From Engineer to VP of R&D at NI: Priya Ramachandran on Innovation, AI, and Authentic Leadership: Women in Tech Texas

How does authenticity unlock career growth in tech? In this inspiring episode, Priya Ramachandran, Vice President of Engineering for Mixed Signal Group at National Instruments, now part of Emerson Test & Measurement, shares her journey from her early days in India to leading innovation in Austin, Texas. She dives deep into her 22-year journey at the same company, explains how to create opportunities within your organization, and breaks down the myth that job hopping is necessary to progress in tech. Priya emphasizes the importance of building a personal advisory board, embracing growth over perfection, and maintaining your authentic self as you climb the ranks.

Discover actionable insights on mentorship, the role of AI in the workforce, and why the human element will always matter in tech — all aligned with the Women in Tech Show’s mission: “If She Can Do It, So Can I.”

Topics Covered

Priya Ramachandran's background and her rise to VP of Engineering at Emerson/National Instruments 01:10  

How NI/Emerson empowers innovation across industries — from rockets to smartphones 03:29  

Keys to staying at one company for over two decades and making every role an adventure 03:29  

Jungle gym vs. career ladder — creating your unique path 07:48  

How to build your own “board of advisors,” and the difference between mentors, sponsors, and advisors 11:40  

The critical role of authenticity in leadership and public speaking 38:56  

Purpose and progress over perfection — lessons from embracing a growth mindset 35:08  

Perspectives on the rise of AI — opportunity or threat? 18:41  

The irreplaceable value of human connection, empathy, and gut instinct in the age of AI 31:21  

Recommended resources and productivity tools 43:40  

Staying connected: How to reach out to Priya 45:40  

Key Takeaways

"I learned to embrace my authentic self — my background, the culture, and what I bring to the table. That has been such good advice, because otherwise I would have tried to chase something that was not me."  

"Career is a jungle gym, not a ladder. Everybody has to have their own journey."

"Sponsors don’t just get made. You don’t find them — the sponsors find you when you put in the work." 

"Perfection is an illusion fueled by the fear of failure or judgment... Choosing progress and purpose over perfection is key." 

"Authenticity builds more likability than anything else. That is the best strategy." 

"AI will fundamentally change how we work, but as human beings, we have this innate ability to see around corners and solve problems with empathy and gut instinct." 

Recommended By Priya

Must-Follow Thought Leaders: Adam Grant, Brené Brown, and their podcast “Curiosity” 

Must-Read Book: Growth Mindset by Carol Dweck   

Go-To Productivity Tool: Office365's Copilot 

Connect with Priya Ramachandran

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-ramachandran/ 

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