It’s not every day that you come across a powerhouse like Ujjyaini Mitra. With a passion for mathematics and a tenacious spirit, she has carved her path in the business world, establishing herself as a trailblazer in the field of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. Ujjyaini is the Founder & CEO of two groundbreaking startups: Deltacube.ai and SETU. Deltacube.ai specializes in developing AI products, crafting Digital Transformation strategies, and innovating AI-based roadmaps for clients. Meanwhile, SETU focuses on revolutionizing education and talent acquisition in emerging technology domains, blending EdTech and HireTech seamlessly.
Ujjyaini’s journey into the world of mathematics and computer science wasn’t conventional. Growing up in a small town, she found solace in solving mathematical problems. A chance encounter with a passionate senior engineering student during her school days ignited her interest in Mathematics Olympiad and opened her eyes to the world of possibilities. She pursued double honors in Mathematics and Theoretical Computer Science from Chennai Mathematics Institute, defying the norms of career choices prevalent in her time. Later, she earned her Masters in Quantitative Economics from the prestigious Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata.
Her career truly took off when she was selected by McKinsey, marking her entry into the realm of Data Science. Despite the challenges and skepticism, Ujjyaini’s unwavering determination led her to become the Chief Data Officer at ZEE and ZEE5, one of India’s largest media companies. Her ambition knew no bounds, and within two years, she achieved the position she aspired to, defying all odds.
The pivotal moment, however, came when she founded Deltacube.ai. Despite initial uncertainties, her startup quickly gained traction, securing three clients within the first three months. Ujjyaini’s journey is not just about personal accomplishments; it’s about creating a nurturing environment for others. Her proudest achievement lies in the vibrant culture she has fostered within her team. Ujjyaini envisioned a workplace where enthusiasm meets purpose, and today, her team walks in with smiles, energy, and a shared sense of purpose.
Yet, Ujjyaini’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. As a woman in the business world, she faced stereotypes and biases. However, she was fortunate to have a supportive upbringing and a life partner who stood by her side. Ujjyaini learned to assert herself in a room full of men, challenging societal norms and breaking barriers. Despite facing prejudices and doubts, she stood her ground, proving that gender is never a limitation to success.
Championing Work-Life Balance and Empowering Women in the Workplace
Ujjyaini Mitra not only excels in her professional endeavors but also masters the art of balancing work and personal life, a feat often seen as elusive in today’s fast-paced world. Her secret? A combination of structured routines, prioritization, and a profound understanding of detachment.
In Ujjyaini’s world, the day starts with a peaceful morning ritual—meditation and learning from the spiritual scriptures of Adwitya Vedant. These moments provide her with wisdom, teaching her the invaluable lesson of detachment. According to her, the startups she founded aren’t possessions but duties, shared equally with her team members. This perspective allows her to mentally disconnect from the ups and downs, fostering resilience and focus.
At work, Ujjyaini meticulously plans her day. She maintains a strict routine, replicating the office atmosphere within her home office. The door closes at 9 AM, marking the beginning of her workday, and only opens for lunch and when she calls it a day. This symbolic separation not only enhances her focus but also signals to her family that she is in work mode. She writes detailed to-do lists, prioritizes tasks, and blocks her calendar, ensuring that high-priority tasks are accomplished without distractions.
One of Ujjyaini’s key strategies is saying ‘No’ to tasks that don’t align with her priorities. This discerning approach allows her to save precious time and focus on what truly matters. She doesn’t indulge in multitasking, preferring to concentrate on one task at a time, ensuring quality and efficiency. Ujjyaini places immense trust in her team, empowering them to take ownership and responsibility. Her leadership style involves delegation without micromanagement, allowing her team members the freedom to innovate and surprise her.
Furthermore, she advocates for periodic breaks, both mentally and physically. Ujjyaini immerses herself in nature, often visiting the Himalayas where she disconnects from the digital world. This digital detox allows her to rejuvenate and return with renewed energy.
Ujjyaini’s journey hasn’t been solitary; mentors have played a pivotal role. She looks up to Ireena Vittal, a senior partner at McKinsey, as her lifelong mentor. Ireena’s guidance, filled with insightful questions, has been a guiding force during Ujjyaini’s moments of self-doubt and confusion.
In her workplace, Ujjyaini champions the cause of women empowerment. She believes in empowering leaders to recognize talent beyond conventional standards. She emphasizes the importance of objective evaluation, focusing on candidates’ abilities rather than personal circumstances. Ujjyaini actively supports her team members, providing them with the freedom to manage their work and personal lives. Moreover, outside her organizations, she extends her support to young women, encouraging them to be courageous and take charge of their lives, unburdened by societal expectations.
