Tell us a little about yourself – your early days, where you were born, your schooling, college, your major, when you moved to the US, how you landed at your current role

My early years in my hometown Pune, India, were marked by an insatiable curiosity and a love for exploration. I remember being completely engrossed in the adventure stories of Enid Blyton (often leading to picnics with packed sandwiches!) and watching Jacques Cousteau’s underwater explorations on Sunday TV. These early influences sparked a lifelong fascination with learning and discovery.

From a young age, I was captivated by both science and travel. It dawned on me that a research career could perfectly blend these passions. In my naive teenage mind, I imagined traveling the world, conducting scientific research, and presenting at conferences. With this dream in mind, I majored in microbiology for my undergraduate studies in Pune. After completing my undergraduate degree, I moved to MS University in Baroda for my master’s program, thanks to a Department of Biotechnology, Government of India scholarship. My love for research and innovation deepened here, as did my desire to explore places beyond my hometown. My US-based aunt, who held a PhD in immunology, encouraged me to pursue a doctoral degree, leading me to the University of Alabama at Birmingham. While there, I discovered that research and science could be applied in diverse and impactful ways. It was also there where I met my husband who was working on his master’s program. In 2001, with our new degrees in hand, we moved westward—he for a job in tech and I for a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco.

The Bay Area’s tech culture was profoundly inspiring. This led me to join a leading life sciences biotools company (Applied Biosystems, now Thermo Fisher Scientific), where I could apply my research learning to advance technology and products. The early days spent in research and development gave me a solid foundation for my future business-focused roles.

My passion for innovation and making it accessible to the masses continued to drive me forward. A couple of jobs later, I had the opportunity to form a molecular diagnostics startup, Atzeyo Biosensors, with three other amazing co-founders. This venture, my current focus, allows me to merge all my areas of interest and expertise. 

Each step of this journey has been driven by the same curiosity and love for exploration that began in Pune, leading me toward new adventures in science and life.

Have you drawn professional inspiration from others? Who/what inspired you to pursue your current career and why?

My early inspiration came from my father, a man who embodied determination and resilience. His motto, “Nothing is impossible. If you put your mind to something and hustle, you can achieve it,” was more than just words—it was a guiding principle that shaped my approach to my career and life. Today, my husband stands as my staunchest strategic advisor. He has an uncanny ability to see strengths and potentials in me that I sometimes overlook, pushing me to achieve beyond my expectations.  

What skills do you use most often in your leadership role? How have you grown those skills? What leadership skills are you continuing to work on?

The skill I most often rely on in leadership is listening. I firmly believe that good ideas can come from anyone, and the best decisions emerge when you’ve had the opportunity to consider different perspectives and approaches to a problem. This skill was honed during my PhD days, where we were encouraged to keep an open mind and learn how to connect the dots. This ability to listen, absorb, and integrate diverse viewpoints has become a cornerstone of my leadership style, enabling me to foster innovation and make informed decisions.

How do you define success?

Success is when you are satisfied with the outcome of your efforts, be it a pre-defined goal or a learning. Every situation offers a building block if you know how to use it. 

What has been one of your biggest challenges as a leader?  

Learning to say No. In the early stages of one’s career, one tends to say yes to everything and take on a more than full plate. True leadership is about discerning what matters and keeping the right things on the plate. 

What are the most important qualities you look for in people? Why?

Can they get to Yes? Mental obstacles often come in the way of executing tasks. People who stay focused on the outcome figure out how to get there. 

How important is it to have a mentor and/or sponsor to grow as a leader?

A mentor plays a unique and crucial role in one’s growth as a leader. They are someone with whom you can have open conversations about anything, from mundane day-to-day issues to pivotal career decisions. A mentor sees your world from an outside perspective, offering honest viewpoints and guidance. Above all, they are someone who has only your best interest at heart and is dedicated to helping you succeed and grow.

What advice would you give your 25-year-old self? What advice would you give to the next generation of young women entering the workforce?

What advice would you give your 25-year-old self? Use your resources and your network. People are always willing to help you if you are open about asking. My advice to the next generation of young women entering the workforce: Be willing to make situations work for you. What might seem like a less-than-ideal situation might be a unique opportunity to define your uniqueness. 

What’s your favorite way to relax and unwind?

I play pickleball and visit the Sunday farmer’s market in my neighborhood.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

Don’t compare your insides to someone else’s outsides.

Last book you read (or are reading)

The Next 500 Years: Engineering Life to Reach New Worlds by Christopher Mason

You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?

Red. This color embodies warmth and boldness, two characteristics of leadership.

Yoga & Chai or Zumba & Iced Tea?

Both, depending on my mind. Why be constrained with one choice, I say!

What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?

Patagonia. 

Are you currently binge-watching any shows?

Land of Women and Trying (both on Apple TV)

What Neythri means to you

Collective leadership and confluence of strength.