In this episode of On The Mic WIT Shaz, I was joined by Sayanti Sarkar – Senior Principal Client Delivery at Slalom to explore the real, human, and powerful upsides of stepping into bigger roles in tech leadership.
From landing in New Jersey as a young professional with just a jumper in sub-zero temperatures… to leading major delivery and transformation initiatives across NAB, REA Group, Accenture, and Slalom, Sayanti has built a career defined by growth, courage, empathy, and impact.
We talk about confidence, identity, decision-making, multicultural leadership, creating opportunities for others, the importance of belonging over fitting in, and why strong companies thrive when they celebrate diversity rather than tolerate it.
If you’ve ever felt like
✔ the only woman in the room
✔ the only migrant voice
✔ not “experienced enough”
✔ or are stepping into leadership for the first time
this episode gives you the real talk, reassurance, strategy, and encouragement you need.
In This Episode We Cover:
●What living and working across India, the US, and Europe teaches you about resilience and independence
●The LinkedIn story about thinking “gold coin donation” meant actual gold – and what it revealed about cultural assumptions
●The first day as a leader when the decisions fell on her – and how that shifted everything
●Why empathetic leadership isn’t soft – it’s strategic
●The surprising truth about people in tech: once you build rapport, the most introverted voices have the most to say
●How to grow into leadership even without the role yet
●Why belonging matters more than fitting in
●The ripple effects of celebrating and bringing your culture into the workplace
💬 Quotable Moments:
“Nobody gives you leadership on a platter, we have to create the opportunity and the confidence.”
“Your career shifts when you stop trying to fit in and realise you already belong.”
“Experience is powerful in Australia – but initiative is unstoppable.”
“The techiest people are often the most social. You just need to build rapport and let them show up.”
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🎧 Listen If You Want:
● A mindset shift around leadership and confidence
● Tangible steps to move towards delivery & leadership roles
● Real-world examples of cultural inclusion done right
● Permission to be more you, not less, at work
● Proof that one person can ripple change through an entire organisation
🌐 Connect With Sayanti
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sayantisarkar
LinkedIn Post referenced in this episode from Sayanti: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sayantisarkar_indiansinaustralia-diversity-inclusion-activity-7370271110447362049-DUrW?tm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAZAOu0BLsL4yziNEAXLVp-idkF7k8TliVc
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/
Join the MOVEMENT
https://techtoexec.com.au/the-movement/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Women in Tech Leadership
01:26 Sayanti's Journey: From SAP Consultant to Leadership
04:58 Cultural Insights: Experiences in Different Countries
07:48 Morning Rituals: Setting Up for Success
10:46 Leadership Style: The Collab Chiller
12:47 The Excitement of Leadership Roles
14:38 The Fulfillment of Helping Others Grow
16:40 Transformations Through Leadership
18:34 Building Confidence in Diverse Environments
21:43 Authenticity and Empathy in Leadership
24:34 The Strength of Diversity in the Workplace
26:34 Diversity and Inclusion in Leadership
29:39 The Importance of Belonging
32:35 Cultural Celebrations and Their Impact
35:33 Career Growth and Leadership Development
39:21 Taking Initiative in Your Career
43:30 Understanding Tech Culture and Leadership
47:20 Personal Growth Through Leadership
49:16 Empowering Women in Leadership