Neha Gandhi Vijay of Brookhaven, Georgia, has built a career at the intersection of emerging technology, health care, and business development, establishing herself as a leading consultant, adviser, and speaker. Her ability to navigate complex technological landscapes and identify opportunities for innovation has earned her a reputation as a sought-after strategist in the world of tech and startups. She combines her technical expertise with a sharp business acumen, allowing her to drive significant growth and impact across various industries.
Ms. Gandhi Vijay’s educational foundation is diverse and impressive. She holds two Master of Business Administration degrees: one in marketing strategy from Goizueta Business School at Emory University and another in technology and innovation from Esade Ramon Llull University. These degrees, along with her Master of Science in industrial engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in systems engineering and mathematics from Washington University in St. Louis, equipped her with an analytical and strategic mindset. Her academic journey also included minors in economics and Spanish, reflecting her broad intellectual curiosity and engagement with global markets.
Ms. Gandhi Vijay began her career as a Lean Six Sigma operational excellence leader at Shaw Industries Group, Inc., where she developed her process improvement and operations management skills. After completing her dual MBAs, she joined AT&T in 2010, marking the beginning of a 13-year tenure during which she held several leadership roles. As a senior product marketing manager for Connected Health, she worked on developing solutions that bridged the gap between health care and technology, a field that would become a cornerstone of her knowledge. She later became the director of strategic planning and global IoT contract management, overseeing complex projects and forming partnerships with major industry players like Microsoft, Accenture, and Vodafone.
Ms. Gandhi Vijay’s foresight in anticipating trends in technology, particularly in the Internet of Things, also known as IoT, made a lasting impact at AT&T. She played a pivotal part in developing IoT strategies and operations, helping to transform the field into a multi-billion-dollar business. Her leadership in this space was recognized with several awards, including the AT&T Business Diamond Club and the Top Talent Leadership Program. Ms. Gandhi Vijay is passionate about building connections through business development or mentorship and believes staying informed about the latest trends is key to success. Over the course of a decade, she dedicated herself to IoT, watching it grow into a major business driver for AT&T. This experience has given her valuable insights into customer growth, ecosystem partnerships, and the use of technology.
Even with her success in the corporate world, Ms. Gandhi Vijay’s entrepreneurial spirit never wavered. Her desire to carve out her own path eventually led her to transition into consulting, in which she now serves as an independent in emerging tech strategy, advising venture capitalists and startups. She helps companies navigate the ever-evolving tech landscape, guiding business development, partnerships, and market entry strategies. A trusted adviser to many startups, she helps them tailor solutions to meet customer needs and penetrate new industries.
Ms. Gandhi Vijay’s expertise extends beyond business strategy. She is a leader in health care technology. Her work in this area includes advising companies on integrating connected medical devices and wearables, leveraging her engineering and product marketing background to drive innovation. She continues to be involved in health care initiatives, serving as a consultant for the American Cancer Society and mentoring women in engineering and technology through various programs.
One of the hallmarks of Ms. Gandhi Vijay’s success is juggling a demanding career with personal responsibilities. During the pandemic, she navigated the challenges of being a senior executive while caring for her young son. Despite the demands of her role, which included strategizing media approaches for AT&T-owned Time Warner (now WarnerMedia) and developing connected car content, Ms. Gandhi Vijay remained dedicated to her family. She takes immense pride in this balance, as she aims to excel at home and in the workplace.
Ms. Gandhi Vijay’s return from maternity leave at AT&T marked a turning point in her career. She found herself amid a reorganization that resulted in new responsibilities and challenges. Entrusted with the duty of building a contracting team, she rose to the task by streamlining and automating the team’s process. Her success in this endeavor allowed her to present her results to AT&T’s C-suite, including the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer. In a mostly male industry, Ms. Gandhi Vijay stood out, receiving recognition for her accomplishments in a room filled with senior leaders.
Looking ahead, Ms. Gandhi Vijay has ambitious goals for the next phase of her career. While providing consulting services and advising startups, she is also exploring opportunities to serve on the boards of other companies. Her long-term aspiration is to launch her own venture, where she can further leverage her experience in technology, health care, and business strategy to drive meaningful change. She envisions herself as a chief executive officer, leading a company that pushes the boundaries of innovation and delivers sustainable solutions.
Ms. Gandhi Vijay attributes much of her success to her passion for her profession. She has always wanted to explore new opportunities and challenge herself, stepping into unfamiliar roles and launching new initiatives. Her entrepreneurial mindset enables her to turn ideas into successful ventures. While consulting was not her initial career aspiration, the demand for her expertise and her desire to make a broader impact compelled her to take the leap and establish herself as an independent consultant.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ms. Gandhi Vijay has earned recognition for her leadership and achievements. She has been featured on Microsoft podcasts and has served as a speaker on artificial intelligence (AI) and technology, including a panel discussion titled “AI Today and Tomorrow: Practical and Societal Impacts of the Next Big Wave,” hosted by Washington University in St. Louis and the Skandalaris Center for Interdisciplinary Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Her insights on the societal impacts of AI and emerging technologies have positioned her as a thought leader in the field.
Overall, Ms. Gandhi Vijay has demonstrated a unique ability to adapt, innovate, and lead in every aspect of her career. Whether she advises startups, develops health care technology, or drives strategic partnerships, her reach extends across industries. As she continues to pursue her aspirations, there is no doubt that Ms. Gandhi Vijay will remain a force for innovation and growth in the tech and business world.
