Description

In this episode of On the Mic..WIT Shaz – Women in Tech Leadership: The Upsides, I sit down with the incredible Kavi Dhanraj. From her early days as a Test Analyst to becoming a Chief Data Officer, Kavi’s journey is anything but linear—and that’s exactly what makes it powerful.

We dive into:

✨ Why her very first “failure” became her biggest growth driver

✨ The surprising tech gadget that perfectly describes her leadership style

✨ Why self-belief is the most important leadership skill (and no one can give it to you)

✨ Fitting in vs. belonging—what women in tech need to know

✨ How culture, resilience, and role models shaped her leadership lens

✨ And the number one upside of stepping into tech leadership

Key Takeaways:

1. Failing Forward: Kavi’s first big project was a “failure”—but it became the foundation for her growth.
2. Leadership as a Video Doorbell: Simple, purposeful, and with multiple lenses—Kavi’s brilliant analogy for leadership.
3. Confidence & Self-Belief: The number one ingredient for stepping into leadership (no one can hand it to you).
4. Networking Matters: Women often hesitate, but building connections is critical—and most leaders are more approachable than you think.
5. Fitting In vs Belonging: Adapt enough to understand others, but never lose your identity.
6. Cultural Strengths: How Kavi’s upbringing, resilience, and strong female role models shaped her leadership lens.
7. The Upsides: Solving complex, people-centered problems, creating impact, and finding joy in transformation.

Kavi’s story is proof that leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about purpose, confidence, and embracing the complexities along the way.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is leadership really worth it?” — this episode is your answer.

🎧 Tune in, be inspired, and see what’s truly possible for YOU in tech leadership.

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Get in touch with Kavitha:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kavidhanra

Where to find me:

Website: Sharon (Shaz) Daly www.techtoexec.com.au

LinkedIn: Sharon (Shaz) Daly https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-daly/

Instagram: @techtoexec https://www.instagram.com/techtoexec/

Facebook: TechtoExec https://www.facebook.com/techtoexec/

Book a FREE Discovery Call to join the movement

https://coach.techtoexec.com.au/sharon-daly/free-discovery-call