Women in Tech: Megha Chaudhary on Leadership, Resilience, and Inspiring the Next Generation

HackerNoon editorial team has launched this interview series with women in tech to celebrate their achievements and share their struggles. We need more women in technology, and by sharing stories, we can encourage many girls to follow their dreams. Share your story today!

Tell us about yourself!

I am a digital transformation leader in enterprise supply chain operations, advising CPOs/CTOs/CFOs on cloud technology implementations. I have experience working for renowned organizations such as Deloitte Consulting (Big 4) as well as Meta (formerly Facebook). I completed my Masters in Industrial & Systems Engineering from North Carolina State University.

Why did you choose this field in the first place?

The intersection of technology & industrial operations is very interesting! I’ve always been drawn to problem-solving, and technology offers powerful tools to tackle complex, real-world challenges. Specifically, supply chain technology appealed to me because it impacts nearly every industry and affects millions of people. The opportunity to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and drive resilience across such a critical function inspired me to pursue this field.

What tech are you most excited/passionate about right now and why?

Right now, I’m most excited about AI-driven analytics and automation. These technologies hold incredible potential for predictive decision-making and real-time optimizations in supply chain operations. AI allows us to move from reactive to proactive, making entire supply chains more responsive and resilient to changes or disruptions.

What tech are you most worried about right now and why?

Data privacy and security in the context of cloud computing is a concern for me. As more companies adopt cloud solutions, there’s an increasing need to protect sensitive information. Any breach can have serious consequences not only for individual companies but for the industry as a whole. Ensuring robust security protocols and continuous updates is essential.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of tech?

Outside of work, I love hiking, traveling, and cooking (as a creative outlet). Being in nature helps me recharge and gain perspective. Traveling keeps me inspired and curious. I have traveled to 45 countries and hiked in 33 national parks across the globe.

Let's talk about breaking the glass ceiling. What were the biggest challenges you faced as a woman in tech, and how did you deal with them?

One of the biggest challenges was proving my technical competence in a male-dominated environment, especially early on in my career. I dealt with it by constantly learning, and building a strong network of mentors and peers who provided support and guidance. Eventually, my work spoke for itself, but it took persistence.

Any questionable misogynistic story/situation you faced/handled, and you want to share with the HackerNoon Fam?

There have been moments where I felt my ideas were dismissed initially, only to be recognized when repeated by a male colleague. I’ve learned to assert myself respectfully and speak up. While it’s disappointing that these situations still happen, addressing them directly has helped shift the dynamics in those teams.

What was the biggest setback/failure that you faced, and how did you manage it?

I have learned to be agile through experience. It has been through several small lessons, but they have taught me the importance of agility and learning to deal with failure by applying lessons quickly.

What's your biggest achievement that you're really proud of?

One of my proudest achievements was being a part of a large-scale cloud transformation project for a global non-profit organization that completely overhauled access to life-saving necessities. The results were transformative; we significantly reduced costs and improved efficiency. Seeing the direct impact of our work on people’s lives was incredibly rewarding.

In your opinion, why do we see this huge gender gap in the tech industry, and how can we reduce it?

The gender gap is largely due to a combination of factors—lack of representation, stereotypes, and limited access to mentorship. To reduce this gap, we need to normalize women in technical roles and create support systems through mentorship, networking, and training programs. Encouraging STEM education for young girls is also crucial to growing interest early on.

Who is your tech idol? Why?

I find inspiration in the collective efforts of women in tech who are breaking barriers and redefining the industry. From engineers and entrepreneurs to advocates and educators, this community is making significant strides toward inclusivity and innovation. Their dedication to mentoring others, sharing knowledge, and pushing for diversity motivates me to contribute positively to the field and to support the next generation of tech leaders.

Do you have any advice for aspiring girls who want to join the field?

Stay confident! The tech industry thrives on diverse perspectives, and there’s room for anyone ready to learn and bring fresh ideas. Seek out mentors, stay curious, and don’t let doubt stop you. Each step you take helps open doors for others.