Leadership, to me, has always been about impact—lifting others, driving positive change, delivering high-quality products that focus on customer experience, and staying true to my values. From growing up in India as the daughter of two rocket scientists to leading and scaling global engineering organizations, my journey has been defined and enabled by resilience, courage, and an unwavering belief in people’s potential.

I began my career as a rocket scientist at the Indian Space Research Organization, much like NASA. In 1997, my husband and I immigrated to the U.S., seeking new opportunities and global experiences. I joined HP, rising through the ranks from an architect in the Business Critical Solutions team to leading engineering teams in HP Software. At NetApp, I built a reputation as a transformational leader in enterprise storage and data management. Later, I led engineering operations at a startup, guiding its evolution from an early-stage company to a mature organization. At Hewlett Packard Enterprise, I led a brand new product development and releases of multiple portfolio products, managed over 700 people and headed Engineering Operations for Primary storage products, a 4B$ business.

That is over 3 decades of work leading large, globally distributed teams and delivering complex, high-impact enterprise solutions across on-premise, cloud, and hybrid environments.

Beyond technology, my passion lies in creating inclusive workplaces where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered. As the proud mother of two strong and independent young women, I am committed to making the world a better place for future generations. I serve on boards for women’s empowerment and charitable organizations, mentor aspiring leaders, and counsel cancer patients as a survivor myself. I believe that true fulfillment comes not from money, titles or accolades but from a life of service and purpose. Throughout my career, I have faced challenges, made tough decisions, and led through uncertainty. But through it all, I have remained committed to a few key leadership tenets that define who I am:

1. Courage to Challenge the Status Quo
Leadership requires boldness—questioning the norm, pushing boundaries, and driving transformation. Whether building complex infrastructure systems or leading large-scale change, I have always believed in raising the bar and continuously improving through kaizen.
"Well-behaved women seldom make history." — Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

2. Leading with Authenticity and Empathy
Leadership is built on trust, not authority. I have always shown up as my true self, fostering a safe space where people feel valued. Empathy and transparency transform disengaged teams into high-performing ones. Now, more than ever, we need leaders who create these spaces at work and in our communities.
"Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge." — Simon Sinek

3. Building Inclusive and High-Performing Teams
Diversity is not a checkbox—it’s a strength. I have intentionally built teams where different perspectives fuel innovation. By mentoring women in tech and empowering emerging leaders, I’ve seen firsthand how inclusion leads to excellence.
"There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish." — Michelle Obama

4. Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Setbacks are inevitable, but resilience determines the outcome. When a major product release faced failure, I focused on solutions—not panic. I rallied teams, made tough calls, and turned challenges into learning experiences. Every obstacle has reinforced my belief that leaders rise through adversity.
"You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated." — Maya Angelou

5. Lifting Others as I Grow
Leadership is not about personal success—it’s about impact. Whether mentoring engineers, coaching first-time managers, or uplifting underprivileged women, I believe in paying it forward. The greatest leaders create more leaders, leaving a legacy of empowerment.
"As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same." — Marianne Williamson

A Message to Every Woman Leader:
To every woman reading this: Your voice matters. Your leadership matters.
Do not wait for permission. Speak up. Take risks. Challenge the status quo. Leadership is not about being perfect—it’s about being courageous, authentic, and willing to grow.

Let’s lead, inspire, and transform the world—one bold step at a time.

With strength and purpose,
Manju Abraham