The C-Suite: Amala Duggirala, '20SPS, Technology Management

Columbia University School of Professional Studies

Ajay Nyamati speaks to Amala Duggirala (SPS'20), Chief Technology and Operations Officer of Regions Bank. Listen to this conversation where Amala takes us through her digital transformation journey in Regions, discussing how Regions adopted a customer-centric approach in designing their 'bank by choice' omni-channel experience. She talks about the three critical aspects of her approach to modernization - help customers to adopt to the digital channels, train the technology team in the newer ways of working and help business functions realize more value in technology modernization. Amala believes in 'participative leadership' - being on the field with her team members rather than shouting out instructions from the stands. When it comes to hiring and nurturing her team, she is a big believer in 'learning agility' which help them to thrive in the changing market and technology landscape. As a woman of color and an immigrant who has been successful in the C-suite, she is passionate about promoting diversity. Supported by executive leadership of Regions, she is thoughtful about diversity as she believes it brings in diversity of thought. As she reflects on some key success factors which led to where she is in her career, she ends with a wise message for young professionals especially girls who are entering the workforce.