Arundhati Bhattacharya: Banker. Trailblazer. Tech Leader. Woman of Impact

The journey of Arundhati Bhattacharya, President & CEO, Salesforce South Asia, is a testament to how purpose-driven leadership can create a meaningful and lasting impact. Over the last five years, Arundhati has elevated Salesforce’s success in the region by leveraging her years of experience in the financial sector.

She was recently honoured with the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards, for her exceptional contributions to the field of trade and industry. In this exclusive interview with Shrikanth G of Dataquest, Arundhati reflects on her transition from banking to technology, the challenges of leading in uncharted territory, and why inclusive leadership is the future. She also offers advice for young women in tech and shares how curiosity, resilience, and empathy have defined her leadership journey. Excerpts.

You’ve made the transition from working in a PSU environment to a dynamic, fast-paced private tech company like Salesforce. What were the most striking differences you observed, and how did you adapt your leadership and work style to thrive in this new ecosystem?

The move from a PSU environment to a dynamic tech firm like Salesforce was both deliberate and deeply energising. After spending over four decades in a public sector institution, I was ready to step into a space that would challenge me differently—intellectually, culturally, and professionally. I’ve always believed that leadership is not a destination—it’s a journey of continuous learning and renewal. And to remain relevant, one must stay curious and open to reinvention.

At SBI, I had the privilege of working at scale—with systems that impacted millions of lives. But I also recognised, quite early on, that technology would be the defining force for the future. Even in my SBI days, I had worked closely with nearly every major tech provider, so the world of digital transformation was not unfamiliar. What Salesforce offered was the chance to work from the inside—to see how innovation is built, scaled, and delivered in real time.

The environment may be different, but the fundamentals of strong leadership remain constant: clarity of purpose, empathy, and the ability to inspire trust. What helped me adapt quickly was the shared DNA between SBI and Salesforce: a deep commitment to customers and strong values-driven cultures. That alignment made the transition feel natural.

I did have to evolve—become more agile, embrace ambiguity, and lead in a far more cross-functional, collaborative way. But what truly made the difference was the culture of inclusivity and innovation that Salesforce fosters. It reminded me that no matter where you are in your career, there’s always something new to discover, and always a new way to lead.

As a woman leader at Salesforce, what has your journey been like navigating the tech industry, and what were some of the key challenges you faced early in your career?

Leadership, whether in banking or technology, is ultimately about people: inspiring them, empowering them, and building the systems that allow them to succeed. When I transitioned into the tech industry as Salesforce India’s first CEO, I wasn’t just stepping into a new role—I was stepping into a new world. It was a shift from being a long-time banker to leading in a fast-moving, innovation-led industry. And with that came the responsibility of shaping a vision that was both locally relevant and globally aligned.

There was no playbook for what this role should look like. I had to define it from the ground up—understanding where I could bring the most value, building the right structures for our teams in India, and ensuring that we were contributing meaningfully to Salesforce’s global momentum. That required deep curiosity, a willingness to learn, and the humility to ask questions—especially in areas of complex technology domains.

The learning curve was steep, but so was the opportunity. What I’ve found is that tech leadership isn’t just about understanding the tools. It’s about understanding their impact. It’s about using technology to unlock human potential, create equitable access, and solve real-world problems. As a woman in leadership, there have been moments of challenge. But I’ve always believed that resilience, clarity of purpose, and staying grounded in your values is what carries you through.

Today, as we stand at the intersection of AI, trust, and transformation, I see my role not just as a business leader, but as a bridge. Between industries, between people and technology, and between ambition and execution.

How do you see the role of women evolving in emerging areas like AI, data science, and cloud computing? Are there enough opportunities being created?

My first piece of advice: own your ambition without apology. Far too often, I see young women waiting for the “perfect moment” to step forward—waiting until they feel completely prepared. The truth is no one ever feels 100% ready.

We are at a pivotal moment in the technology landscape. AI, data science, and cloud computing are not just reshaping industries; they are reshaping the very fabric of how we work and live. For women, this is a moment of immense opportunity, but it is also a call to action.

