Tithi Roy

In her own words

I jumped into transport quite late in my career. I originally studied geography in my home country of India and my core area of expertise was Geographic Information Systems (GIS). I worked initially in the electrical utility sector in technical roles.  One of my managers in New Delhi recognised in me a talent to work directly with customers and a new phase of my career started. Today I get to meet so many different customers from members of our clients’ C-suite as well as hopping on busses and working with drivers to understand the nuances of their daily lives and how technology could help them.

I moved to Australia six years ago and reflected on what could be the next stage in my career. I saw the role at NEC and ticked off just 20% of the criteria. But I decided to apply anyway because smart transport looked extremely interesting, and I secured the role. I am energised by the expert team I work with and how our technology can help bus drivers in their training, confidence and their attainment of scheduling KPIs.

In India there are more women in technology in the workforce, whereas in Australia I see less women in the room with me. Both countries suffer a loss of women in the middle career years, most who never return to technology. Unless we better encourage women into STEM and grow their careers, we are not tapping into the full potential of the talent pool.

When I moved to Australia, I realised how democratic the country’s organisations are. If they see potential in you, even if you don’t have experience, they will give you opportunities and support you. I have been given public speaking engagements and while it doesn’t come naturally to me, my leaders believe I can do it and I take up the opportunity.

Saying yes and then learning is the key in any career. Unless you say yes and learn, you will never realise your potential.

Real and impactful

What I enjoy about the transport sector is that the work is very real. Previously when I worked with customers in non transport sectors, technology felt remote because it was in a system or a computer. Smart transport impacts people’s lives, particularly to improve accessibility and grow the confidence and capability of our drivers.  When I came to Australia, I didn't have a driver’s licence having grown up in India and always using public transport. Today when I speak to my customers about their end users, I can completely relate to their needs because I was one of these people navigating timetables and bus routes, horrified to miss a bus. My lived experience helps me to provide solutions which will improve the lives of my client’s workforce as well as the lives of their passengers.

If not now, when?

My most valued piece of advice came from my Mother. Growing up, I wasn’t the most studious child, and before every exam, I would panic, convinced the world was about to crash. My mother, in her usual calm demeanour, would simply say, ‘Pull yourself together. Don’t worry about the outcome, just focus on your efforts.’ I still carry this with me. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate the spiritual side of her advice as well.

What I have also learnt it to address disrespect immediately which is challenging for me because I am not naturally confrontational. In one of my previous roles, I was occasionally made to feel uncomfortable by a few colleagues (particularly men) when I asked too many questions—they would speak in a condescending tone. I rarely reacted and kept it to myself, which eventually prompted me to seek new opportunities.

During my exit interview, the HR Head gave me valuable advice, ‘When someone shows even a slight sign of disrespect, address it right then. Don’t wait, thinking you’ll deal with it another time. If it doesn’t come naturally, train yourself, but don’t remain silent. You can also ask to speak to the person 1:1 if this happened in a group meeting.’ I have been applying this ever since, and it truly works. It’s a simple principle but goes a long way toward personal growth and development.

I also have a mantra of If Not Now, When?  that I use whenever I’m presented with an opportunity that scares me. I ask myself this question. I believe everyone gets opportunities in their lifetime, but not everyone acts on them; it’s about recognising them, overcoming fear, and seizing the moment. Learn as you go and just do it.