Kanchan Shindgikar

“Having lived and worked in different countries, I have come to deeply value the richness that different cultures, perspectives, and backgrounds bring”

Part of the Tech Women Celebration 50 – a curated list of some of the most inspirational women working at all levels of tech

Kanchan Shindgikar - I am a globally experienced Information and Digital Technology leader at Shell, with a proven track record across India, U.S, France, Netherlands, and the U.K. A computer engineer with an MBA in Strategy Management from Erasmus University, I bring over 15 years of experience spanning technology consulting, IT operations, information management, venture capital, AI adoption, and digital transformation

I am a Technology leader at Shell Ventures, Shell's corporate venture capital arm, and Enterprise Accounts, translating complex business challenges into practical digital outcomes.

Tell us about your biggest achievement to date

One of my proudest achievements has been building a career shaped by curiosity, adaptability, and the courage to step into new environments. My journey has taken me across diverse geographies, cultures, and industries ranging from technology development and consulting into the energy sector, where I have had the opportunity to lead critical digital and operational initiatives.

Moving into the energy industry over a decade ago was a defining transition. It challenged me to apply my technology background in a much broader business context, combining global collaboration, emerging technologies, and operational discipline to create value safely and at scale.

An early achievement in my Shell journey was serving as Asset Information Management Lead, where I launched a cloud-based document management system for engineering transmittal and delivered cost optimization through automation. In my current role, I have continued to build on that experience by introducing AI capabilities that have transformed and automated deal workflows, reduced deal cycle times, and improved overall efficiency. A consistent focus throughout my career has been to reposition IT from a purely operational function into a strategic partner and business enabler, one that not only supports the business, but actively shapes its future.

What is the most significant challenge you have overcome?

The most significant challenge I have overcome has been learning to lead effectively through operational pressure, ambiguity, and change all while keeping people aligned and delivery moving. In my IT operations role, delivery was time-critical, high-pressure, and allowed very little margin for error. I quickly learned that building and deploying a technology tool for technical users required far more than technical expertise.

The real challenge was not only designing the solution, but also understanding the resistance to change, building trust, and helping people see the value of working differently. By combining technical rigour with empathetic people leadership, I was able to introduce a new tool that automated several workflows, resulting in significant time and cost savings.

This journey has strengthened my belief that successful digital transformation depends as much on people, trust, and adoption as it does on technology.

Tell us something about you people would find surprising

I am a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and I am proud to serve as co-chair of the Mosaic network, which represents Black and ethnic minority colleagues in the workplace.Through Mosaic, I help create safe and supportive spaces where employees can connect, share experiences, build understanding, and break down barriers.

Having lived and worked in different countries, I have come to deeply value the richness that different cultures, perspectives, and backgrounds bring. Those experiences have strengthened my belief that while our differences are important and should be celebrated, we also share much more in common than we sometimes realise. For me, inclusion starts with everyday actions from respecting one another, valuing diverse voices, and creating environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and able to thrive.