Over the years, I’ve seen women rise, lead, and inspire across sectors. In technology too, we are witnessing greater participation, especially at the entry and mid-levels. But the real question is: how do we sustain that momentum all the way to leadership? Because representation at the top remains a challenge.

In emerging fields like AI, the presence of diverse perspectives is not just important, it is essential. AI learns from the world we build around it. If women are not part of that process—designing algorithms, leading engineering teams, setting policy—we risk creating systems that reflect only a narrow slice of society.

The good news is the ecosystem is evolving. Companies like Salesforce are creating platforms for continuous learning, mentorship, and inclusive leadership. But change cannot be driven by policy alone—it must be enabled by mindset. Women must feel empowered to step into the unknown, to challenge the status quo, and to grow through the discomfort of new challenges.

We need to stop asking whether women can thrive in these areas. They already are. The focus now must be on removing the barriers that hold them back and accelerating their path to leadership. Because when women lead in tech, they don’t just drive innovation—they shape more equitable, more resilient futures for everyone.

What are some systemic or cultural changes you believe are essential to truly empower more women in the technology workforce?

Looking back at my own journey, from my early days in banking to now leading a technology-driven enterprise, I realise that success is never a straight road. It’s full of unexpected turns, obstacles, and moments of doubt. As women, we often face an extra set of challenges, not just professional ones, but societal expectations as well.

To truly empower more women in tech, we must start by breaking down structural and societal barriers. Empowerment begins with access - access to education, mentorship, leadership roles, and cutting-edge technology. But it doesn’t stop there. Allyship is just as critical. We need everyone, regardless of gender, to champion women’s growth. That means mentoring, sponsoring, calling out bias, and ensuring fair opportunities.

It’s not about grand gestures; sometimes the most meaningful progress comes from simple, everyday actions, like encouraging a young girl to dream big, sharing household responsibilities, or amplifying a woman’s voice in meetings. When we support women with intention and consistency, they don’t just build careers, they transform industries.

Can you share a moment or project where being a woman brought a unique perspective or leadership advantage to the table?

There were many times in my career when I found myself as the only woman in the room — especially in critical meetings where big decisions were being made. It wasn’t just about representation; it was about bringing a lived experience that shaped how I approached leadership. As a woman, I often found myself balancing high-stakes responsibilities at work while also staying anchored to the demands of family life. That dual lens gave me a deeper sensitivity to what people need—not just as professionals, but as human beings.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that leadership is not only about driving outcomes; it’s also about creating environments where people feel heard, valued, and empowered. In times of transformation — be it digital shifts at the State Bank of India or the AI revolution we’re navigating at Salesforce—empathy has been a crucial differentiator. It’s that ability to listen intently, to build trust, and to lead with purpose that often moves the needle.

In every major initiative I’ve led, I’ve always believed in surrounding myself with people who think differently — people who challenge norms, bring diverse viewpoints, and aren’t afraid to speak up. That’s where real innovation happens. So yes, being a woman has brought a unique perspective — but more importantly, it has reinforced the power of inclusive, conscious leadership. And I believe that’s the kind of leadership the world needs more of today.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to build a career in tech, especially in leadership or technical roles?

My first piece of advice: own your ambition without apology. Far too often, I see young women waiting for the “perfect moment” to step forward—waiting until they feel completely prepared. The truth is no one ever feels 100% ready. Growth begins the moment you raise your hand and say, “I’m willing to try.”

In my experience, confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build by showing up, taking on challenges, and learning from them. Don’t underestimate your ability to lead, to innovate, or to change the status quo.

Second, embrace the mindset of a lifelong learner. After decades in banking, I chose to take on a new challenge at Salesforce, because I believe reinvention is a strength, not a setback. Leadership is not a title; it’s a mindset. It evolves with every experience, every failure, and every success.

Lastly, build your resilience. One of my earliest mentors once told me, “Giving up takes seconds, but what is the hurry?” That perspective has stayed with me throughout my career. The road to leadership isn’t always linear. There will be setbacks, but each one offers an opportunity to rise stronger and wiser.

Stay curious. Stay grounded. And surround yourself with people who challenge your thinking and expand your vision. Because in the end, leadership is not about having all the answers—it’s about having the courage to keep asking the right questions.