Sucharita “Suchi” Thakur shares her journey leading Uber’s Global Business Services, redefining vendor partnerships as drivers of innovation and impact. She dives into tech, collaboration, inclusivity, and empowering women leaders in GCCs.
How would you describe your role at Uber to someone outside of the business?
“Imagine an orchestra. My role is like that of a Maestro, coordinating different teams (or ‘players’) to create beautiful music—only, in my case, it’s financial processes. My work involves leading the Global Business Services (GBS) Operations team to make sure we achieve seamless financial operations.”
Describe a typical day in your current role.
“Now as the Lead for GBS operations in the Finance team, my day revolves around driving our mission: elevating vendor partner performance and bringing industry best practices to Uber. Building a strong team to drive our goals is a priority as we focus on the future growth of the CFO function.”
What is the most interesting challenge you face in your role?
“The biggest challenge is balancing technological innovation with human capital management. It’s essential to automate, upskill our teams, and foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation.”
What advice would you give to aspiring women leaders in business?
- “Believe in Yourself: This is my life tagline! Trust your abilities and believe that you have what it takes to succeed. Confidence is contagious; when you believe in yourself, others are likely to believe in you, too.
- Build a Support Network and Seek Mentorship: Surround yourself with colleagues, friends, and family who support your potential. Find mentors who can guide you as you navigate your leadership journey.
- Advocate for Yourself: Speak up for your ideas, accomplishments, and aspirations. Don’t be afraid to negotiate for what you deserve and assert your value in the workplace.”
How has your role evolved since you started at Uber?
“I began as an operations manager with the GBS team, managing outsourced operations with our vendor partners. In 30 months, I was promoted to lead the GBS Operations team. My role has expanded to include:
- Service Expansion: Initially focused on day-to-day operations in Finance and Treasury, my responsibilities have grown across Uber’s Chief Accounting Officer functions, doubling my portfolio within 18 months.
- Technology Integration: I’ve been involved in implementing technology solutions within operations. For example, we integrated automation in payroll processes.
- Efficiency and Scalability: As Uber scales globally, I work to streamline processes and implement best practices for consistent and scalable results.
- Customer-Centricity: I’ve focused on improving response times and personalizing our services to meet customer needs better.
- Strategic Partnership with Business Units: Today, I act as a strategic partner to various business units, providing insights that support Uber’s growth.”
What does an inclusive workplace mean to you?
“An inclusive workplace is one where I can be my authentic self and be judged solely on the value of my work. It’s a place where everyone is recognized, and that visibility builds confidence across the team.”
How have Uber’s leaders empowered you in your career?
“I’ve been fortunate to participate in mentoring, coaching, and networking sessions with leaders from different teams. I also joined the APAC Women at Uber sponsorship program, a six-month journey where I was paired with a mentor based on my skills. This program has opened doors to networking, presenting in larger forums, and having a voice in performance evaluations.”
Why did you join the Women at Uber APAC Ally group?
“I joined Women at Uber APAC Ally to support our commitment to gender diversity and inclusion. Being part of this ERG has provided me with a community who encourage and uplift each other. It’s been instrumental in my personal growth and in building a network of strong women advocates within Uber.”
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Posted by Uber
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