A childhood spark
Monika Mahto, an Executive Manager with the Deloitte Research and Insights team at Deloitte US-India Offices, has always had a deep-seated passion for learning and problem-solving. Growing up in a family of doctors and academicians in central India, Monika was exposed to lively debates and intellectual exchanges that fueled her curiosity and love for numbers from an early age. Surrounded by a culture that valued diverse perspectives, she was encouraged to listen attentively and appreciate differing viewpoints, laying the foundation for her future career in research and technology.
From numbers to networks
Numbers and logical reasoning always intrigued Monika, leading her to pursue a degree in business management with a specialization in finance. However, her career took an interesting turn when she joined Deloitte as a research analyst in 2008—right at the onset of the Great Recession.
"Ironically, the onset of my career coincided with the onset of the great recession," Monika reflects. "In hindsight, navigating the challenges posed by the economic downturn became a pivotal experience that defined my career. It demanded delivering superior client service amid the constraints of a challenging macroeconomic landscape."
This intense initial experience taught Monika invaluable lessons about adaptability and resilience. At the same time, she discovered a passion for understanding how emerging technologies could reshape industries and solve complex problems.
Today, Monika leads Deloitte's Center for Integrated Research at Deloitte US-India Offices, focusing on cross-industry and cross-functional issues. Her work involves collaborating with thought leaders, industry executives, and academicians to explore the intersection of technology and talent. |  |
"I love researching topics that uncover the role of emerging technologies to improve how we run our businesses and how we live our lives," Monika explains. "Emerging technologies provide means to achieve these imperatives, and I'm grateful for the opportunities to research and publish my findings for discussion and deliberation in the public domain."
Monika's commitment to lifelong learning is evident in her approach to work. "Even though I finished my formal education more than 15 years ago, I see myself as a lifelong learner," she says. "I'm always looking for opportunities to get into a classroom (physical location or virtual) and brush up on my subject matter knowledge and leadership skills."
Shaping the Future of Work and Sustainability
Monika's research isn't just about understanding new technologies; it's about envisioning how they can create a better future. She's particularly passionate about the role of emerging technologies in improving talent experiences, work environments, and addressing broader societal challenges like climate change.
"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children," Monika emphasizes. "Some shared responsibilities, such as climate, personal health, and equitable and equitable access to work opportunities, transcend geographical boundaries. Emerging technologies provide means to achieve these imperatives."
Advice for professionals
Drawing from her experiences, Monika offers two important pieces of advice for aspiring professionals:
- Embrace imperfection: "More often than not, we feel that if we can't do it perfectly, there's no point in trying. It took me time to accept that someone can improve and enhance what I have worked on. Take pride and joy in the fact that you've taken something to the point of a critical mass, then seek help to improve it."
- Seek help and diverse perspectives: "One who seeks help is strong, not weak. Remember people around you can help you only when they know what's on your mind. Speaking up and seeking external perspectives can help you get a better understanding and turn complex issues into solvable challenges."
Looking ahead
As she looks to the future, Monika remains optimistic about the potential of emerging technologies and the talent entering the workforce. "I am bullish about the skills and capabilities of new talent joining the workforce and look forward to developing high-performance teams," she says.
For students and young professionals, Monika's journey offers an inspiring example of how curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning can lead to a fulfilling career at the forefront of technological innovation. At Deloitte, she's found a platform to not only explore cutting-edge technologies but also to make a meaningful impact on businesses and society at large.
Monika Mahto leads the Deloitte’s Center for Integrated Research center at Deloitte US-India Offices. Mahto has over 15 years of experience in research focused on advanced manufacturing, smart factory, the future of work, Industry 4.0, IoT, and other advanced technologies. Her research is cited in prominent research journals and platforms. She collaborates with other thought leaders, industry executives, and academicians to deliver insights into the strategic and organizational implications of advanced technologies.