Careers are rarely linear. They are shaped by uncertainty, experimentation, resilience, and the courage to keep showing up. Shradha Gupta’s journey is a powerful example of how patience, consistency, and calm leadership can build a fulfilling and impactful career over time.
With 20+ years of experience in Program and Project Management, Shradha currently serves as a Program Lead in the Data Privacy Department at Royal Mail, where she oversees complex regulatory initiatives while leading teams, managing finances, and acting as a bridge between business units and executive leadership.
Early Education: Choosing Amid Uncertainty
Shradha’s academic journey began with uncertainty — something many professionals relate to. Growing up in a remote area with limited access to coaching or tuitions, she kept her options open by studying seven A-level subjects. She even explored medicine briefly, before realizing engineering was a better fit.
She went on to study Electronics Engineering at NIT Jaipur, preparing for competitive entrance exams entirely through self-study. Hostel life became her first real lesson in independence — managing finances, collaborating with peers, and learning to stand on her own.
Engineering College: Building Resilience Beyond Academics
Engineering college brought its own set of challenges. Transitioning from a girls’ school to a co-ed environment and navigating 12–13 subjects in the first year was overwhelming. While core electronics was difficult, Shradha found her strength in digital and computing subjects.
One of her biggest challenges was machine drawing, a subject she struggled with initially. Through peer support, discussions, spirituality, and seeking guidance from teachers, she learned an invaluable lesson: asking for help is not weakness — it’s strategy.
These years shaped her foundational skills — problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and resilience — skills that would later define her leadership style.
Listen to the Podcast with Shradha Gupta
Infosys: From Engineer to Leader
Shradha began her professional career at Infosys, clearing a rigorous campus placement process involving multiple interviews and a psychometric test. She underwent three months of intensive training, covering both technical skills (including COBOL) and soft skills.
Starting as a Software Engineer, she steadily progressed to Technical Lead, then Project Manager, and later into senior program leadership roles. Her growth was driven not by rushing promotions, but by mastering each role before moving on.
International Exposure: Canada and the UK
In 2005, Shradha took on her first international assignment in Canada, where she helped establish an offshore delivery unit. Living independently in a new country — with harsh winters and months of darkness — taught her adaptability, confidence, and global work ethics.
She gained exposure to advanced infrastructure, technology, and a strong sense of safety and inclusion for women.
By 2007–2008, she moved to the UK, where the transition felt smoother thanks to an existing Infosys community. Marriage during this phase added emotional stability and a strong support system that enabled her to continue growing professionally.
Leadership at Royal Mail: Managing Complexity with Calm
Today, as a Program Lead at Royal Mail, Shradha manages 10–13 data privacy and regulatory compliance projects, ensuring alignment with Information Commissioner regulations. She leads 4–5 project managers, oversees budgets, resources, and milestones, and acts as a conduit between operational teams and senior executives.
Her leadership style stands out for its calmness under pressure, clarity in communication, and focus on outcomes rather than noise.
Work-Life Balance: Boundaries That Work
Shradha is also a strong advocate for sustainable careers. She took eight-month sabbaticals for each of her two children, set clear work boundaries (9am–5pm), avoided after-hours calls, and managed emails thoughtfully.
With shared parenting responsibilities and proactive planning for overtime or travel, she demonstrated that career growth and family life don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
Career Philosophy: Consistency Over Perfection
Shradha’s professional philosophy is simple yet powerful:
- Show up, no matter what
- Stay patient and calm
- Consistency beats perfection
For her, success isn’t defined by titles alone. It’s the ability to sit with a cup of coffee, reflect on the years gone by, and smile with contentment.
She believes switching companies can be valuable when growth stalls — especially if role changes within the same organization aren’t possible — but emphasizes intentional, learning-driven moves.
Giving Back: Educating Others in Program Management
As a seasoned Program Management professional, Shradha is passionate about educating others, sharing real-world insights, and helping aspiring program managers understand what the role truly demands beyond frameworks and certifications.
Final Thoughts
Shradha Gupta’s journey reminds us that careers are built step by step — through learning, setbacks, patience, and presence. Her story is not about overnight success, but about showing up consistently and growing with integrity.
For anyone navigating confusion, career transitions, or leadership challenges, her path offers reassurance: clarity comes with time, effort, and belief in yourself.
Mummy, Kahani Sunao! 