EY helps clients create long-term value for all stakeholders. Enabled by data and technology, our services and solutions provide trust through assurance and help clients transform, grow and operate.
At EY, our purpose is building a better working world. The insights and services we provide help to create long-term value for clients, people and society, and to build trust in the capital markets.
Leading with impact: A conversation with Ira Agarwal
Women. Fast Forward’ is EY’s global platform that engages our people, clients and communities to advance gender equality. Under this initiative, we bring to you the third episode of our ‘Inspiring Voices’ series, featuring Ira Agarwal, Chief Marketing Officer at Veersa Technologies. In conversation with Abhinav Johri, our Technology Consulting Partner, Ira shares her journey of leadership, innovation, and social impact. She also talks about ESG, corporate governance, and promoting gender equality in the corporate world. Her insights and experiences will inspire women to achieve new highs in their careers as well as make a meaningful difference to the community.
Ira Agarwal
Chief Marketing Officer, Veersa Technologies
Abhinav Johri
Partner, Technology Consulting, EY India
Key takeaways
Promoting ESG and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives drive sustainability and inclusivity, driving ethical business practices and long-term success for businesses.
Mentorship and tailored leadership programs are crucial for advancing women in technology and achieving gender diversity in leadership roles.
Robust governance and strategic technology adoption enhance decision-making, innovation, and organizational resilience in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
Embrace risks, prioritize continuous learning, communicate effectively and foster resilience— embrace these qualities to become a successful business leader.
Ira Agarwal
Chief Marketing Officer, Veersa Technologies
For your convenience, a full text transcript of this podcast is available on the link below:
Abhinav Johri: Welcome to Inspiring Voices, an inspiring initiative by EY’s Women. Fast Forward program dedicated to fostering a better working world through gender equality. At EY, we believe in the power of small actions to create a ripple effect of positive change, inspiring others to follow suit. Our mission is to cultivate an environment that not only includes but also empowers women to drive societal progress. Hello and warm greetings to all. My name is Abhinav Johri, and as a partner in Technology Consulting at EY India, I am thrilled to be your host for this episode of our podcast series.
In this series, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of distinguished women leaders and share their stories to motivate and provide guidance to other women, carving their own paths to success. We invite you to join us on this journey of celebration and empowerment. Before we introduce today's esteemed guest, I would like to share an insightful update. We may not necessarily be aware that the average number of women serving on boards within our sector has notably increased to 20% in 2023. This progress is a result of companies going beyond the minimum requirements and actively appointing more women to their boards. Although women currently hold approximately 1.6% of executive positions, especially in the technology industry, there is still a significant gap to bridge in executive roles compared to other sectors. Let us delve into these topics in today's episode. And now, without further ado, let us welcome our guest for today's episode. We are so honored to welcome Ira Aggarwal, Chief Marketing Officer at Veersa Technologies. Let me take a moment to introduce you to Ira further. She is a distinguished global business and technology leader with over 24 years of rich experience in the technology industry. She is renowned for her visionary leadership, award-winning performance, and dedication to driving both business and social impact. This is not where it ends; Ira serves on the board of multiple organizations, further showcasing her commitment to excellence and community involvement. She is also part of the Wharton Business School Advanced Management Program. Ira, it is a pleasure to have you on our show. Your extensive career and accomplishments are truly inspiring, and I am very excited to talk to you to gain deeper insight into your experiences and career journey. Thank you for joining us on behalf of EY.
Ira Agarwal: Thank you, Abhinav, for the lovely introduction. It is an immense pleasure to be on the EY podcast. I am delighted to be here and share my insights with your wonderful audience. I hope our discussion inspires more women to chase their dreams and make a difference in their respective fields.
Abhinav Johri: So, Ira, the first question to you, which I am sure is on the minds of many people listening out there, given your extensive experience in technology, business boardrooms, and social work you have been engaging with, could you please share the key milestones and highlights of your professional journey with us?
