As senior director in operations at the information technology consulting firm Cognizant, Minerva Mishra, MBA, works to solve complex challenges at the intersection of people, process, and technology. This keen ability has been central to her approach for decades, solidifying her reputation for operational excellence and strategic leadership at the companies where she has grown and flourished, and received multiple honors, including the Best Operationally Run Business Unit Award three times and the Rookie Award very early on.
Most recently, Ms. Mishra was chief of staff for enterprise platform services at Cognizant for several years, during which she was instrumental in aligning organizational objectives with actionable plans, creating seamless coordination across multiple business units. Her leadership was marked by a focus on optimizing processes and fostering collaboration among diverse teams, increasing her standing as a trusted executive within the company. Prior to this role, Ms. Mishra was the chief operating officer for SAP Enterprise Application Systems at Cognizant for nearly 11 years, overseeing large-scale operations and driving significant improvements in revenue, margins, and profitability. Her approach emphasized supporting team members and enabling their professional growth, which contributed to sustained business success and a positive workplace culture.
Beforehand, Ms. Mishra was head of workforce strategy and operations for Cognizant in the Americas. She led initiatives focused on talent management and operational efficiency, ensuring that the organization’s workforce strategies were aligned with its long-term goals. Her efforts over three years resulted in enhanced employee engagement and retention, reflecting her commitment to both organizational performance and individual development. Also, as the strategic client partner and growth leader at Cognizant for nearly a decade, Ms. Mishra was pivotal in expanding the company’s client base and business through innovative solutions tailored to client needs. Her work during this time laid the foundation for many of the company’s enduring client relationships.
Ms. Mishra began her professional journey in the mid-to-late 90s as a senior executive in business development at TATA Consultancy Services Limited in Kolkata, India. This initial experience provided her with immeasurable insights into business development and marketing, setting the stage for her subsequent achievements in the technology sector. In preparation for her career, she earned a Master of Business Administration in finance from Xavier Institute of Management in India and a bachelor’s degree in technology with a focus on electrical engineering from Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology in India. With this combination of technical expertise and advanced business acumen, Ms. Mishra has navigated complex organizational landscapes and delivered impactful results throughout her career.
Motivated to succeed by achieving results while professionally supporting others, Ms. Mishra believes in understanding and empowering team members to pursue their aspirations, even if it means possibly exploring new paths outside their current organization. This philosophy has allowed her to maintain lasting connections with former colleagues who have gone on to become entrepreneurs or leaders across various industries worldwide. Moreover, Ms. Mishra credits her calm demeanor and patient listening skills as key factors in building strong teams and fostering an inclusive work environment. To balance her work life, she enjoys learning North Indian classical music and dance.
Ms. Mishra aspires to someday collaborate with organizations beyond the information technology sector. Yet she will retain the people-centric leadership and personal growth that have already shaped her career success and established her as a respected figure in the global business community.