As Chief Technology Officer, at Perforce, Anjali Arora is responsible for product management and development.
She has 28 years of experience leading global teams in dynamic environments from private equity growth to publicly traded companies, including Oracle, Allscripts, Rocket Software, and CA Technologies (now Broadcom). A champion for women in technology, Anjali is a high-energy leader with a history of bringing innovative products to market.
Anjali holds a B.A. from St. Stephen’s College in India and a master’s in Computer Applications from the University of Delhi.
When you are early in your career, the company you choose matters more than the job title you get.
The people you work with and the culture around you will shape how confident you feel, how much you learn, and how far you believe you can go. That is why knowing how to spot an inclusive company is important.
Inclusion is not always easy to see. Many companies say they care about diversity and inclusion. They may have nice statements on their websites and photos that look welcoming. But real inclusion is not about words. It is about how people are treated every day at work.
One of the first things to look for is who has real influence. It is good to see women in a company, but look closely at where they are. Are women working as engineers, product managers, or technical leaders? Are they leading meetings or important projects? Seeing women in roles where decisions are made is a strong sign of an inclusive workplace.
You should also pay attention to how growth and promotions work. Inclusive companies are clear about what is expected and how you can move forward. They give regular feedback and help you learn, not just judge your performance. If promotions feel unclear or depend on being loud, popular, or always visible, that can be a warning sign. A healthy company invests in your development, especially early on.
Flexibility is another important signal. Early in your career, it can feel like you need to be available all the time to prove yourself. Inclusive companies do not reward burnout. They trust people to manage their time and understand that everyone has a life outside of work. Flexibility should feel normal, not a special favour.
Psychological safety matters too. Notice what happens in meetings. Are questions welcomed? Are ideas respected? Do people feel comfortable saying they are unsure or still learning? Inclusive environments make it safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and grow. This is especially important when you are still building confidence.
Some of the clearest signs of inclusion appear when things go wrong. Watch how leaders respond to mistakes, feedback, or change. Do they support people or blame them? Do they communicate clearly or stay silent? How a company acts during difficult moments tells you a lot about its values.
Finally, remember this: YOU bring value. You are not lucky to be included. Inclusion means a company respects your skills, ideas, and potential. Trust what you see, not just what you are told. Choose a workplace that helps you learn, grow, and feel like you truly belong.
