2023 Women Leaders in Technology: Aisha Tahirkheli

Aisha Tahirkheli is currently a Managing Director in KPMG's Technology Enablement – Cloud Practice. She brings over 20+ years of consulting experience in helping clients craft a case for change, turn complex ideas into achievable plans, mobilize the best team to get the job done, and leverage modern technology solutions to turn their visions into reality. Her experience spans multiple industries in the areas of Cloud, Responsible AI, Digital Transformation, IT strategy, Program & Portfolio Management and Operations Management. Her passion includes developing innovative solutions to solve her clients' toughest challenges and mentoring the next generation of women leaders in technology.

She balances her client-facing responsibilities with her leadership roles in the areas of DEI and philanthropy. She currently serves as a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) leader for KPMG's Technology Enablement practice, is the company's executive sponsor for Break Through Tech, a steering committee leader for KPMG's "Women in Consulting" community, and on the board at the St. Mark's School of Texas.

What has been the biggest factor in your success so far?

The most important factor behind my success thus far is the community of family members, friends, and colleagues who have supported me along the way. Growing up as a first-generation immigrant from Pakistan, my parents were instrumental in instilling in me the importance of a good education, strong work ethic and perseverance. I saw firsthand the sacrifices they made by leaving their home, starting over in a new country, and working tirelessly to provide my brother and me with opportunities they didn't have. I am so grateful for the values they taught me and for the opportunities they opened, particularly as I see Muslim women across the world still fighting against gender discrimination, for the right to go to school, and in opposition of child marriages.

In addition to family, my personal "Board of Directors", made up of mentors, allies and colleagues, have been by my side every step of my journey in consulting. They have encouraged me to broaden my skills, they have proactively found new opportunities for me and challenged me to think bigger and bolder. They've also supported and lifted me up through difficult personal and professional transitions.

My professional and personal support system has been one of the most important parts of my career trajectory and I am truly grateful for the impact they continue to have in my growth.

What do you enjoy most about your career in the consulting industry?

What I enjoy the most about consulting is the wide array of clients, technologies, and teams that I have the opportunity to work with. I have supported clients across the globe of all sizes and industries, and they all have a unique business challenge to solve.

I also have the privilege to work with a diverse team of professionals, each with a different perspective, background and skill set to bring to the table. I feel fortunate that I'm now at a point in my career where I can tailor my team's vast experiences, differing perspectives, and fresh ideas to rapidly prototype and create unique solutions with modern technology for our clients. The combination of new challenges, diverse perspectives and innovative solutions keeps consulting exciting and fast-paced. I learn something new every day!

What is your proudest achievement to date?

My proudest achievement to date is serving as a champion for DEI across our consulting business and specifically, within the technology practice. As a woman of color in a traditionally male-dominated field, I know how critical it is to have supportive sponsors, mentors and allies. I've also witnessed how impactful diverse teams can be in driving innovation and fueling better performance.

As a Technology DEI Leader, I work with my team to set a strategy and develop ambitious plans to foster inclusion, improve retention, and accelerate leadership opportunities for underrepresented professionals. For example, my team sponsors targeted recruiting events to increase our pipeline of diverse professionals and we also host educational workshops, panels, and courageous conversations around DEI topics to celebrate our diverse heritages.

I make a concerted effort to mentor underrepresented professionals and am especially proud to have led the launch of a DEI mentorship program to drive career development, improve leadership skills and promote personal branding. I also serve as KPMG's executive sponsor with Break Through Tech, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing women's careers in technology. In this role, I lead internships for women and nonbinary students at KPMG to help get their foot in the door in consulting.

I am fueled by empowering underrepresented professionals who see themselves in me and are inspired by a career in technology. By working together, I know we can advance a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment and leave my firm and the tech community, better than we found it.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

The best advice I have been given is "don't be afraid to ask for what you want." Early in my career, I struggled with being vocal and assertive about what I wanted or deserved, whether it was a promotion, raise or a new role.

I assumed that my hard work would speak for itself, but in a large company like KPMG, I couldn't rely on that alone to stand out. A mentor was key in helping me to trust the unique capabilities I bring to the table and become comfortable with promoting myself and vocalizing my career aspirations to others.

Once others know what you want, they will be better equipped to help pave the way for you to achieve your goals. They may also have visibility into new opportunities or future pipeline that are aligned to your aspirations. Sponsors and mentors can help connect the dots for you, but only if they know what you want to achieve.

So, the advice I now take to heart and pass on to other is: Trust in your unique capabilities, be bold, take chances and have the courage to ask for what you want out of your career.

What does this recognition mean to you?

I am humbled and honored to receive this recognition from Consulting Magazine. It serves as a validation of the contribution I have made throughout my career as a leader in consulting, in serving my clients, and in paving the way for others.

I also believe it is difficult to dream of what you can't see. As a first-generation immigrant, I feel it is important to see other women of color succeeding in the technology industry. So, most importantly, I hope this recognition will help light the path, inspire and empower other women of color to see what could be possible through a career in technology consulting!