'Ignore the fear of a glass ceiling' says A Nandini, GlobalLogic

What are the challenges of being a woman executive in a top role?

The challenges of being in a leadership role are similar for both men and women, although our priorities and methods of handling these challenges may be different. As the centre head for a large center like Noida, I manage everything from ensuring delivery excellence to creating new center growth opportunities. However, I am happy to say that I have been able to rise to these challenges, and I have significantly increased team productivity and customer satisfaction.

As a woman, I believe my gender has helped me develop a unique and adaptive approach to leadership, such as the ability to juggle priorities. Multiple studies have shown that women excel at collaborating, building relationships, and nurturing talent, and these abilities are crucial in being an effective leader. I am also motivated by the fact that seven national banks in India have female CEOs.

Your Educational Background

A topper at Delhi University, Nandini pursued B.Sc. in Mathematics and later pursued MCA from Delhi University.

Your Family Background

Married for over 22 years, I am blessed with a daughter who is in college and a son who is studying in school.

Working in Male-dominated field of IT

Nandini has  been working in the IT industry for over 23 years, and although it started off as male-dominated, that trend has definitely changed over the years. For starters, the institutional gender barriers that used to prevent women from holding high-level executive positions no longer exist. Organizations are promoting women leadership, and more Indian women leaders are to be seen today. In fact, over 35% of GlobalLogic’s India employee base consists of women, including multiple women in leadership roles.

Does a Glass ceiling exist?

The real question is: does a glass ceiling exist, or do we as women often create our own? Perception can have a significant impact on reality, so if we believe there is a gender-based barrier to our careers, it can negatively affect our confidence. The fact is that everyone faces obstacles to their careers, both men and women, and it is up to each individual to maneuver around these obstacles. For me personally, I believe that continued professional development is crucial to moving forward. If you really want to get ahead, you must first prepare for it.

Advice to working women

My advice is to ignore the fear of a glass ceiling and focus instead on how you can make the most of your own capabilities. You won’t have all of the answers all of the time (no leader does), and that’s why it is so important to build strong relationships with your colleagues and your community. A good professional and social network will help you acquire the skills and answers you need to move forward. It is also important to be adaptive since no plan is ever perfect. Being able to maneuver around obstacles using creative thinking will help you succeed in an unpredictable work environment.

Hobbies:

I really enjoy watching movies.

Future plans

My goal is to grow as both an individual and as a professional in the product engineering services space. With the continuous introduction of new technology innovations, there is always the opportunity to learn more. I also want to grow the Noida centre even further by nurturing innovation, building dynamic teams, and encouraging more leaders.

High Five

Your Fitness Mantra: Eat healthy on time and meditate

Your De-stressing Mantra: Watching movies

Where you like to shop? Nalli for Sarees

Your favourite Holiday destination: Europe

5 things you cannot live without: People and more people around me!

@Workday

Wake up at: 5:45 AM

Morning activities: Helping son get ready for school, meditate, attend to emails that need immediate attention

Ist half in office: Project review, proposal review, team meetings, project team meeting, customer meetings, resourcing and recruitment status and strategy, competency review

Lunch: Usually at desk clearing pending emails, checking out Economic Times, NDTV, Rediff and so on

Post Lunch: Meeting people, mainly 1-on-1 with key people, preparing for calls with business and partners in the evening

Leaving office at: depends on my evening calls. Either at 5 PM or after 8PM then to avoid the traffic and also to get home in time before the calls start.

Evening: Calls with business partners and if I get lucky spend some time with my son and help him with his homework

Sleep time: midnight - watch TV before sleeping, it helps me unwind.