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, despite considering teaching.
• 🎯 After graduating, she worked in finance for a few years but realized it wasn't the right fit, leading her to explore the tech industry.
• 🚀 Her entry into tech was by chance, accepting a job in hardware despite having no prior knowledge, forcing her to learn from the ground up.

Leadership and Management Style

• 🔑 Lalwani initially did not want to manage a team but, upon taking on the role, vowed to be a supportive manager unlike those she disliked in the past.
• 💬 Her management philosophy is inclusive, aiming to ensure everyone on the team feels heard and understood, which she credits for low team attrition.
• 🤝 She emphasizes the importance of approachability, stating that her position doesn't create a hierarchy that prevents team members from asking questions.

Navigating Gender and Minority Bias

• ⚠️ Lalwani recalls feeling the need to present a different version of herself to be accepted in the industry, noting that strong personalities could be perceived as aggressive or bossy in women.
• ⚖️ She observed that women faced more judgment than men, often for aspects beyond their work performance.
• 🧠 A significant challenge for women in the industry, including herself, is confidence and feeling ready to lead.

The Power of Mentorship and Support Systems

• 🌟 Professional mentors and her direct manager saw potential in Lalwani that she couldn't see in herself, providing crucial encouragement and validation.
• 🚧 She advises those embarking on career changes to expect roadblocks and to persevere rather than give up at the first sign of difficulty.
• 🤝 Building a strong support system through networking and finding people who can connect you to others is essential for overcoming challenges.

Becoming a Mentor and Driving Change

• 🌱 Lalwani aspires to be part of a cultural shift where women actively support and mentor other women in the industry.
• 💖 She finds fulfillment in mentoring her own team, coaching them through challenges and teaching them lessons she never received.
• 🚀 Giving back by helping others launch their careers, similar to how she was helped, is a deeply important aspect of her professional journey.