Why Inclusion in Tech Leadership Matters: Lessons from Padmasini Dayananda's (Padma) Journey

“We’ve broken through the glass ceiling. Now the question is—what do we do with our seat at the table?” – Padmasini Dayananda

In today’s ever-evolving tech landscape, innovation isn’t just driven by code and strategy—it’s driven by people, and even more so by who gets the chance to lead. At MoloMolo Tech, we recently had the privilege of sitting down with Padmasini Dayananda, a powerhouse in global tech leadership and a fierce advocate for women in leadership. Her story is a lesson in courage, authenticity, and the urgent need for inclusion that goes beyond quotas and tick-boxes.

From Accidental Engineer to Intentional Leader

Padmasini didn’t start out dreaming of a career in IT. In fact, she initially dismissed tech as too "nerdy"—but a single job offer changed everything. That one-year experiment turned into a 24-year career spanning quality analysis, business development, digital transformation, and international leadership roles.

What made her journey unique wasn’t just the work she did—but the courage to say yes before knowing how, to take risks, and to learn as she went. She describes it as a spirit of “adventure,” empowered by a few rare spaces where failing forward was allowed.

But as her personal life evolved—getting married, becoming a mother—so did the challenges. She recalls preparing a multi-million dollar pitch in Times Square while still breastfeeding her six-month-old daughter, navigating physical exhaustion, emotional stress, and the invisible pressures placed on working mothers in high-stakes environments.

Belonging Isn’t a Bonus—It’s the Bare Minimum

Padmasini is no stranger to boardrooms, stakeholders, and clients who smile at your success but resist hearing your ideas. “Women are given a seat at the table,” she says, “but they’re often not heard or seen.” Inclusion, for her, is not just about being present—it’s about being valued.

And yet, many organizations still treat diversity as a numbers game. “They’ll report how many diverse hires they made. But they rarely talk about how many they retained,” Padma notes.

What’s missing? A culture of belonging—one where people of all backgrounds are not only included but empowered to lead authentically.

Reclaiming Power, Redefining Leadership

Throughout the episode, Padmasini shares deeply personal moments of invisibility and microaggressions—being overlooked in high-level discussions, hiring a speech coach to change her accent after a three-day leadership retreat left her feeling unheard, and navigating conversations where people smiled at her stories of Indian food but couldn’t engage with her expertise in community-led tech solutions.

She emphasizes the power of building internal networks of support. One of her most effective strategies? Creating a small circle of women from different departments who would meet regularly, share wins, and intentionally speak about each other’s work in wider spaces. "You have to build your own PR team," she says, "people who speak for you when you’re not in the room."

Inclusion Is Not a Favor—It’s a Strategic Advantage

Diverse teams don’t just “look good”—they perform better, bring wider perspectives, and navigate complex challenges with creativity and empathy. But that only works when diversity is met with psychological safety, strategic mentorship, and equitable power.

For Padmasini, the future of leadership is authentic, inclusive, and sustainable. It’s about creating space where women—especially women of color—can thrive without sacrificing their health, identity, or voice.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Not Just Add Seats—Let’s Change the Table

At Molo Molo, we believe in telling the stories that often go untold—stories that challenge power structures, amplify underrepresented voices, and point the way to a more inclusive tech ecosystem.

Padmasini’s journey reminds us that leadership is not about doing more. It’s about being more—more honest, more supportive, and more committed to creating the kind of workplaces where everyone can lead with bold authenticity.

Want to explore the full conversation?

🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://youtu.be/VX_Ee2TT2Qo?si=seP9Q8SKMUtpeEyy