreneurial journey with her daughters. They started a company that focuses on hair care products, inspired by Revathi’s personal experience with hair loss. The venture was born out of necessity and has grown into a successful business. Revathi’s entrepreneurial spirit and ability to seize opportunities are evident in her journey.
Key Takeaways to Fuel Your Success
Revathi’s journey is packed with invaluable insights that can propel you towards your goals:
1. Balance is Achievable: Learn how Revathi effectively balanced her family life and career, proving that with determination and the right strategies, you can have it all.
2. Fearless Leadership: Discover the art of being a fearless leader in a male-dominated industry. Revathi’s experiences will inspire you to embrace your leadership potential.
3. Entrepreneurship with Passion: Revathi’s entrepreneurial journey with her daughters demonstrates the power of following your passion. Her story will motivate you to turn your dreams into reality.