Arti Lalwani: Transitioning from Finance to Risk Management and Mentorship

Career Transition from Finance to Tech

• 💡 Arti Lalwani initially pursued a finance major due to traditional Indian parental expectations, aiming for careers as a doctor, engineer, or marrying into such professions.
• 🎯 After graduating with a finance degree, she worked in the field for a few years but realized it was not the right fit for her.
• 🚀 A chance job opportunity in hardware led her into the tech world, where she learned from the ground up.

Leadership and Management Style

• 🤝 Upon becoming a manager, Arti vowed to avoid the negative management styles she had experienced, focusing on making her team feel heard and understood.
• 💬 Her management approach is inclusive, which she attributes to her team having very low attrition rates.
• ⚠️ She acknowledges that her strong personality, when passionate, can be perceived as aggressive or bossy, and she had to adapt herself to feel accepted in the industry.

Overcoming Gender and Minority Bias

• 🎭 Arti observed that women in the industry faced harsher judgment than men, often being judged for aspects beyond their work performance.
• 🧠 Women, especially minority women, often struggle with confidence and feeling ready to lead, a challenge Arti herself faced.
• 🤝 Seeking advice from professional mentors and her direct manager, she found support that helped her recognize her own potential.

Advice for Career Changers and Aspiring Leaders

• 🚧 Anyone embarking on a career change will face roadblocks; giving up at the first sign prevents reaching goals.
• 🛠️ Persistence is key, whether through putting in extra personal work or finding external help.
• 🌐 Pursuing networking opportunities and building a strong support system are crucial for navigating career transitions.

Mentorship and Supporting Women

• ✨ Arti aspires to be part of a change where women actively support and mentor other women in the industry.
• 🌱 She finds fulfillment in mentoring her team, coaching them through challenges, and teaching them lessons she never learned herself.
• 💖 Giving back by believing in and helping others, similar to how her own career was launched, is a significant aspect of her professional philosophy.