Deepti Bansal is a Senior Test Manager at NCS Australia, and an integral part of our team that delivers Quality & Testing services nationally. In this profile, she shares more about how curiosity and a love for problem solving have shaped her career, and her passion for building and leading high-performing teams.
 

What or who inspired you to pursue a career in tech?

I come from a time in India when most parents dreamt of their children becoming either an engineer or a doctor, and my parents were no exception. Since I was good in maths and physics, I was encouraged to pursue engineering. Naturally curious and passionate about problem-solving, I embraced the journey in technology studies. Though I wasn't fully aware of the vast opportunities in the tech world until I joined my engineering college. 

Initially, my primary motivation during my bachelor in engineering degree was to secure a good job with a strong organisation and make my parents proud that their daughter is finally an engineer. However, as I progressed in my studies, I realized the true potential of what I could achieve through technology. 

My biggest inspiration was my mother, who strongly influenced my decision to pursue engineering. She always wanted her daughters to stand out in society as respected and independent women, and that belief continues to drive me till today.
 

What challenges have you faced and overcome?

• Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone – At a young age, I moved to a new city, away from home, and had to live with flatmates( unknown to begin with). This experience taught me how to be wise in choosing whom to trust and how to take care of myself while also supporting others. 
• Mastering Computer Languages & Exams – I had to sacrifice comfort and work hard to learn programming languages and clear my exams, pushing myself to excel in a highly competitive environment. 
• Breaking Into a Male-Dominated Industry – When I started my career, tech was predominantly male-driven. Establishing myself required working long hours, prioritising wisely, and proving my capabilities through sheer dedication and perseverance. 
• Mastering Non-Functional Testing – Learning non-functional testing and applying those skills to take over a project from Sweden was a tough challenge. Within just three months, I successfully led the project, proving that with perseverance, you can achieve anything. 
• Balancing Personal Struggles with Leadership Responsibilities – During a crucial phase in my career, I faced dark moments in my personal life while stepping into a leadership role. Balancing both was tough, but through learning, seeking guidance, and resilience, I emerged stronger. 
• Rebuilding My Career in Australia – Moving to Australia and starting from scratch was filled with fear and doubts. However, I trusted my skills, listened to my inner voice, and invested in leadership training and certifications, which helped me establish myself successfully in my new career landscape.
   

What has been your most exciting career project?

After working as Test manager for 18 years in the Telecom industry, I stepped into a new domain – Health Insurance – for the first time. Adapting to this industry was a significant learning curve in itself, and on top of that, I was assigned a critical transformation project. The project involved migrating from a legacy system to a new cloud-based technology offered by Oracle and EY. This transformation was highly challenging, both in terms of delivery expectations and team attrition. 

To navigate these challenges, I redesigned test strategies, identified risks and mitigation plans, and worked towards building a high-performing team. One of the key aspects was restoring client trust and confidence in a team that had been struggling with high attrition due to instability and a lack of clarity. 

Revitalizing the project – turning it from a struggling effort into a high-speed, efficient transformation – was a thrilling experience. Not only did I grow professionally through this journey, but the client’s trust was restored, and the team developed a stronger sense of belonging and felt valued, which was incredibly fulfilling.
 

What motivates you at work? 

As a Programme Test Manager, I am motivated by the challenge of building and leading high-performing teams that drive quality and efficiency in software delivery. Having established a strong team, I take pride in developing and executing test strategies that align with business objectives. My role allows me to ensure seamless collaboration, optimize testing processes, and mitigate risks, ultimately enabling the organisation to deliver high-quality solutions with confidence. Seeing the direct impact of my work – where testing is not just a checkpoint but a strategic enabler of innovation by finding gaps/bugs in process and products, fuels my passion for continuous improvement and excellence in software quality.
 

What is your advice for women wanting to pursue a career in tech? 

Never be afraid to embrace growth or leadership roles – nothing comes without challenges. Learn to push through obstacles; this may require working harder, seeking guidance from a mentor, and continuously improving your skills in the ever-evolving tech world. Perseverance is crucial. 

Be bold and confident in sharing your ideas, and develop the ability to balance work and life by choosing your priorities wisely. Resilience is key to growth. 

Lastly, maintain strong work ethics and find ways to give back, whether through mentoring others or contributing to your community. Establish strong communication skills.