Grit. Humility. Curiosity. These values, developed and nurtured at Ball State University, have shaped every chapter of Karthicka Krishnasamy’s journey. Karthicka’s path has taken her from India to Ball State, and eventually earned her the title of Vice President | OMNI Customer Growth, Experiences & Value Add on Services at Walmart. She has learned to embrace change, challenge assumptions, solve problems, and turn every challenge into an opportunity.
Ball State Beginnings
Karthicka’s Ball State experience can be best described by one word: launchpad. Karthicka was born and raised in India and made the leap to attend college as an international student with big dreams, no guarantees, and a deep belief in what was possible. In a new place far from home, Ball State became the place where she grew confident in who she was and what she wanted to build. It gave her the space to explore, lead, and dream beyond boundaries.
As a young woman from India pursuing a career in business, finding the confidence to speak up and lead didn’t come instantly. Karthicka made an effort to seek out mentors who could help along the way, often seeing things in her that she had yet to realize herself.
“Professor Kirsten Smith created a space where ideas — especially from women and international students — weren’t just welcomed, but elevated. She encouraged me to ask bold questions, challenge the norm, and lead with confidence. Her classroom became a safe space to explore, grow, and step into my voice.”
Another professor that had a profound impact on Karthicka’s college experience was Dr. Steele. He pushed her to think analytically, communicate with clarity, and embrace complexity — all critical skills for leadership in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world. His high standards taught her not just how to solve problems, but how to frame and lead through them.
“Together, they helped me find my voice, sharpen my thinking, and realize the power of bringing my full self to the table — especially in rooms where women are still underrepresented. Their belief in me lit a spark that continues to fuel my passion for mentoring others and challenging the status quo.”
Leading with Resilience
Early in her career, Karthicka got her start in software development, analytics and consulting. She made a living learning the different ways that data tells a story. Over time, she stepped into roles that stretched her — from pricing, inventory management and merchandising to leading business transformations across India, Malaysia, and the U.S. She made it a point to say yes to the messy assignments, challenged the norm, and leaned into every opportunity to grow.
As is often the case, Karthicka’s journey did not come without strife and obstacles. With her career on the rise, Karthicka made the tough decision to put it on hold to prioritize family and navigate a difficult journey with infertility. “Navigating infertility was one of the hardest chapters of my life. It forced me to slow down — and in doing so, it reshaped the kind of leader I became. More empathetic. More grounded. More human.” This experience helped show Karthicka that leadership isn’t about climbing straight up — it’s about having the courage to pause, pivot, or even take a step down when life calls for it, and keep rising. She returned to Walmart with even more clarity, resilience, and purpose.
“My daughter will always be my greatest and proudest accomplishment, and my husband — my greatest gift from God. That journey reminded me that success isn’t always linear, but the values you carry shape every chapter of who you become. And those values? Ball State helped plant them early — and they continue to guide both the leader and the person I strive to be.”
Adapting to Crisis
When confronted with the question of her proudest career accomplishment, Karthicka drew from her experience of leading through the COVID-19 pandemic. As a Divisional Merchandise Manager at Walmart, she oversaw a broad portfolio that spanned nearly every part of the home: furniture, kitchen appliances, tools, home improvement, auto, and more — categories that became essential as homes transformed into offices, classrooms, and safe havens.
It was a period that demanded bold thinking, rapid innovation, and deep customer empathy. The world changed overnight — and so did how people lived, worked, and shopped. “Our role was to help them adapt. Beyond business outcomes, my greatest responsibility was keeping my team of 40+ grounded through the chaos. It wasn’t just a business challenge — it was a leadership test. We had to move fast, make decisions with limited data, and lead with heart.”
What stood out most to Karthicka during this time was how the team came together — with resilience, urgency, and purpose. They aligned quickly, acted decisively, and led with people, not over them — proving that innovation and empathy can coexist.
Today, Karthicka is nearly a year into her new role as Vice President | OMNI Customer Growth, Experiences & Value Add on Services at Walmart. The past year has been bold, relentless, and incredibly rewarding. Her team and her have worked diligently to set a clear vision, move fast, and launch high-impact initiatives that are transforming how customers engage with Walmart.
Advice for Students
Karthicka wishes for today’s students — especially young women and international students — the courage to believe that they belong in every room they walk into. She hopes they embrace the unknown, challenge the status quo, and trust that their voice, perspective, and background are not limitations — they’re superpowers.
She encourages students not to aim to follow anyone else’s path and to build their own. Karthicka believes that the most meaningful success comes when you align your journey with your values, your voice, and your unique strengths.
“Stay curious. Say yes to opportunities that scare you. And don’t be afraid to take detours — sometimes they lead to exactly where you’re meant to be. Your story doesn’t have to look like mine or anyone else’s. What matters most is that it’s yours — authentic, evolving, and driven by purpose. Own your story, even the messy parts. That’s where your strength is.”
Lastly, Karthicka wants students to keep in perspective what really matters. “Your career will wait. Your life won’t. And choosing yourself doesn’t mean giving up ambition — it means honoring it in a different way. It’s not either/or. It’s both/and. And that’s where the real growth happens.”