Priya Bajaj is a Global Enterprise Sales Executive at Google Cloud, where she helps businesses navigate the exciting and complex world of data-driven transformation in the AI era. Combining her background as an engineer with her MBA, Priya is passionate about pioneering generative AI solutions that solve real-world problems. But her drive extends beyond the corporate sphere. Believing in the power of community and connection, Priya co-chairs the Fundraising Board for Trail Blazers, and co-founded It’s Ok Yaar with her husband, a content platform that educates, entertains, and empowers South Asian immigrants. Driven by a “People First” mindset, Priya is committed to the intersection of technology, community building, and creating positive social impact.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Digital First Magazine, Priya shared insights on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech industry, her favorite quote, significant career milestones, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Priya. What drives your passion for data-driven transformation, and how do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends?
What really fuels my passion for data-driven transformation is seeing how it can fundamentally change the way organizations operate and connect with their customers. I’ve always been driven by the power of data to tell a story and create a more efficient, insightful, and even personalized experience. My background as an engineer, combined with my MBA, gives me a unique perspective: I love diving deep into complex challenges, but I also enjoy translating those insights into clear, strategic plans that drive real-world results. For me, it’s about bridging the gap between the data and the decision-makers.
And what’s particularly exciting right now is the role of AI in all of this. To stay on the cutting edge, I’m constantly exploring the latest AI advancements, especially generative AI and its potential to revolutionize industries. My current work involves partnering with consulting firms to pioneer and implement these AI-driven solutions on Google Cloud platforms, helping companies in sectors like consumer goods and media & entertainment transform their businesses for the digital age. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of that process.
Beyond the technical side, I believe in the importance of staying informed and open-minded. That’s why I actively seek out diverse perspectives on the field. I enjoy listening to podcasts, reading non-fiction books which offer different viewpoints, and I connect with other professionals online to exchange ideas. For me, it’s a continuous journey of learning and contributing to the evolution of this space.
What do you love the most about your current role?
The most exciting part of my role is the chance to drive real innovation and see its impact firsthand. I partner with leading consulting firms to not just implement, but invent generative AI solutions that transform how businesses operate. We’re often building from zero to one, imagining what’s possible and then bringing it to life. This blend of creativity and strategic thinking is incredibly fulfilling. Plus, the dynamic, fast-paced environment, where you have to be resourceful and constantly push boundaries, is a huge draw.
How do you envision the intersection of technology, business, and social impact evolving in the future, and what role do you see yourself playing in this space?
The intersection of technology, business, and social impact is where I believe the future’s greatest potential lies. Technology, particularly AI, has the power to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems, but only if it’s developed and deployed ethically. Seeing the Ghibli trend, where AI-generated content appropriated and arguably devalued the work of artists, deeply concerns me. It underscores the urgent need for ethical AI frameworks.
I want to be a force for good in shaping this future. I’m focused on building AI responsibly and collaborating with organizations that share that vision. I also believe in the importance of community and inclusivity. My own journey has been shaped by the support of others, which is why I co-founded It’s Ok Yaar with my husband. It’s a platform dedicated to educating, entertaining, and empowering South Asian immigrants. I see my role as bridging the gap between technology, business, and social impact by prioritizing people, fostering community, and using my platform to uplift others.
Can you share your perspective on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the technology industry, and how you promote these values in your own leadership practice?
For me, diversity, equity, and inclusion are deeply personal values, and I see them as crucial for the technology industry’s progress. When we create truly inclusive spaces, we unlock creativity, build better products, and create a more just world. I strive to lead with a ‘People First’ mindset, which means prioritizing genuine connections, actively seeking out different perspectives, and ensuring everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to succeed. My work with It’s Ok Yaar, a platform I co-founded with my husband to support the South Asian immigrant community, is a core part of my commitment to building inclusive communities. I’m also dedicated to mentorship, believing in the power of opening doors and empowering individuals from all backgrounds to thrive in tech.
Who has been a significant influence or mentor in your career, and how have they helped shape your professional journey?
I owe a great deal of my professional growth to the many mentors, sponsors, and allies who have invested in me and opened doors along the way. Their support has been invaluable, and I’m profoundly grateful for their belief in my abilities.