Ira Agarwal: Sure, Abhinav. My career has been both diverse and rewarding. I have 24 years of IT experience. I started my career with TCS and have worked for prestigious organizations like Excel America, Compunnel, Headstrong, and Genpact. Currently, I work as Chief Marketing Officer at Veersa Technologies and serve as a board member for multiple organizations operating in various sectors, including technology, ESG, finance, and investment. I am a certified independent woman Director and also ESG Impact Leader of the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs and executive alumni of ISB and National Association of Impact Leaders. I am also a fellow member of board stewardship, member of IOD, CII, Indian Women Network, and to my board. My key milestone highlights the significant accomplishments of my career. I have spearheaded profitable growth for top organizations and Fortune 500 clients, established innovation and technical centers that have driven significant business impact. I have formulated and implemented ESG and DEI initiatives. Provided strategic foresight, visionary leadership, and valuable insights to various boards integrating with sustainability and high governance standards. I've helped organizations build a culture of trust, collaboration, partnership, and integrity. Beyond my professional career, I am deeply committed to social impact. I mentor women in tech and corporate sectors, support numerous women empowerment initiatives, nurture young talent, adopt underprivileged schools, and work towards the UN SDG Goal 4 for inclusive and equitable quality education. Recently, I embarked on an incredible learning journey at an Ivy League institution, the Wharton School, studying advanced management concepts, tools, and techniques. This experience is helping me explore business trends and challenges, gaining a broader perspective on international markets and economics. I strongly believe in the power of taking risks, the importance of continuous learning, and the value of resilience, adaptability, and effective communication. These qualities have helped me in my development and emerging as a leader.
Abhinav Johri: That is very impressive. In fact, while I was listening to you, your vast experience, exposure, and involvement, I wondered why someone wouldn't be inspired. That is fantastic. Congratulations on having such a wide contribution in so many spheres of life. Great stuff. We did speak about some important topics, and I want to pick some of them. I would like you to elaborate on the importance of ESG and DEI initiatives in today's corporate landscape, as we know that every organization today is thinking about driving environmental and gender impact. These initiatives often encompass all efforts in those areas. Please elaborate for our listeners. Also, I would love to know how you have driven impact in these areas and how you have overcome the challenges you might have faced?
Ira Agarwal: Yes, Abhinav. ESG and DEI are important in modern business because they show a company's dedication to being sustainable and ethical. They are not just trending terms; they are essential for the future of responsible business. They help organizations focus not just on financial profits but also on their effects on the environment, society, and workplace fairness. In my different roles, I have driven comprehensive ESG and DEI strategies, integrating them into the core business strategy. This included setting measurable goals, developing policies, and ensuring accountability at all levels of the organization. Our business practices aim to positively impact the world and ensure everyone has the chance to succeed. I have launched programs to support various communities, including mentorship and scholarships for young women and children. Our diverse boards and leadership teams ensure a wide range of perspectives in decision-making, and an inclusive workplace culture promotes innovation and increases employee satisfaction. Implementing ESG and DEI initiatives comes with several challenges. Overcoming ingrained biases and building a culture that fully embraces diversity and inclusion can be difficult. It can be challenging to quantify the impact of ESG and DEI initiatives, requiring robust data collection and analysis to track progress and demonstrate benefits. Securing adequate resources and funding for these initiatives during economic uncertainty is tough. Maintaining long-term commitment to these initiatives requires ongoing effort and vigilance to ensure they remain a priority within the organization. Ensuring uniformity in ESG and DEI efforts across global operations is complex due to varying cultural norms and regulatory environments. These challenges require robust strategies and sustained effort to achieve a meaningful impact.
Abhinav Johri: Fantastic, Ira. I am reflecting along with you, and a thought pops into my mind. What we notice in general is that, given life's realities, there are times when women take a step back. They do a lot for their family and make sacrifices. But then we have very successful women like you making an impact. You are a perfect role model. So the question that comes to mind is, as a role model in technology, what do you think are the most effective ways or strategies for organizations to promote gender diversity and support women's career advancement so that one day they can reach leadership and eventually be on boards?
