What is your role and what does it entail?

I am working as a Senior Data Engineer within the Commercial Strategy team at Paramount ANZ. In this role, I collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and Product, to identify key opportunities where data insights can drive decision-making. My responsibilities include designing and implementing robust data pipelines, ensuring the integrity and accessibility of large datasets, optimising data workflows and creating scalable solutions to generate actionable insights and shape data-driven strategies.           

You’ve just been nominated for B&T’s 30 Under 30 Tech category for the incredible work you’ve done in transforming Paramount’s data systems, driving a 30% lift in digital revenue. Firstly, congratulations! Secondly, can you tell us about the work that went into making that happen?

Thank you! I’m incredibly honoured to be nominated for B&T’s 30 Under 30 Tech category, and it’s a privilege to have my work recognised alongside such incredible talent.

The work that led to this was a combination of several key initiatives aimed at transforming Paramount’s data systems and creating a more data-centric, efficient, and insightful approach to decision-making.

Here’s a breakdown of the work that went into this achievement:

Revamping Data Infrastructure: We moved to a more scalable and cloud-based solution in Snowflake, enabling more efficient data storage and faster processing allowing us to integrate and analyse data from a variety of sources and use our first party data across to aid powerful use cases

Building Robust Data Pipelines: As the sole technical person on the team, I realized that the first step to ensuring the efficiency and scalability of our data systems was to build robust and automated data pipelines that could handle business-as-usual (BAU) tasks without requiring constant manual intervention. The real magic happened when we could pivot from operational tasks to innovation, leveraging the time saved to tap into new growth opportunities.

Collaboration Across Teams: A collaborative approach was crucial in driving this success. I worked closely with my own brilliant team and other cross functional teams to ensure that data insights were aligned with broader business goals.

We are celebrating International Women’s Day this week. As a woman working in tech, have you had to face challenges or biases in this industry?

I’m proud to be part of a growing community of women in tech, and it’s inspiring to see more women stepping into leadership roles and making a significant impact. Yes, like many women in the tech industry, I have encountered my fair share of challenges and biases. The tech world, especially in senior or technical roles, has historically been male-dominated and there were times where I felt like I had to work harder to prove myself and challenge stereotypes about what a “typical” tech leader looks like.

However, I’ve always chosen to focus on the things I can control—my skills, my expertise, and my passion for the work I do. As for advice to other women looking to pursue a career in tech,

What advice would you give to other women looking to pursue a career in this field?

I’d say seize every opportunity. Whether it’s a small project, a stretch assignment, or a leadership opportunity, grab it. Each experience—no matter how big or small—builds your expertise and reputation. If you see an opportunity, go after it, even if it feels outside your comfort zone.

Find your tribe and mentors. Whether it’s through networking events, online communities, or mentors, surround yourself with a community of like-minded people who support and uplift you. I’ve had incredible mentors—both women and men—who’ve helped me navigate challenges, provided guidance, and encouraged me to push my boundaries.

Keep learning and evolving. Tech is a fast-paced industry, and things are constantly changing. Stay curious, be willing to learn, and embrace new technologies and methodologies. Whether it’s through formal education, online courses, or peer discussions, always keep your skills fresh and relevant.

Lead with empathy and authenticity. As women continue to rise in tech, we’re bringing a much-needed diversity of thought and leadership styles. Leading with empathy, collaboration, and authenticity can help build more inclusive and innovative teams.

You moved to Australia from India and re-started your career. Can you tell us about that life-changing move?

Making the move to Australia from India was a life-changing decision for me, and it wasn’t without its challenges and uncertainties. At the time, I had just received an incredible job offer from a company in the US, however, after much reflection, I decided to prioritize being with my partner and make the move to Australia. Despite the challenges of restarting my career, I was able to leverage my expertise, work ethic, and passion for innovation to forge a new path. Looking back, I can confidently say that moving to Australia was the right decision for me. The journey wasn’t without struggles, especially in the beginning, but it has been a testament to the power of perseverance, flexibility, and the belief in your own skillset and confidence that you can create success no matter where you are. I learned that stepping outside your comfort zone and taking a leap of faith—whether for love or career—can end up being the most rewarding in the long run.

Who is the Sreya George outside of work? What do you love to do on weekends?

Outside of work, I’m someone who loves to recharge by spending time in nature and exploring the world around me. On weekends, you’ll often find me going for long drives and soaking in the changing landscapes. One of my favorite activities is going on nature hikes. There’s something so peaceful and invigorating about being out in nature, whether it’s a challenging trek or a leisurely walk through the woods. And, of course, no hike or long drive is complete without a promise of a grand lunch afterward! I’m a big fan of exploring new restaurants or indulging in good food with loved ones, it’s the perfect way to round off an adventure-filled day. Whether it’s a cozy café or a new place I’ve been wanting to try, food always adds that extra joy to the experience.

What are your Top 3 favourite Instagram accounts to follow?

@priyankachopra, @besteverfoodreviewshow and @mkbhd (For anyone interested in tech, Marques Brownlee is a must-follow!)