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Breaking the Box: Neelima Parasker's Journey from Corporate Engineer to Tech Revolutionary

From a $3,500 investment to an eight-figure tech company—all without VC funding. Neelima Parasker's story spans 25 years in corporate tech before making the leap to entrepreneurship at age 40+. This isn't just a business success story—it's a masterclass in career evolution, strategic risk-taking, and turning industry frustrations into innovative solutions.

About Our Guest

Neelima Parasker is the Founder, President, and CEO of SnapIT Solutions®, an innovative technology company delivering IT services, software product development, and inclusive tech workforce training. With a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master's in Computer Science, Neelima brings over 25 years of experience in the high-tech industry.

Neelima created SnapIT's proprietary SPRNT® model, which develops and deploys tech talent from unconventional communities through certified training programs across 10 states (expanding to all 50 by 2030). Her approach combines education with real-world apprenticeships, addressing the tech talent shortage by training brilliant people who never considered technology careers.

In July 2023, she was nominated by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly to serve as a Regent on the Kansas Board of Regents. Her visionary leadership has earned numerous accolades, including Enterprising Women of the Year and Women Who Mean Business by Kansas City Business Journal. She is also co-founder of Lotus TMS, Inc, a trucking management software company.

The Career Evolution: From Engineer to Innovation Leader

Neelima's career path defied expectations at every turn. Born in India, she came to America for her Master's in Computer Science and decided to build her career here instead of returning home.

Her corporate journey took her through 15 years at major tech companies, where she learned a crucial lesson: "I was very inquisitive about what's happening, and I would always let whoever is managing my work know that I'm done with this work. I need more." This hunger for growth and learning became her career superpower.

The transition from employee to entrepreneur came gradually: "People around me kept saying 'you gotta get out of there and start your own.' I'm like, why? I'm happy in my job." But eventually, her drive for innovation and impact outgrew the corporate structure.

From Corporate Security to Entrepreneurial Reality

One of the most honest parts of the conversation was Neelima's comparison of corporate life versus entrepreneurship: "Corporate job gives you flexibility. You could spend a lot more time on things you want to do after work. You can go on vacation and not worry about it because there are people to back you up."

But entrepreneurship? "You're a parent—even if you walk out the door, you're still responsible." She learned this the hard way, working 2-3 AM every night in the early days until her body couldn't keep up.

Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is strategic: master your core service first. "Because of my 15 years in the corporate world, when I got into entrepreneurship, I knew what I was bringing to the table for the client. I just needed to know the ropes of how to go about it."

The Gems: Neelima's Game-Changing Insights

On Real vs. Fake Experience "You can have 10 years of experience on paper, but if you've done the same thing for one year 10 times, then you only have one year of experience."

On Corporate vs. Entrepreneurship "Being an entrepreneur is like being a parent—even when you walk out the door, you're still responsible. Corporate life is like babysitting someone else's baby—when you walk out, you're done."

On Breaking Limiting Beliefs "Someone said, 'You've done so great even though you immigrated and have an accent.' Those are limiting beliefs. I've never thought about that. If I can talk and another person can understand, there's no barrier."

On Smart Business Funding "Your clients are your investors if they're ready to pay for what you bring. Don't run to an investor the second you have a brilliant idea."

On Learning What Can't Be Taken Away "There is no IP on what you can learn. They can't IP your brain."

On Corporate Career Growth "I was very inquisitive about what's happening, and I would always let whoever is managing my work know that I'm done with this work. I need more. You gotta make sure you are the product—your experience counts."

On Setting Entrepreneurial Boundaries "I had to learn to set boundaries for myself. I would work until 2-3 AM, then wake up at 6 AM and start again. Even though I love what I do, doesn't mean my body can catch up with my spirit. You gotta be more mindful about taking care of your health."

The Intersectional Advantage

Neelima embodies her philosophy: "I've never wanted to box myself because it doesn't make sense. Intersectionality equals out of the box. We are defined by what is inward, inside, within us—not by how society looks at us."

As an Indian immigrant, engineer, entrepreneur, mother, and workforce development champion, she brings multiple perspectives to solving complex problems. Her refusal to choose just one identity became her business superpower.

 

Connect with Guest Neelima Parasker

Website: https://snapit.solutions
LinkedIn: Neelima Parasker
Also Co-founder: Lotus TMS, Inc. (trucking management software)

About the Host

Dr. Lola Adeyemo is the CEO of EQImindset, an Employee Resource Group consulting firm, and founder of the 501c3 nonprofit Immigrants Incorporate Inc. She works with organizations to build inclusive workplaces and amplifies the voices of leaders and immigrants in the corporate space.

This Podcast episode is essential listening for anyone feeling stuck in conventional career paths, scientists considering entrepreneurship, or professionals seeking to align their work with authentic purpose.

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