Ira Agarwal: Promoting gender diversity and supporting women in IT and on boards requires comprehensive strategies. It is important to establish a mentorship network connecting women with experienced leaders for guidance, support, and advocacy, which can significantly impact their career progression. Tailored leadership programs for women are essential to boost their skills and confidence. Developing an inclusive workplace culture, training employees on unconscious bias, valuing diverse voices, and supporting work-life balance with flexible work options are extremely important. Showcasing successful women on boards and in IT through awards, speaking opportunities, women-oriented events, and media profiles can inspire future leaders. Regularly checking and analyzing gender diversity also helps ensure progress and accountability. Encouraging girls to pursue careers in STEM from a young age helps build a pipeline of female talent. ERGs for women provide a community for sharing experiences, offering support and networking, and creating a sense of belonging and empowerment. Returnship programs support women returning from career breaks, helping them reintegrate into the workforce and continue their career progression. By integrating these strategies, organizations can support women and leverage their diverse skills to enhance organizational innovation and performance.
Abhinav Johri: Absolutely agree. Ira, I remember when you were speaking at the beginning, we did mention your experience on multiple boards. Excuse me for being on the board now. I think this is the right time to talk about your knowledge, wisdom, and experience that has enabled you to be where you are today. ESG and corporate governance are two important tenets of any board duties in these times. We have seen organizations being pulled up on bad corporate governance and questioned on their efforts for environmental or general ESG initiatives. How can your board knowledge on technology matters, ESG matters, and corporate governance initiatives enhance strategic decision-making and innovation within an organization when someone like you is on the board? How does it play a greater role?
Ira Agarwal: My board knowledge in technology, ESG, and corporate governance can significantly enhance strategic decision-making and innovation by integrating cutting-edge technologies, promoting sustainable practices, and ensuring robust governance. I enable informed and ethical decisions that drive efficiency, attract investors, and create responsible innovation. With expertise in technology, I guide the adoption of solutions like AI, data analytics, and automation to improve operations and enhance customer experiences. My understanding of ESG principles helps the organization adopt sustainable practices, meet regulatory requirements, and boost reputations while attracting socially conscious investors. A robust governance framework promotes transparency, accountability, and sound risk management, leading to reliable and strategic decision-making. Aligning technological advancement with ESG principles and strong governance ensures the organization's long-term success and stability.
Abhinav Johri: Very nice. I think some of the points you mentioned, Ira, about how topical knowledge can enable board members to be impactful and contributing are very important. From my own experiences, when someone takes on board positions, they take on very pertinent, active, topical roles. Depth of knowledge becomes crucial in providing strategic advice. Thank you. Well, we are almost at the end of this lovely conversation, Ira. Before I let you go, I want to touch upon something very personal in your career journey. You have been honored with several prestigious awards, including the Iconic Women Director Award and recognition as a top female role model. What significance do these accolades hold for you, and how do they align with your dedication to serving humanity and society at large?
Ira Agarwal: Receiving awards like Iconic Women Director and being recognized as a top female role model is incredibly humbling. These honors reflect the hard work of everyone involved in innovation, leadership, and promoting gender equality, diversity, and inclusivity. They showcase the collective impact of those who contribute as technology leaders, serve as efficient board members, and ensure social impact through initiatives aimed at uplifting women and children. Such honors inspire me to keep encouraging young girls and women to pursue careers in STEM and continue making meaningful contributions to society.
Abhinav Johri: Indeed. With your breadth of knowledge and fantastic strategic acumen, they are very impressive. Thank you for joining us on Inspiring Voices and for providing such valuable perspectives. I am sure our listeners today have much to take away and learn from this conversation. I hope this inspires many people out there to reach where you are. With the work you have done in the industry and society, there's much good yet to come. Thank you once again for joining us.
Ira Agarwal: Thank you. I hope my podcast will inspire women to become strong leaders, embrace their potential, and follow their dreams with confidence and determination. I want to encourage them to take on leadership roles, innovate, and drive change in their respective industries. I would like to inculcate a sense of community and support among women, promoting mentorship and collaboration to help them succeed both personally and professionally. Thank you so much.
Abhinav Johri: Our pleasure. Thank you to our listeners for joining us today. We sincerely hope the insights and stories shared have been both inspiring and enlightening. Remember, the journey continues with our next feature of Inspiring Voices, where we will bring to light more tales of trailblazing women leaders who are shaping the future and sparking innovation. Stay tuned for further empowering discussions and invaluable wisdom from these formidable leaders. Until we meet again, continue to strive for excellence, lead with purpose, and contribute to the change you wish to see in the world. Thanks once again. This is your host Abhinav signing off on the podcast today.
If you would like to listen to our podcasts on the go:
