The latest installment in our Q&A series with women leaders in data features Prosasty Chaudhuri, CEO and founder of Cuspide Data. (Read our previous Q&A here.)
Prosasty Chaudhuri spent over two decades working in the data management industry before founding Cuspide Data last year. Previously, she served as the chief data officer for several leading financial institutions, spearheading data strategy and governance efforts to align with business goals. A recognized thought leader and frequent speaker, Prosasty was featured in the Marquis Who’s Who in 2024 and has been honored multiple times as a “Top 100 Global Data Power Woman.” She received an M.S. in computer science from Johns Hopkins University and an MBA from Columbia Business School. You can follow her on LinkedIn.
What inspired you to choose a career in data?
For me, data wasn’t just a profession – it was the key to survival, a means to navigate the unknown, and ultimately, a passion that shaped my purpose.
I moved to the U.S. from India with little to no money, the first in my family to immigrate alone. Everything was unfamiliar: the culture, the career landscape, even the food. Every decision felt like a leap into the unknown.
With no roadmap, no safety net, I had to rely on something else: patterns, insights, and intuition. I learned to decode uncertainty, analyze risks, and adapt in real time. What I didn’t realize back then was that I was already thinking like a data strategist – collecting fragmented pieces of information and turning them into actionable insights that shaped my path forward.
That’s when it clicked. Data isn’t just numbers on a spreadsheet – it’s the key to navigating uncertainty, unlocking opportunities, and driving impact. It became clear to me: Turning complexity into clarity wasn’t just my personal journey. It was my calling.
From those early struggles, I built a career in data strategy and AI, eventually leading enterprise-wide transformations as a chief data officer and later, founding my own company to help businesses harness AI, drive impact, and create inclusive leadership in data.
Best advice you’d give to other women aspiring to work in data?
1. Own your expertise: Early in my career, I was often the only woman, the youngest, or the only immigrant in the room. I had two options: Wait to be recognized or own my space. I chose the latter. Speak up, share your insights, and make people listen. Your perspective is your strength.
2. Stay fearlessly curious: I didn’t have all the answers when I started, but I had the drive to ask the right questions, explore beyond my limits, and keep learning. Curiosity will take you further than confidence ever will.
3. Build your circle: Success isn’t just about talent – it’s about having the right people in your corner. Mentors, sponsors, and allies pushed me forward even when I doubted myself. Seek those who challenge, support, and advocate for you – and when you succeed, bring others along with you.
4. Lead authentically: I’ve been told to “fit the mold,” but I’ve learned that real influence comes from embracing who you are, not changing to please others. My accent may have adapted to my surroundings, but I still believe in staying connected to my roots and my authentic self. Be bold. Be unapologetically you. When you lead with authenticity, the right people will be drawn to you.
Where do you see the future of women in data?
I know what it’s like to be the only woman in the room. I also know that when women claim their space, challenge norms, and support one another, we don’t just change the industry – we redefine it.
The future of data isn’t just about AI – it’s about responsible AI. It’s about who builds the models, shapes the strategies, and leads the conversations. And women are the ones driving that change.
There’s still a long way to go, but one thing is clear: We belong here. In leadership, in boardrooms, in shaping the future of AI and data. And we’re just getting started.
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