Computing | Sai Leela Bendi, Encompass, Women in Tech Excellence Awards finalist

This Thursday, at Magazine London, the annual Women in Tech Excellence Awards will celebrate these changemakers with a gala spotlighting their achievements, continuing Computing‘s tradition of uplifting women driving advancements across tech.

The 2023 awards shine a light on women who inspire the message: tech is a place for women to achieve, lead and open doors.

Sai Leela Bendi of Encompass is one of the hundreds of finalists who will be there on the night, competing for Team Leader of the Year – SME alongside her colleague, Joanna Kori. We talked to her about her work, her company and her hopes for the night.

Sai joined Encompass four years ago, where she has been instrumental in QA leadership, demonstrating strategic acumen and adaptability to implement effective QA strategies, ensuring timely and high-quality product delivery. 

Her impact extends beyond QA, shaping a culture of continuous improvement and fostering growth within the organisation.

Computing: What is Encompass all about?

Sai Leela Bendi: Encompass enables firms to deliver revenue faster, drive operational efficiency and demonstrate consistent compliance with dynamic KYC process automation. Our award-winning platform, unrivalled data connections and industry expertise help clients to create and maintain real-time digital risk profiles of everyone they do business with. 

Our customers include leading global banks and financial institutions, including Wolfsberg Group members. We also have strategic alliances with a range of trusted data, technology, and consulting partners.

Encompass was founded in Australia in 2011, and has offices in New York, London, Amsterdam, Sydney, Singapore, Glasgow, and Belgrade.

What one company achievement in the last 12 months are you most proud of?

I take immense pride in the successful evolution of product technology within Encompass over the last 12 months. 

My own transition from QA manager to software development manager reflects not only my personal growth but also the adaptability of my team to meet dynamic challenges. 

This team achievement, marked by effective leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement, has significantly contributed to our ability to ensure timely, high-quality product delivery and foster a culture of innovation and growth within our organisation.

What are you working on this year?

This year, my focus revolves around optimising software development processes at Encompass. 

As software development manager, I am dedicated to increasing our team’s productivity, encouraging innovation, and assuring the timely delivery of high-quality products.

I intend to keep pushing a culture of continuous development, experimenting with new technologies, and implementing strategies that contribute to the overall growth and success of our team, deliverable projects, and our organisation.

Why are events like the Women in Tech Excellence important to the IT industry?

Events such as the Women in Tech Excellence Awards provide a crucial platform for the achievements and contributions of women to be recognised. 

Women have so much to offer the tech industry, through skills, experiences and perspectives gained, and it is vital that their role is championed.

Events like these offer the chance to do just that, while inspiring the next generation.

The Women in Tech Excellence Awards take place on 23rd November at Magazine London. Click here to view the shortlist and here to book your table.