Women in leadership are known to bring unique perspectives and experiences to decision-making. Their efforts are known to result in more innovative solutions and a collaborative work culture helping companies to perform better financially.
A celebrated leader in the IT industry, Ira Agarwal has been enriching the companies and clients she has worked with over the years with her proven expertise and experience.
In her current role as the Chief Marketing Officer (CXO role) at Veersa Technologies, an innovation-led healthcare technology organization, Ira is responsible for brand promotion, market research, and trends, responsible for partnerships and alliances, collaboration & communication, business & social Impact through ESG and DEI Initiatives.
Professional Journey
As a highly accomplished global business and technology leader with over 22 years of experience in the IT industry, Ira has held significant positions in prestigious organizations, including TCS, HCL America, Compunnel, Steria, Techspan, Headstrong, and Genpact Digital, where she served Fortune 100 clients. Her expertise lies in emerging technologies, global delivery management, presales and solutions, innovation and competency center setup, client relationship management, sales and marketing, brand promotion, and impact through ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) & DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives.
Ira’s diverse experience provides a valuable perspective, fostering a culture of partnership, collaboration, and integrity. Ira sets the vision, mission, and goals, strategizing to achieve the best business outcomes aligned with the noble purpose of serving humanity and society. She possesses a strong risk-taking ability, outstanding analytical and critical thinking skills, and a data-driven decision-making approach. This empowers her to comprehend real-world business challenges, develop optimized solutions, and drive business transformation, resulting in improved outcomes both within her organization and beyond. Her professional growth has been an incredible learning journey, nurtured by curiosity, competence, and collaboration.
Strategic Leadership
Currently, Ira serves as the Chief Marketing Officer (CXO role) at Veersa Technologies, an innovation-led healthcare technology organization. Additionally, she contributes as a respected member of the Advisory Board at AAPNA Infotech and Mallawa Ventures.
Ira, a certified ESG Impact Leader from the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), brings a wealth of expertise in formulating organization strategies that emphasize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. Her strategic insights have been instrumental in directing organizations towards sustainable practices that not only promote environmental stewardship but also drive positive social impact.
Her thought leadership and deep understanding of ESG principles have been instrumental in directing businesses towards sustainable practices. These sustainable practices not only promote social responsibility but also contribute to the long-term success of a business.
Business Sustainability
In the sphere of environmental sustainability, Ira is highly committed to minimizing the environmental footprint of businesses. She executes various eco-friendly initiatives which encompass measures like enhancing energy efficiency, implementing waste reduction programs, advocating for responsible sourcing practices, and developing strategies to decrease the carbon footprint.
In addition, Ira’s dedication extends to amplifying the positive societal impact of businesses. She actively participates in community development efforts and champions various social initiatives. These may involve orchestrating philanthropic endeavors and establishing strategic partnerships with NGOs to address a wide range of social concerns.
Ira is also adept at collaborating with pertinent stakeholders to uphold ethical standards, promote transparency, and foster accountability. This collaboration contributes to a culture infused with integrity and the practice of responsible business conduct. One of her specialties lies in reporting ESG metrics and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) that pertain to ESG objectives, ensuring businesses remain focused on their sustainability and social responsibility goals.
A Woman of Diverse Achievements
Apart from her exceptional business achievements, Ira is a published author of research papers, articles, and blogs, covering topics like Artificial Intelligence, DevOps, Continuous Testing, and Digital Talent Retention. She has successfully designed frameworks, IPs, utilities, and prediction models for various organizations.
Throughout her career, Ira has received numerous accolades, client appreciation, and top organizational awards for her outstanding performance, delivery excellence, innovation, and commitment to customer satisfaction. Notably, she topped the Genpact Leadership Excellence Accelerated Program (LEAP) in collaboration with Duke CE (Fuqua Business School, Duke University) in 2015-2016. Additionally, Ira is certified as an Independent Women Director and ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance)-Social Impact Leader by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA). She is also the part of Women & Board Effectiveness Executive program launched by ISB in collaboration with EY.
