Success is about happiness and not limiting oneself: Anjana Harvey

Indian American business leader’s journey exemplifies how Indian values and global perspectives can create transformative leadership

By Arun Kumar 

“Take risks, find a passion, and be limitless,” Anjana Harvey, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Bj’s Wholesale Club, tells future business leaders, asserting that “success is about happiness and not limiting oneself.”

“Remember, success comes in many forms, and it’s important to stay true to one’s roots while embracing change,” she tells Indian American entrepreneur Sanjay Puri on his Indianness podcast sharing stories of success from leaders and change makers of Indian origin.

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Harvey is a trailblazer in digital transformation, leading global initiatives across Fortune 500 companies. Her journey through pharmaceutical healthcare and retail sectors, managing teams across 60 countries, exemplifies how Indian values and global perspectives can create transformative leadership.

“My core values are deeply rooted in Indian heritage, but I’ve also learned and acquired other things as I’ve moved and migrated,” she said. “At the core of it all, I have important core values that have shaped me, both in my career and as a leader.”

Harvey believes that Indian values, such as a thirst for knowledge, are deeply ingrained in Indians. These values are evident in their leadership style and approach to life.

“I’d say being family-oriented. I have different aspects of being Indian, but for me, the family is the centre of everything,” she said when asked for her definition of Indianness.

Harvey’s mom shares a tagline with Nike: ‘Just do it.’ Her own tagline is ‘Imagine the possibilities and seize the moment.’

Born and raised in Bangalore, India, she moved frequently with her family through Karnataka, where her father worked as a judge. Later, she moved to Mumbai where she started her career as a software engineer and joined a consulting firm.

Harvey, who began with Tata Unisys, married a US citizen and relocated to the US after quitting work. She found employment and rejoined the workforce in the US.

Underscoring the diverse nature of mentorship and its profound impact on personal and professional growth, Harvey said, “I gained new insights about myself that I hadn’t previously seen, which gave me the opportunity to try new things or gain confidence in my abilities.”

Reflecting on key inflection points in her journey, Harvey said, “when I decided to shift my career from pharmaceuticals to an entirely different industry, I took a leap of faith, sought out opportunities that brought me joy and excitement, and embraced the chance to learn new skills.”

“This decision was pivotal in helping me determine my career trajectory and move forward with confidence,” she said.

“Change, especially in transitions, can be challenging. You can apply this to work transitions within a company and moving,” Harvey said. “While it’s tough, I’ve tried to approach it by listening, learning, and adapting to the new environment, both personally and professionally.”

“Understanding the environment, absorbing information, and connecting with others are crucial,” she said. “My biggest advice is to take the time to understand the situation first and then consider how to adapt or change the situation to fit.“

“Work is a group coming together to achieve a purpose, and drawing human connections is the most important component,” Harvey said. “Change gives you an opportunity to rethink and reimagine how things could happen.”