In this episode of Software People Stories , Gayatri Kalyanaraman speaks with Shikha Munjal , Associate Director Fidelity International, about her dynamic journey across technology, finance, people management and community building. Shikha Munjal’s story begins in a small town in Haryana , where she pursued computer science engineering —a choice influenced by her father’s vision rather than her own. What started as a decision made for her soon turned into a lifelong passion for technology and problem-solving. She began her career with Accenture in Bangalore , diving straight into the corporate world just two days after finishing her final exams. Although trained in one technology, she was placed on projects with Informatica and data technologies , which opened a new career-long interest in data management and reporting tools . From there, Shikha moved to Headstrong (later acquired by Genpact) , working primarily with Morgan Stanley’s account , and even spent nearly a year onsite in Tokyo . That global experience left a lasting impression on her work ethic—she admired the Japanese culture of discipline, continuous learning, and deep focus. Her journey next took her to JP Morgan in Mumbai , where she strengthened her expertise in financial services and data-driven systems. But personal circumstances brought her back to the Delhi NCR region , where she eventually joined Fidelity International , her professional home for over a decade. At Fidelity, Shikha grew into senior leadership , taking on roles that blended technology, business analysis, and product management . She emphasized not just building solutions, but delivering real business outcomes—aligning technology with the fast-paced demands of the financial services industry . Along the way, she invested in continuous learning —pursuing certifications in Informatica, IBM, product management, financial analysis, and cloud/data platforms like Snowflake . She transitioned from being a technologist to a business leader and product owner , always guided by her growth mindset. Beyond her corporate role, Shikha has been an active advocate for diversity and inclusion , serving as a chapter lead at AnitaB.org North India . She blends her professional identity with her personal roles as a mother, wife, daughter, and sister , often saying that her strength comes from integrating all these parts of her life. Today, as Associate Director at Fidelity International , Shikha is shaping data strategies, product roadmaps, and inclusive leadership practices—all while staying curious, resilient, and adaptable in an era of rapid technological and business change. Quotable Moments from Shikha Munjal’s Episode “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts – I’ve learned to blend my roles as a mother, daughter, professional, and leader.” “Comfort and growth do not coexist. The moment I feel my work is not challenging me, I know it’s time to evolve.” “What keeps me going is not climbing the career ladder, but continuously adding to my profile and learning something new.” “If you enjoy the process of learning, the outcomes will follow naturally.” “In technology, every four to eight years your skills get challenged – you need to continuously upskill to stay relevant.” “I always believed that being connected to the business side meant being connected to the real world – solving real problems, not just writing code.” “We need to embrace uncertainty rather than rush to solve it. Sometimes dwelling on the ambiguity gives deeper insights.” “Data today is like a marketplace—you should be able to shop for it within an organization, but with the right entitlements and governance.” Shikha Munjal is Associate Director at Fidelity International with over 20 years of experience in technology and financial services. She has held roles at Accenture, HCL, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, and now Fidelity. A strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, she has led the North India chapter of AnitaB.org. Shikha is passionate about data, product management, and continuous learning, and believes in shaping her career with curiosity and resilience. Shikha can be reached at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shikha-munjal-19370113a/
