Nalini Nadarajah, a seasoned expert in business operations and process improvement, is known for her ability to transform organizations through data-driven decision-making and strategic process optimization. With over eight years of experience in leading multinational corporations like Google, Uber, Meta, and Accenture, she has developed a reputation for driving operational excellence and delivering measurable results. Based in Dallas, Texas, Nalini combines her dual master’s degrees in Business Administration and Health Care Administration from California State University, East Bay, with practical experience across various industries. In this interview, she shares insights into her career, methodologies, and vision for the future of business operations.

Can you tell us a bit about your journey into business operations and process improvement?

My journey began with a strong interest in solving organizational challenges, which was further sparked during my time at Google. While working there, I saw firsthand how efficient processes could streamline operations and make a massive impact on an organization's overall success. This experience, coupled with my academic background, shaped my approach to problem-solving and process optimization, and I’ve carried these lessons throughout my career.

How do you approach the task of improving business processes and operations?

I follow what I call the "Strategic Process Integration Framework." This approach involves aligning business objectives with resource allocation and implementation timelines. By evaluating the bigger picture and setting clear priorities, I’ve successfully delivered projects that led to a 35% increase in productivity and multi-million-dollar cost savings. Tools like Asana, Tableau, and Salesforce have played a big role in streamlining workflows and ensuring we track progress effectively.

Can you share an example of a particularly impactful project you’ve worked on?

One of the most rewarding projects was at Uber, where I helped optimize stakeholder growth through workflow analysis. I led a team that conducted detailed stakeholder interviews and performed a gap analysis. The results were impressive: a $1M revenue increase and $3.2M in work effort savings. This project exemplifies how combining analytical rigor with practical strategies can deliver real-world results.

Data-driven decision-making seems to be at the heart of your methodology. How do you apply that in your work?

Yes, data is crucial in my decision-making process. For example, at Meta, I led initiatives to improve the adoption and utilization of OTC dashboards. By leveraging Tableau, we increased dashboard usage by 50%. My focus is always on transforming complex data into actionable insights that guide strategic decisions and improve operational performance.

What role do emerging technologies like AI and automation play in the future of business operations?

I believe that AI and machine learning will revolutionize business process management. These technologies will enable greater automation, enhancing efficiency and decision-making. However, it’s important to balance this with human-centric change management practices. Successful digital transformation requires preparing organizations for the future while ensuring that employees and stakeholders remain engaged and supported throughout the process.

What’s your vision for the future of business operations?

The future of business operations will be shaped by technologies like AI, machine learning, and process automation. But we must also focus on sustainable business practices and ensure that we’re balancing innovation with human-centered approaches. I envision organizations adopting more agile methodologies and embracing digital transformation to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.