What I’ve come to appreciate about mentorship is that it’s a dynamic relationship. It requires a strong connection and active participation from both sides. It’s perfectly fine to recognize when a mentorship isn’t serving you and to seek out guidance that better aligns with your goals. In fact, as we advance in our careers, we often need different mentors who can provide tailored advice for each new challenge. And I’ve even learned valuable lessons from managers who I didn’t necessarily ‘vibe’ with. Those experiences taught me what I did not want to do when I started leading my own team, which has been incredibly helpful.
And I’ve also learned the immense power of sponsorship. Having someone who champions you behind closed doors and advocates for you when you’re not in the room can be a game-changer. It’s about getting you a seat at the table you might not otherwise reach. I’m passionate about becoming that kind of sponsor for others, empowering them to achieve their full potential.
What is your favorite quote?
There’s a quote that really resonates with me, and it’s: ‘Live with no excuses, love with no regrets.’ In today’s social media forward world, it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to be perfect and to dwell on mistakes. But this quote reminds me to take responsibility for my actions, learn from them, and keep moving forward. And the ‘love with no regrets’ part is a good reminder to build strong relationships and value the people around you, which I think is crucial for collaboration and success.
What has been your most career-defining moment that you are proud of?
It’s difficult to choose just one career-defining moment, as I’ve been proud of various achievements. However, what stands out is my ability to reinvent myself every few years to stay at the forefront of the industry. From leading in AdTech to building teams to learning cloud and AI, each transition has been powerful and humbling. It’s taught me that with determination, I can conquer any challenge.
Leading a team through significant ambiguity shaped my leadership principles and taught me how I want to lead moving forward. It was a crucial experience. But I’m equally proud of co-founding It’s Ok Yaar and witnessing its positive impact on the South Asian immigrant community. These experiences, both in the corporate world and in community building, have reinforced the importance of combining ambition with compassion.
How do you prioritize your well-being and self-care amidst a demanding career?
It’s a constant balancing act, isn’t it? Prioritizing well-being in a demanding career is something I’m still actively figuring out. I’ve learned that it’s not about perfection, but about consistent effort and finding what truly nourishes you. What’s working for me involves a few things. Pursuing passions, for example, through co-chairing fundraising for the non-profit Trail Blazers (where we raised over $300,000 last year) and building It’s Ok Yaar with my husband, provides a different kind of energy and fulfillment that’s incredibly important. Connecting with others by building strong relationships and fostering a sense of community is vital for my well-being. And I’m making a conscious effort to find more balance in my life, recognizing that it’s essential for my energy, focus, and ability to support others. It’s an ongoing process, and I am still figuring it out.
What are your long-term career aspirations, and how do you see yourself evolving as a leader over the next five years?
My long-term career vision is to use technology as a powerful force for both business growth and positive social impact, but on a much larger scale. When I was selected for the High Potential Leadership Program at Harvard Business School, it was my commitment to continuous learning and developing my leadership skills by surrounding myself with the best and brightest to uncover my blind spots and really challenge me in a different way. I don’t know exactly what the next five years hold, but I’m focused on developing the agility and skills to excel in roles that may not even exist today. Above all, I’m driven to champion diversity and inclusion within the tech industry and beyond. It’s important to me to continue ‘sending the elevator back down,’ mentoring and supporting the next generation of leaders
What advice would you give to women looking to break into leadership roles in tech, and how can we support their growth?
My advice to women aiming for leadership roles in tech is this: Be bold, curious, and persistent. Build a powerful network of mentors, sponsors, and allies who will champion you. Continuously develop your skills and stay at the forefront of technology. Embrace challenges, step outside your comfort zone, and don’t let anyone else define your path to success. Speak up, share your expertise, and own your voice. Don’t be afraid to take on ambitious projects and step outside your comfort zone, and don’t let anyone else define what ‘perfect’ success looks like for you. And for those of us in a position to create change, we have a responsibility to build more inclusive and equitable workplaces where women’s contributions are not only valued but celebrated. It’s crucial to remember that ambition and compassion are not opposing forces; they can and should work together to create a better future.