SIMPLY … FROM THE GUT! (PART VII)

I had an opportunity to have a conversation with a senior industry veteran last week. He said more women are being inducted into the board of corporations as a recognition of their talent and the diversity they bring to the table. That set me thinking about the women executives I had come across in my career and their influence on me. So, that is my topic for today’s blog!

The year was 1997 when I had made a transition from a technical role to lead a team to sell a software product in India. There were two entrenched leaders who had already captured over 90% of the market. While the product I represented was globally well known, they had not penetrated the Indian market. Travelling across the region, I started hearing a name frequently in the field - Kala Swaminathan who was leading the region for one of the two market leaders. Being new to a sales career, I was very curious to understand the skills needed for success.  She must have been surprised to get a call from me but was very polite and open to a  conversation. It was a coincidence that both of us moved to US around the same time and hence we could continue to exchange notes frequently. I am pleased to know that Kala is now CEO of Vascular Innovations, Inc settled in California.

I got introduced to Rena Nigam when I was pursuing a very large deal. She came into a customer meeting like a breeze and instinctively knew what had to be done. I was amazed by the way she was orchestrating the complex pursuit along with a close- knit team. After we won that deal, I got the opportunity to directly work under her leadership and learn more on structuring large and complex deals. I am very happy to know that Rena is now the Founder and CEO of Meytier, Inc.

From the moment I met Mary Beth Molloy at the lobby of a customer’s location, I knew it will be an exciting journey teaming up with her to grow an account we had recently won. And what a roller coaster ride it was over the next two years! I had never been part of such a volatile account where we were facing many challenges. I had the opportunity to learn from the steady leadership style of Mary Beth and her discipline to follow a process. I am very happy to know that Mary Beth has been successfully coaching leaders for several years since then and recently branded her services under MBM Elevate.

I am looking forward to seeing all three of them reach greater heights in their current pursuits and offer my sincere best wishes to them.