Representation matters, the more inclusive we are, the more innovative we can be: Ushasri Tirumala, Manhattan Associates
In a career spanning decades and multiple leadership roles, Ushasri Tirumala, Executive Vice President & General Manager at Manhattan Associates, has not only witnessed the evolution of India’s IT industry but has played an integral part in shaping it. From being the first woman engineering graduate from her college to leading high-impact technology initiatives on a global scale, her journey is one of grit, growth, and groundbreaking innovation. Under her leadership, Manhattan Associates’ India Global Capability Center has emerged as a powerhouse of innovation and talent, delivering strategic value to global operations.
A passionate advocate for women in technology, Tirumala champions inclusive leadership, mentorship, and representation believing that diverse voices are key to driving meaningful change in the tech industry. In this edition of the Women in Tech Leadership Series, we explore her inspiring story rooted in purpose, powered by perseverance, and driven by a vision to shape a more inclusive and intelligent future for the world of technology.
From engineer to tech leader, a journey driven by passion
My leadership journey has been shaped by a deep passion for STEM and a drive to harness technology for business transformation. Starting out as a System Engineer at Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), I’ve worked across multiple organisations in strategic leadership roles, including one of my most fulfilling experiences as CTO where I led the setup of an advanced technology division.
I joined Manhattan Associates in 2009, a global leader in supply chain commerce solutions, which is always at the forefront of cutting-edge technology. The pace of innovation here is constant, demanding ongoing learning across diverse domains. This keeps the journey both dynamic and rewarding.
Manhattan India Global Capability Center is not only a critical arm of our global operations, but a powerhouse of talent and innovation. My focus continues to be on expanding the strategic value we deliver from India and contribute meaningfully to our global growth.
Champion of diversity in tech
When I began my career, it was the initial phase of the IT sector in India. Since then, I’ve seen this industry grow, from its nascent stages to the global powerhouse that it is today. I was perhaps the first woman to graduate in engineering from my college. Today, I’m glad to see many female engineers graduating from the same institution which reflects how far we’ve come.
While progress has been made, we still have work to do when it comes to building more inclusive leadership teams. I’m passionate about mentoring the future generation of women leaders in tech, and I believe that with continued support, representation, and opportunity, we can shape a future where leadership in technology fully represents the diversity of talent that is available.
Technology trends at Manhattan
We’ve added cutting-edge GenAI capabilities to all Manhattan Active solutions. Our new AI-powered solutions can address the existing gaps in supply chain intelligence while driving efficiency and effectiveness of the supply chain for the future. We are applying this state-of-the-art technology to revolutionise consumer interactions, as well as enhancing how Manhattan’s customers engage with their solutions.
- Manhattan Active® Maven – our specialised GenAI solution is built for next level customer service.
- Manhattan Assist – a GenAI-powered assistant that provides contextual responses to any questions regarding product functionality, API structures, and more.
India GCC driving value and innovation globally
There are quite a few initiatives that have originated from the India GCC. Some of the flagship programs include:
- Excellence in Delivery Program (EID) – The EID is a flagship initiative that is completely driven out of the India office. It’s a cross-functional metrics driven program that is led by our emerging leadership team. They focus on key initiatives that drive sustainable value and innovation across the three essential aspects of customer, digital and employees. It’s a program which has been going on for almost a decade and is completely aligned with the overall vision and objectives of the organisation. It has created a culture of creative thinking and problem solving.
- Women’s Initiative Network (WIN) – This program reflects our commitment to inclusive leadership and creating a supportive environment where women feel empowered to contribute and lead effectively. Our Women Initiative Network (WIN) is driven by a mission to advance the careers of our women workforce, increase their representation in key leadership roles, and provide the necessary support to help them achieve their professional and personal goals. We’ve helped women excel in their careers by offering mentorship, networking opportunities, professional development programs.
Transforming teams and tech with a vision for inclusive impact
Setting up new technology/services teams from the ground up has been one of my most exciting leadership opportunities. It not only demanded a coherent strategy and a clear vision but also required attracting talent and establishing an agile culture.
Witnessing these teams transform into well-oiled, high-performing units that deliver impact for our clients is what I am really proud of. Along the way, I’ve also realised how important diverse perspectives can be in defining successful outcomes. That’s also why I’m committed to ensuring more women have opportunities to step into senior technical and leadership positions. Representation matters, and I think the more inclusive we are, the more innovative our industry can be.
Leadership advice for women in tech
One piece of advice I’d offer is to pursue your passion relentlessly. Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that passion along with perseverance can overcome even the toughest challenges. So, I would ask all young women to believe in their abilities, keep pushing boundaries, and never underestimate the power of their own potential.
