SUNITA UTHRA
Vice President of IT at National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Can you please provide a little introduction about yourself
As the Vice President of IT at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, I am privileged to implement our strategic vision as it applies to business technology, data and cybersecurity.
This enables our organization to drive policy and social change on behalf of over 3,400 mental health and substance use treatment organizations, impacting more than 10 million children, adults, and families.
With over 20 years of experience, I strive to harness the power of technology and data to foster productive partnerships and drive impactful business outcomes.
What path have you taken to your current position?
My journey began in India, where I was raised in a family of bankers. After completing my Master’s degree, I moved to the United States. Over two decades across various Fortune 500 companies, I’ve held multiple technology leadership roles, setting strategic technical visions and leading transformational changes that drive revenue, growth and operational excellence.
Early on in my career, I learned the importance of adaptability and continuous learning, given the rapidly changing nature of technology. I also recognized the need to deeply understand the business to complement my technology expertise. As an introvert, transitioning to leadership roles required stepping out of my comfort zone and developing a leadership style that aligns with my authentic self and empowers and motivates diverse teams.
Each phase of my career has been about continuous learning, pushing boundaries, and fostering a culture of empowerment and excellence. This path has shaped me into the leader I am today, committed to making a positive impact through technology and compassionate leadership.
Has it always been your vision to reach the position you’re at? Was your current role part of your vision to become a tech leader?
My current role aligns perfectly with my long-term aspirations of leveraging technology to drive change and enhance operational excellence. Serving at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing allows me to support a cause close to my heart. I am genuinely excited to be part of this mission — making mental wellbeing, including recovery from substance use challenges, a reality for everyone.
I always envisioned my work serving a larger cause and my career evolved as such organically, guided by the principles of adopting a long-term perspective, addressing gaps and adding value along the way. Bridging the gap between business and technology is my constant goal, ensuring seamless integration and impactful outcomes.
Have you had a role model or mentor that has helped you on your journey? (If you feel comfortable, please share their name and how they helped you)
I’ve had the honor of working with some of the best leaders in our industry, learning valuable lessons from each of them. However, the most significant role model and mentor in my life has been my mother. As one of the first women to work in a major bank in independent India, she demonstrated incredible resilience and determination.
Her pioneering spirit taught me the importance of perseverance, empathy and continuous learning. From an early age, my mother provided guidance and support, helping me navigate both personal and professional challenges with grace and strength. Her example showed me how to balance career aspirations with compassion and integrity.
She instilled in me the belief that one can be both ambitious and empathetic, driven and kind. Her influence has been a constant source of inspiration throughout my journey, shaping the leader I am today.
How do you see the role of the technology leader evolving over the next 5 years?
The role of the technology leader will evolve significantly over the coming years, requiring a more business-centric approach, focusing on refining business strategy and leading change, particularly with the convergence of data, analytics and AI technologies.
Leading through change will also necessitate a deep understanding of the human aspects of change, fostering a culture of innovation while supporting our teams through transitions.
As technology leaders, we will need to strike a balance between strategic thinking and compassionate leadership, ensuring that our technological advancements serve a greater purpose and create meaningful, positive impacts on society.
What skills do you think leaders of the future will need in order to thrive?
Future leaders must master both technical expertise and interpersonal acumen to excel in an ever-changing landscape. Embracing a mindset of continuous learning, adaptability and fostering innovation will be crucial.
Additionally, effective leadership will require cultivating strong, empathetic relationships and nurturing a supportive, inclusive work environment for seamless collaboration across diverse teams and disciplines.
Is there anything in particular that you would still like to achieve in your career or what is the next step on your journey?
For me, life — and by extension, my career — is a continuous learning journey. I am passionate about driving technological innovation that not only advances business goals but also promotes inclusivity, mental wellbeing and social good.
I am dedicated to mentoring the next generation of technology leaders, ensuring they are equipped with the empathy, vision and resilience needed to navigate and shape the future.
What advice would you give to aspiring technology leaders who are just starting their careers?
To aspiring technology leaders who are just starting their careers, I would emphasize that the journey is just as important as the destination. Embrace each moment, stay curious, learn from every experience and remain committed to making a meaningful impact through technology.
Build strong relationships, seek out mentors and don't be afraid to ask questions. Be resilient in the face of challenges and always stay true to yourself, because authenticity is a powerful asset in leadership.
"Be resilient in the face of challenges and always stay true to yourself."
What role do you see emerging technologies (e.g., AI, machine learning, blockchain) playing in your industry, and how are you preparing for them?
Emerging technologies will not only transform the business landscape but also reshape our daily lives. This fundamental shift compels organizations to reimagine their processes, products and services from the ground up. To harness the full potential of AI, machine learning and other innovations, we must cultivate a culture that embraces change and fosters innovation.
At the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, we are prioritizing the modernization and simplification of our technology and data landscape. By enhancing operational efficiencies, we are positioning ourselves to leverage these technologies for transformative business outcomes. Preparing for the integration of these technologies involves not just updating our systems but also investing in our people. By fostering a culture of adaptability and forward-thinking, we aim to remain at the forefront of technological advancement, using it to drive impactful change and make mental wellbeing a reality for everyone.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
We live in a very polarized world right now, and it seems as if social media and news broadcasts take advantage of that polarization for their own gain. I’d love to see political leaders enter the global stage who deescalate unnecessary tension and focus on reaching common ground with one another.
The world is becoming increasingly more global, and our differences just aren’t all that different. I’d love to live in a world where we move past surface-level differences and focus on curing big problems like disease and poverty.
A big thank you to Sunita Uthra from National Council for Mental Wellbeing for sharing her journey to date.
If you would like to gain more perspective from Tech Leaders and CIOs you can read some of our other interviews here.
