As part of our celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, 100 Women in Finance is spotlighting members whose career trajectories have been uniquely shaped by their experiences and whose leadership is making a lasting impact in the finance industry. By amplifying their voices and sharing their stories, we aim to inspire action and advance greater visibility for women in finance.
One such leader is Sudha Gupta, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of NAV Fund Services and a 100 Women in Finance Global Angel. Sudha directs the firm’s critical technology platform, supervising the software engineering, cybersecurity, and disaster recovery teams. She oversees the planning, implementation, and support of NAV’s award-winning proprietary systems and core accounting platforms. Her role also involves building and maintaining multiple interconnected next-generation data centers across various geographical locations, ensuring high availability and advanced multi-layered security with end-to-end encryption. With over 35 years of experience in the hedge fund and alternative investments industry, Sudha Gupta is a pioneer in independent administration services. She is both a Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Accountant and has been honored with the Global Achiever Award by The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
Through her extensive expertise and leadership, Sudha not only commands respect as a finance professional but also exemplifies the values of mentorship, networking, and bold leadership. Her insights serve as inspiration for other women looking to grow their careers in finance and technology.
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Who is a woman—historical or contemporary—who has influenced your career or leadership style, and why?
One woman who has greatly influenced my career and leadership style is Reshma Saujani, the founder of Girls Who Code. Her advocacy for women in technology and finance, as well as her message of embracing imperfection and taking bold risks, has been incredibly inspiring. Her book Brave, Not Perfect reshaped my approach to leadership — encouraging me to take risks, challenge the status quo, and mentor other women in the industry. Her work has reinforced my belief in fostering inclusivity and empowering the next generation of women leaders in finance and technology.
How has access to mentorship and professional development shaped your career in finance? Can you share a specific moment when learning from others helped you grow?
Access to mentorship and professional development has been instrumental in shaping my career in finance, especially as a woman in a leadership role. Learning from experienced mentors provided me with the confidence to navigate challenges, make strategic decisions, and build a strong network. One pivotal moment was early in my career when a mentor advised me to focus not just on technical expertise, but also on leadership presence. That insight pushed me to refine my strategic thinking skills, which later became essential in leading teams and driving innovation in the industry.
Networking is a powerful tool in advancing careers. How has 100 Women in Finance helped you build meaningful connections, and what advice would you give to others on leveraging their network effectively?
NAV has just very recently partnered with 100 Women in Finance, but I’m looking forward to exploring in more depth the range of available resources, as well as local and global events to meet and connect with other professional women who work in the finance field. I encourage any female finance professional -– whether brand new to the field or an experienced veteran -– to take full advantage of this valuable and unique outlet to exchange industry information, discuss future opportunities for learning or collaboration, and celebrate personal successes in a supportive environment. Sharing our mutual stories of challenges, strategies to overcome them, and both unsuccessful and positive outcomes is the best way to grow both as an individual and within the field.
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Sudha Gupta’s story reminds us of the vital role mentorship, learning, and sharing connections play in shaping successful careers. Her insights spotlight the importance of visibility, collaboration, and bold leadership as cornerstones of progress and innovation. As we celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, Sudha’s reflections inspire us to create a financial landscape where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and contribute, ensuring a brighter future for the generations to come. By supporting one another and sharing our stories, we can truly drive meaningful, lasting change.
Interested in connecting with other women in the industry?
See how a membership at 100WF can help propel your career and make a difference in the presence of women in the financial world.