From newsroom deadlines to digital transformation deadlines, Curtis's path to becoming Vice President of Digital Engineering Strategy at Encora is anything but typical. In a tech sector where less than one-third of employees globally are women1, her journey from journalism to technology leadership offers fresh insights into how diverse perspectives can drive innovation. Curtis's background has proven to be a unique advantage in the digital engineering landscape. At Encora, where teams span 20 countries, her approach to inclusive leadership combines the precision of technology with the power of storytelling.
The Power of Storytelling in Engineering Strategy
Her background in journalism and corporate communications gives her a distinct perspective on digital engineering.
"Before you write a story, you must understand why people should even care about it," she explains. "I apply the same principle to digital transformation. Instead of diving into the technical details first, I focus on the 'why'—why does this matter to your business? Why does it matter to your people? And how can it help them work better?"
Her approach mirrors the "inverted pyramid" technique used in journalism, where the most crucial information comes first, followed by supporting details. In technology strategy, this means prioritizing business needs before delving into technical specifics, ensuring that the developed solutions align with organizational goals and user needs.
Uniting Global Teams Through Communication
With experience as both a Chief Communication Officer and a journalist, Curtis understands the power of effective messaging.
"When you're working with global teams and clients, you need to ask the right questions and consider multiple perspectives," she says. "In journalism, you make sure every viewpoint is represented. In corporate communications, you ensure the message resonates with your audience. In digital engineering, it's about doing both to create alignment across diverse stakeholders."
This inclusive approach enables companies to break down silos, ensuring that technical teams work in sync with business leaders to drive transformation efficiently.
Diversity as an Innovation Accelerator
While some may view diverse perspectives as potential roadblocks, Curtis sees them as catalysts for innovation.
"Different viewpoints on a team actually help build solutions faster," she asserts. "The real challenge isn't just making technology work—it's getting the right people to work together effectively."
By integrating varied technical, regional, and industry-specific expertise, organizations can accelerate their time to market and create solutions that are robust, scalable, and user-friendly.
Listening to Build Better Solutions
Technology adoption isn't just about implementation; it's about ensuring that the tools developed genuinely meet user needs. Curtis emphasizes the importance of listening to all stakeholders in the development process.
"Take an insurance company updating its claims system," she illustrates. "Claims adjusters need mobile access, customer service reps need a seamless interface for handling calls, IT teams focus on security, and legal teams prioritize compliance. If you only listen to one group, you risk creating a system that works well for some but frustrates others. Diverse input ensures better adoption and maximizes the return on investment."
The Balance Between Speed and Inclusion
At Encora, embedding technical teams within business units has proven to be an effective strategy for rapid innovation without sacrificing stakeholder input.
"Traditionally, tech teams worked separately from business teams," Curtis recalls. "But we bring them together to ensure that solutions are aligned with business needs from the start, avoiding costly revisions later on. Good ideas can come from anywhere—not just executives, but also developers, marketers, and frontline employees."
Engineering the Next Big Story
Curtis believes technology strategy is more than just systems and software—it's about storytelling.
"Steve Jobs said, 'The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller,' and I believe that's true in engineering, too. To drive real transformation, you must craft a compelling narrative that resonates with stakeholders at every level."
She recalls moderating a manufacturing summit where AI adoption was the key topic. "One challenge was that executives weren't getting input from factory floor workers—the people who would actually use the technology. Their insights were critical in shaping a solution that was both visionary and practical."
Curtis likens this to "technical beat reporting"—regular check-ins with different teams to capture insights that influence strategic direction. "These conversations uncover valuable perspectives that might otherwise be overlooked."
The Future of Inclusivity in Tech
As more women and diverse voices enter the digital engineering space, the industry stands to benefit from a richer, more holistic approach to problem-solving. Curtis's leadership at Encora exemplifies how diverse experiences—spanning journalism, corporate communications, and technology—can create meaningful impact in engineering strategy.
Just as a compelling news story needs multiple sources and perspectives to paint the full picture, Curtis demonstrates how diverse viewpoints in technology can lead to more innovative, user-friendly solutions. Her journey proves that the best digital transformation stories aren't just about code—they're about people.
By bridging gaps, fostering collaboration, and championing inclusivity, women hackers like Neeha Curtis are redefining the future of technology—one strategic story at a time.
Encora is a global digital engineering company that helps businesses accelerate innovation through agile methodologies, deep technical expertise, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving. Learn more about how we're driving the future of technology at Encora’s website
Reference
1. Flood A., du Plessis M, and Vandebuerie S. Why do women in tech feel more inclusion in the workplace? PwC.
