Encouraging women in engineering is becoming a central focus across organisations with more women taking leadership roles in tech companies and engineering divisions. The landscape is undoubtedly evolving toward a more inclusive future with initiatives such as scholarships, mentorship programs, and corporate diversity policies inspiring young women to pursue careers in engineering. Along the same lines, in this interview with Tech Achieve Media, Aparna Balasubramanian, Director of Software Development Engineering at GoTo, shares her journey as a leader in a male-dominated industry and her passion for fostering a growth-oriented, inclusive engineering culture. Aparna opens up about her leadership role in driving the Growth Platform Team, her belief in looking beyond code to solve real business problems, and the importance of advocating for women in engineering.
TAM: What is your role with GoTo?
Aparna Balasubramanian: Leading the Engineering Division in India for the Growth Platform Team, focusing on developing applications that support internal and external customers throughout the sales and post-sales processes of the GoTo products.
TAM: How have you made an impact at GoTo within the world of engineering
Aparna Balasubramanian: I believe an engineer must look beyond just writing code. While a code block may solve a specific business use case, it is crucial to understand the underlying business problem to become a well-rounded engineer, beyond technical skills alone. I emphasize this perspective within the team, and as a result, we have grown into a highly passionate group that takes ownership and adapts quickly, fostering a shared understanding across the board.
TAM: How has your experience been as a woman in the male dominated industry
Aparna Balasubramanian: I would like to say that I don’t see gender differences, but that hasn’t always been the case. Before joining GoTo, I often advocated for women to be bold and overcome both intentional and unintentional barriers created by colleagues or superiors, whether male or female. However, at GoTo, I find myself advocating for women not to rely on gender as an advantage, as people here truly see you for the work you do, beyond gender.
TAM: Have you had any mentors that have aided you along the way?
Aparna Balasubramanian: I’ve been fortunate to work with wise individuals who have helped shape me into a self-reliant person in many areas of my life. Additionally, I believe I’ve learned valuable lessons from every colleague, partner, and even my mentees. These insights have come not only from observing what others have done well but also from understanding what to avoid through their actions.
TAM: What advice would you give to a woman entering the engineering field
Aparna Balasubramanian: Stay true to yourself and don’t hold back. People may quickly judge or make assumptions, but don’t let that make you doubt who you are. It’s okay to fail or fall short as long as you’ve put in genuine effort and learned from the experience, avoiding the same mistakes in the future. Society often expects women to be “superwomen,” excelling in every aspect of life, both professionally and personally. However, this idea of perfection is a myth, and striving for it can quickly become overwhelming. Focus on growth, not impossible standards.
