Empowering Women in Tech: Insights from Sheelu Verma

For over 20 years, Sheelu Verma has been a dynamic force in the IT industry, showcasing her passion and leadership across various roles and organizations. Her journey led her to ADT, where she discovered a culture that empowers employees to own their careers and rise to leadership positions. At ADT, Sheelu has thrived, finding opportunities to shape the future of safety and contribute to a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone is encouraged to come as they are. In this Life at ADT Blog, Sheelu shares her inspiring journey as a female leader in the tech industry, providing insightful advice for other women navigating similar paths and highlighting how ADT has been pivotal in her professional growth and success.

A New Start at ADT

Sheelu wasn’t seeking a change when an ADT recruiter contacted her, but the job description piqued her interest. “The recruiter mentioned the job would be challenging, and I was looking for more growth,” she recalls. Despite enjoying her work at her previous company, the prospect of new challenges was enticing.

The interview process at ADT was thorough, involving multiple rounds. “All the interviews went really well, and they liked me,” Sheelu says. However, it was an unexpected lunch invitation with her prospective team that sealed the deal. “I’ve never had any company invite me out for a meal and express interest in getting to know me personally, too. I really enjoyed meeting with the team and understanding more about ADT. That was really one of the things that helped me make my decision,” she shared.

A Lifelong Learner

Sheelu’s background in mathematics set a solid foundation for her IT career. “I have a master’s degree in mathematics and did courses in learning computers,” she explained. Her commitment to learning didn’t stop there, she pursued numerous professional trainings and certifications throughout her career. One that stands out for her career journey was her enrollment in the Stanford University LEAD program during the COVID-19 pandemic. This one-year online course in organizational leadership reshaped her outlook on leadership and personal growth. “The LEAD program was one of the best decisions I made during the pandemic. It opened a global perspective on leadership and connected me with people from all over the world,” Sheelu shares. The course not only enhanced her leadership skills but also deepened her understanding of global business dynamics and cultural diversity. Being a GSB LEAD alum has taken her around the world, including a visit to Japan last year, with plans to travel to Singapore this year.

Embracing New Roles at ADT

Currently, Sheelu works in the data and analytics field at ADT, a significant shift from her previous roles in infrastructure operations and database management. “I made a lateral move within ADT and am loving this data space,” she says. Working with data, Sheelu finds joy in converting information into meaningful insights that drive business decisions and help advance ADT.

Sheelu’s role allows her to interact with various teams, both within and outside IT. “Earlier, I was mostly in technical roles, often the only female in meetings. In this data space, that has changed. I see a lot more females, and I really enjoy talking to people outside of IT,” she notes.

Overcoming Challenges and Empowering Others

As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Sheelu has faced and overcome various challenges, making her an inspiring role model for young women entering the field. “There was one meeting about digital transformation, and I remember I was the only female in a group of 40 people,” she recalls. Despite these challenges, Sheelu’s perseverance and dedication have allowed her to rise through the ranks, taking on various leadership positions and mentoring others along the way.

Reflecting on her experiences, Sheelu shares valuable advice for women aspiring to excel in technology.

Seek Out Collaboration

“You can’t do everything yourself. Don’t hesitate to ask for help,” Sheelu advises. Collaboration and support from colleagues can be crucial in navigating the complexities of the tech world, especially early in your career. Building a network of mentors and peers to turn to for support or advice can provide the guidance and encouragement needed to thrive.

Remain Authentic

Sheelu emphasizes the importance of being authentic, even when trying to prove yourself to others. “Don’t try to be something that you are not, or become someone that you think others want you to be.” Even when feeling pressure to perform or fit into a certain team dynamic, remember you earned your position for who you are, not for who others expect you to be.

Have Unwavering Confidence

The next piece of advice Sheelu offered highlighted the importance of having confidence in yourself and your abilities, especially when encountering conflict or doubt from others. “Be confident about your abilities, even if others are doubting you.” Reflecting on her early career, Sheelu acknowledged that she had to overcome the urge to please everyone, even at the expense of her own work. “Don’t be a people pleaser. If you are in a position where someone is trying to diminish your work, then go ahead and face them head on,” she suggests.

Limit Validation From Others

Sheelu’s final piece of advice builds upon her earlier emphasis on confidence. She highlights the importance of not letting others’ opinions dictate your self-worth. “You can’t care too much about what others are saying. If you think you are doing a good job, that’s what matters. You can’t seek too much validation from others.”

Leading by Example

Sheelu is also a dedicated leader and mentor. At ADT, she leads as the Chair of the Asian Business Employee Resource Group (BERG), promoting inclusion within the company and providing enriching opportunities for members to learn and grow. Her commitment to mentorship is evident through her active involvement in three different mentorship programs within and outside ADT, that support diverse professionals, helping them navigate their career paths and achieve their goals.

Sheelu Verma’s two-decade-long career in IT has taken her through various roles and organizations, leading her to embrace new challenges and take on leadership roles at every stage. At ADT, she transitioned into data and analytics, finding joy in transforming information into insights and embracing change along the way. As a mentor and leader, Sheelu actively supports and advises women in tech, encouraging them to embrace collaboration, authenticity, confidence, and self-worth. Her journey, enriched by global experiences and a commitment to lifelong learning, serves as a powerful example for women aspiring to make meaningful contributions in the tech industry.