Kruti (Katie) is an accomplished technology leader with extensive experience building high-performing engineering teams and delivering complex digital products at scale. With years of experience across product, engineering, and leadership roles—including Director of Software Engineering at Slalom and CTO positions at Shebah and Super Rewards, she brings a strategic blend of technical depth and business acumen. She excels in transforming ideas into executable roadmaps, aligning engineering strategy with business outcomes, and leading teams through growth, change, and delivery. Known for her clarity, empathy, and results-driven leadership, Katie has also been a featured speaker at industry events such as Pause Festival, Future Assembly, and Google Developer Meetups. Some leadership journeys begin in boardrooms. Others begin at a picnic. Katie Patel and I first met at a Women in Tech picnic in Melbourne, a reminder that some of the most powerful professional connections don’t start in formal settings at all. They begin in spaces where women feel comfortable enough to talk about life, leadership, and everything in between. Fast forward a few years, and Katie is now Head of Development at Auto & General, a Google Women Techmakers Ambassador, and a passionate advocate for helping more women see themselves in leadership roles in technology. But what stood out most in this conversation wasn’t just Katie’s career journey. It was her perspective. Katie spoke openly about the real upsides women bring to technology leadership, particularly the ability to question long-standing assumptions inside organisations. Because when you step into a new environment with fresh eyes, you often see things others have simply accepted as “the way things are.” And that’s where change begins. Throughout our conversation Katie shared how leadership is not just about technical expertise, it’s about people, culture, empathy and perspective. She believes women in tech leadership can bring a different lens to organisations, one that often helps teams challenge assumptions and see new possibilities. ● Asking thoughtful questions others may overlook ● Leading with empathy and people awareness ● Challenging outdated ways of working ● Creating environments where teams feel supported and empowered Katie also spoke about the importance of community among women in tech. Not just professional networking. But spaces where women can talk about careers, life, confidence and leadership openly. Because leadership is rarely built in isolation. It’s built through connection, shared experience and lifting each other up. Today, Katie continues to do exactly that, advocating for women in technology while leading high-performing teams and helping organisations evolve. And I’m incredibly proud that Katie is now also part of our Women in Tech Leadership Roundtable, representing Brisbane, helping shape conversations and change across Australia. This episode is a reminder that leadership in tech doesn’t always need to be loud to be impactful. Sometimes the most powerful leaders are the ones quietly bringing new perspectives, thoughtful questions, and stronger cultures into the room. And Katie is a beautiful example of exactly that. Get in touch with Katie: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/patelkruti Where to find me: Website: Sharon (Shaz) Daly www.techtoexec.com.au LinkedIn: Sharon (Shaz) Daly https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-daly/ Instagram: @techtoexec https://www.instagram.com/techtoexec/ Facebook: TechtoExec https://www.facebook.com/techtoexec/ Join the MOVEMENT https://techtoexec.com.au/the-movement/