A Visionary Advocate for Diversity and Inclusion
Ujjyaini Mitra, with her deep-rooted understanding of data science and artificial intelligence, sheds light on the critical importance of diversity and inclusion in the business world. Drawing from her expertise, she emphasizes the potential biases that can seep into AI algorithms, influencing decisions in ways that perpetuate gender and ethnic disparities. Through her lens, Ujjyaini highlights how a lack of diversity in the teams that build these algorithms can inadvertently reinforce harmful stereotypes and biases. For instance, in loan approval models, the absence of diverse perspectives might lead to skewed outcomes, penalizing certain groups unfairly. Similarly, in machine translation, biases can emerge, reinforcing traditional gender roles and societal norms, all stemming from the limited worldview of the developers.
Ujjyaini’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is not merely theoretical; she has taken concrete steps to drive change within her sphere of influence. She firmly believes that this change begins at an individual level. Her adherence to the teachings of Adwitya Vedanta philosophy, emphasizing the oneness of all living beings, forms the foundation of her approach. Ujjyaini has actively practiced these principles, creating a ripple effect within her organizations.
One striking example of her proactive approach occurred when she encountered a situation involving biased hiring practices within her team. Rather than merely addressing the symptom, Ujjyaini delved deep into the root cause. She educated her senior executives about the values of diversity and inclusion. By fostering a deeper understanding among her VPs, she initiated a cultural shift within her organization. Those who embraced these values and promoted a diverse workforce witnessed outstanding outcomes. Lower attrition rates, higher performance, a sense of camaraderie, and an increased sense of ownership were the results of this transformative change.
Moreover, Ujjyaini goes beyond internal transformations. She actively mentors women, encouraging them to confront disrespectful attitudes and champion cultural change in their workplaces and families. She empowers them not only to recognize injustice but also to proactively address it, fostering a sense of courage and resilience.
A Guiding Light for Women in Business
In the ever-changing landscape of the business world, Ujjyaini Mitra stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for women. Her insights into the trends shaping the business landscape for women in 2023 reflect not just the progress made but the possibilities that lie ahead. Women are rising, breaking barriers, leading businesses, and inspiring others. Ujjyaini’s optimism stems from the progressive steps taken by the Indian government and the increasing visibility of women in powerful roles, both in professional spheres and within the household.
In her eyes, the transformation of societal norms is as crucial as corporate policies. She advocates for the acknowledgment of the vital roles played by women within the home, eradicating stereotypes that often belittle these roles. Simultaneously, she emphasizes the importance of recognizing men who take on these responsibilities, fostering a more balanced and respectful society.
Ujjyaini’s vision for supporting women in leadership roles transcends mere rhetoric; it delves deep into the heart of organizational culture. She advocates for a shift from a uniform evaluation framework to one based on individual strengths. Diversity should not be enforced; rather, it should be nurtured through open-minded hiring practices, training hiring managers to be unbiased and respectful. The key lies in appreciating varied leadership styles and promoting an inclusive environment.
For young women embarking on their careers, Ujjyaini’s advice echoes with wisdom and determination. She urges them to follow their passions unapologetically, reminding them that persistence and faith in oneself are the keys to overcoming obstacles. Moreover, she recommends delving into the timeless wisdom of the ‘Shrimad Bhagavat Gita’, a source of guidance that has empowered her through her journey. This ancient scripture, with its profound teachings, serves as a reservoir of strength, teaching resilience, mindfulness, and gratitude in the face of challenges.
In her parting words, Ujjyaini extends an invitation to all young women: to embrace entrepreneurship, take risks, and seize the present moment. She urges them to silence the naysayers, internal doubts, and societal limitations. Her message is clear: the time for women to shine is now, and with unwavering determination and self-belief, they are unstoppable.
Ujjyaini Mitra’s narrative transcends the realm of successful startups; it embodies resilience, passion, and the ability to defy societal norms. Her journey stands as a testament to the fortitude of women in the business arena.
Ujjyaini isn’t merely a CEO; she radiates empowerment, showcasing that with dedication and unyielding belief, one can conquer any challenge and attain greatness. Her legacy echoes in the lives she influences, encouraging women to dismantle barriers, find equilibrium, and pursue their aspirations with steadfast determination. Through her unwavering commitment to inclusivity, Ujjyaini exemplifies the transformative power of championing diversity and inclusion at the core. Her wisdom, leadership, and mentorship continue to pave the path for a future where diversity is cherished, biases are confronted, and every individual is empowered to thrive.