Name: Swati Kirti

Title: Senior Director

Organisation: Walmart

Swati Kirti is Sr Director of Data Science in WMT Global Tech leading the AI/ML charter for it's international business in Canada , Mexico, Central America , Chile , China and South Africa. She is responsible for building AI/ML models and products to enable automation, data-driven decisions, power a superior customer experience and realize value for the omni-channel international businesses across ecommerce, Stores, Supply Chain and merchandising. She has 18+ years of experience in technology leading Data science, analytics and engineering teams. She has an MBA from University of Arizona and a bachelors in technology with specialization in electronics and communication. Prior to WMT , she has worked in transportation , logistics, banking and finance developing AI powered solutions complementing experience and creativity of people to accelerate transformation.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Swati's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

As a data science and data engineering leader in a large organization, one of the most challenging aspects has been navigating the complexities of managing a diverse team with varying skill sets and objectives. Balancing the technical needs of data scientists and engineers while aligning them with the strategic goals of the organization requires strong leadership and communication skills. Additionally, dealing with the ever-evolving landscape of technology and staying ahead of the curve to enable innovation and drive business value has been an ongoing challenge.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

The pathway to leadership is paved by the unwavering commitment to consistently deliver exceptional work, while fostering a collaborative environment that propels your team towards elevated achievements. It was during my initial foray into leadership when I had the privilege of spearheading a team comprising of data scientists and engineers for an e-commerce project, catering to a logistics company.

Our primary objective entailed the identification of subscription-based enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, seeking cost-effective shipping alternatives. Navigating through a myriad of technological and business complexities, I assumed the responsibility of driving this project from its inception to its production rollout.

The successful execution necessitated resourceful adaptation to overcome various challenges, both technical and business-oriented, thereby culminating in the establishment of an high-performing team, primed to undertake more formidable projects.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I work collaboratively with teams located in various time zones, which necessitates the optimization of overlapping working hours. To ensure efficiency, my day commences with early calls with teams in different countries. I then allocate dedicated time for deep work, considering the specific tasks and priorities at hand. Additionally, as the day progresses, I may have further calls scheduled in the evening. To maintain balance, I prioritize taking regular walks and spend a significant portion of my working hours standing.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

In the realm of leadership, it is crucial to acknowledge the invaluable insights that can be gained from every team member. As the leader of a team comprising data scientists and engineers from some of the top universities in the world , boasting extensive experience in the field of data, my constant endeavor is to ensure that they tackle the most significant and impactful challenges. However, my commitment extends beyond immediate objectives.

It is equally important for our team members to grow professionally and establish a formidable technical brand both within our team and throughout the industry. To achieve this, I foster an environment conducive to growth and encourage continuous development. By investing in their professional advancement, I empower each team member to excel in problem-solving and to leave a lasting impact on our organization and the broader professional landscape.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

"How to Make Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie has had a lasting impact by emphasizing the importance of genuine connections and effective communication on my leadership. By encouraging leaders to show genuine interest in others, listen actively, and offer sincere appreciation, the book teaches leaders how to build trust and rapport with their teams. It also highlights the power of empathy, encouraging leaders to understand and consider the perspectives of others. More than often it has helped me in resolving complex situations which delved with people and projects and required to find a way fwd. These lessons have helped me foster positive relationships, inspire trust , and create a more collaborative and productive work environment.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Leadership is the foundation of establishing trust with the people you collaborate with in the workplace. It is not necessarily contingent on holding a formal leadership position; rather, anyone has the capacity to embody leadership qualities.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

When working with people, it is important to be a skilled storyteller and adapt your style to suit the audience. For example, where have been many instances where high-pressure projects led to stressful situations involving stakeholders. From these experiences, I learned the significance of actively improving my communication style and prioritizing consistent delivery. This approach ensures that we not only establish appropriate expectations and transparency but also fulfill them by producing high-quality products.