As I begin to write my story, the first thought that crosses my mind is “To each their own …… each one of us is unique and has a wonderful life to shape & story to tell” but there is so much we can learn from each other by sharing our experiences and learnings.
I owe my professional journey to my mentors and guides all through these years. The foremost being my parents – specially my father, in making me an engineer and a telecom professional and always holding me strong to core human values & work ethics.
I am an electrical engineer by qualification from Delhi College of Engineering. I enjoyed sciences always and am a gold medalist in Engineering & Technology from Delhi University. When I had just graduated, I was advised by one of my mentors that excellence is an attitude and to never give it up – I hold this advice very close to my heart.
Siemens was my first job after graduating in 1995. Since then I have worked with reputed organizations like Ericsson, Bharti Airtel & Capgemini. Something unique I feel about my career is that I am very well-traveled globally and have done a diversity of roles. I believe this has contributed immensely to my learnings and shaping my perspectives.
Currently I am working with Capgemini as a global 5G & Edge lead for Industries and Alliances. I work with Capgemini clients on how they can leverage/adopt 5G, Edge and complementary technologies for their data-driven digital transformation. Being a telecom professional for 25+ years it has been amazing to see communication technologies evolve from wireline, internet to 2G, 3G, 4G and now 5G mobile communications. I also volunteer as the Chair of IET’s (Institution of Engineering and Technology) Future Tech panel Digital Communications working group and as an industry expert advising and engaging with Government of India DoT’s Inter-ministerial committee on 5G.
My work gives me a sense of purpose and being able to bring positive outcomes in my own little way. My hard work over the years in managing my work and parental duties to the best of my ability brings huge satisfaction to me.
Over the years, there have been some proud milestone moments in my work life – the opportunity to work on a green-field 3G setup & launch with Siemens in Indonesia, the opportunity to work on a green-field 4G setup & launch with Ericsson in India, the opportunity to work on a large B2B transformation program with Bharti Airtel and now working on 5G technology and its adoption by industry with Capgemini.
The story would be incomplete if I do not share my tough moments. One of the toughest moments for me was when I took a planned break from corporate work due to parental responsibilities. I had been working full-time in corporate roles for over two decades and was stepping out of my comfort zone by working as a freelancer & advisor. It was a life-altering experience for me. I became a volunteer / telecom advisor for many industry initiatives – working with industry forums, the Government of India, start-ups, expert networks and NGO. The amount of learning and personal growth I got from these experiences has been amazing and has made me a better person. I had to fight my inner fear on how I would get back to work after the break or what is my Plan B if I am unable to. A more recent tough moment would be my journey through perimenopause and menopause – not many women talk about it. I have a history of hormonal imbalance and this was a pretty tough phase for me. Here my doctors and yoga were my lifeline and the fact that I was openly able to talk and seek support from my husband, immediate family, kids and close friends was very helpful.
None of us knows what lies ahead. Every day is a new day to learn and grow – I believe in staying true to my values, working sincerely and letting life happen.