Coding a New Future
In a world where the lines between technology and human experience blur more each day, few have seamlessly navigated both realms as gracefully as Priyanka Singhal. Her journey, marked by adaptability and resilience, is an inspiring tale of courage, growth, and the power of saying “yes” to the unknown. Priyanka’s story is a perfect reflection of her favorite quote by Richard Branson: “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!”
Priyanka began her career in finance, far from the world of artificial intelligence that now defines her. Starting as a portfolio manager, she explored various roles in securitization analysis, corporate underwriting, and risk analytics. With each role, her knowledge and self-confidence grew, driven by a passion for experiential learning. For Priyanka, life is about trusting her ability to figure things out, learning by doing, and navigating new fields with determination.
Despite having no formal coding background, Priyanka’s transition into the tech world began in 2019, when she took a leap of faith. At 30, Priyanka decided to pivot her career, enrolling in an MS in Analytics program. What followed was nothing short of extraordinary: a year dedicated to mastering seven coding languages, a feat that landed her a job in AI. Priyanka shares how she threw herself into every coding project and challenge that came her way, learning to architect solutions and eventually leading initiatives in AI research. Reflecting on this bold move, she notes, “If you can learn to learn, you can learn anything.” Her journey serves as a reminder that when you embrace learning and overcome imposter syndrome, no barrier is too high.
But her journey is not just about learning or career changes—it’s about passion, particularly the way she blends AI with emotional health. Priyanka is driven by the vision of creating AI-powered tools that can help people manage emotions, reduce stress, and navigate the complexities of modern life. “People of all ages today deal with difficulties in managing emotions and lack a release and a toolkit to reset for life. AI has immense potential in solving for this as the degree of digitization continues to increase,” she shares.
When asked about the dichotomy between the rat race and being a tiger in one’s career, Priyanka’s response is reflective of her multifaceted personality. “I am a tigress at heart,” she admits. “There is a solace in the rat race too, as you are doing what’s probably been experimented on lots of rats,” she adds with a smile, emphasizing the importance of striking a balance between ambition and stability.
Priyanka’s achievements in the professional world are as impressive as her personal journey. She has led transformative AI projects, including designing and productionalizing GenAI solutions for contact centers and developing innovative AI architectures for fraud detection, earning multiple prestigious Gold and Silver Shield awards at US Bank. In fact, three of her AI inventions have been filed for patents, solidifying her status as a pioneer in the field. Her accolades also extend to leading award-winning projects, including the transformation of financial reporting processes at Ford Motor Company, where she was named Employee of the Quarter for her work in functional excellence and process improvement.
On the personal front, Priyanka takes pride in balancing her career with creating a loving home for her children. Her successful career restart in the US highlights her resilience, and her mission to raise awareness on managing panic attacks reflects her commitment to helping others through her own experiences.
Priyanka’s leadership philosophy is just as forward-thinking as her approach to AI. She believes that true leaders rise to challenges, command respect through their actions, and create more leaders in the process. “A leader to me is one who commands respect with work and conduct, one who listens, one who rises to the occasion when there is a challenge or threat,” she explains. For Priyanka, leadership isn’t about cultivating followers—it’s about empowering others to lead.
Looking to the future, Priyanka is clear about her goals: she seeks to realize her full potential and continue experimenting with her capabilities, always pushing her boundaries. Her advice to others? Embrace the transformative power of AI while keeping social connections alive. “AI is transforming and will continue to transform the way we live, work, and interact. It is important to constantly upskill oneself. Enjoy this learning journey as it will be rewarding,” she advises.
Priyanka Singhal’s journey from finance to AI, from India to the US, from learning VBA to mastering seven coding languages, is nothing short of inspirational. It is a journey marked by risk-taking, continuous learning, and the courage to say “yes” to the unknown. As she forges ahead, her story reminds us all that with the right mindset, there are no limits to what we can achieve.
