Harnessing the Power of Data to Drive Innovation: A conversation with the enigmatic Swarupa Thakur, Data Solutions Lead at Pulse.

Today, data is the cornerstone of success for any business across verticals and niches. The acquisition, management, and analysis of data have yielded massive results that help businesses enhance operations, revamp processes, reduce costs, boost profits, and gain game-changing insights about customer behaviour, preferences, and so much more. Data is a vast, evolving subject that may change how we do business.

Few have embraced the complexities of this field quite as passionately as Swarupa Thakur. As the Data Solutions Lead at Pulse, Swarupa is critical in shaping data strategies that empower organisations to make smarter, more informed decisions. While her expertise in data is second to none, it’s her unique approach to problem-solving, innovation, and leadership that truly sets her apart.

We sat down with Swarupa to learn more about her role, her journey in the data industry, and what drives her beyond crunching numbers and driving business success.

Q: Let’s start at the beginning— Tell us about your childhood and how it helped you become who you are today.

Swarupa: Thank you for having me! I love this question because I truly believe that our childhood shapes so much of who we become. I grew up in a family that allowed me to be myself – mischievous, curious, explorative, and always full of questions. To question the norm and understand why things are the way they are instead of blindly following convention. I grew up in the 90s, a time when we were free from phones and social media, and I feel that helped our minds blossom. From a young age, I was encouraged to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and never stop learning. I remember being fascinated by puzzles and games that required strategic thinking, which probably planted the seeds for my interest in data later on.

Growing up in an Indian family, we valued both education and creativity, which allowed me to see how important it is to approach problems from multiple perspectives.

Those early experiences helped me build a strong foundation in analytical thinking and a desire to seek out solutions to complex challenges—traits that have definitely guided me in my career today.

Q: Swarupa, what inspired you to pursue a career in data?

Swarupa: I’ve always been drawn to problem-solving. Data, for me, is like a treasure map that leads to valuable insights. When I started in this field, I realised just how much power data holds—not just for businesses but for shaping the future of technology and innovation. The ability to translate raw data into actionable strategies and meaningful outcomes was both exciting and impactful. It was a natural fit for me to pursue this path, and once I joined Pulse, I simply haven’t looked back.

Q: Can you tell us more about your current role at Pulse and what you do as the Data Solutions Lead?

Swarupa: As the Data Solutions Lead at Pulse, I’m responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of data strategies that help our clients turn their data into a competitive advantage. I lead a team of brilliant data professionals, and together, we work on everything from data integration and governance to advanced analytics and machine learning. My focus is to ensure that our clients have access to high-quality, clean data and the tools and insights they need to make quick, informed and impactful decisions that drive growth.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at Pulse?

Swarupa: What I love about Pulse is its collaborative and innovative culture. There’s a real emphasis on continuous learning and staying ahead of the curve. We’re not just looking at data as numbers on a screen—we’re using it to drive real-world outcomes. It’s energising to be part of a team that’s always striving to push boundaries and think outside the box. Pulse’s values of integrity, transparency, and a client-first mentality resonate with me deeply, and I’m proud to contribute to that mission for the last 7 years!

Q: What drives you as a leader and data expert?

Swarupa: For me, leadership is about empowerment and mentorship. I love helping others unlock their full potential. Whether it’s guiding someone to see the bigger picture of data or helping my team navigate a particularly tough project, I’m driven by the opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s careers. I also believe in leading by example, so I try to stay on top of industry trends and continue learning myself. The world of data is so dynamic that if you don’t keep evolving, you’ll quickly fall behind.

Q: What do you think is the most important skill for someone in the data field to have, and how can aspiring professionals develop it?

Swarupa: The most important skill, in my opinion, is the ability to think critically. Data isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s about interpreting them in a meaningful way. You need to be able to ask the right questions, challenge assumptions, and draw connections between disparate pieces of information. For aspiring data professionals, I would say: don’t just focus on the technical skills—like programming or data visualisation tools—but also develop your problem-solving and storytelling abilities. Data without context is just noise, but when you can tell a compelling story with it, that’s when you truly add value.

Q: With the pace at which data technology evolves, what trends or innovations in the field are you most excited about right now?

Swarupa: I’m excited about the growing role of AI and machine learning in data analytics. We’re seeing a shift from traditional analytics to predictive and prescriptive analytics, where we can anticipate future outcomes and suggest the best course of action. The power of AI to unlock deeper insights, automate decision-making, and improve operational efficiencies is phenomenal. Another trend I find fascinating is the integration of data across different platforms and silos—this ability to unify data from various sources into a single, comprehensive view is transforming industries and creating new possibilities for innovation. It is intrinsic to what Pulse does!

Q: For those who might be considering a career in data, what advice would you offer to help them succeed?

Swarupa: Stay curious, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Data is about discovery—it’s about finding patterns, connections, and insights that aren’t immediately obvious. Be proactive in learning, whether through formal education, online courses, or hands-on projects. And don’t be intimidated by the complexity of the field—start small, learn the basics, and build your way up. Surround yourself with a network of people who are as passionate about data as you are, and seek out mentors who can guide you along the way. The journey might seem daunting initially, but if you stay persistent, the rewards are incredible.

“I’m excited for what the future holds, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with such a talented team at Pulse. We’re just getting started!”

Swarupa Thakur’s insights remind us that data is not just about numbers—it’s about solving problems, empowering people, and driving innovation. Her work at Pulse is a testament to how data can be harnessed to create meaningful change, and her leadership serves as an inspiring example for the next generation of data professionals.