From Career Breaks to Breaking Barriers
Nirali Sutaria, the People Experience Lead for the US, UK, and APAC at Xebia, is passionate about creating meaningful employee experiences and fostering open communication. Her mission is to ensure that every individual feels valued, heard, and empowered to reach their full potential. Nirali’s efforts to promote transparency and foster an inclusive culture have significantly impacted the employee experience at Xebia. But, she wasn’t always confident in her skills or finding the right place to lead.
Discover how Nirali defied expectations along her journey, battling challenges after taking time off to raise her kids, and found a new place at Xebia.
Growing from Supportive Roots
Born in Ahmedabad, India, Nirali faced her share of challenges, but her father’s emphasis on education and independence fueled her ambition early on and instilled in her a deep sense of resilience and determination. “My father always encouraged me to be independent,” she reflects.
As a shy child, Nirali battled self-doubt, often lacking confidence in her appearance and communication skills. Yet, she had an unyielding spirit that pushed her to try new things—whether it was sports, dancing, or academic competitions. “I always believed in giving things a try, no matter the outcome,” she says. This positive attitude went on to shape her approach to both personal and professional challenges.
At 18, Nirali took her first job within the government but quickly realized it wasn’t for her. With her father’s encouragement, she pivoted to the fast-paced world of call centers and began her professional growth. After a brief stint in the industry, Nirali got married and left to pursue further career development in a different field, earning her MBA in Human Resources, a decision supported by her husband. After moving to the United States and returning to India, she decided to take a five-year career break to spend more time with her kids – a decision that would later test her resolve.
Bouncing Back with Confidence
Returning to the workforce was anything but easy for Nirali. She was 33 years old and had to compete with young graduates, fresh out of college.
“The market treated me differently. My CV was often rejected, and I felt invalid.”
Despite rejections and setbacks, Nirali persevered and eventually landed a sales and marketing job that, while not her passion, helped rebuild her confidence. “I learned to shed my inhibitions and speak with confidence,” she says. Nirali’s persistence paid off when she finally returned to HR in 2015, a field she is passionate about. “Connecting with people and dealing with emotions is my strength,” she says.
Two years ago, Nirali hit a turning point in her career when she joined Xebia. Unlike previous employers who questioned her career break and tried to downplay her salary expectations, she felt Xebia recognized her potential and valued her experience.
“Xebia was different. They never brought up my break or tried to diminish my worth. They respected my experience and gave me the opportunity I deserved.”
Nirali’s journey at Xebia has been one of continuous growth. “After my first six months, I was given the opportunity to travel to Vietnam and manage events,” she shares. This experience not only boosted her confidence but also reinforced her belief in the importance of empowering women. “I learned that women, when given the chance, can excel in any role, just like I saw in Vietnam,” she says.
Now, as the People Experiences Leader for APAC, Nirali creates positive experiences for Xebians and fosters meaningful connections to drive an inclusive workplace culture. She is proud of Xebia’s support for women, especially for returning mothers.
Shattering the Glass Ceiling
Throughout her life, Nirali has fearlessly defied traditional gender roles and societal expectations. From triumphing over the constraints of her upbringing to boldly venturing into the world of modeling and excelling in male-dominated sports like basketball, Nirali has never shied away from pushing boundaries. “I believe in skill over gender,” she asserts, advocating for equal opportunities based on merit rather than quotas. While some called Nirali “robot” because of her height, she embraced a modeling opportunity, transforming what others perceived as a weakness into her greatest strength.
A Mentor and Advocate for Inclusivity
Mentorship has played a crucial role in Nirali’s career, and she is now committed to paying it forward. At Xebia, she deeply values the unwavering support and constant encouragement she receives, particularly from her boss, Glory Nelson, whom she sees as an epitome of grace. Nirali greatly admires Glory for her poised demeanor, which enables her to navigate a demanding role with remarkable ease.
Nirali is passionate about building a supportive environment for women at Xebia, where mothers returning to work and those who have taken career breaks are welcomed and appreciated.
“We have a lot of respect for women in the company, and we are focused on supporting and empowering the female workforce.”
This commitment to inclusivity has allowed Nirali to express her true self and thrive in an organization that values her contributions. “If you bring value to the table, Xebia is the place to be,” she says, reflecting on her remarkable journey from a career break to becoming a People Experiences Leader.
Today, Nirali is in a remarkable place in her career as she continues to mentor others, share her story, and advocate for equal opportunities, making her an inspiring example of resilience, empowerment, and leadership. Her story is a testament to the impact a supportive environment can have on a person’s growth and trajectory in life and her message to others is clear: “It’s not about where you come from or the challenges you’ve faced; it’s about what you do with the opportunities you’re given.” Her story is a powerful reminder that with determination, support, and self-belief, anything is possible