We live in an era where data shapes everything — from the way we shop and travel to the choices we make daily. Yet, beyond the buzz around algorithms and artificial intelligence lies a deeply human story. At its heart, data science is fueled by curiosity — the drive to ask the right questions, solve meaningful problems, and ultimately make life better for people. This human element is what sets leaders like Shaveta Kapoor apart. Having witnessed the remarkable evolution of data science firsthand — from its roots in traditional analytics using SaaS and SQL to the rise of Python, PySpark, machine learning, and now AI — Shaveta embodies the adaptability and vision needed to navigate this ever-changing landscape.
Shaveta’s journey in data science isn’t just about crunching numbers or building predictive models; it’s about sparking transformation, inspiring her team, and showing how technology can solve challenges, ignite change, and create stronger communities. She reminds us that even in a world increasingly powered by AI, it’s the passion, purpose, and perseverance of people that make all the difference.
As the Global Head of Media Analytics at dunnhumby, Shaveta is a seasoned leader who has spent over 15 years at the forefront of data science and AI. With a master’s in business administration and a wealth of expertise in customer insights, retail media, and automation, she has consistently driven transformation and measurable business impact across global clients. Her passion lies in solving complex challenges at the intersection of data, technology, and people, leveraging a growth mindset and multidisciplinary teams.
Shaveta’s leadership is a testament to how data science, when combined with a human touch, can deliver meaningful change and unlock new possibilities in an ever-evolving world.
A Journey of Rapid Growth
Reflecting on her journey, Shaveta’s academic years were defined by a hunger for knowledge and a unique ability to make the complex simple. From excelling in her studies to embarking on her early career in data science, she carried a deep passion for uncovering insights hidden in layers of complexity. Sharing her perspective on those formative years, she says, “I’ve always believed that every problem has a solution—you just need the right lens to find it.”
Shaveta’s journey with dunnhumby began in 2009 as a graduate analyst, entering the world of data science when it was still in its infancy, continuously evolving on a global scale. Over the years, she has worked with a diverse array of clients worldwide, building expertise and delivering impactful results. Her rapid growth within the organization has made her one of its most inspiring leaders, motivating countless colleagues along the way.
Even after more than 15 years in the ever-changing field of data science and AI, Shaveta’s enthusiasm remains undiminished. The constant evolution and emergence of new ideas and technologies fuel her passion. Her commitment to lifelong learning and staying ahead of the curve sets her apart as a perpetual learner and a true industry influencer.
For Shaveta , leadership is about visualizing a bigger picture and working toward a purpose greater than oneself. She believes in the power of setting a clear vision—not just for herself but for her entire team—to ensure they are aligned and driven in the same direction. Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of ikigai, which emphasizes finding one’s purpose, Shaveta ensures her leadership approach is rooted in meaningful goals and shared purpose.
In her view, leadership in technology isn’t merely about achieving results; it’s about empowering people and fostering a culture of innovation. “It’s essential to create an environment where teams feel valued, heard, and motivated to push boundaries,” she says. For Shaveta, leadership is personal—it’s about connecting on a human level.
Known for her ability to think big while managing intricate details, Shaveta exemplifies strategic leadership. Over time she has led multiple transformation visionary projects with the recent one being the Media Analytics transformation journey over the last 3 years. She led a comprehensive transformation involving automation and process reengineering. Her initiatives delivered a 20% productivity boost and reduced costs by 30% in just two years.
For Shaveta, these achievements are not just milestones—they’re lessons in collaboration. “Transformations are never about one person or one team. They’re about building a collective vision and ensuring everyone feels like a part of the solution,” she shares.
Relentless Iteration To Mastery: Greatness is a process of constant refinement from failure to discovery.
For Shaveta , greatness isn’t about getting it perfect the first time—it’s about embracing the journey of constant learning and refinement. She believes that every setback is an opportunity to discover something new and better.
“Failure isn’t the end of the road,” Shaveta shares. “It’s part of the process that leads to breakthroughs. Mastery comes from testing, learning, and evolving.”
This belief drives her work and leadership as well as her personal life. Whether transforming inefficiencies into opportunities or leading groundbreaking innovations, Shaveta approaches every challenge with resilience and curiosity.
