Vidya Ravichadran is the Founder and CEO of UnifyCX, a next-generation customer experience platform.
With over two decades of leadership in the CXM industry, Vidya has long recognized the limitations of traditional CX models. Her vision for UnifyCX stems from a deep belief that innovation and empathy must go hand in hand to deliver exceptional results.
How did you land your current role? Was it planned?
My path to becoming CEO of UnifyCX was a mix of intention and evolution. From the start, I believed customer service should be more than transactional, it should be rooted in empathy and trust. This philosophy guided the creation of GlowTouch, which later inspired the launch of UnifyCX. Each experience, from leading teams to exploring AI innovation, helped build the foundation of the company’s current era of growth and technological transformation. That’s why I launched UnifyCX and now Superhuman CX, our transformative AI platform that empowers and augments our customer service teams, making them more effective, responsive, and capable of meeting growing demands.
Did you (or do you) have a role model in tech or business in general?
Through our work in AI I have been inspired by women that are pioneering the space. Fei-Fei Li’s work at Stanford Human-Centered AI institute is ground breaking and has shown how AI can enhance human potential, which is something that we have really begun to focus on at UnifyCX. I also admire the work that Rana El Kaliouby is doing in emotion recognition AI. At Affectiva (now part of Smart Eye), she has been building technology that has the potential to transform the way businesses interpret and react to customer emotions.
What are you most proud of in your career, so far?
I’m proud of leading UnifyCX through significant growth while embedding AI innovation into our CX strategy without sacrificing empathy. Key milestones include expanding our global footprint through acquisitions and achieving measurable improvements in customer satisfaction and agent productivity. Beyond business outcomes, I’m especially proud of mentoring and advocating for women in STEM and CX, supporting young innovators through educational programs and science competitions, and founding STEM Wizard and Pitch Wizard to help students and families access resources and opportunities in technology.
What does an average work day look like for you?
No two days are alike. I balance strategy, innovation and people, meeting with teams across operations, technology and client success. It’s also important for me to dedicate time to community initiatives, CSR programs and STEM education efforts that can help encourage inclusivity in the next generation of tech leaders. Technology becomes more intuitive when minds from all different backgrounds are behind it, and I try to set aside as much time as I can to uplift under-recognized talent. A CEO’s job is a mix of problem-solving, learning and supporting others to do their best work while making a positive impact beyond the company.
Are there any specific skills or traits that you notice companies look for when you’re searching for roles in your field?
In my experience, companies who are hiring in AI and customer experience management look for a mix of mindset, skills and practical experience. Employers value collaboration across disciplines, adaptability in the face of change and the ability to translate technical expertise into real-world results. Above all else, it’s important to be a team player that can collaborate with the brightest minds to drive meaningful solutions and an empathy-first culture.
Have you ever faced insecurities and anxieties during your career, and how did you overcome them?
I’m sure any executive will agree that they’ve faced a level of anxiety or second guessing at some point in their career. Leading large-scale transformations can be daunting and it can often be difficult to find someone who will listen to those concerns and get it. I overcame insecurities by building strong, diverse teams that I trust and by leaning on my mentors for advice. They were able to help me stay focused on the larger company mission while embracing a mindset of continuous learning. Focusing on purpose rather than fear has been key to staying resilient and keeping a competitive edge.
Entering the world of work can be daunting. Do you have any words of advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed?
My advice is to not be afraid to reach out for help and seek support from your team. Everyone learns at their own pace, and asking questions or leaning on others’ experience is one of the best ways to grow.
What advice would you give other women wanting to reach their career goals in technology?
Believe in your expertise and don’t be afraid to take on leadership opportunities. Surround yourself with mentors who support your growth, advocate for yourself and engage in communities that empower women in tech. Seek organizations that value diverse voices and foster inclusive cultures where you can grow while balancing life outside of work.
Representation matters, seeing other women succeed in AI or CX leadership shows that there is a place for you to lead, innovate and shape the future.
