Building Connection Through Software Engineering at Nasdaq

As Global Co-Lead of the Software Engineer Employee Network, Ishan helps bring Nasdaq colleagues together across regions, domains, and teams. Through SEEN, he is helping create a stronger sense of community for software engineering professionals while supporting opportunities for connection, learning, and professional growth.

1. What leadership position have you taken on in your Employee Network, and what do you do in this role?

As a Global Co-Lead of the Software Engineer Employee Network (SEEN), I help bring software engineering colleagues together across regions, domains, and communities. My focus is on growing the network with purpose—creating experiences our members care about while staying true to SEEN’s three pillars: Social Engagement, Supporting the Marketplace, and Professional Development.

2. In your own words, what is the mission of your Employee Network? 

To me, SEEN is where Nasdaq colleagues who are passionate about software engineering come together to connect, share ideas, and learn from one another. It creates a sense of community in a fast-moving technology environment and gives software professionals a place to grow together.

3. How has being an Employee Network Leader contributed to your professional development at Nasdaq? 

Leading SEEN has helped me grow with more confidence, ownership, and a stronger sense of belonging at Nasdaq. It has also expanded my perspective by giving me the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across domains and locations.

4. What skills have you gained or improved since taking on an Employee Network leadership role?

This role has helped me strengthen the skills that turn ideas into impact—communication, strategic planning, stakeholder management, and program execution. It has also helped me grow as a leader and collaborator by bringing people together across regions, domains, and teams around shared goals.

5. How has being in an Employee Network leadership role contributed to your sense of community at Nasdaq? 

Being an Employee Network Leader has deepened my sense of community at Nasdaq. It has helped me better understand our culture through the perspectives of colleagues across different domains, locations, and backgrounds.

6. What does “integrity” mean to you as an Employee Network Leader? 

Integrity, to me, means staying honest, accountable, and true to the role I have been trusted with. As an Employee Network Leader, it is about giving my best to help make SEEN a stronger, more meaningful place for our members.

7. What have you learned about leading a team or managing others in your role as an Employee Network Leader? 

Leading SEEN has taught me that great leadership starts with listening. The best ideas come from collaboration, where everyone feels heard and the team works together toward a shared purpose.

8. How have Employee Networks enabled you to honor your culture, heritage or background at work?

Employee Networks have helped me see my own culture, heritage, and background with deeper pride and perspective. Learning from colleagues with different experiences has made me more aware of what makes my background unique and how it shapes the way I connect and contribute at Nasdaq.

9. What has been the most rewarding moment as an Employee Network leader?

The most rewarding part has been seeing SEEN bring people together across regions, domains, and teams. Knowing our efforts help members feel more connected, supported, and part of a larger community at Nasdaq has been truly fulfilling.

10. How do Employee Networks contribute to in-office culture at Nasdaq? 

Employee Networks make in-office culture more connected, inclusive, and engaging. They give colleagues opportunities to build relationships beyond day-to-day work and feel part of a stronger Nasdaq community.

11. What have you learned about your own or other cultures or communities as an Employee Network leader?

I have learned that every community brings a unique perspective to the workplace. Those perspectives have helped me understand how diversity strengthens collaboration and makes our culture more meaningful.