Shaveta fosters the same mindset in her team, creating a culture where experimentation and growth are celebrated. “True progress happens when we’re not afraid to try, fail, and try again,” she says.Her ability to turn failures into stepping stones and inspire others to do the same makes Shaveta a leader who truly embodies relentless iteration on the path to mastery.
Resilience in Adversity: Rising Stronger from Life’s Challenges
Greatness is often forged in the fire of adversity, and Shaveta Kapoor’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience. She has faced her share of ups and downs, both personally and professionally, but what sets her apart is her unwavering belief that it’s not about how you fall—it’s about how you rise.
One of the most defining moments in her life came when she faced a life-threatening health condition. The experience was a turning point that reshaped her perspective on life, work, and what truly matters. “When you face something that shakes your core, you emerge with a clarity you didn’t know you had,” she reflects. “It made me stronger, more focused, and deeply grateful for the opportunities to grow and make an impact.”
For Shaveta, resilience isn’t just about enduring tough times; it’s about embracing them as catalysts for transformation. “I believe these situations happen for a reason—to make us stronger and to help us discover the depths of our own power,” she shares. “They are life’s way of reminding us that we are capable of far more than we imagine.”
Her journey has taught her to approach challenges with courage and grace. Whether it’s navigating complex professional landscapes or overcoming deeply personal struggles, Shaveta rises with renewed determination and a broader perspective.
This resilience not only defines her character but also inspires those around her. Her story serves as a reminder that setbacks, no matter how daunting, are stepping stones to greater strength. “Adversity doesn’t just test you—it transforms you. And when you rise from it, you carry a power that’s truly unshakable,” she says with conviction.
Shaveta’s journey is proof that resilience is a choice, and every rise from a fall brings with it a deeper sense of purpose, strength, and the ability to inspire others to do the same.
Daring to Own Your Worth: Redefining Confidence and Legacy
For Shaveta Kapoor, bold decisions aren’t just about making progress—they’re about shaping a legacy. She’s no stranger to the self-doubt that often holds women back. “Many of us second-guess ourselves, focus on what we didn’t do perfectly, or hesitate to ask for what we truly want,” Shaveta shares. “I’ve been there, too. But we owe it to ourselves to stop selling ourselves short and dare to make the difference only we can make.”
Shaveta emphasizes the importance of courage in everyday actions. “It doesn’t have to be grand gestures,” she says. “Courage is about taking small but meaningful steps—making brave requests, embracing discomfort, saying no to what doesn’t serve you, and speaking your truth unapologetically.”
Her guiding principle is rooted in a quote by Indra Nooyi: “The best way to get a seat at the table is to pull up one. Don’t wait for an invitation—it may never come.” Shaveta firmly believes in seeking opportunities and sharing unique perspectives rather than waiting for permission or validation.
For Shaveta, the key to breaking free from self-doubt lies in asking—without overthinking or apology. “Ask when you fear rejection, when you feel unprepared, or even when you think you don’t deserve it. Ask anyway. The act of asking isn’t just about the outcome; it’s about believing in yourself enough to take the leap,” she says.
By embodying this fearless approach, Shaveta inspires women to step into their power, embrace their worth, and take bold steps toward their own version of greatness.
Staying Connected and Evolving: Shaveta’s Commitment to Lifelong Learning
Shaveta exemplifies the essence of continuous growth in the rapidly evolving field of data science. Her ability to stay connected to industry trends and client needs has been pivotal in keeping her at the forefront of innovation. By actively engaging with advancements in technology and understanding the shifting dynamics of the industry, Shaveta ensures that she remains well-equipped to tackle emerging challenges.
Shaveta is deeply committed to self-learning, regularly upskilling herself to master the latest tools, methodologies, and frameworks. She has embraced the transition from traditional analytics platforms to cutting-edge technologies like Python, PySpark, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, continuously evolving her skill set to stay relevant.
Her proactive approach extends to her leadership style, where she leads by example, inspiring her team to adopt a similar mindset of curiosity and growth. Shaveta believes that the key to success in data science lies in staying curious, embracing new challenges, and maintaining a passion for learning — a philosophy that drives both her personal development and her professional impact.
