Vanisha Joseph
The Economic Times (Bangalore edition)
Padmaja Krishnan, director, marketing, planning & research, CSC India, stepped into the IT industry 29 years ago when only a handful imagined IT could become a standalone sector. She talks about the essentials to grow in the IT sector.
From software projects implementation to quality assurance to certification to IT consulting and business development, you have a wide experience in the IT industry. How did this help you grow?
I was fortunate to experience every facet of growth of this industry as it blossomed to its current state of maturity. The wide range of experience helped me grow as a multi-faceted person and to understand the complex nature of business dynamics. The in-depth experience in the business domains of software implementation and managed services, nuances of client relationships, rigour of quality assurance and process leadership, home-grown competency development and certification programmes, the maturity of IT consulting and strategic initiatives, the coming of age of marketing, communication and business development functions helped me develop specialised skills in core functions essential to grow as a complete professional with overall business acumen.
What are the skills needed?
One is required to apply everyday ingenuity with an open mind, and one soon realises that it’s an ever-evolving sector. A combination of skills like people skills, domain expertise, process orientation, a mindset for compliance, respect for intellectual property, ethical and security practices are needed to ensure that one has the capability to deal with every situation effectively.
Marketing, planning and research — all need an open mind. What is your mantra to ensure a flow of ideas?
I believe in using both the left and right lobes of our brain, and keeping your mind open to new ideas and taking a decision at the right time. Traveling across the globe is my mantra to rejuvenate myself. I like to travel places, which are away from the urban environment, closer to nature, a world where mind, body and soul can be refreshed and rejuvenated. Another mantra is to keep myself updated with the latest trends in the industry through the media or just by networking with people. It rejuvenates me intellectually and morally.
What is your advice to people planning a long-term career in the IT sector?
Today innovation has emerged as the single-largest driver of growth. In a sector that has a very short span of life for everything starting with people skills, the only constant is change. So, one needs to be adaptable and drive innovation positively with an open mind to compete.
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