The buzz of the airport was a familiar soundtrack to Shidah Ahmad’s life. She sipped her coffee, eyes scanning her e-document in her hand as she mentally prepared herself for yet another long-haul flight. It was past midnight, and while most travelers looked weary, she remained focused – her mind already on the next phase of the global rollout she was leading.
Managing a project of this scale meant navigating not only the different time zones, but different cultures, operational challenges and the relentless pace of change. As she made the switch on her device to a new time zone yet again, she took a deep breath before heading into the departure gate. The task at hand is not just about implementing change, it was about transforming the way an entire organization operates. And she was at the heart of it all.
Navigating different time zones and airport halls have become second nature to her. By now, Shidah is used to frequent and extended travel, which took her across continents as she managed site-specific operational nuances. This was a test of endurance and adaptability, and it provided invaluable insights into the diverse challenges faced by various parts of the business she was passionate about.
Shidah is a visionary leader known for her innovative yet empathetic approach in leadership. She knew the most crucial aspect of the project was managing change. Initiatives often go beyond software implementation. She understood how these initiatives fundamentally change how people worked. And leading the extensive change in management efforts, she knew she needed to help teams across the company embrace new processes and systems.
“This was one of the most defining moments in my leadership journey,” she recalled. This was a major transformation project she had worked on many years ago, and yet, it was one she will never forget.
The project followed a ‘Big Bang’ approach, she recalled, and was incredibly exciting but daunting at the same time. The complexity of the transformation was matched only by the challenge of ensuring smooth operations during the transition, given the scale and number of stakeholders involved.
She understood this wasn’t just about technology implementation; it would reshape how the entire organization would operate moving forward. This was a massive undertaking, as she needed to balance the need for quick implementation with the realities of system integration and human adaptation.
“This experience not only honed my project management skills but also my ability to lead through ambiguity, make tough decisions, and maintain focus on the bigger picture.
Looking back, Shidah recounted how the project shaped her leadership philosophy in profound ways. It taught her that leadership is not just about delivering results but about guiding people through complex change while maintaining transparency and at the same time, build trust across diverse teams.
Steering Global Supply Chain Excellence in High-Tech Innovation
Beyond the transformations, Shidah plays a pivotal role in managing and optimizing global supply chains. Her leadership is significant in enhancing the efficiency, sustainability and resilience at Keysight Technologies, a global leading technology company.
Keysight is a leader in cutting-edge technology, driving advancements in wireless communication, AI, 6G, and quantum computing. The company has played a significant role in 5G test and measurement solutions, accelerating next-generation connectivity and revolutionized semiconductor testing, enabling faster and more efficient chip development for consumer electronics and industrial applications.
Keysight’s expertise in electronic design automation (EDA) and high-frequency simulation tools empowers engineers to push the boundaries of RF and microwave technology, essential for aerospace, defense, and telecommunications industries. These innovations continue to shape modern technology.
To support its broad portfolio of solutions across various market segments, including commercial communications, aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor, and general electronics, Keysight relies on a highly complex and diverse ecosystem of materials and components.
Thus, an effective supply chain management is crucial for manufacturing and distribution, as it ensures that Keysight’s capabilities evolve alongside emerging technologies. This is where Shidah’s leadership pivots, in ensuring that the highly complex and diverse needs of the ecosystem were met.
In the complex global network of supply chains, Shidah has effectively led and guided teams across the end-to-end supply chain to enable Keysight’s growth and innovations. This alignment ensures that Keysight’s manufacturing and distribution capabilities evolve alongside emerging technologies.
She has successfully navigated challenges such as global supply chain disruptions by making critical and resilient decisions on resource allocation and prioritization. These decisions have led to successful navigation through disruptions, ensuring business continuity while maintaining Keysight’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
Dato’ Shidah’s Philosophy in Leadership
Shidah deeply understands the importance of cultivating a workplace where people feel valued, motivated, and driven to push beyond their limits. She fosters an environment of trust, empowerment, and a solution-oriented mindset within her team – one where risk-taking is encouraged. To Shidah, innovation thrives only when talents feel safe and are given the environment and tools to explore and experiment.
Honoring this as one of the mantras in her leadership philosophy, she advocates for employees to actively participate in the many platforms across the company to support this culture of creativity and collaboration. Initiatives such as the Engineering Symposium, Hackathon, Lean & Six Sigma Conventions and Technical Conferences provide employees with the opportunity to present technical papers, pitch new projects, and develop solutions using emerging technologies.
The platforms don’t just encourage fresh ideas; they serve as catalysts for real-world impact, allowing teams to solve pressing customer challenges through innovation.
Beyond structured programs, she also instills a mindset of continuous improvement and exploration. She believes in empowering her team to take bold steps – venturing beyond their comfort zones, seizing new business opportunities, and turning obstacles into possibilities.
“In a fast-paced industry like ours, challenges are inevitable. But they also present the greatest opportunities,” she emphasizes.
Her team knows this well. Under pressure, they don’t dwell on limitations—they focus on outcomes, on the value they can create, on the possibilities that lie ahead. This ability to maintain clarity and composure, even in the face of uncertainty, is what sets her leadership apart.
One of her teammates shared about witnessing first-hand on how Shidah has shown her the power of leading with purpose and integrity, and how these qualities drove real, lasting changes.
“It’s so rare to encounter someone like Shidah. Her ability to balance professional success with empathy and genuine care for her team is unparalleled,” her teammate shared.
Among her team Shidah is known for her empathetic yet empowering style when it comes to decision-making. She prioritizes active listening and always makes an effort to understand diverse perspectives. Whenever possible, she involves her team in decision-making. She believes that by getting each member of the team involved, they would feel valued and aligned with the organization’s goals, which helps to develop a sense of purpose and ownership.
Empowering Women in Tech – Embrace Your Natural Feminine Traits and Use Them to Your Advantage
Shidah is equally passionate about uplifting women in the tech world. She highlights the importance of building a solid network, advocating for oneself, and staying resilient in the face of challenges. Shidah strongly advocates for women who harness ability to multitask and empathize with others. These qualities are invaluable in driving innovation and leadership in the tech space. She believes that these strengths, which come naturally to women, can be used as tools for more women to break barriers and thrive in the ever-evolving digital world. Shidah also emphasizes the importance of forerunners and women in senior roles stepping up to help young women navigate the industry. As a woman in tech herself, she finds it crucial to empower young women, uplift them, and encourage them to push past self-doubt.
One of her proudest moments? Watching a group of young girls graduate from the Girls in Engineering and Technology (GET) program she supports.
A strong advocate of programs for Women in STEM, Shidah also serves as the Patron of the Girls in Engineering and Technology program. The program inspires young female students to explore STEM by connecting them with successful female mentors and exposing them to technical and leadership training. Since its inception in 2021, even during the pandemic, the program has mentored over 400 young women, helping them choose a career in STEM. She said watching the graduates’ eyes lit up when they found their first spark of interest in the tech space was genuinely inspirational. It was the reason she did what she did, to help open doors for the next generation of young women in tech, and she takes great pride in being part of their tech journey.
When asked what advice she’d give to any woman chasing a dream, she promptly responded.
“Go for it. The biggest barriers are the ones we place on ourselves. If no one gives you a seat at the table – pull up your own chair, even if it is to a male-dominated table.”
From global rollouts to fostering a culture of relentless innovation, Dato’ Shidah Ahmad’s impact is undeniable. She doesn’t just drive technological transformation – she empowers those around her to embrace change, push boundaries to take part in shaping the future. And that, to her, is the true essence of leadership.
