Khushbu Shaikh is a seasoned technical leader with expertise in cloud communications and networking. She currently serves as a Technical Lead, Principal Technical Account Manager at Twilio, where she leads the Emerging Products division, supporting global enterprise clients in building scalable and impactful communication solutions.
Khushbu is the founder of TechXplorationHub, a LinkedIn community dedicated to helping professionals navigate career transitions through real stories from tech professionals at top companies. She was recently named an IEEE Women in Engineering Industry Expert and has been recognized with several honors including the Twilio Magic Owl Award and Gold Globee Award for Customer Service Excellence.
Khushbu’s passion for innovation, customer success, and community empowerment makes her a true rising star in the cloud and next-gen technology space. Cloud Girls is proud to recognize her achievements and share more about her inspiring journey as a leader and advocate for technology excellence.
Are there any outstanding achievements or compelling examples of your exemplary leadership that highlight your ability to inspire team members around cloud and next-gen technologies?
Khushbu has consistently exemplified strong leadership by cultivating a culture of collaboration, technical growth, and innovation in cloud and next-gen technologies. A standout example of her leadership is her development of a structured onboarding program for new Technical Account Managers (TAMs). This initiative ensured team members were well-equipped with both technical expertise and customer success strategies, allowing them to deliver high-impact results from the start.
In addition to her team leadership, Khushbu has contributed thought leadership through widely-read technical blogs that simplify complex cloud communication concepts. She has also co-authored papers published in respected journals, solidifying her reputation as a forward-thinking expert in her field.
Her ability to inspire others is reflected in the trust and recognition she has earned across her organization, including prestigious internal awards honoring her for curiosity, ownership, and collaboration. Through her passion for mentorship and her commitment to raising the bar, Khushbu has set a high standard for leadership in the cloud technology space.
How have you elevated the position of women in cloud or technology and “paid it forward” to create more opportunities for women growing their careers?
Khushbu actively mentors and inspires emerging female technologists by providing career guidance and sharing leadership strategies. As a student mentor at CodePath.org, she supports students in building strong foundations in technology and navigating career paths in tech. As a career coach at ChickTech, she empowered women to explore and excel in technology fields by offering tailored coaching and insights into leadership opportunities.
As a Technical Lead, Principal Technical Account Manager at Twilio, she leverages her position to provide mentorship and guidance to women within her organization, helping them navigate challenges, identify growth opportunities, and build confidence in their abilities to take on leadership roles.=
To amplify her impact beyond her immediate team, she founded TechXplorationHub, a thriving LinkedIn community dedicated to supporting professionals who aspire to transition into and excel in technology roles. As an IEEE WIE Industry Expert, she shares insights through events and webinars, inspiring the next generation of women in cloud and technology.
Through her consistent efforts to “pay it forward“, Khushbu has not only elevated her own career but has also paved the way for countless women to succeed in cloud and next-gen technologies.
What is your favorite quote?
“Be the person others admire. Even the smallest act can create a ripple of change. While most live for themselves, only a few live to uplift others—be that rare spark in the world.”
This powerful quote comes from my father, a man who not only cared for his family but also dedicated himself to helping others—whether it was guiding someone to a job, assisting with buying a home, or simply being a source of support. He was my role model, and his words have stayed with me. I strive to live by them every day.
Who do you admire most and why?
At this stage of my life, I admire a mother’s resilience and unwavering determination the most. Being a mom—whether a stay-at-home or working mom—is no easy feat. A mother naturally takes on the responsibility of nurturing and providing for her children, often without recognition.
It’s true you don’t fully understand someone’s challenges until you’ve walked in their shoes. After becoming a mom myself, I’ve come to truly understand the immense strength it takes to fulfill this role.