In this episode of From a Woman to a Leader, I sat down with Disha Mukherjee, a Senior Data Engineer at Just Eat Takeaway, to explore her incredible journey of resilience, career pivots, and bold moves. If you’re a woman in tech looking for inspiration on making career shifts, navigating tough decisions, and building resilience, this episode is packed with value!
Facing Life-Changing Health Challenges
Disha’s story began with a life-altering experience that few could imagine. She was diagnosed with endometriosis and underwent several surgeries to address severe health issues. During one of these operations, doctors discovered a gangrene infection, creating a life-or-death situation. While recovering from the surgery, Disha faced an unexpected additional diagnosis—her father was diagnosed with cancer.
Stepping Up as the Head of Her Family
At just 25, Disha found herself taking on the role of the primary breadwinner and emotional support for her family. It was a period filled with uncertainty, financial strain, and immense personal pressure. But instead of letting these challenges set her back, Disha used them as fuel to push herself forward.
Bold Career Moves: From Data Analyst to Data Engineer
The Motivation Behind the Shift
Disha didn’t just pivot careers—she leaped. Originally working as a Data Analyst in India, Disha had always been curious about data engineering. When her father fell ill, she knew she needed a higher-paying role to support her family. This realization led her to explore data engineering as a new career path. Despite being unfamiliar with the technical aspects, she was determined to learn and succeed.
“I refused to let health challenges define my career journey. Every obstacle I faced became a stepping stone toward my dream role.”
Learning on the Go
While many hesitate to switch roles without years of experience or formal training, Disha took a different approach. She began self-learning through online courses and dove into the complexities of data engineering, applying what she learned on the job. Within a few years, she had moved from a Data Analyst to a Senior Data Engineer position!
The Big Move: From India to the UK
Navigating the Global Job Market
Driven by the desire to expand her career and live in a new country, Disha set her sights on moving abroad. After weighing her options, she chose the UK over other countries like Canada and Australia due to the professional opportunities and easier settlement processes. But the journey was not straightforward.
Disha began by reaching out to over 1,000 professionals on LinkedIn—networking relentlessly and seeking advice. Out of these, only about 30 people responded, but those few connections proved to be game-changing. Eventually, her persistence paid off, and she landed a role that supported her move to the UK.
The Power of Networking
One of the most inspiring aspects of Disha’s journey is how she leveraged networking to create new opportunities. Instead of simply asking for referrals, she focused on building genuine relationships. She sent personalized messages, asked for virtual coffee chats, and sought to understand what companies were looking for in potential candidates.
“It’s not just about asking for help. It’s about building relationships and showing your value—people respond to that.”
Strategies for Success: Tips for Women in Tech
Disha’s episode is full of actionable advice for women looking to make similar career pivots or break into new markets. Here are some of her top strategies:
1. Apply Even If You’re Not 100% Qualified
•Many women tend to hold back from applying unless they meet every job requirement. Disha encourages women to apply even if they match only 70-80% of the criteria. “You can always learn on the job—don’t wait for the perfect fit.”
2. Focus on Building Relationships, Not Just Asking for Referrals
•When reaching out to professionals, avoid starting with a request for a referral. Instead, focus on learning about the person’s experience, the industry, and the company culture.
3. Prepare for Behavioral Interviews
•Disha shares that behavioral interviews are often as critical as technical ones—especially when moving into senior roles. Practice your answers, reflect on your career experiences, and be ready to provide concrete examples.
What’s Next for Disha?
Disha is now focused on moving into a leadership role. She’s passionate about becoming the kind of manager she always wished she had—a strong female leader who mentors and supports other women in tech.
“I never had a female leader as my manager, and I want to be that for other women.”
Ready to Be Inspired? Listen to the Full Episode!
Disha’s story is one of resilience, courage, and perseverance. If you’re looking to make a bold career move, overcome personal challenges, or just need a boost of inspiration, this episode is a must-listen. 🎧
🔗 Click here to listen to the full episode!
Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below! What did you find most inspiring about Disha’s story? How has her journey motivated you to take your next step?
Speaker Bio:
Hi! I’m Disha Mukherjee, a Data Engineer at Just Eat Takeaway in London, where I focus on building secure and efficient data pipelines. With over 8 years of experience in data roles across finance, asset management, and tech, I’m passionate about coding, big data, and continuous learning. Outside of work, I’m an advocate for mental health and women’s health issues, particularly raising awareness about IBS and endometriosis. I’m all about striving for excellence and making a positive impact in the tech world.
Follow Disha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/disha-mukherjee/
