Carving Her Path: Erum Gonsalves on Grit, Purpose, and Global Impact
A self-made leader transforming healthcare across borders—one bold decision, one meaningful connection, and one lasting impact at a time.
Some people walk into your life and never leave your corner—and for me, that person is Erum Gonsalves. From our days navigating the chaos and beauty of working in the largest university hospital in Pakistan, Erum has been more than a colleague—she's been a lifeline, a confidante, and one of my fiercest supporters. Her journey is one of quiet strength, bold leadership, and self-made success in a world that still asks women to prove themselves twice as hard.
Through years of dedication to healthcare transformation, she’s not only driven award-winning projects but has lifted others along the way. She’s the kind of leader who listens, acts with purpose, and never forgets where she came from. In this interview, we dive into Erum’s remarkable story—a story that deserves to be heard by every woman who’s ever doubted herself, and by every leader who wants to lead with heart.
Career and Professional Journey
Can you walk us through your professional journey and what drew you toward business process reengineering and healthcare transformation? Were there any defining moments in your career that shaped your path as a leader?
My journey began in supply chain and HR, but I realized my passion lay in optimizing processes and implementing systems. Joining Aga Khan University exposed me to the intersection of healthcare and transformation, which ignited my drive to create meaningful change. While there were many milestones that I am proud of, A defining moment was leading the Redesigning the Hospital Discharge Process and Emergency Department projects—seeing how these transformations helped improve processes and reduce costs but also enhanced patient outcomes showed me the true power of business process reengineering.
Tell us about your role and how has it evolved over time?
I started with smaller HR and operations-focused roles, and over time, my responsibilities expanded to leading large-scale transformation projects across multiple regions. Today, my role is highly strategic, leading digital healthcare transformation project, engaging with stakeholder, and continuous improvement while mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Tell us about the 'BADdest' challenge you've taken on in your career—the boldest, most authentic, and driven moment you're most proud of—and how it shaped you.
Implementing the Meditech EHR system in Kenya was the boldest challenge. It required aligning teams across borders, standardizing processes, and managing cultural nuances. Navigating resistance to change was tough, but seeing how it enhanced care delivery made it worth it. It shaped me into a resilient leader who values collaboration and persistence.
Balancing Personal and Professional Life
As a mother of two, how have you managed to balance the demands of work, family, and continuous learning?
It’s never easy, but I believe in setting priorities and being fully present in the moment. My family inspires me and keeps me grounded, and I draw strength from their support. Delegating tasks and staying organized helped create balance while being persistent was the key in reaching my goals.
What inspired you to pursue your MBA later in your career, and how did it complement your professional growth?
Honestly, I had a lot of experience, but I realized that to move up the career ladder, I needed to enhance my academic background. Doing my MBA really helped deepen my knowledge of healthcare management and refine my strategic thinking. It helped me approach challenges from a broader perspective and strengthened my ability to lead multidisciplinary teams effectively.
What advice would you offer to working mothers looking to pursue further education or career growth?
Go for it! Investing in yourself is always worth it. Set goals that make sense for your life—progress is progress, even if it’s slow. Build a support system (you don’t have to do it all alone), and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Balancing career growth and family isn’t about being perfect in every role—it’s about making it work in a way that feels right for you. Some days will be messy, and that’s okay!
Achievements and International Recognition
Your projects have received prestigious awards, including the Gold Award at Hospital Management Asia. Could you share what those projects entailed and how you led them to success? What did winning these awards mean to you personally and professionally?
The first big award for a project I led was a Gold Award from Hospital Management Asia. It was for ‘Reengineering the discharge process’ and was chosen out of 400 submissions from hospitals across Asia. That project really made a difference reducing delays, increasing bed capacity, and improving efficiency and patient satisfaction.
Winning that award was a huge moment, not just for the team, but for me personally. I remember looking out at the audience, feeling so proud, but also thinking about how much I wished my dad could be there to see it. It wasn’t just about the recognition; it was a reminder of how far I had come and the people who had helped my journey. That moment made me realize that every late night, every tough decision, and every risk was worth it. The hard work we put in didn’t just pay off that night, it laid the foundation for more success, helping us earn further recognition and international awards for our projects. That moment really pushed me to keep going and keep challenging the status quo.
Challenges and Growth as a Woman in Leadership
As a woman working in healthcare and technology across different countries, what challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them? How have these challenges shaped your leadership style?
Being a woman in a male-dominated field, and in a country where women make up only around 22% of the workforce and less than 20% in most corporate sectors, meant I had to continuously prove my capabilities. There were cultural barriers, and I knew I had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously. Finding the right balance between being confident and staying approachable wasn’t always easy but I focused on building strong relationships, delivering results, and staying true to my values. Over time, my work spoke for itself, and that’s what ultimately earned me respect.
