3 minute read
The Inner Journey
AS A WOMAN IN THE TECH INDUSTRY, REENA MERCHANT IS COMMITTED TO FOSTERING INCLUSIVE CULTURES THAT EMPOWER INDIVIDUALS OF ALL BACKGROUNDS.
EMBODIED at the intersection of technology, design, and business innovation, Reena Merchant’s life path exemplifies how personal challenges can forge not only an indomitable spirit, but also groundbreaking leadership in tech. Reena is a User Experience Director at Google, and her educational background, from early academic pursuits in computer science and graphics design, to graduate studies in business and design strategy, reflects her innate desire to blend aesthetics with functionality, and creativity with analytics.
Despite facing setbacks, such as an unexpected job loss early in her career, Reena’s journey has been characterized by monumental achievements and significant personal growth. Adversity spurred her to reflect deeply, leading to transformative insights. For Reena, these experiences weren’t just setbacks but pivotal moments that taught her invaluable lessons about self-love, confidence, and authenticity.
Inspired by her journey, Reena founded OurVoice in 2019, a community organization dedicated to empowering individuals through self-confidence and authentic presence. She firmly believes that overcoming challenges is crucial for discovering one’s self-worth, and emphasizes the importance of resilience in personal growth. Through her ongoing journey, Reena continues to inspire others to embrace their authenticity and navigate challenges with courage and self-assurance.
In her personal experience, Reena’s hardest yet most transformative moments have involved the loss of loved ones, heartbreak, and navigating life’s unexpected twists and turns. Through solitude, she has found genuine connections and growth opportunities, underscoring her belief that our most challenging times can lead us to our greatest joys. Reena has expressed a firm commitment to embodying authenticity as a guiding principle in her life.
While there have been moments when she has wished she could change aspects of her past, Reena has come to accept that embracing her past is essential for authenticity. Looking ahead, she expresses a desire to continue learning and deepening her inner wisdom. Reena believes that the journey of personal growth is ongoing, and she remains committed to nurturing her sense of self as she shapes a fulfilling and authentic life. And it is this very inner growth that has been instrumental to shaping Reena as a leader in tech.
According to Reena, success naturally gravitates toward individuals who stay hopeful and true to their visions, goals, and aspirations. She emphasizes the importance of letting go of worry and remaining present, grateful, and flexible in the pursuit of one’s dreams. Drawing inspiration from Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Big Magic,” Reena underscores the significance of courageously bringing forth one’s hidden talents and living a life of curiosity rather than fear.
Regarding the qualities of modern women, Reena applauds the increasing prevalence of women in leadership roles within the tech industry. She highlights the inspirational impact of women breaking barriers and leading with confidence, while also bringing diverse leadership styles and compassionate approaches to the corporate arena. Reena also believes in the normalization of intuition in business transformation and innovation.
As a woman in the tech industry herself, Reena is committed to fostering inclusive cultures that empower individuals of all backgrounds. She sees it as her mission to bring diversity and empathy into workplaces, driving positive change and evolution within the industry. Through her words and actions, Reena exemplifies a vision of success rooted in authenticity, resilience, and the empowerment of others.
