A Women Leader Spearheading the Technology Industry with Grit and Determination
Harika Govada is one of the most enigmatic personalities whose presence in any room can be truly magnetic. Becoming the Assistant Vice President of Strategy Analytics at PRA Group, she has spearheaded data-driven strategies transforming recoveries and operational efficiency in the nonperforming loan industry. As a woman in technology, she has been instrumental in breaking gender barriers and actively mentoring the next generation through speaking engagements at prestigious universities. Her selection as a winner for ‘Woman to Watch’ by Women in Consumer Finance reflects her impact on the industry. She has been featured as a speaker at AccountsRecovery.net, an industry panellist at Old Dominion University, and a women in Data Industry panellist at Johns Hopkins University, to name a few of her achievements.
She grew up in a small town in India, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from the Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management. She also earned a Master’s in Computer Science and Management from Bradley University. It was at Bradley that she also earned a Caterpillar Master Fellowship and was selected for membership in Phi Kappa Phi. After publishing IEEE papers on topics like post-intrusion assessment detection and software engineering, she joined PRA Group as a Business Analyst Intern, a global leader in the nonperforming loan industry. After over a decade at PRA Group, she transitioned from IT roles to Strategy Analytics, which challenged her to think less about solving immediate problems and more about shaping long-term business strategy.
As AVP of Strategy Analytics at PRA Group, she led transformative initiatives in legal analytics and operational strategy. Leveraging advanced statistical analysis, she developed sophisticated frameworks that optimise legal strategies to enhance economics, client experience and shareholder value through data-driven decisions. Her expertise lies in designing champion-challenger strategies and implementing comprehensive performance measurement systems. Beyond operational leadership, she has been invited to speak at various industry panels and universities. She has also served as a judge for prestigious awards, like The Stevie Awards and The Globee Awards. As an active volunteer at Norfolk Innovation Corridor, she supports technological growth and innovation while ensuring technical strategies maintain the highest standards of compliance and ethical practices.
Harika’s inspiration comes from the transformative power of data analytics to solve complex business challenges. She is driven by the opportunity to mentor others, particularly women in technology. Looking ahead, she aims to continue pushing boundaries in data-driven innovation, promoting inclusive workplace cultures, and expanding her impact through thought leadership. Her long-term goal is to catalyse positive change in the technology and financial services sectors.
Balancing professional and personal life can be a daunting task that requires equal consideration. Concerning this, she feels that success requires intentional balance. As an international professional building a career in the U.S., balancing work and personal life presents unique challenges. While many understand the importance of work-life balance, the real difference lies in execution. For this, she practices careful prioritisation and effective time management. Leading a team has taught her the importance of delegation and trusting in the abilities of others. Building a strong support network at work and home has also been crucial to maintaining this balance. She feels it is all about making conscious choices and following through, even when challenging.
Harika describes her leadership philosophy as centred around promoting individual and collective growth. She says, “I believe in creating an environment where data-driven decision-making meets emotional intelligence, enabling team members to innovate and take calculated risks. For me, true leadership success is measured by personal achievements and the growth and success of those around you. By focusing on mentoring, open communication, and collaborative problem-solving, I help my team translate complex challenges into actionable solutions while ensuring each member’s professional development contributes to our collective success.”
She candidly describes her greatest strength as bridging technical expertise with strategic thinking and translating complex data into actionable business strategies. She excels at building and leading high-performing teams while promoting innovation. However, her drive for perfection sometimes leads to over-analysis. She has learned to strike a balance between the two by prioritising swift decision-making, actively involving team members and allowing them ownership over their work. Another ongoing challenge for her is maintaining a work-life balance while pursuing professional growth. This has taught her valuable lessons in prioritisation and delegation.
Harika shares a message with our readers: “Embrace the intersection of technology and business strategy. This is where true innovation happens. Don’t be afraid to transition between different roles and departments. Each experience adds unique value to your professional journey. For women in technology and finance, your unique perspective is invaluable. Diversity in thinking leads to more comprehensive solutions and innovative approaches. Remember that success isn’t just about individual achievement; it’s about creating a positive impact and inspiring others to reach their potential.”
