Mums in Tech ft. Sonal Ramchandra Khule
As part of our ‘Mums in Tech’ series, we caught up with Sonal Ramchandra Khule, Sr Data Consultant at Snap Analytics.
The purpose of our 'MotherBoard’ interview series is to highlight incredible working mums within tech, as well as individuals and businesses that are supportive and progressive within their approach to creating more inclusive tech teams for women.
Firstly, can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your current role?
Hi Team, I’m Sonal and I work as a Senior Data Consultant specializing in building cloud data solutions. Daily, I work closely with Snowflake databases, design efficient ETL pipelines, and leverage cloud platforms to transform raw data into meaningful business insights. Because the cloud landscape moves so fast, a big part of my role is also continuously learning and mastering new data technologies to bring the best solutions.
If you could sum up what it’s like being a working mum in tech in one sentence, what would it be?
It means constantly switching your brain between complex data logic and funny toddler logic, which takes a lot of flexibility and absolute prioritization every single day!
“It means constantly switching your brain between complex data logic and funny toddler logic, which takes a lot of flexibility and absolute prioritization every single day!”
How do you find the balance between your career and motherhood?
Set Hard Boundaries: Treat family time like a production deployment by blocking out calendar slots for school pickups, their dental appointments, heath checks etc.
Focusing on What Matters Most: I have learned that balance isn't about being perfect at everything every day; it's about being kind to myself and anchoring my focus in the present moment.
What has been your greatest challenge as a working mother in tech?
The rapid pace of technological innovation is the biggest hurdle. When you are balancing childcare and a consulting role, finding the quiet time to upskill, learn a new ETL tool, or study a cloud certification can be tough. It requires being incredibly intentional about carving out dedicated learning windows without letting it cut into precious family time.
What skills have you developed as a mother that have helped your work life?
I’ve developed better prioritization and agility. Motherhood teaches you to triage issues immediately, which helps me separate critical blockers from minor tasks to keep my consulting projects running efficiently. Plus, adapting to a toddler’s daily changes builds a lot of resilience, making it second nature for me to pivot smoothly whenever a project introduces new technical tools or workflows.
When you were returning to work, what one thing helped you / would have helped you the most?
For me, it was the incredible support my company - Snap Analytics offered by allowing me to return on a part-time basis initially. It felt so reassuring and warm to have that buffer. It gave me the grace and breathing room to slowly get back into the professional flow, catch up on the changes that had been introduced while I was away, and confidently find my footing again.
What do you feel should be the top priority for employers who want to support working mothers better?
Empathetic Transition Support: Offering phased, part-time return options just like my company did, so mothers can transition back into tech stacks without immediate burnout.
Dedicated Upskilling Support: Providing structured, on-the-clock training time for returning mothers so they can catch up on new technologies smoothly.
Any final words of advice for other mothers in the Tech Industry?
Never underestimate the unique strengths you bring to the table. Being a mother makes you an incredible multitasker, an empathetic communicator, and a highly efficient problem-solver—all of which are invaluable traits for a tech consultant. Stand tall, own your unique schedule, and remember that you can build solutions while building a beautiful life for your family :)
“Never underestimate the unique strengths you bring to the table. Being a mother makes you an incredible multitasker, an empathetic communicator, and a highly efficient problem-solver—all of which are invaluable traits for a tech consultant. Stand tall, own your unique schedule, and remember that you can build solutions while building a beautiful life for your family :)”
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