Tanu Mohan, Technology Award

Partner, Deloitte
Bachelor of Information Technology, Class of 2008
Computer Engineering Technology – Networking, Class of 2008

Tanu Mohan’s growth trajectory in the corporate world reflects her resilience, curiosity, and commitment to service. Born and raised in India, Mohan’s journey has been marked by significant cultural transitions and a steadfast drive to make a difference.

“My family is visiting us from India, and it’s timely because they are such a big part of my story,” Mohan shares. ” My father, a journalist and professor, and my mother, a social worker, instilled in me the values of service and dedication. My younger brother, a professor and Dean in economics and development studies, inspires me with his achievements giving voice to the vulnerable. And now my husband, a true engineer at heart, motivates me to approach every problem with a beginner’s mind”

Mohan’s parents were inspirational shaping both her core values and aspirations. “My parents dreamt big for us, and their courage in sending me to Canada for higher education was formative. It was their belief in me that gave me the strength to face new challenges.”

Upon arriving in Canada as an international student, Mohan faced the daunting task of adjusting to a new country, culture and climate. “I had never seen snow before. Everything was new and sometimes overwhelming,” she recalls. Seeing this as a new adventure she excelled in her studies, completing a unique dual-degree program at Algonquin College and Carleton University, earning a Bachelor of Information Technology and an advanced diploma in Networking Technology.

Reflecting on her education, Mohan highlights the impact of the hands-on learning and the supportive faculty at Algonquin College. “The program was a perfect blend of theory and practice. The lab facilities and the no nonsense guidance from professors like David Bray were game-changers. They instilled in me critical thinking, problem-solving skills and a deep curiosity.”

Mohan’s professional journey began at Deloitte, where she started as an Analyst. Her drive for continuous learning, guidance from incredible mentors and empowerment from seasoned leaders led to numerous opportunities, including a significant stint in the UK through Deloitte’s Global Mobility program. “Moving to the UK was an expansive experience both personally and professionally. It re-ignited the same energy I felt when I moved from India to Canada.”

During her time in the UK, Mohan worked with a diverse range of clients across various industries, gaining invaluable insights and experience. “Working in London exposed me to different cultures and ways of thinking.It emphasized the importance of understanding cultural nuances in professional settings, and allowed be to grow relationships beyond borders and boundaries.”

One of Mohan’s most impactful roles came during the COVID-19 pandemic when she returned to Canada and took on critical projects with the Federal Government. Among these was the digitization of immigration processes, a transformative initiative that enabled the remote processing of hundreds of thousands of newcomer applications during the pandemic. “Supporting our government during COVID was incredibly fulfilling,” Mohan reflects. “We worked on digital transformation initiatives that were crucial in managing the crisis and ensuring that services continued smoothly.” This project not only provided continuity during a critical time but also set new standards for efficiency and pace for delivering citizen experience in government services.

Mohan’s leadership extends beyond her professional achievements. In her words “she stands on the shoulders of mentors and coaches”, and is paying it forward by mentoring newcomers to Canada through the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO). She is also involved in the community by participating in charity cycling events to raise funds for mental health and cancer research. “Community impact can be achieved in a myriad of ways. I am energized when I get to use my skills and experiences to make a meaningful difference.”

Today, as a Partner at Deloitte, Mohan continues to advocate for diversity and inclusion, working to create safe comfortable environments where everyone feels valued and can succeed. Her approach to leadership is characterized by empathy, resilience, and a commitment to service. “Leadership is about serving others, to make a positive lasting impact. Staying curious and building genuine connections is at the heart of it.”

Mohan offers this advice to aspiring leaders: “Stay curious and connect. The best problems in technology are solved by those who are genuinely curious and invested in understanding different perspectives. While networking can feel daunting, at it’s most basic it is about connecting with other humans and building relationships. Never underestimate the impact of those connections.”

Mohan’s story powerfully proves the impact of resilience, curiosity, and service. Her journey from India to Canada, her rise in the corporate world, and her dedication to community service inspire others to embrace challenges and make a positive impact in their own unique ways.