Interview: 2016 - The "Should" Issue

Originally published at India Currents as part of the 2016 review "Should" issue.

Is it already that time of the year? The whirlwind that is 2016 has flown by so fast, thrusting us forward from one season to the next. We’ve witnessed several amazing events unfold, some of us embarked on new journeys, while others said bittersweet goodbyes to children going to college—all of this and more packed into one glorious year, which now culminates into some much-needed introspection. As we recover from an unprecedented election, this time of the year is as much for spending time with friends and family as it is for taking pause to reflect on the year gone by. While we look inward and take stock of our goals, accomplishments and regrets, we look to others for inspiration, to take cues from their lives.

That is why we, at India Currents decided to bring to you stories from across the ever-upwardly-mobile Indian American community. We forayed into different arenas in search of accomplished professionals to get an insight into what motivates them, and what values guide them on their quest for greatness. What resulted is an eclectic group of highly driven individuals who shared their inspiring stories, giving us a telescopic view of what books, movies and uplifting words-to-live-by shaped them and determined the course of their journeys.

Compiling this story was nothing short of a miracle for they show us that prominence isn’t just reserved for a fraction of the population; that even us, with our everyday and common mindset and skills, can inspire and lead if we’re so inclined. It’s been a privilege to interview and indulge in colorful conversations with these people and we hope you enjoy this piece just as much as we did putting it together.

Award-winning technology innovator. Aviator. Foodie. Baseball fan. Voracious reader. Supporter of diversity in technology. Beena Ammanath’s enthusiasm for life enables her to wear all these hats and several others with panache.

Beena is currently the VP of Data and Analytics at GE. She is on the board of directors for the non-profit organization, ChickTech (chicktech.org). She is the winner of the 2016 Women Super Achiever Award from World Women’s Leadership Congress for supporting diversity in technology.

Beena seems to personify her motto “The only person I have to be better than is the person I was yesterday.” Her passion for life shines through in her responses.

Has there been a defining point/incident in your life that brought you to this field?

My parents wanted me to be a doctor I wanted to be a pilot or a photojournalist. But when I had to choose, I chose Computer Science because it was such a new field. I had always excelled at Math even without trying and the lure of learning something that not many were pursuing was too fascinating.

What would you like to see changed in the world around you?

I want every child to receive an education. When we do not provide an equal opportunity to half the children in the world, it means that the world is losing out on the brainpower of half the world that maybe would have found a cure or discovered the next amazing thing that the world needs.

What values do you like to see in your workplace?

Innovation and curiosity combined with honesty and transparency leads to great teams doing great work together.

Did you have a mentor? If yes, who, and how have they influenced you?

I have several mentors. I refer to them as my board of directors. These are a group of people, who have inspired me with their expertise, are my role models and to whom I turn to whenever I am in a personal or professional dilemma.

What things do you not like to do?

I don’t like to be idle. I have way too much energy and way too many great ideas to try out.

What is the biggest challenge that you have faced in your workplace?

Driving cultural change to accept new technologies is one of the biggest challenges that I have seen.

What was your favorite subject in high school?

History. In general, I am a people person—I like meeting people and getting to know their story, their aspirations and dreams. History gave me insight into so many people’s lives to see how their actions have shaped our lives today.

Is there anything about you that drives people around you crazy?

My enthusiasm, my continuous drive to try out new experiences, new places, new food, and meet new people. My family, friends and team members are always wondering what I will make them try next. This world is amazing in so many dimensions that it’s up to us to experience all that it has to offer. And then enrich it for the generations after us.

If you were marooned on an island, which book would you rather have with you?

“How to survive and escape from a marooned island?”

On a serious note, I am a voracious reader—on any given day, I am in the middle of reading four books. If I had to choose, it would be The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. His book is a powerful reminder on how to live a happy, full life no matter what life throws at you.

What inspires you to keep going, everyday?

My sons. They are amazing smart energetic upbeat little human beings who love me, admire me and are counting on me. No matter what happens, it is my responsibility to leave this world a better place for them. They are my inspiration, my motivation and my sunshine, who make me be the best I can be.

What, according to you, is the greatest technical innovation ever?

?Artificial Intelligence is going to change our world in a way that we cannot even imagine today. I think we are just beginning to see some of its impact but it is just the tip of the iceberg.

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Note: Opinions are my own and not related to any of the organizations or institutions that I am or have been associated with.