WWCode Podcast #43: Garima Saxena, Assistant Vice President at EXL
Written by WWC Team
Tell us about your career journey in tech?
I started as an analyst and have grown to be an Assistant Vice President within EXL. In 12 years, I have gotten the opportunity to work in multiple domains. I have worked with pharma, utilities, insurance, retail, and now in healthcare. I have also had the opportunity to work with multiple projects, ranging from the prescriptive predictive and descriptive analysis. For the first seven years of my career, I was in India. For the past six years, I’ve been in the US.
Tell us more about your role at EXL, what do you do day-to-day?
I’m leading a team of 25 analysts. I manage people, accounts, clients, and stakeholders. I conduct domain and technical training. I take care of my team and the deliverables for my team. I groom the team if there is an opportunity for expansion for EXL. I am highly involved in the business development initiatives for EXL.
EXL is a global company, what are the challenges you face being an Assistant Vice President of EXL? How do you overcome them?
I have worked with diverse cultures, people, and geographies. The biggest cultural challenge was to keep everyone motivated and dedicated to a common goal.
What steps did you take to get to where you are as an Assistant Vice President at EXL?
Be fearless and follow your passion. Don’t do what others tell you to do. Do what you feel passionate about. Be the best version of yourself in whatever you do. Always keep learning and growing. Specifically to analytics and my role, be good in one of the programming languages. Be statistically sound.
Why are inclusion and diversity important in the workplace, especially in tech?
The world we live and work in is full of diversity and innovation. To be successful in such a world, we need to create an environment where diversity is cherished. We need to create a leadership profile that represents the world. Everyone should feel included and valued.
As an expert in analytics, how would you describe the role of analytics in data-driven decision-making?
There is a saying that you cannot manage what you cannot measure. Data is the leader. Analytics help to generate key insights and find out more about data. Every company is now investing in the data because they have realized the potential.
What are you passionate about outside of work?
I enjoy traveling, exploring new places, meeting people of different cultures, and getting to know their cultures. I also enjoy spending time with my six-month-old daughter.
What advice will you give women who are coming to tech?
Never give up. Be the change you want to see. Do not give up on leadership opportunities, technical opportunities, or any project. Try everything that comes your way. Take calculated risks whenever it is necessary. Turn every stone in your way into a stepping stone for success to catapult your career.