The community forming around this
My introduction to the power of networking and community happened about six years into my tech career. It started with a simple poster at the VMware office that said: “Dare to be Shwetha.” I was curious.
I began noticing the impact she was creating across the organization and beyond. She was launching Women Who Code Bangalore, encouraging more women to speak at technical conferences, supporting engineers to put forward their ideas, and inspiring many of us to step outside our comfort zones.
Watching all of this sparked something in me. I wanted to understand how some leaders create opportunities not only for themselves, but for so many others around them. Over time, what started as admiration grew into a trusted professional relationship. Through her guidance, I learned things that had a lasting impact on my career.
I learned how to approach important career decisions with more confidence. I saw the difference that sponsorship and advocacy can make. Most importantly, I experienced the power of being part of a community that genuinely wants to see people succeed.
One lesson has stayed with me through the years: career growth is rarely a solo journey. Many of us have the talent and the willingness to work hard. What we often lack is access — to the right guidance, to opportunities, to people who can help us see possibilities we may not have seen on our own. That is why I believe in CareerGuild.
CareerGuild brings together many of the things that helped shape my own journey: mentorship, sponsorship, learning, community, and meaningful connections. It creates a space where people can find support, grow together, and help one another move forward. I am excited to contribute to a community that is built on sharing, learning, and paying it forward.
Years ago, I attended Grace Hopper Celebration in Bangalore as a student, excited and hopeful about building a career in tech. I walked up to the VMware booth and spoke to Shwetha for a few minutes. The way she spoke about VMware with so much passion genuinely stayed with me. I walked away thinking, ‘What an amazing company this must be.’
Years later, that dream came true. I joined VMware and eventually became Shwetha's colleague. It felt surreal for my younger self who once stood at that booth looking up to people like her.
I see CareerGuild not just as mentorship, but as a space where people come together to learn from each other, share experiences, and grow collectively. I’ve personally experienced how powerful communities can be in shaping careers and confidence. I’m excited to now contribute and give back in a way that continues that cycle.
Over the years, I’ve been part of many professional communities. Some offered networking. Some offered events. Very few created lasting impact. That’s why I chose to be part of CareerGuild.
My decision wasn’t driven by a platform or a promise — it was driven by people. I had the opportunity to work closely with Shwetha Lakshman Rao at VMware and Broadcom, and what stood out wasn’t just her technical expertise. It was her genuine commitment to helping others grow.
She mentored me through Women Who Code, encouraged me to explore emerging technologies, and supported me as I prepared technical presentations for Grace Hopper Celebration India and WWCode Connect Asia. She created an environment where I felt supported, challenged, and empowered to take ownership of my growth.
Over the years, I’ve seen her impact scale far beyond individual mentorship — from helping thousands of women through VMinclusion Taara to growing one of the largest WWCode chapters in India. CareerGuild reflects the same philosophy: talent is everywhere, but access and opportunity are not.
CareerGuild is bringing together professionals who are willing to share their experience, support others, and create access where it doesn’t exist for others. I’m excited to contribute to a community built on learning, growth, and paying it forward.