Sindhu Gangadharan – the First Woman to Head a German Technology Giant in India

August 9, 20212 Minutes Read
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Sindhu Gangadharan is the Managing Director of SAP. Anyone aware of database management and maintenance is familiar with SAP. SAP is a German company that makes software for business organizations and customer service.

Her journey began in Bengaluru, also known as the Silicon Valley of India, for its vital contribution to Information Technology or IT as it is commonly known.

Today, of course, there are many job opportunities and courses available for girls in IT. But when Sindhu started out, things were different.

Followiwomnng her passion

Young Sindhu's father wanted her to become a Doctor. But she was always interested in computers and information technology. So, Sindhu decided to choose Computer Science instead of medicine.

Sometimes we don't know what we can accomplish unless we do it. It helps to know what our interests and skills are. Check our Free Online tests such as Psychometric Tests and realize your hidden potential!

Life as a full circle.

After completing her education, Sindhu joined SAP Labs as a Software Developer in 1999. Sindhu initially worked in the Bengaluru branch and was later transferred to SAP's Germany branch.

Slowly but steadily, she started climbing the corporate ladder of success. First, she was a software developer, then a product manager.... then a product head and then the Vice- President....

And finally -- the Managing Director of SAP Labs India! The place where Sindhu joined as a Software Developer chose her to be the country head!

While this is a remarkable feat, Sindhu did not just stop there.

Along with being the Managing Director at SAP Labs, she is also an independent director at Titan, an executive council member at NASSCOM and among the board of directors at Qualtrics, an American Software company.

Sindhu's mother also has a role to play in her success

Through her work, Sindhu has proved that a girl can do anything that a boy can do and do it well!

She is the first woman to head a German technology giant in India.

Her mother also deserves credit for instilling confidence in Sindhu and encouraging her to believe in herself.

Speaking about how she was treated equally and no less than her brothers, Sindhu once said, "Growing up in Bengaluru, my mother had the same expectations from me that she had of my two brothers."

Creating a path for more females in the organization.

While Sindhu was working at SAP, she realized that the ratio of females in the IT sector was significantly less compared to their male counterparts.

Her company had started initiatives such as Girls who Code, Girl Smarts and Girl Power Tech to boost female participation in the IT field.

Create your balance.

Sindhu is a wife, a mother, a computer engineer and a Managing Director and a proof that women can choose what they want to be.

They need not have to sacrifice their career for a family life or sacrifice family life for career.

If you too have taken a break and want to start from where you left off, here are some Work-from-home jobs for women who wish to restart their careers.

The world is changing. And it is changing for the better.

A girl today can achieve whatever she wants. Sindhu is a great example of this and an inspiration to women who wish to establish their own identity in the field of computers and information technology.

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February 19, 20242 Minutes Read

Social Entrepreneurship: Women Driving Impactful Change in India

A powerful force is reshaping communities and driving positive change -- women-led social entrepreneurship . As the narrative of entrepreneurship evolves, so does the role of women who are not just creating businesses but building ventures with a profound impact on society. Let's explore the realm of women's entrepreneurship and the significant strides in social entrepreneurship .

Social entrepreneurship is about harnessing the power of business to address social and environmental challenges. In India, many women embrace this approach, positioning themselves as business leaders and catalysts for positive change. Their ventures aim not just for profit but also for meaningful impact on the communities they serve.

The landscape of women entrepreneurship in India is growing, with female entrepreneurs actively participating in diverse sectors, including social entrepreneurship. This shift is breaking stereotypes and showcasing the multifaceted roles women can play as business leaders with a mission beyond just financial gains.

One compelling aspect of this transformation is the variety of startup ideas for women in social entrepreneurship. From ventures addressing healthcare disparities to those focused on education, women are bringing innovative solutions to the forefront. These ventures are not just about economic empowerment but about creating sustainable change in the fabric of society.

Social entrepreneurship ideas are often born from a deep understanding of local challenges. As the architects of many of these initiatives, women bring a unique perspective to problem-solving. Whether providing access to clean water, improving healthcare facilities, or promoting sustainable agriculture, these entrepreneurs are at the forefront of impactful change.

The intersection of entrepreneur ideas for women and social entrepreneurship creates a space where purpose-driven businesses thrive. Women are not just looking for financial success; they seek ways to contribute meaningfully to society. The spirit of collaboration and community building is embedded in their ventures, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collective well-being.

One notable example is Preeti Singh, a social entrepreneur who founded a venture focused on menstrual hygiene in rural India. Her initiative addresses a critical health issue and empowers women by providing them with sustainable and affordable solutions. Preeti's story represents the transformative potential of women's entrepreneurship in tackling societal challenges.

The emphasis on social entrepreneurship among women is also generating a ripple effect regarding mentorship and support networks. Established female entrepreneurs are actively encouraging and guiding the next generation. This mentorship is crucial in nurturing a culture of innovation and resilience among women venturing into social entrepreneurship.

The momentum of women entrepreneurship in social impact ventures is not just a trend; it signifies a paradigm shift in how businesses operate in India. Organisations and institutions recognise women's value in terms of empathy, collaboration, and a deep understanding of community needs.

The rise of social entrepreneurship driven by women in India is a testament to the transformative power of purpose-driven businesses. As more women explore and invest in entrepreneurial ideas for women that focus on social impact, the future promises a more equitable and sustainable society. These women entrepreneurs are not just building businesses but driving impactful change and leaving an indelible mark on the nation's socio-economic fabric.

At Glow & Lovely Careers (formerly known as Fair & Lovely Career Foundation), we believe in empowering women to be independent. We provide online career guidance, existing jobs and other online courses to help them nurture their dream of driving social entrepreneurship in India.