At AccentinfoTech Media, we are passionately dedicated to celebrating the remarkable stories of women shattering glass ceilings in the traditionally male-dominated IT sector. In a recent insightful conversation, our Associate Editor at Channel360MEA, engaged with Ms. Asmita Khanolkar, the Renewals Unit Manager at Mindware. Ms. Khanolkar stands out as a pioneering force, adeptly steering a leading value-added distributor and demonstrating the exceptional prowess of women across diverse business landscapes.
Women have been breaking barriers and achieving remarkable progress in the IT industry, a field traditionally dominated by men. Their impact is evident across various roles, from software development to executive leadership, where they drive innovation, foster inclusive cultures, and challenge enduring stereotypes. Asmita’s journey as the head of the Renewals Team at Mindware, managing the GULF and Levant regions, exemplifies this progress. Despite initial challenges, she gradually carved out a unique and influential position for herself in the industry.
Early Days
Graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering from India, Asmita began her career as a Technical Support Executive for a leading Internet Service Provider (ISP). “This role was instrumental in applying my academic knowledge to real-world scenarios. It taught me effective communication, critical thinking, and teamwork, all while emphasizing customer satisfaction,” she reflected. Prior to this, she had a brief stint with Global Telesystems as a Project Trainee.
Seeking to build on her client-facing experience, Asmita transitioned into sales. “In 2006, I joined Mindware in Dubai as a Sales Executive and advanced to the role of Business Development Manager, where I managed sales across a diverse range of products. This position allowed me to demonstrate my ability to generate revenue and cultivate lasting client relationships,” she noted.
Women in the IT industry
Asmita continued, “Currently, I serve as the Renewals Unit Manager, overseeing operations across the region. Leading a dedicated team, I handle renewals for a range of products that are pivotal to driving our business growth and success in the region.”
With over 18 years of experience in the tech industry since starting in 2006, Asmita has witnessed a significant rise in the number of women pursuing IT careers. More women are now enrolling in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs and entering the tech workforce. “The notion that women cannot lead is outdated,” Asmita emphasized. “We are seeing more women attain leadership roles in tech companies, with high-profile examples like Sheryl Sandberg (former COO of Facebook), Ginni Rometty (former CEO of IBM), and Susan Wojcicki (former CEO of YouTube).”
Need of the hour!
Despite the increasing numbers, the proportion of women in the IT industry remains significantly lower compared to their male counterparts. The primary challenge is the lack of female representation and role models in technology careers. However, a gradual shift is underway. By promoting gender equality and appointing more women to senior leadership roles, organizations can make technology careers more appealing to women and encourage their participation in the sector. With the right support and mentorship, I firmly believe that women can become a formidable force in the IT industry.
Furthermore, women occupy a vital position in today’s business landscape and are increasingly adopting hybrid work setups. This trend reflects their desire to balance career advancement with responsibilities at home and within society. Studies indicate a surge in women’s ambition post-pandemic, with the flexibility of hybrid work arrangements playing a crucial role in driving this ambition.
Organizations have found that women working in hybrid settings face no barriers to career advancement. In fact, there has been a noticeable increase in productivity, contributing to accelerated revenue growth for companies.
I’m Lucky
Sharing her personal experience, Asmita remarked, “I’ve been fortunate in that I have never encountered gender discrimination, whether during my upbringing or in any of my past or current workplaces.”
Asmita always received unwavering support from her parents. They never imposed their wishes on her but instead wholeheartedly supported her decision to pursue a career in computer engineering and the IT industry. “Beyond my family, in every workplace I’ve been a part of, opportunities have come my way based solely on merit. Gender discrimination has never stood in the way of my progress,” she shared.
Asmita takes immense pride in her current role as the Business Unit Head at Mindware. “I’m deeply grateful and proud of the inclusive environment we’ve cultivated here. We extend equal opportunities to all employees, regardless of gender, and I’m honored to be part of such a progressive workplace,” she added.
It’s not just about the respect and amenities we receive as women in our organization; it’s also about being evaluated equally in terms of work and sales performance. This genuine commitment to equality truly defines work culture at Mindware.
Going Forward
Expanding mentorship and sponsorship programs can help women navigate their careers and gain access to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. Strengthening peer networks among women in tech can provide valuable support and encouragement. Not far are the days, when the tech industry will be a more inclusive and equitable environment, empowering more women to thrive and lead in the world of IT.
