Embrace challenges, build strong network, voice your vision: Vasuta Agarwal

Vasuta Agarwal began her career as a chip design engineer at Intel nearly two decades ago. Working through management and consulting roles to broaden her understanding of business strategy, she eventually found her way to InMobi in 2012. Her prime motivation was contributing to something that originated in India to make a global impact. In over 13 years since then, she has worked across various functions, from product management to strategy and operations. Vasuta Agarwal is currently the Chief Business Officer, Consumer and Performance Advertising at InMobi, leading the company’s efforts to redefine how brands connect with consumers. 

“What excites me most about this industry is its ever-evolving nature — constant innovation, emerging trends, and the limitless potential to create meaningful engagement between brands and audiences. I leverage technology and data-driven intelligence to develop solutions that enrich consumer experiences, strengthen brand connections, and redefine industry standards,” she shares about her experience in technology and digital advertising.

Further, speaking about her journey so far, she states representation and recognition as the key challenges in the technology sector. “Early on, I built a strong network of mentors who helped me navigate challenges with confidence,” she says, adding that it’s this network that has always offered her invaluable guidance, advocated for her and created opportunities. “Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth has kept my skills sharp and been pivotal in gaining recognition and driving impact.”

“I have been fortunate to work with leaders who encouraged me to take risks and step out of my comfort zone, shaping my leadership style to focus on enabling others to grow. The support of mentors and managers at work has been invaluable in my journey, and my credibility, combined with this support, has been instrumental in my growth,” she shares. 

Having experienced the power of good mentorship, she regularly pays it forward. To Agarwal, leadership is about empowerment, innovation and long-term impact. “I believe in fostering a culture where agility, creativity, and ownership drive success,” she says. At InMobi, she focuses on building an environment where teams are encouraged to challenge conventions, experiment with new ideas, and create meaningful change. 

Beyond the organisation, she sees it as her responsibility to contribute to the broader tech ecosystem through industry forums, thought leadership and mentorship. “Leadership is not just about building a successful company; it’s about leaving a lasting impact on the industry. That is the vision I am committed to realising, one where innovation, responsibility, and transformation go hand in hand,” she explains.

Agarwal feels that diverse leadership and inclusive teams are key drivers of progress. “We must prioritise mentorship, leadership development and inclusive policies to achieve lasting change. AI offers a unique opportunity to democratise technology and STEM, making coding and other skills more accessible and easier to learn. This democratisation should have a positive impact, providing ease of access and encouraging women to upskill and stay relevant,” she explains.

She adds, “Futureproofing oneself is essential to avoid becoming redundant as technology evolves. Even women resuming their careers can stay updated and competitive by remaining prepared and continuously learning. True inclusivity involves creating an environment where women not only thrive but also lead in shaping the future of technology.”

A successful career in technology and advancing into leadership roles involves focusing on three key areas, she says. These include embracing challenges, building a strong network and voicing your vision. 

It starts young. Agarwal emphasises the importance of building a robust talent pipeline early and providing mentorship and sponsorship to women, empowering them to take on leadership roles. “Women bring a distinctive, collaborative and resilient leadership style driven by a long-term vision. By acknowledging and fostering this, we can create workplaces that are not only diverse but also impactful,” she concludes.