Mumbai, March 10, 2015: As the world celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8, Dataquest caught up with Varad Kamini, VP – Marketing & Communications, Datamatics Global Services to know more about her successes and achievements in the field of IT.
Varad shares with us her views on varied topics ranging from the glass ceiling, striking a work-life balance to coping in the male-dominated technology industry. Excerpts:
Tenure and job profile at the current company?
I have been with Datamatics Global Services for more than 5 years. Currently, I am heading the marketing and communications department as Vice President – Marketing & Communications.
What made you choose a career in IT?
I have natural inquisitiveness around technology and a flair for marketing. A career in the marketing function in an IT company seemed like a perfect choice to suit my professional aspirations.
Most important career influencer:
It has to be those amazing mentors (bosses), I have had the privilege to work with. They have not only guided me but also helped me realize my potential.
The turning point in my career was:
Cognizance of the fact that marketing and technology together can make a huge difference to the company’s business growth
Women in the workplace
Most inspirational woman in India and globally:
Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Chairperson and MD of Biocon in India and globally, Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook
In your perspective do women leaders in IT still face a glass ceiling?
It does exist across all sectors, not as much due to the work environment, but more because of individual choices; as women often take a back seat owing to family commitments.
Personally, I haven’t ever experienced a glass ceiling. I have continued to progress in my career based on my performance.
In context of the IT industry, the culture of leadership in IT organizations is fast changing. I expect proportion of women leaders in senior level positions to be much higher within next decade.
How do you strike a work-life balance?
In my view, there is no such thing as work-life balance. At best it is an elusive ideal; and at worst a complete myth!
A quick tip based on my personal experience – Make sure that you get your priorities right. Yet more important, ensure that nothing from this list moves off when it doesn’t deserve to.
Did you face any difficulties in coping in the male-dominated technology industry? If yes, please share anecdotes and your experiences?
It is not really that much of an issue – at least not in the world of IT. You are evaluated based on your merits and commitment; not on your gender. Success is entirely dependent on the value you bring in, as an individual. So as long as you are contributing to the organization’s growth and success, your efforts will be duly recognized.
