Power of Perseverance - Shweta Thakare eScan MicroWorld Technologies

Shweta Thakare works as Senior Associate Vice-President (Europe, APAC and SAARC) with MicroWorld Technologies, that produces security products under the name eScan. In a chat with DQ Channels, Shweta speaks on the challenges women face in the IT industry, suggestions for fellow women leaders and more.
How was your career graph from the starting?
I was born in a close-knit middle-class progressive nuclear family where I was taught that life is a journey and every day counts. Being very studious I opted to Study Engineering in Electronics and also completed NIIT as was more inclined towards Computer. First job was Summer Internship with Distributor who was distributing Dr.Solomons Range of Security products. Spend 4 years with them and then moved to eScan where it more than 2 decades now.
I am currently working as Senior Associate Vice-President responsible for driving eScan business in Europe, APAC and Saarc and also the Govt Segment on PAN INDIA basis. I contribute to the development of strategy and establish genuine rapport with Partners and End-Users. “I utilize comprehensive product knowledge, familiar with diverse cultures and personalities, and enthusiastic about quickly mapping out the client needs and proposing them the appropriate solutions. I strongly believe in new innovation in marketing is also a key responsibility, in addition to driving deep relationship at all levels so as to maximise on mindshare and drive strategic objectives.
Why do you think the IT channel industry has a lesser women workforce compared to other industries? 
I feel the working hours are erratic and it’s a male-dominated field and of course very challenging and demanding, but it certainly is worth the mile. Women climb up the corporate ladder but unfortunately get vanish somewhere due to personal and societal reasons.
Someone has rightly said, “Every cloud has a silver lining” hence, it is better to discard all negative feelings and look at the brighter side of it. Problems are just there to test your mettle so that you break through and emerge as a winner. I don’t think corporate world is Gender Biased.Challenging tasks need to be handled with proper strategic visions and ethical way. I believe Women tend to be great networkers have inherent skills for negotiating and have ability to multi-task.

IT hardware and software selling industry work in different manner- sometimes odd timings when events happen. How can women manage both professional and personal life?

Working women still have to grapple with the multi-roles that they play. My advice to every woman would be to learn the art of time management. Always set goals and celebrate your success. Creating balance is not about quantity of time spent in any one place; rather it is about the quality spent in every place. To reach the Pinnacle is very hard and also a continual learning process. As a woman's demographics (Marriage, children, house) are designed in such a way that it’s very tough to balance.
What you think the need for constant education for women post entering the professional career? 
Constant education is more than a stepping stone to a career. It's about learning how to develop a better you. It’s like an Investment for your future. Always be open to embrace new thingsTechnology coming your way and be enthuasiastic enough to learn and implement it.
What are the top things one should follow, according to you to stay relevant in the competitive market?
Most important is to know the competitive landscape. To find the strengths and weakness and their offerings. In today’s world customer expectations can change drastically so most challenging is to know your customer. Always differentiate- we need to give customers good reasons to come to us rather than a rival; so we offer customisation in our products such as eScan. Enhance your marketing.

--As told to B Swaminathan, Contributing Columnist, DQ Channels