Sona Chawla, SM ’94, advised students to develop self-awareness early in their careers.
“I think being self-aware is probably the most important trait for any leader because it really lets you evolve and adapt,” said Chawla.
Sona Chawla, SM ’94, Chief Growth and Innovation Officer, CDW
Chawla is no stranger to adapting to new industries and innovations. For over two decades, Chawla has led digital innovation and transformation at diverse Fortune 500 companies, including Kohl's, Walgreens, Dell, and Wells Fargo. She is currently the chief growth and innovation officer at CDW, a leading multi-brand provider of information technology solutions to businesses, government, education, and health care customers in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Chawla also serves on the Board of Directors for CarMax and the Strategic Advisory Board for Primark.
Chawla shared her career experiences and leadership strategies during an April Innovative Leadership (iLead) Speaker Series event, a fireside chat moderated by MIT Leadership Center Faculty Director Nelson Repenning, PhD ’96 (School of Management Distinguished Professor of System Dynamics and Organization Studies; Professor, System Dynamics).
The journey to CDW
While reflecting on her career trajectory, Chawla acknowledged that she could not have predicted that she would end up where she is today.
“When I look back, my career all makes sense to me, but I can absolutely say that I couldn’t have thought that I would make all these moves,” explained Chawla.
After attending MIT Sloan, Chawla worked in management consulting for five years. However, she found that she wanted to gain operational experience while working on longer-term projects for companies. She then began working at Wells Fargo in online banking, which was a new industry at the time.
“That was a defining moment for me in my career,” said Chawla. “I found my calling in digital transformation.”
This calling led Chawla to roles in companies, such as Walgreens and Kohl’s, that are different than organizations people typically consider when launching their careers. However, she learned these companies had roles that would enhance her career trajectory. Chawla advised students to connect with people in their networks, including their MIT Sloan classmates, to help them find these unexpected opportunities.
“There is not just one path to success,” said Chawla. “Tap into your network, be resourceful, and you can find a lot of learning and an opportunity in different places than just the companies that you generally think about.”
These non-traditional experiences have culminated in Chawla’s current role at CDW, which works with 2,000 tech providers to provide technology to 250,000 customers. Chawla was drawn to the role because it combined many areas of her expertise such as digital, marketing, and supply chain technology. She was also drawn to the company because of its broad customer base and potential for growth.
Embracing innovation
Facilitating companies’ growth and evolution is central to Chawla’s work in digital transformation. Throughout her career, she has been tasked with bringing new innovations to organizations. Whenever she takes on these change-oriented roles, she always begins by learning about the company and listening to those who work there while making sure to respect the organization’s culture and accomplishments.
"Innovation comes from having a deep understanding of the company, its business, what its core strengths are, what its advantages are, and then building on that,” said Chawla.
One area in which CDW is embracing innovation is its use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Like many organizations, CDW is carefully considering how they can integrate AI into its internal operations and customer experience.
Chawla explained that CDW is examining its adoption of AI from three angles, one being how it can integrate AI into the technology solutions and services that it provides to customers. It is also working on gaining a better understanding of how its tech providers are using AI and how it can bring these innovations to customers. In addition, the company is working on how to use AI to enhance internal functions such as marketing, technology, and human resources.
“It’s about finding the right use cases to find places where AI can be a real accelerant and a real driver for productivity or a better experience,” said Chawla.
Leading with intention and authenticity
Chawla has found that putting together the right teams to execute such organizational changes has been critical to her success as a leader. Hiring people with the right skills who can work within an organization’s culture can have a long-term, positive impact on the organization.
“Part of it is just being very thoughtful about how you put a team together, how you grow, stretch, support a team and then really build a runway for the future,” remarked Chawla.
This thoughtfulness extends to how Chawla shows up as a leader and advances her own career. When she began occupying C-suite positions, there were fewer women in leadership roles than there are today. She remembers receiving well-intentioned advice to present herself a certain way and develop certain interests to fit in with leadership teams.
However, Chawla ultimately discovered that being comfortable with who she is and presenting herself authentically helped her be effective as a leader and colleague. Being herself made those around her more comfortable, enabling her to form stronger workplace relationships.
“Be your own person,” said Chawla. “Because eventually, it's your talent, your confidence, your drive, your motivation that shines through, regardless of who you are.”
Held by the MIT Sloan Office of External Relations in partnership with the MIT Leadership Center, iLead showcases inspirational leaders who have made an impact on their organizations and communities through innovative management. This iLead was co-hosted by MIT Sloan Women in Management (SWIM), the MIT Sloan AI and ML Club, the Operations Management Club, the Retail and Consumer Goods Club, the MIT Sloan Management Consulting (MCC) Club, and the South Asia Business Club.