Recognized as one of the top 10 most influential business and technology women pioneers and leaders, Ira has been featured on the front covers of CXO Outlook (December 2022), CEO Insights (May 2021), and Inner Review (June 2021) magazines. She actively contributes to promoting gender diversity and inclusivity as an Executive Council member of WILL (Women in Leadership) Forum, while also engaging in mentorship and advocacy of women’s leadership in the tech business. Her efforts have been acknowledged, and she has been honored with various prestigious awards, such as the Million STEM Campaign’s Top 50 female role models and the Global Women Inspiration Award by the I CAN Foundation.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ira passionately contributes to social initiatives, supporting girls’ education, and underprivileged children’s education, and providing classes for less educated women. Her efforts have earned her recognition and awards, including the WILL Women’s Choice Awards 2021, WILL Future Women Award 2022, Global Women Inspiration Award 2021, Emerging Women Leader in Technology Innovation Award 2021 by GISR Foundation, Impact Award 2022 by She Influences and India Business Conclave 2023.
Ira’s astounding professional growth journey is a testament to her curiosity, adroitness, and drive for excellence. As a mentor, she takes pride in nurturing young talent, helping them excel in various fields. Emphasizing digital talent transformation and continuous skill enhancement, she encourages comprehensive training, social media engagement, technical conferences, and networking with industry-leading Tech Gurus within the IT industry.
The Socialpreneur
Ira is also an outstanding social impact leader who exudes a strong sense of purpose and demonstrates a deep understanding of various pressing issues. Her passion for making a difference is evident, and she possesses the skills to mobilize resources, forge partnerships, and devise innovative solutions. With her effective communication, she can inspire and engage diverse stakeholders, making her an exceptional change agent.
Ira has recently taken the initiative to adopt several rural schoolsunderEkal Abhiyaanand is dedicated to uplifting the students in these communities. Additionally, she has set up tinkering labs in various schools, fostering an environment of innovation and creativity among the students. Moreover, Ira is actively involved in awareness programs aimed at educating young girls and helping them build successful careers in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medicine. She has collaborated with various organizations and is actively working towards women’s empowerment.
Working Style
Ira Agarwal’s working style is characterized by a blend of leadership, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As the Chief Marketing Officer at Veersa Technologies and an advisory board member of AAPNA Infotech, she exemplifies the qualities of a dynamic and accomplished leader.
In the fast-paced world of technology, Ira demonstrates remarkable adaptability. She stays abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies, making well-informed decisions that keep her organization competitive and relevant. Known for her results-oriented approach, she sets ambitious yet achievable targets for herself and her team.
As a leader, Ira fosters a collaborative and empowering work culture. She values the input and ideas of her team members and encourages open communication, allowing everyone to contribute to the success of projects. She understands the importance of building strong networks and strategic collaborations, leveraging her industry connections to forge partnerships that benefit her organization and support her social initiatives.
Ira’s working style reflects a combination of visionary leadership, adaptability, a focus on results, and a genuine commitment to empowering her team and making a positive impact on society. Her passion for both professional excellence and social initiatives is a testament to her well-rounded and inspiring approach to work
Mentoring New Leaders
Ira provides mentorship and guidance to aspiring professionals, particularly women, fostering a supportive environment for career advancement. In her pursuit of excellence, she pays great attention to detail, ensuring thorough planning and execution of marketing strategies, social initiatives, and collaborations.
Challenges are inevitable in any professional journey, but Ira exhibits resilience in overcoming obstacles. Her ability to stay focused and positive during difficult times allows her to navigate through complexities and emerge stronger.
Moreover, Ira promotes inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. She recognizes the value of different perspectives and actively encourages a diverse workforce that contributes to a rich and innovative organizational culture. Integrity and ethical conduct are foundational principles in Ira’s working style; she leads by example, maintaining the highest ethical standards in all her endeavors.
Message to Women Entrepreneurs and Leaders
“Being a woman in a leadership position comes with its unique set of challenges, but it also presents us with incredible opportunities to make a difference. We have proven time and again that gender is not a barrier to success, and our achievements are a testament to our determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment.
In this fast-paced and ever-changing world, let us stand together and support one another. Let’s create a network of empowered women leaders who uplift, encourage, and inspire each other to reach new heights. Together, we can shatter glass ceilings, break stereotypes, and pave the way for generations to come.
As leaders, we have the power to drive positive change not only within our organizations but also in the broader community. Let us use our positions to champion diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability. Let’s create environments that empower women and foster growth and development for all.
Remember that our journey is not just about personal success; it is about making a meaningful impact and leaving a lasting legacy. Each step we take towards progress paves the way for others to follow, and that is a responsibility we should embrace with pride.
I encourage you to continue pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and nurturing innovation. We are leaders, influencers, and advocates for positive change, and together, we can create a world where gender equality and female leadership become the norm.”