Leaders

In the fast-paced world of technology, standing still is not an option. With innovations emerging at lightning speed, tech companies must remain agile and forwardthinking to stay relevant. Those that fail to evolve with market demands often risk fading into obscurity.

Nisha Shoukath is a seasoned Tech Entrepreneur and a true champion of agility. With over 26 years of global, cross-functional experience, Nisha has mastered the art of anticipating industry shifts and aligning organizational strategies to meet them head-on.

In 2011, she co-founded People10 Technologies, a software and product development firm built on the core principles of quality, agility, and future-readiness. The company has since carved out a niche for itself by consistently staying ahead of the curve, offering transformative technology solutions that evolve with market needs. Nisha's journey is a testament to resilience and reinvention. From facing job insecurity early in her career to earning credentials in Advanced Project Management from Stanford University, she has continually turned challenges into stepping stones. Whether mentoring senior professionals on high-stakes projects in Canada or rising to become one of the youngest Senior Vice Presidents at a global bank, her career has been defined by fearless leadership and a relentless drive for excellence.

Nisha’s most significant achievement is the creation and growth of People10 Technologies. Without prior business experience or external funding, she built the company from the ground up, transforming it into a global success story. Her story exemplifies how determination, agility, and visionary thinking can lead to extraordinary outcomes in the world of tech. In a conversation with Women Entrepreneurs Review, Nisha talks about her career journey and how she turned People10 Technologies into a global success.

What inspired your journey into the field of technology?

Interestingly, my entry into the world of technology wasn’t planned, it was more of a serendipitous turn. My true passion growing up was fashion design, but during the 1990s, the IT industry in India was booming. Recognizing the opportunity and potential, I pivoted and pursued a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Applications.

I began my career as a software developer, but my journey was far from linear. In my mid-twenties, I faced a personal crisis that nearly cost me my job. Family circumstances affected my performance, and I found myself at a breaking point. It was one of the lowest moments of my life, but it also became a turning point. I chose to rebuild, learn, and grow.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work across three continents with some of the world’s leading organizations. These experiences gave me deep exposure to Retail, Corporate, and Investment Banking technologies, as well as evolving digital processes. I have always believed in the power of continuous learning, and it has been my anchor throughout. Today, I am deeply focused on Enterprise Solutions, with a strong emphasis on AI-driven transformation.

You have over 26 years of experience in the field of technology. What key competencies have you developed over the years as a technocrat?

With over 26 years in the technology industry, one of my core strengths, and what I consider my superpower, is execution. It has been the driving force behind my success and growth as a technocrat and leader. Early in my career, I was assigned to Canada to lead the implementation of a banking system for a Swiss Bank. Once the system went live, I was solely responsible for managing the entire technology landscape for a fully operational bank. That experience was transformational. It helped me truly understand how technology serves as the backbone of business, not just as a function, but as a strategic enabler. I have always believed that technology is not just about writing code, it is about delivering real-world impact. I thrive on solving complex problems and turning ideas into scalable, practical solutions. As I took on larger responsibilities and more ambitious projects, I continuously moved up the ladder.

Beyond core technology, I have also led lateral initiatives for other departments like HR, Quality, Training and Development, and played a vital role in several enterprise-wide transformation efforts. My work on the Technology Board of a global Bank and the exponential growth was entrepreneurial and was a pivotal moment in my journey. It gave me the confidence to take the leap and build my tech enterprise from the ground up.

What led you to establish People10 Technologies? Tell us about the underlying idea behind the venture.

At 36, I made the bold move to leave the corporate world and launch People10 Technologies, driven by a clear market gap for agile, high-quality software development. In 2011, without external funding or a background in sales, I bootstrapped the company, leveraging my global tech experience and passion for execution.

Within the first year, People10 Technologies onboarded 18 international clients and reached breakeven. Our vision was to become a strategic partner in digital transformation, not just a technology vendor. 

Today, People10 Technologies serves global clients across airlines, banking, healthcare, manufacturing, and insurance, delivering future-ready solutions that drive business growth. From a small entrepreneurial leap, it has evolved into a multi-million-dollar tech enterprise rooted in agility, innovation, and impact. 

The technology landscape has undergone rapid transformation in recent years, and several key trends are redefining how product development companies operate. AI-driven development, generative AI, cloudnative edge computing, cybersecurity, and privacyfirst design have emerged as pivotal forces. In particular, hyper-personalization and AI-powered user experiences are quickly becoming industry standards, reshaping user expectations across sectors. 

At People10 Technologies, our approach has always been to stay ahead of the curve by proactively aligning with these trends. We have established Centers of Excellence in areas such as AI, cloud computing, and IoT, enabling us to deliver intelligent, scalable, and secure solutions tailored to the unique needs of each industry we serve.

Our teams are equipped with certified engineers specializing in leading cloud platforms, including AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. As more enterprises shift from on-premises infrastructure to cloud-native ecosystems, our focus on cloud security, information security, and regulatory compliance has become more critical than ever.

We don't just adapt to change, we anticipate it. By continually evolving our expertise and investing in next-gen capabilities, People10 Technologies ensures our clients remain competitive, resilient, and futureready in an increasingly digital world.

What are the most pressing challenges you face in your current role, and how do you successfully navigate through these roadblocks?

Leadership is a constant balancing act, which includes scaling the business while maintaining operational stability, executing with precision while fostering innovation, and delivering commercial success alongside social impact. These are challenges I navigate daily in my role as COO of a global tech enterprise.

One of the most pressing challenges is attracting and retaining top talent in a highly competitive market. At People10 Technologies, we have built a strong employer brand, recognized as a Best Place to Work and a Best Place to Work for Women. We foster a culture of empowerment where employees are given autonomy, responsibility, and opportunities for continuous growth.

Financial sustainability is another key focus. Our growth strategy is rooted in long-term client relationships, high-margin service offerings, and diversification into future-ready domains like AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity. Many of our clients have been with us for years, which is a testament to the trust and consistency we deliver.

Creating social impact is integral to our purpose. Women make up over 40 percent of our workforce, with 50 percent representation in leadership roles. Our CSR initiatives focus on supporting underprivileged schools and advancing women-centric programs. In my role, I oversee global operations, manage U.S. business strategy, mentor leaders, and drive social initiatives. I rely on effective delegation and structured time management, and find balance through creative pursuits like fashion design, painting, and travel. Leadership, to me, is about resilience, adaptability, and purpose, turning every challenge into meaningful progress.

What is your ‘success mantra’ as a technocrat?

My success mantra as a woman entrepreneur, technocrat, and leader is to “write your own story”. As Jack Kerouac said, “When writing the story of your life, don’t let anyone else hold the pen”. I believe that everyone has the power and ability to shape their journey.

I have always believed in Winston Churchill’s famous words, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts”. There will always be setbacks, but it is about believing in yourself. A minor setback is not a failure, just as a big success is not everything. Courage to continue is what truly matters. Keep going, keep trying, and write your own story.

Nisha Shoukath, Co-Founder & COO, People10 Technologies

Nisha Shoukath is the Co-Founder and COO of People10 Technologies, a global IT services company specializing in AI, Cloud, Cybersecurity, and Digital Product Development. With over 26 years of experience across U.S., Canada, Europe, India and the Middle East, she is a recognized leader in technology and women’s empowerment. Nisha built People10 Technologies from the ground up into a multi-million-dollar enterprise, earning accolades as a Best Place to Work for Women. A strong advocate for inclusion, over 40 percent of her workforce are women. Beyond tech, she pursues her passions in fashion and creative space, and mentoring women entrepreneurs globally.