As I began my STEM journey in 11th in school, and then moved into engineering college, the percentage of women dropped drastically from 40-50% to less than 20%. In my class of ECE (Electronics and Communication) the all the women could be accommodated in the front row itself !! Though I endured deep seated biases around my intelligence from fellow male students – claiming that I was the topper not because I was smart but I studied all the time while men were smart but they just didn’t study, I got excellent support from my professors who were all male.
When I began my corporate journey, I was determined to prove that I am smart and intelligent and I was capable to creating a difference. Over my 28+ year career, I believe I have been fairly successful in doing so, again with strong support from my largely male managers.
In college, my passion was data communication and I am grateful to have worked for VSNL (later known as TCL), which was my dream company. It was the organisation that introduced internet in India and only place at that time where I could work in data communication.
Over the years, I have traversed multiple major technology and business transformations, Narrowband to broadband in wireline access, 2g->3g>4g->5g in Mobile networks, Generations of Cloud transformation across Enterprises and Telecom Operators covering both Public and Private Cloud (from virtualisation to containerisation), Connectivity evolving from Places(Landline)->People(Mobile)-> Things(IOT), Major developments in Cybersecurity and now AI as an all-pervasive technology reshaping everything we do.
I have also had the opportunity to lead and contribute to these transformations across various leadership capacities in my career. I have witnessed India being at a low tele density to one of the world’s largest 5G deployments, becoming a leader in data consumption and evolving to a truly digital economy. India has progressed from leading the technology services industry to building a vibrant, AI-led technology ecosystem.
Beyond technology and business growth, I have been deeply passionate about mentoring and coaching professionals as they navigate their career journeys. I have supported young women overcoming challenges and continue to support many of my star team members and industry colleagues.
As India builds its next wave of AI-led innovation, women must bring their true selves forward—not only as contributors to this story, but as architects of its future, leading through business, technology, and mentorship.
About the Contributor
Koel Chakrabarty is a Business & Technology leader with over 28 years of experience driving large-scale telecom and digital transformations across India and global markets.
She has led strategic initiatives spanning 5G, cloud, cybersecurity, IP transport, data centers, and Al adoption, holding leadership roles across global technology organizations including Ericsson, Cisco, Tata Communications, and most recently serving as Chief Technology Officer at Sterlite Global Services.
A Gold Medalist in Electronics & Communication Engineering from BIT Mesra, she is also an industry speaker, startup advisor, and leadership coach.
Koel is deeply committed to mentoring professionals and empowering women to grow into impactful technology and business leaders.
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