Leaning into a lifelong journey of creativity, curiosity and problem-solving has been central to how Kavita Agarwal, a Practice Principal in our Digital Experience team – lives her daily life. Along the way, a career in tech has happened naturally, and she’s embraced challenge and new opportunities. 

Kavita, one of several women at NCS in Australia recognised as finalists in the 2025 Women Leading Tech Awards – shares more about her personal story.
 

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

As a kid, I was that student - the one sketching elaborate costumes in history books, giving every historical figure a dramatic makeover just to make lessons more entertaining. I would cook up my own narratives around their lives, weaving stories around dates to help me remember them. Creativity and storytelling were always my thing.

But I was also the kid with a million questions. My brothers used to tease me, saying I should just get a question mark tattooed. I come from a big family in India and I was the kid hanging out with the grandmas and grandpas because they always had the best stories to answer my never-ending curiosity. That love for asking ‘why’ and ‘what if’ eventually led me into design – because at its core, great design is about curiosity, understanding people, and solving problems. My dad would jokingly say – “she gets paid to ask questions.”

My brother nudged me toward pursuing design, and tech just happened naturally – because the world was shifting from tangible design to digital experiences. For me, entering tech from product design wasn’t a leap; it was just the next adventure in a lifelong journey of creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving.
 

What challenges have you faced and overcome? 

Oh, where do I start? Imposter syndrome? Check. Walking into rooms where I was the only woman? Check. Learning to own my voice and not wait for permission to speak? Double check. And then, of course, the battle of shifting the perception of design from “making things look pretty” to a critical business strategy.

But beyond that, being an immigrant in tech has had its own set of challenges. Walking into client meetings where nobody looks or talks like me can be daunting. Sometimes, it takes extra effort to build credibility, find common ground, and be seen as a strategic leader rather than an outsider. But I’m slowly learning to own my space, let my work speak for itself, and most importantly - to lean into being ‘different’ rather than masking it.
 

What has been your most exciting career project? 

I’ve been incredibly lucky to work with some of the biggest tech firms, including Facebook and Google - each project has left its own mark. But one of my most fascinating experiences was working in the discovery team for Instagram Stories.

We were researching behavioural shifts in how people share their lives on social media, especially in regions like India, where societal norms influence online behaviour in unique ways. Our goal was to understand the psychology of sharing, the cultural nuances that shape content creation, and how privacy, self-expression, and validation play out on a platform like Instagram. 

It was an eye-opening experience – seeing firsthand how social media isn’t just about technology, but deeply tied to human emotions, traditions, and evolving digital identities. This project, among others, shaped the way I think about design – going beyond the interface and truly designing for people, cultures, and the hidden forces that shape their behaviour.
 

What motivates you at work?

I’m someone who thrives on intrinsic motivation –the need to push my own boundaries and challenge myself. That’s what keeps me excited, engaged, and constantly striving for more. 

If you look at my career within NCS in the last 2 years - in just two years, I’ve taken on three different roles, starting as a Design Lead, pivoting into Sales, and now managing the Digital Experience practice. Every role has stretched me in new ways, and I love that.

But beyond personal growth, my deeply meaningful relationships and mentors are a huge driving force. I’m surrounded by people who make me believe the world is my oyster - who inspire me to think bigger, dream bolder, and never settle. 

I’m also an avid hiker, and that philosophy carries over into my work. Every challenge is like a mountain - you take it one step at a time, push past discomfort, and keep climbing. That mindset, along with my resilience, keeps me going, no matter how steep the path gets.

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

• You belong here. No, really. Even if you walk into a room where no one looks like you, own your space. 
• Speak up. Your ideas are valuable. Don’t wait for permission to share them. 
• Find your people. Mentors, allies, fellow women in tech – build your squad. They’ll lift you up when you need it and remind you that you’re not alone. 
• Keep learning. Tech evolves fast. Stay curious, stay adaptable, and don’t be afraid to dive into new things (even if they terrify you at first).  
• Have fun. It’s your career. Make it an adventure. 
• Make friends with fear – this is something I’m working on actively. It’s not the enemy, just an emotion even world leaders feel. The difference? They embrace it. Use it, don’t fight it.