Shweta Thakare of eScan sports the right attitude

Currently working as the assistant VP at eScan, an IT security software company, Shweta Thakare looks after the Europe, APAC & Saarc region. Brought up in a close-knit middle-class progressive nuclear family, Thakare firmly believes that one has to fight through some bad days to earn the best days of life.

JOB PROFILE:
Thakare is currently responsible for driving eScan business in Europe, APAC and Saarc. She immensely contributes to the development of strategy and establish genuine rapport with prospects and clients. "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," says the lady. She adds, "I try to earn client's trust by consistently proving that their needs are paramount. I believe new innovation in marketing is also a key responsibility, in addition to driving deep relationship at all levels so as to maximize on mindshare and drive strategic objectives."

FAMILY BACKGROUND:
Thakare belongs to a close-knit middle-class progressive nuclear family where she and my younger brother were taught that life is a journey and every day counts. She adds, "My parents taught me to be grateful for what I have and also, that one has to fight through some bad days to earn the best days of life." After her marriage her new family was co-operative in the challenges of her professional life. "Without the help and support of my encouraging family and especially my son, I would not be able to carve a niche for myself in this corporate world," claims the proud lady.

GETTING INTO IT:
From wanting to be a fashion stylist as a child, Thakare eventually aspired to get into IT. She holds a degree in Electronics Engineering with specialization in International Business. Prior to joining eScan, the lady was working at Dr Solomon's AntiVirus company.

STRENGTHS AND SURVIVING IN THE MALE-DOMINATED IT FIELD:
Thakare firmly believes that working in a male-dominated field is challenging and demanding, but it certainly is worth the mile. Talking about her strengths she says, "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 life. Problems are just there to test your mettle so that you break through and emerge as a winner." She believes that her strength lies in her positive outlook towards life. "I think having a positive outlook in life makes a world of difference to a person," says the lady.

 

ADVICE TO WORKING WOMEN:
The pretty lady believes that working women still have to grapple with the multi-roles that they play. She adds, "My advice to every woman would be to learn the art of time management. Always set goals and celebrate your success."

WORK LIFE BALANCE:
Thakare believes that creating balance is not about quantity of time spent in any one place, rather it is about the quality spent in every place. "I try to be present when at home, make time for my family consistently and include them in my life-physically, spiritually and emotionally. Over the years, I guess I have managed the art that helps me to demarcate the shift from work to home almost naturally," claims the lady.

HOBBIES AND FUTURE PLANS:
A workaholic at heart, the lady finds time to indulge in her favorite activities which include, home decorating, flower arrangements, experimental cooking. Talking about her future plans Thakare says, "My plan is to settle in a hill-station and do organic farming, thus keeping myself active but at my own pace."

A DAY IN HER LIFE:

Getting up and morning activities: My day starts in the usual way on a normal working day, savoring the quite time with my morning cuppa and a scenic mountain view out of my home balcony, and thereafter getting ready in frenzy for work.

At Work: At work, I mostly dig into various security and privacy issues, exploring into the nitty gritty of Anti-Virus world. I always try to strike a balance between long-term goals and day-to-day priorities and help my team on the same.

Winding up the day with: Evenings are full of planning the other day activities and making room for inter-department discussion. 

Bedtime: A long fruitful day winds up with an interesting fictional book/a meditation of 5 minutes de-cluttering my mind, spending quality time with family and sharing the days happenings followed with a sound sleep.

Interviewed by: Ranjeeta Bhattacharjee
ranjeetab@cybermedia.co.in