X
Saying Yes to Every Opportunity: Namratha’s Journey Across Fields and Continents
In this chapter of the She Shines series, we’re thrilled to introduce Namratha, a senior manager for global delivery based in New Jersey. She’s a leader whose journey has been shaped by curiosity, courage and a commitment to lifting others up along the way.
From Engineering to Consulting
Namratha’s route to GEP began in a field seemingly distant from procurement. After graduating with a degree in electronics and communication engineering, she launched her career as a software developer at a global financial institution. Increasingly drawn to the business side of the companies she worked with, she pursued an MBA at IIM Bangalore.
“Consulting seemed like a natural fit,” she recalls. “I was looking for a career that involved problem-solving but also offered continuous learning.” She joined GEP as an intern in 2018 and returned full time in 2019.
“I knew very little about procurement when I started,” she admits. “But as I worked with clients across technology, consumer packaged goods and manufacturing, every project was different.” Over the years, Namratha has gone from warehouses and bakeries to oil rigs and data centers. Today, she leads the IT category for a leading global technology company, managing a global team of more than 20 people and over $5 billion in annual spend.
A Leap Across Continents
One of the biggest transitions in Namratha’s career and personal life came when she relocated from GEP’s Mumbai office to Clark, New Jersey, in early 2023. The first six to eight months were, in her words, extremely challenging: adjusting to a new culture, finding a home and rebuilding a network from scratch.
“We take some of our support systems for granted. Rebuilding them really takes a lot: mental strength, courage and the self-motivation to get up and do it again the next day.”
That experience also marked a period of significant professional growth. Over the past three years, the team she leads has grown from six people to more than 20. “I feel so much more confident and ready to take on more. I know I’m more resilient,” she reflects.
For those considering a similar move or another major life decision, Namratha’s advice is simple: say yes.
“There are many opportunities that feel intimidating before you feel ready for them. Raise your hand, volunteer, take on the challenge and trust that you’ll figure it out along the way,” she says. “Even if something doesn’t go as planned, you’ll walk away with new experience and perspective. Those experiences compound over time.”
Leading With Empathy in the Age of AI
Leading IT category management puts Namratha at the center of rapid change, with AI, automation and evolving technology reshaping the IT landscape. “We’re helping clients build strategies aligned with where the market is headed, not where it is today,” she explains.
But for Namratha, the most important part of the job is people. “As AI becomes a bigger part of our work, the human side of leadership becomes even more important. We must operate with empathy, building trust and meaningful relationships.”
Lifting Others Up
Giving back has been part of Namratha’s GEP story from the start. In Mumbai, she helped build new-hire training and internship programs. After relocating, she began volunteering with Women@GEP and now leads the Advance and Empower pillar.
“It’s given me the chance to connect with women leaders across legal, HR and other areas of the business and to have honest conversations about career growth, leadership and the difficult moments too. Those shared experiences have been incredibly valuable.”
Beyond her professional achievements, one of Namratha’s proudest accomplishments has been representing India as part of the Indian Women’s Throwball team. Sports have been an integral part of her life, shaping her approach to teamwork, leadership, performing under pressure and building trust. The lessons she learned as part of competitive teams continue to influence how she leads and supports her teams today.
For Namratha, good leadership is about balancing empathy with accountability.
“At the end of the day, we’re all people trying to do our best. Give people the space to speak their minds and genuinely listen, but also be willing to challenge them, set high expectations and have difficult conversations when needed. It’s about understanding what people need while also helping them become better at what they do.”
Namratha’s journey from an engineering background to becoming a global category leader across continents is a testament to curiosity, resilience and the willingness to embrace change. At GEP, we’re proud to have leaders like her who lift others up as they build their own careers.