Shubhangee Shelke
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Shubhangee Shelke: Thriving in Tech and Bodybuilding with Passion and Purpose
Shubhangee is a dynamic leader with a career spanning some of the world’s top financial and technology firms, including Accenture, American Express, EY, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and currently, as Vice President at Bank of America. With expertise in technology and risk management, she has played a crucial role in shaping secure and efficient systems for global financial institutions.
Beyond the corporate world, Shubhangee is also a decorated bodybuilder, proving that strength isn’t just about lifting weights but about mindset, resilience, and dedication. Her passion for fitness has earned her multiple awards, making her an inspiring figure for those looking to break boundaries in both professional and athletic spheres. In this article, we explore her experiences in technology, leadership, and bodybuilding – uncovering what drives her success across these diverse domains.
Embracing Change and Diversity in Tech
Having worked in some of the most influential companies in the world, Shubhangee credits her success to the diversity of experiences she has encountered. “People from different backgrounds and cultural demographics bring different perspectives. We learn from each other and evolve as professionals and human beings, becoming more open-minded.”
Her perspective on technology has evolved with its rapid advancements. “Tech is changing at the fastest speed ever, and learning doesn’t stop; otherwise, you become obsolete in the market. It is challenging and rewarding if you can ride the wave of change. That keeps me excited to look forward to what’s next.”
The Future of Finance: AI and Automation
The financial services industry is undergoing a digital transformation, and Shubhangee is particularly excited about the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning. “AI and machine learning fascinate me. With so much automation, it will bring efficiency and refine banking as an industry to another level. Human interaction will be more valued for critical thinking and decision-making – things machines can’t emulate.”
Her insight highlights a future where technology optimizes operations while elevating human expertise, making financial services more innovative and strategic.
Leadership: The Power of Empathy and Collaboration
Navigating high-pressure environments in global firms requires strong leadership skills, and Shubhangee has found that empathy and teamwork are key. “Being empathetic and having a collaborative approach works in most scenarios, as you work with an experienced and talented pool of people. The more you delegate and trust your team, the more they go above and beyond to perform.”
Her leadership philosophy revolves around empowerment, trust, and mutual respect – qualities that enable her teams to thrive and innovate.
From Fat to Fit: The Bodybuilding Journey
Shubhangee’s journey into bodybuilding is as inspiring as her corporate career. “To summarize my journey as a professional bodybuilding athlete – it was a transition from fat to fit to athlete. Since my school days, I was overweight and started hitting the university gym to shed a few pounds. I loved it so much that I kept doing it repeatedly with a disciplined approach. Then I decided to compete on stage at least once.”
That one decision turned into a passion, pushing her to constantly improve herself for each competition. “When I did it for the first time, it became a passion to improve myself for each upcoming game. I’m a proud natural bodybuilding athlete, and this journey has helped me become more disciplined and focused on my work life too. Your personal and professional life reflects each other.”
Throughout her journey, she has leaned on the unwavering support of her parents, mentors, and friends, who instilled in her the value of hard work and perseverance. “There has been a constant reminder to never lose hope, even in the face of life’s challenges”. Her resilience has allowed her not only to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity but also to shape its future.
Overcoming Challenges: The Diet Dilemma
Competing at an elite level in bodybuilding demands extreme discipline, and for Shubhangee, diet posed one of the biggest hurdles. “The biggest hurdle was diet. Being from a religiously vegetarian family, there was a self-made mental block to changing to non-vegetarian clean eating habits. I was hesitant to share my changed preference with my family, and to my surprise, they were cool about it when I explained the rationale.”
Her story is a testament to how open communication and embracing change can ease even the most challenging transitions.
Beyond technical acumen, her success is also attributed to her ability to build strategic partnerships, manage industrial relations, and drive thought leadership through public speaking and mentorship. “The more you share knowledge, the more you learn” she believes, emphasizing the importance of continuous education in a rapidly evolving industry.
Breaking Barriers: Women in Tech and Sports
Thriving in both the tech industry and competitive athletics means confronting and overcoming stereotypes, especially as a woman. “In India, generally, women are a bit shy or hesitant when it comes to expressing their opinions. There is a fear of rejection, but we should overcome that and express ourselves. Even if we get feedback, we should take it constructively and work on it. That should not deter us from moving forward.”
Her advice to women aspiring to break barriers is clear and powerful: “Express yourself and stand up for yourself. There are people and support systems available in organizations – leverage them. Pursue your dreams and never let anyone dictate your destiny. If you are passionate about something, pursue it with all your heart and soul. The sky is the limit.”
The Power of Passion and Purpose
Shubhangee’s story is one of relentless pursuit – whether in tech, leadership, or bodybuilding. She embodies the philosophy that true success is a combination of continuous learning, resilience, and staying true to one’s passions. Her journey serves as an inspiration to anyone looking to push boundaries and achieve greatness in multiple domains.
From the boardroom to the bodybuilding stage, Shubhangee Shelke proves that with the right mindset, anything is possible.
