Meet Anushree M Bag | CIO, Improving Government through technology transformation

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anushree M Bag and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anushree M, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
Children do what they observe their parents doing, not what the parents tell them to do. Parenting lessons happen every day, in every action that a child observes a parent. This is why, as parents we need to be mindful every day, that our actions pave the guiding path of the future of our children. If the parents are overcommitted, stressed, impatient, exhausted, the children latch on to those negative emotions, and are often inclined to step away from the careers that their successful parents have. On the other hand, if they see the parents keeping an even keel while managing the many responsibilities of work and family, they feel inspired to make good choices and pursue their own interests and passions.

I’ve heard of “mommy guilt” a lot. I did not feel it. Because I made some decisions carefully and balanced my career ambition with my being involved as an engaged parent in every aspect of their lives, from school work to a myriad of extra curricular activities. They saw me take care of my aged parents, they saw me volunteer for non-profit organizations. I was also very open and transparent with my children from a very early age. I discussed my work projects, the people on my team, the successes I had, the challenges I faced. That helped in a few different ways. My children had proper context behind my busyness. If I had a presentation to the Board of Directors, they did not feel resentment if I had to drop them extra early that day. My everyday transparency helped them understand and appreciate my ambition and also triggered reciprocity- they became open about sharing details of their lives as well, and taking pride in one another’s successes became a way of our lives.

Both my children are adults now- one a successful executive leader in healthcare management, and the other a senior in college, who has committed to an offer in tech investment banking. They are both very passionate about their work, but they also pursue hobbies, volunteer, and proactively spend time for their wellness. By keeping them fully involved in my career and my balance of work and life, I believe I have been able to inspire them to pursue a future with multiple passions and interests.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an engineer with a strong background in data and analytics. My career has spanned information technology, cybersecurity, risk management, and continuous improvements in multiple regulated industries, which helps me take a holistic view towards solving complex problems. As a minority woman in the field of technology, I have learnt to navigate challenges through strategic thinking and hard work, in order to be fully prepared for the next opportunity.

I am open minded about technology solutions, resilient, and am able to play a long game, by staying laser focused on the end goal. I approach business problems with humanity, transparency, capability, and confidence, and I lead both with metrics and influence. Some leaders are so brilliant and luminous that their team members remain in their shadows. My goal is to pull out my high-performing team members out of the shadows and shine the light on their capabilities and competence.

Contrary to popular opinion, I don’t believe that one has to be the best technologist in the room in order to be the CIO. The CIO is the executive broker between business and IT, and the job of a CIO is to build trust in stakeholders and build and sustain high-performance teams, before focusing on building systems and applications.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My best friend lives in a very busy city with a very heavy population in a different continent. I know she would love to have experiences that she currently does not have. I would take her on walks on the Monon Trail Greenway of Carmel and stop by local family-owned restaurants for food. I would take her to a local winery and visit local ice cream places, to ensure that she gets an authentic idea about American suburbia. I would take her to the Ronald McDonald House, a place that I volunteer at, and have her join me in serving one meal to the families of sick children undergoing treatment at the hospital. She loves music and arts, so we would try to catch a show at the Center for Performing Arts and go to a local Art Fair. I would also host a mixer at my home, such that some of my local friends have the opportunity to meet her.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to the Ronald McDonald House of Central Indiana (RMHCCIN)- an organization with an incredible mission. It is a Home for Families with sick and injured Children. When families with sick or injured children come to any of the hospitals in Indianapolis, their lives are turned upside down. The RMHCCIN families comfort, care, and kindness when they need it most.

I have been serving on the Board of Directors for the past seven years and currently I am the President-Elect. I have grown significantly as a servant leader, while serving in my volunteer role in this mission-driven organization.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anushree/