Essential leadership lessons from TikTok's Trust & Safety chief

1. What did you study at school and why?

I grew up in India, specifically in Delhi, and studied computer science at IIT, the Indian Institute of Technology, in the late 90's. At that time, technology was booming and the internet was emerging as a powerful tool for change. For me, it was a natural choice to pursue computer science, as I had always been a builder with a passion for problem-solving. I saw how software and the internet could democratize access to information and opportunities, and I wanted to be part of that change. Studying algorithms, programming languages, and how to scale solutions was the foundation for my journey in tech.

2. What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

My first job was at a technology startup in India, where we developed compilers for chip design companies, such as Intel and Broadcom. This highly technical role required building software tools to automate chip design processes. I learned that while technical skills are important, they only make up a part of the job. The real challenge lies in understanding the people who will use the product, crafting the right story, and managing the go-to-market strategy. This realization led me to pursue my MBA at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where I complemented my technical background with business acumen

3. What is the most impactful thing you've done at TikTok? /What was your proudest moment at TikTok?

TikTok's mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. To ensure we can deliver on that mission, the Trust and Safety team is committed to creating a safe and trusted platform for the community of more than a billion people who come to TikTok for joy and creativity. I'm incredibly proud of the work we put into building safety features into the app, such as the Family Pairing tool, to help families decide what experience is best for them. I also believe that education and training at scale are essential in fostering a positive environment. And contributing to our resources like the Guardians Guide and our "Think before you comment" feature has been incredibly meaningful to me. Helping people make better decisions online also reflects positively on society as a whole.

4. Why do you work in tech?

Working in tech gives you the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology, like machine learning and large language models, and build products that have a global impact on society. It's an industry that constantly evolves and offers endless possibilities for innovation. It’s exciting and humbling to be part of a field that shapes the future and has such a direct impact on how people connect, create, and communicate. I love the challenge of staying ahead of the curve and ensuring we are building responsible and trusted technology.

5. What leadership qualities do you look for when hiring people?

When hiring, I look for three key leadership qualities. First, clarity of thought—the ability to explain complex problems, actions, and their impact in a clear and concise manner. Second, a proactive mindset—I value individuals who take initiative, solve problems, and drive results without being prompted. Lastly, good judgment—the capacity to navigate tradeoffs and make thoughtful decisions that balance competing priorities and move the business forward.

6. What is your advice for someone who wants to build a career at TikTok or in technology in general?

Follow your passion. You don't need a computer science background to work in tech or at TikTok. What matters is being deeply interested in the platform and the technology. Engage with the product or service the company provides. In the case of TikTok, create content. Where-ever you are working or hope to work, look for ways to improve the product and propose solutions to make it better. Do the hard work. If you want to do the work, the sky's the limit. Passion and initiative are what drive success in this industry.