In our Women in Leadership series, we spotlight Shilpa Menon, Centre Head at UST’s Thiruvananthapuram campus, the company’s largest development centre. Her journey, spanning 25 years, is a story of perseverance, learning, and breaking barriers in the male-dominated world of technology.
When Shilpa joined UST (then US Software) in 2000 as employee number 53, the company was a small team of just 50–60 people. Yet, each day brought opportunities to grow, take on new challenges, and learn every aspect of the business.
“One day I was a developer, the next a tester, and then I was analyzing requirements. That exposure taught me versatility and resilience early in my career,” she recalls.
Today, Shilpa leads 7,500 employees as Centre Head, overseeing operations, employee engagement, and global project deliveries. Her journey from a fresher to a technology and delivery leader reflects the power of learning, adaptability, and hard work.
Finding Her Path in Technology
Originally from Rajasthan, Shilpa moved back to Kerala for higher studies. After an initial setback in pursuing medicine, she chose to explore her passion for computers. Completing a postgraduate diploma in computer science and a Master’s in Computer Applications, she began teaching and interning at the National Informatics Centre before joining UST.
Her first assignment took her on-site to Dayton, Ohio, where she learned the importance of building strong client relationships a skill that shaped her future leadership style.
Constant Change as a Catalyst for Growth
Shilpa’s career progression at UST was marked by continuous learning and adaptation. From team lead to project manager, she thrived in emerging accounts, handling new clients, and delivering major transformations. She embraced evolving technologies, processes, and customer expectations, demonstrating that growth often comes from embracing change.
Her work spans financial services, retail, Fortune 100 clients, Google Cloud migrations, and global capability centres proving that perseverance and curiosity can open doors to endless opportunities.
Empowering Women in Tech
Shilpa has been a champion for women’s empowerment. She led the Network of Women Associates, driving mentorship, training, and advocacy for female employees. She highlights the challenges of unconscious biases and shares her approach: “You have to identify them and speak up. Women need to amplify their stories and be confident.”
Through formal programs like WinIT and informal mentoring, Shilpa continues to inspire women to stay in the workforce, grow in leadership, and balance career and life responsibilities.
The Role of AI and Continuous Learning
Looking forward, Shilpa believes AI will empower women, enabling efficiency and work-life balance. She emphasizes that continuous learning is key to staying relevant in a fast-changing technology landscape.
“Women are flexible and adaptable. By staying curious, embracing new technologies, and building confidence, we can achieve extraordinary growth,” she says.
A Journey of Happiness and Purpose
Shilpa’s journey teaches us that success is not just about positions or titles, but about learning, growing, and finding happiness in work that inspires and challenges us.
“I will keep seeking opportunities that lift me, help me grow, and make a difference,” she concludes—a message that motivates every aspiring leader to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
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