The Courage to Be In Front

In the fast-evolving world of technology, courage is not just a trait – it’s a necessity. For Rachita Parameswaran, Associate Director of Technology Quality Risk Management at KPMG in Singapore, courage has been the guiding force behind her journey. From transitioning across continents to breaking barriers as a woman in technology, Rachita exemplifies the power of leadership fuelled by resilience, and the commitment to empower others.

Rachita’s journey with KPMG began seven years ago with the firm’s office in Australia, joining KPMG in Singapore in 2023. Looking back, she says, “Even though I’ve been with the same organisation, I’ve done so many different things. It's been wonderful in terms of being able to experience different roles that require different skill sets, while continuously learning and upskilling along the way.  This has enabled both professional and personal growth for me.”  

From the start of a career that has spanned India, China, Australia, and Singapore, Rachita has always been willing to step out of her comfort zone. With an academic background in chemical engineering, she entered the world of technology risk and business process improvement—a field she had not initially envisioned. “This is not what I planned for. I would like to call it destiny,” she reflects. Her ability to embrace change and step into the unknown has defined her career trajectory. 

“Courage is a daily value that you've got to put to use,” Rachita explains. Whether navigating unfamiliar roles or challenging boardroom dynamics, she emphasises the importance of taking the first step, even when self-doubt lingers. “Given that I'm in tech, and I’m female, I feel like courage is absolutely necessary. A lot of the time I’m sitting in rooms where I’m the only woman. You have to take the first step in voicing your thoughts about an idea ortopic,  else you aren’t really adding any value.”  

The importance of challenging oneself, and others, is especially crucial in the bid to empower women to lead in the traditionally male-dominated field of technology. As an active member of ISACA Singapore’s SheLeadsTech Programme, Rachita is dedicated to advancing gender diversity in the technology and risk professions. Through mentorship, school visits, and diversity initiatives, she inspires young women to pursue careers in technology. 

“When I talk to young girls, I encourage them to dream big in technology. There are countless exciting roles awaiting them,” Rachita says. By sharing her own experiences and challenges, she provides practical guidance and encouragement. Her collaboration with leaders like Wendy Lim, Partner, Cyber, Advisory, at KPMG in Singapore, from fireside chats on cyber security to an innovation roadshow, further amplifies her efforts to drive diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech space. 

KPMG’s culture of trust, innovation, and inclusivity resonates with Rachita. As a leader, she wants to instil these same values among her team, so they too can thrive in an environment where ideas, no matter how unconventional, are valued. “Any idea is a good idea. Let’s test it out. If it fails, we try a new approach!” she says. By encouraging experimentation and embracing failure as a learning opportunity, Rachita inspires her team to think creatively and push boundaries. 

One example of this is a recent initiative within her team to automate data processes using generative AI. A member of her team proposed creating a repository of data to streamline routine responses for clients. “I appreciate the fact that people in the team are thinking about ways to improve working,” Rachita says. “It’s about giving people the space to ideate and innovate, to speak about them and to be able to act on these ideas.”  

For Rachita, leadership isn’t about hierarchy—it’s about recognising the value each person brings. “Whether it’s a consultant or someone just starting out, the work they do is just as valued as anyone else who has been with the Firm for years. You’re contributing just as much and in different ways.” This inclusive approach ensures every team member feels seen, heard, and respected. 

Looking ahead, Rachita champions the importance of foresight in an ever-changing industry. She instils in her team the need to think strategically and innovatively by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technology for new ways of working and to be in front of future trends. “What we have today probably won’t be relevant three years from now,” she says. This also means getting clients to think ahead.

“You have to think about the information that you have at hand today and find ways to leverage this data to create a better future for our Firm and our clients.

Ultimately, Rachita’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact of courage. From breaking barriers to lifting others, her story inspires women in technology—and beyond—to embrace challenges, lead with authenticity, and create opportunities for others.  

As Rachita puts it, courage is not the absence of fear—it’s the decision to press on despite it.