The Story of Siani Shivaram
Siani Shivaram’s journey from India to Vancouver was more than just a physical relocation. She says it has been a deeply integral part of her values, and leadership style in the tech industry. Siani who is now a Senior Project Manager at Microsoft, echoes a story of resilience and self-discovery by navigating cultural and gender barriers through embracing her background.
Siani was instilled early on with the importance of working hard and staying curious. She says, “My family always emphasized the value of education, resilience, and hard work.” After graduating with a Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of Pennsylvania, she began her career as a software engineer at Goldman Sachs in New York City. Over time, she transitioned into product management, eventually working across diverse sectors including finance, retail, and cloud infrastructure.
Siani’s career has taken her through global cities like New York and Seattle, but it was Vancouver that truly felt like the right place to grow, both personally and professionally. She says “I was drawn to Vancouver’s inclusive, innovative tech community and the quality of life it offers.”
While her technical background laid a solid foundation, it was during a pivotal project at Goldman Sachs, where she was part of a cross-functional team tackling complex systems, that she discovered her true passion. Siani’s move into product management stemmed from a desire to work at the intersection of technology, people, and impact. She says “I realized I was most energized when I was connecting the dots between customer needs, engineering capabilities, and business goals.” That moment marked the beginning of her journey into product leadership, and she hasn’t looked back since.
“Own your story. Your perspective brings something valuable to the table - trust that.”
Siani’s experience as an Asian immigrant woman in the tech industry has deeply informed her leadership style. She shares “There have been moments where I’ve felt quietly underestimated or needed to put in extra effort to be heard,” she admits. “Early on, I wondered if I had to adjust parts of myself to belong.” However, over time she found strength in her identity. Rather than trying to blend in, she embraced her background as a source of empathy, resilience, and cultural insight.
She says “I recognized there was strength in my background. It’s allowed me to lead with empathy, approach challenges with resilience, and stay grounded in the value of inclusion. I’ve also made it a point to share my culture openly and help break down stereotypes through dialogue and education. These experiences have shaped not only how I show up as a leader, but also the kinds of teams and products I aim to build where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.”
Working in Vancouver, Siani has noticed a shift in workplace culture that contrasts with some of the environments she experienced in the U.S. and India. She says “Here, there’s a real focus on psychological safety, well-being, and inclusion. That’s not always the case in more hierarchical or high-pressure environments. It’s taught me the importance of fostering a space where people feel supported and that’s something I model as a product leader.”
Throughout her journey, Siani has been inspired by a range of mentors, particularly women in tech leadership who lead with empathy and clarity. One figure who deeply influenced her is Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo. Siani says “Her story as a fellow Indian immigrant resonates with me. She once said, ‘Our system puts the career clock and the biological clock in direct conflict.’ That line really stayed with me. It speaks to the unique pressures women face, and it fuels my commitment to advocating for more flexible, inclusive workplaces.”
When asked what advice she would give to young professionals from diverse backgrounds, Siani is passionate and direct: “Own your story.” She emphasizes that one’s background should never be seen as a limitation, but rather a strength. “Be curious. Ask questions. Build authentic relationships. Find mentors. And don’t be afraid to take up space,” she advises. “In product management, your ability to empathize, communicate, and connect with people is just as important as your technical skills. Your perspective brings something valuable to the table, trust that.”
Siani Shivaram’s journey is a testament to the strength found in embracing who you are. From her roots in India to leading global product teams at Microsoft, she exemplifies how inclusive leadership, grounded in empathy and cultural awareness, can transform the tech landscape, not just for herself, but for those who come after her.
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