Leaders

In a design-driven world where user experience often dictates the success of a product, the presence of strong, visionary leadership in UI and UX companies is essential. Yet, within this space, the number of women steering the course remains comparatively low. While the tech and design industries have evolved rapidly, female leaders still face the challenge of being heard, seen, and taken seriously. It is in this landscape that Mathuram Nallathambi, Founder of Ambian Strategy, has carved a place of distinction for herself. Her work blends creativity, strategy, and a deep understanding of human-centered design, making her one of the notable names in the UI and UX ecosystem today.

Mathuram’s foundation in design was shaped early through formal education. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication Design from the Government College of Arts in Chennai. Keen to complement her creative instincts with business acumen, she pursued an Executive Program in Digital Strategy at IIM Calcutta. Alongside this, she earned certification as a Usability Analyst, rounding out her profile as a thoughtful, informed leader. Even as a student, her creative talent stood out when she won the Best Product Wrapper Design competition conducted by the Government of Tamil Nadu, a recognition that hinted at the promise to come. In 2018, her impact in the tech space was acknowledged when she was named among the Top 50 Tech Leaders by InterCon.

One of the earliest moments that defined her journey occurred in college, where her abstract and minimalist approach set her apart. It was a professor’s quiet encouragement and a subsequent internship at an advertising agency that gave her the validation she needed to pursue a creative career with conviction. Over two decades, Mathuram evolved through various roles before founding Ambian Strategy. The transition from employee to entrepreneur was marked by calculated risks and continued learning, including the transformative experience at IIM Calcutta. Today, Ambian Strategy stands as a reflection of her vision, an enterprise built not just on skill, but on purpose, resilience, and an unwavering belief in thoughtful design. Let’s read on.

Can you walk us through your 20-year journey in UX design? What have been the major areas of expertise you've built along the way?

Creativity has been at the heart of my 20-year journey in UX design. I began as a Visualizer in advertising, working on campaigns for major brands like Marico and Karur Vysya Bank. As the industry shifted toward digital, I moved into web design, learning how to balance creativity with functionality. Since formal UX training was not available at the time, I developed my skills through hands-on experience, peer learning, and constant feedback. Eventually, I became a Certified Usability Analyst, which added validation to my approach. Over the years, I have built expertise in usercentric thinking, empathy-led design, and shaping product experiences, especially for early stage startups. I see leadership as a way to nurture creativity, guiding my team to unlock ideas rather than simply correct them. Adapting to change has always been part of my journey, from designing in Photoshop to now working with Figma and other evolving tools, all with the goal of crafting intuitive and meaningful user experiences.

What motivated you to start Ambian Strategy? Could you share the core idea and vision that led to the creation of this design venture?

The idea of starting my own agency has been with me since college, though back then I imagined it as an ad film company. Over time, my interests shifted toward user experience and product design. While observing India’s startup ecosystem, I noticed a common issue, that many innovative product ideas lacked solid UX. Startups, often limited by resources, relied on developers to handle design. This gap inspired me to launch Ambian Strategy, a UX agency designed to function like an extended team, offering flexibility without long term commitments. For over six years, Ambian Strategy has supported early stage startups with a user first design approach. My vision is to make good UX accessible to all startups. I also owe a lot to my parents, whose early support was crucial in helping Ambian Strategy gain its footing.

As the Founder of Ambian Strategy, what roles and responsibilities do you undertake? Which areas do you prioritize to drive the company’s growth?

Ambian Strategy is still growing in the fast-changing world of UX design. As Founder and Chief UX Strategist, I stay closely involved with the craft while focusing more on strategic growth. I work on building long-term partnerships, exploring new product opportunities, and expanding our presence in the design community. I personally lead client conversations to build trust and ensure we’re the right fit. Each year, we set clear goals and align our efforts accordingly. My role is to understand clients’ visions and guide my team to deliver meaningful design. Steady, sustainable growth and strong client relationships remain my top priorities.

Reflecting on your journey, what core leadership principles have guided you? How would you define your personal mantra for success?

I’ve been fortunate to work with leaders who trusted their teams, encouraged ownership, and allowed room for learning from failure. This shaped my leadership philosophy, which centers on trust, collaboration, and leading by example. I believe in empowering individuals to think independently and take responsibility. My success mantra focuses on tangible results. Beyond completing projects, true success means building a sustainable and growing business. I consistently evaluate whether our efforts create long term value and drive the company forward.

How do you envision the future of India’s UX/UI design landscape? Which emerging industry trends do you believe will have the greatest influence?

AI is already transforming the role of UX design in ways unimaginable just a few years ago. To stay relevant, designers must adapt and embrace these changes. The future points to more intuitive, tool-less design where prompt-based and “vibe designing” take center stage. Designers will focus less on pixel-perfect details and more on creating intelligent, emotion-aware experiences that evolve in real time. UI will shift toward dynamic, responsive interfaces that feel alive and human.

Mathuram Nallathambi, Founder, Ambian Strategy

A seasoned UX strategist and certified usability analyst, Mathuram Nallathambi blends creativity and business acumen to lead Ambian Strategy, driving innovative, user-centered design solutions for startups and growing companies