What does it take to break through the glass ceiling? To rise above the limitations set by society, to lead with conviction in a world that often doubts your abilities simply because of your gender? The answer lies in the stories of those who dare to dream, to push forward despite the obstacles, and to show the world that women are not just participants – they are leaders, innovators, and change-makers.
Nisha Shoukath, President and COO of People10, a globally recognised technology services firm, embodies that very essence of resilience and trailblazing leadership. Nisha’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in a field that has long been dominated by men. From navigating early career challenges in male-centric spaces to taking a bold leap of faith and co-founding a successful tech company, Nisha has continuously defied the odds. Today, she stands not only as a successful business leader but as a powerful advocate for women in tech, creating spaces where they can thrive, lead, and shape the future of the industry.
Nisha’s rise to the top has not been without its obstacles. The tech industry, traditionally dominated by men, often proved to be a tough environment for a woman trying to prove her worth. Early in her career, Nisha found herself in rooms where she was the only woman, forced to constantly assert her expertise and prove her credibility. Many times, she faced scepticism from colleagues and stakeholders who initially doubted her ability to lead in such a competitive space. Yet, rather than backing down, Nisha chose to let her work speak for itself.
“Early on, I often found myself in situations where I had to prove my capabilities more than others. But over time, my results spoke louder than anything else,” she shares. Through exceptional performance and a laser focus on delivering quality results, Nisha gained the respect of her peers and established herself as a leader in the tech industry. It was this commitment to excellence that ultimately paved the way for her future success.
Nisha’s boldest decision was leaving a stable, high-paying executive role at a global bank to co-found People10, a technology services company. Having built a successful career over 15 years, she faced the dilemma of either continuing on a predictable, comfortable path or taking a leap of faith into the unknown. It was the uncertainty that ultimately won her over.
Leaving behind financial security and leadership status in a well-established organisation, Nisha took a risk that many would shy away from. “I knew the risks: failure, financial struggles, and societal judgment, especially as a woman entrepreneur in tech. But I also knew that if I didn’t take this leap, I would regret never trying,” she explains.
The first year was difficult. Nisha found herself wearing many hats, including that of a business developer, responsible for securing clients and building credibility from scratch. Yet, despite the challenges and moments of self-doubt, Nisha’s determination, hard work, and vision paid off. Today, People10 is a globally recognised IT services firm, known for its exceptional quality, commitment to innovation, and a company culture that places people first.
As People10 grew, Nisha remained steadfast in her commitment to creating an inclusive workplace that would empower women at all levels. She didn’t just want to build a company that thrived financially but also a company where people, particularly women, could flourish.
“We wanted to build a work environment where women could thrive and grow, and today, we’re proud to say that over 40 per cent of our workforce is female, including leadership roles,” Nisha proudly shares. Under her leadership, People10 has earned recognition as one of the best places to work, not just for women but for all employees.
The company’s success is a testament to the culture Nisha cultivated – one where employees are valued, respected, and empowered to lead with creativity and ownership. “Success is not just about financial growth,” Nisha explains. “It’s about building a company that uplifts people, fosters a sense of belonging, and gives everyone the tools they need to succeed.”
For Nisha, success has never been defined by just financial stability or career growth. Early in her journey, achieving financial security was necessary, not only for her but for her child. Balancing family and work was paramount, and financial success provided her with the freedom to ensure both her child’s future and the growth of her company.
But over time, Nisha’s perspective on success shifted. “Today, success means creating a lasting impact. It’s about building a business that not only thrives financially but also uplifts people,” she shares. “True success isn’t just about what I achieve – it’s about how many lives I can positively impact along the way.”
For Nisha, success now means raising a resilient, independent son who witnessed the power of perseverance and self-belief. It means giving back – whether by sponsoring girls’ education or supporting women in need. It’s about leaving a legacy of empowerment and proving that women can build powerful careers while staying true to their values.
Looking ahead, Nisha is excited about the possibilities AI and automation offer for women in tech. These advancements, she believes, can level the playing field and open up new opportunities for women to excel in tech careers. With AI-driven tools, remote work, and flexible job structures, women now have more chances to enter and thrive in the tech industry without sacrificing their personal responsibilities.
However, Nisha also acknowledges the need for more women in leadership roles in AI. “The demand for skills in AI and data science is growing, and women should be encouraged to step into these fields,” she asserts. “We need more female leaders and innovators in AI. It’s time for women to not just be present in the industry, but to lead and shape it.”
Nisha is already contributing to this future. As a mentor and advocate for women in tech, she’s passionate about ensuring women have the tools, confidence, and opportunities to lead in the ever-evolving world of AI and automation.
For the next generation of women leaders, Nisha’s advice is simple yet profound: “Own your power and never let anyone define your limits. Leadership is about breaking barriers, making bold decisions, and staying true to your values.”
She urges young women to take risks, embrace challenges, and remember that leadership is not about waiting for permission but about forging your own path.
“Success isn’t just personal – it’s about creating opportunities and inspiring future generations. Dream big, take action, and make it happen. The future belongs to fearless women who dare to lead,” Nisha concludes.