Let’s celebrate women this March! Throughout this month, Analytics Vidhya is honored to highlight the remarkable achievements and journeys of women who have made significant contributions to the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Their stories serve as a testament to perseverance, innovation, and excellence, inspiring future generations of aspiring AI practitioners. Join us as we delve into the story of one such visionary, Debasmita Das, whose resilience, expertise, and noteworthy contributions have reshaped the landscape of AI in the world of finance.
Let’s hear it from the leader herself.
Debasmita Das’ AI Journey
I started my professional journey – open to exploration, and each opportunity presented itself as a stepping-stone towards my current position in my career. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of working with renowned companies like EXL, J.P. Morgan, and now Mastercard, where I’ve worked in interesting areas like anti-money laundering, cyber-security, mortgage risks, and now generative AI.
Her Greatest Milestone
One of my most cherished professional milestones is the opportunity to serve as a guest lecturer at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, last year. Addressing such a distinguished audience was both humbling and exhilarating. Knowing that I would be speaking to leaders who hold significant sway in the business world added an extra layer of responsibility to my presentation. It was a unique opportunity to exchange valuable insights and forge meaningful connections.
The Work Ethics of a Leader
My approach to work is rooted in creativity and differentiation. I believe in making sure that my work reflects a unique flavor of myself, incorporating innovative ideas and solutions that stand out. This mindset has helped me in the development of patented technologies and solutions that have made a tangible impact on business.
Effective leadership, to me, goes beyond delegating tasks. I believe in personal accountability, transparent communication, and continuous skill growth within my team. I ensure that their contributions are not only recognized but also valued.
Resilience and Gratefulness
My career path has encountered its fair share of bumps along the way – that tested my resilience. It is essential to acknowledge that setbacks are a natural part of any professional journey. I have, hence, learned the importance of asserting myself, staying resilient, and continuously keeping myself updated.
I’m also grateful for the exceptional mentors who have played a pivotal role in my own professional journey, offering invaluable insights, encouragement, and support. I will always emphasize the importance of having a mentor. It’s a crucial relationship that can greatly impact your professional growth. Mentors can come from any age group or field.
Look for someone whose life or work you admire, regardless of their age, title, or experience level. Create a list of a few potential mentors to reach out to. This allows you to explore different options and increase your chances of finding the right fit. Remember, mentorship is a two-way street, so invest time and effort in building a meaningful relationship with your mentor.
Some Great Advice on Work-Life Balance
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s very easy to get caught up in the demands of professional & personal responsibilities. Try to make time for yourself to also pursue activities you love outside your profession – be it playing a musical instrument, reading books, or hiking. It might seem far-fetched, but it is crucial for your overall well-being. Prioritize health – only then you have more energy, focus, and grit to tackle any challenges.
About Debasmita Das
Debasmita Das is a seasoned professional with almost a decade of extensive experience spanning finance and artificial intelligence domains. In these years, she has spearheaded numerous initiatives in fraud detection, Anti-Money Laundering (AML), HR analytics, credit card risk mitigation, and mortgage risk management. Currently leading a dynamic data science team at Mastercard, Debasmita proves to be instrumental in developing cutting-edge AI-based products that drive global impact.
She takes pride in being featured among eight female inventors pioneering efforts to close the gender gap in innovation. Her contributions have also earned recognition as a thought leader in the industry, with authored papers, patents, and numerous speaking engagements at prestigious forums.
Find her LinkedIn profile here.
Summing-up
Debasmita Das’ journey of learning what she’s passionate about, passing on that knowledge, and going on to be a leader in the industry, is nothing short of inspiring. As we explore her journey this month, she continues to push boundaries and make strides in leveraging AI for transformative solutions in finance.
You can also share your story or nominate someone who has inspired you by filling out this form.
Through sharing such narratives, we aim to celebrate accomplished women in AI, paving the way for greater diversity and inclusion in the realm of data.