Impactful Healthcare Improvements
Can you share some of the key initiatives you’ve led, such as reducing ER wait times and implementing Meditech EHR in East Africa? What outcomes from these projects are you most proud of, what were some challenges, and what impact did they have on patient care?
Implementing Meditech EHR in Kenya was a transformative experience—it standardized processes, enhanced patient record accessibility, and, most importantly, significantly improved patient care and experience in Kenya. One of the biggest impacts was enabling better clinical decision-making through real-time data, which also supported high-quality research.
I was a core project team member for the implementation and served as the workstream lead for process management. A key learning was navigating diverse cultural dynamics and adapting change management strategies accordingly. Since this was the team’s first EHR implementation, there was a steep learning curve, but overcoming those challenges and seeing the project succeed was incredibly rewarding. We take great pride in what we accomplished.
Global Experience and Cross-Cultural Work
With experience working across continents, how have you adapted your approach to suit different healthcare systems and cultures?
Adapting to different healthcare systems starts with flexibility and cultural sensitivity. I make it a priority to understand local contexts and cultivate an inclusive environment. For example, when rolling out EHR in Kenya, aligning various stakeholders required adjusting my communication approach and focusing on shared objectives.
Leadership and Mentorship
What leadership principles guide you in managing change, coaching teams, and driving process improvements?
Empathy, clear communication, and leading by example. I believe in empowering teams, fostering collaboration, and remaining open to feedback. Change only succeeds when people feel valued and included.
How do you mentor others, particularly women, to help them grow in their careers?
I prioritize creating opportunities, sharing knowledge, and being approachable. Mentorship isn’t just guidance—it’s about helping people recognize and harness their potential.
Embracing Change and Innovation and The Role of Technology in Healthcare
What emerging trends in healthcare transformation do you find most exciting, and how do you incorporate them into your work?
AI-driven diagnostics, telehealth, and patient-centric care models are exciting. In regions like East Africa and Pakistan, these technologies can bridge accessibility gaps and elevate care standards, quality of research and education.
Representation and Voice from Pakistan
How can we better showcase and amplify the voices and talents of professionals from regions like Pakistan?
Highlighting success stories on global platforms and investing in skill development are key. Collaboration with international networks can also amplify voices from Pakistan, showcasing the incredible talent here.
Looking Ahead
What are your future goals, and what impact do you hope to leave on the healthcare industry?
For me, the goal has always been simple: to leave things better than I found them.
Right now, that means leading one of the most meaningful projects of my career—implementing the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system at Aga Khan University in Pakistan. It’s one of the largest digital healthcare transformations in the country, with the potential to significantly elevate how care is delivered and experienced across the region.
I’ve seen firsthand how timely data and streamlined systems can shift the entire care experience. With this project, we’re not just adopting new technology—we’re laying the groundwork for smarter decisions, stronger outcomes, and a more connected healthcare ecosystem that will serve generations to come.
At its core, this work is about creating lasting, meaningful change—impact that improves care, empowers providers, and strengthens the system for everyone it touches.
If my work can improve lives, support healthcare workers, and open doors for future innovators—especially women—I’ll know I’ve made a difference.
More than anything, I hope my journey stands as proof that change is possible, and that purpose-driven leadership can truly move healthcare forward.
What advice would you give to young professionals, especially women, navigating their careers today? What message do you have for professionals from Pakistan and outside, particularly women, about pursuing leadership roles and making an international impact?
Embrace opportunities, even if they feel out of reach. Stay curious, seek mentors, and never stop learning. Remember, leadership is about resilience, collaboration, and continuous growth.
Closing Reflections
Erum’s story is one I hold close, not just because she’s one of my best friends, but because she embodies everything Tech She Secures stands for—grit, purpose, and unwavering support for others. Her leadership has left an undeniable mark on healthcare systems across countries, but it’s the way she shows up—fully, humbly, and consistently—for her family, her teams, and her friends—that truly sets her apart.
To this day, she’s only ever a call or text away, always ready with wisdom, encouragement, support, or a perfectly-timed reality check. I’m endlessly proud to share her journey with you—and I know this is just one chapter in a legacy that’s still being written. Here's to women like Erum: grounded in their values, driven by purpose, and lighting the way for those who follow.
Maliha
Disclaimer: The content on this blog and website reflects a combination of my personal experiences, perspectives, and insights, as well as interviews and contributions from other individuals. It does not represent the opinions, policies, or strategies of any organization I am currently affiliated with or have been affiliated with in the past. This platform serves as a personal space for sharing ideas, lessons learned, and meaningful reflections.