Championing Diversity: Building Bridges and Breaking Barriers
For Shaveta Kapoor, diversity and inclusion are not just values—they are a calling. Her passion for creating equitable opportunities has driven her to lead initiatives that make a lasting impact on individuals and organizations alike.
One of her most transformative contributions has been the “Back to Her Future” program in India, which she launched to help women return to the workforce after career breaks. Through this initiative, Shaveta has successfully reignited the careers and confidence of over 10 women, giving them a platform to thrive. “This program is deeply personal for me,” she says. “Someone supported me when I needed it most, and this is my way of paying it forward.”
Her commitment doesn’t stop there. Shaveta also spearheaded the launch of the India Diversity Network, creating a community that fosters inclusivity and amplifies voices that often go unheard. She actively advocates for women who look up to her, drawing inspiration from her journey and leadership.
For Shaveta, diversity is far more than a metric—it’s a strength. “The best teams are not those that agree on everything, but those that bring diverse perspectives to the table,” she emphasizes.
Her work in this space is fueled by her own experiences. Reflecting on moments of doubt in her career, she shares, “There were times when I questioned if I belonged. Those moments taught me the importance of building spaces where everyone feels they do.”
Through her initiatives and her everyday leadership, Shaveta lives her belief that diversity and inclusion are essential not just for better workplaces, but for better communities. Her actions continue to inspire, proving that meaningful change starts with a relentless commitment to uplift others.
Finding Balance: Prioritizing What Matters Most
When asked how she balances her professional and personal life, Shaveta smiles warmly. “Balance isn’t about doing everything; it’s about doing what matters most,” she says thoughtfully. “As a working mom, I’ve learned to prioritize and let go of perfectionism.”
For Shaveta, balance is a journey—one that’s constantly evolving. She admits that it’s not always easy, but it starts with knowing her priorities: family, work, and her personal well-being.
Her weekends are a prime example of this. “Weekends are family time,” she says with a smile. “It’s my chance to be fully present.” Whether she’s watching movies with her 14-year-old daughter or simply catching up on the little moments they missed during the week, Shaveta cherishes these connections. “Those moments remind me why I do what I do. They keep me grounded.”
At work, Shaveta has learned to lean on her team. She acknowledges that trying to do it all herself isn’t sustainable. “It took me a while to let go of the need to control everything. Now, I trust my team to step up and deliver,” she says. “It’s about recognizing that we’re stronger together.”
But perhaps the most important part of her balance comes from within. Shaveta makes it a point to carve out time for self-care. For her, it’s often the little things—journaling her thoughts, getting lost in a book, or taking a quiet walk outside. “Those small rituals bring me back to myself. They help me find clarity when life feels overwhelming,” she explains.
Shaveta finds strength in a simple quote she holds close to her heart: “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” It’s a reminder to take care of herself first. “I’ve learned to set boundaries and say no when I need to. It’s not selfish—it’s necessary,” she says.
Shaveta credits much of her ability to balance life to the support of her family especially her husband and daughter. “Having your people around who believes in you makes all the difference.” The key is to keep moving with love and intention.
Looking back, Shaveta’s journey has been one of continuous learning and reinvention. She shares one of her favorite lessons: “Change is the only constant, and growth is a choice. Embrace challenges—they’re the best teachers you’ll ever have.”
Her reflections are a reminder that success is not linear; it’s a tapestry woven with setbacks, triumphs, and the courage to keep moving forward.
Shaveta Kapoor’s story is a beacon of hope and possibility. It is a reminder that leadership is not about having all the answers but about asking the right questions, fostering trust, and inspiring others to rise to their potential.
As she continues to break barriers and redefine what’s possible, Shaveta remains deeply committed to paying it forward. “At the end of the day,” she says, “it’s not about what you achieve but about how you make others feel—valued, inspired, and capable of achieving greatness themselves.”
One of her favourite quotes is “When you were made a leader, you weren’t given a crown; you were given the responsibility to bring out the best in others.” – Jack Welch. As a leader, you are privileged to be in a position where you can direct, shape, and focus your team’s potential to a specific result.
Her journey is a celebration of resilience, empathy, and the power of purpose—a story that inspires us all to dream big, lead with heart, and leave an enduring legacy.
