Channel Post speaks with the Strategic Alliance & Gr. Marketing Manager at Spectrum Group, Pournami Nair about her leadership style and her experience in the IT industry so far.
Tell us about your leadership style and philosophy.
To me the best way to lead is a healthy combination of affiliative and democratic leadership wherein, there’s freedom of thought across all levels of hierarchy, and an equal opportunity for all employees to voice their ideas and collaborate on various planes, resulting in a well-balanced and cordial environment. After all a happy team is a productive one. Also, I personally believe that a positive attitude can take you a long way, not just with peers at your workplace but throughout your life. Start a day with a smile; end it with one, and make the best of whatever comes your way in between.
What made you choose IT as a career opportunity?
Honestly, to begin with, it wasn’t a choice. It was more of a compulsion since I belong to an era when graduating in Computer Science was considered the next best thing, to setting foot on the moon. After having taken the plunge though, it has definitely grown on me. Through IT, you are exposed to groundbreaking and revolutionary trends that will one day form the crux of our very existence. It gives us the opportunity to be on top of the futuristic drifts that is imminent. The growth possibilities are vast and so are the challenges associated with getting yourself to the top. So guess I am here to stay.
How has your unique background prepared you for success in the industry?
Success is a learned behavior. You define a goal, focus on it and keep taking regular, consistent steps to realize the same. It will definitely seek those who work towards it, irrespective of the background, class or creed.
What was your most interesting job?
I have been with my current organization for over a decade now and have had the pleasure to partake in multiple roles managing sales, marketing, customer support and alliances, within its various group entities.
I’d like to think I have a creative side to me. And that’s possibly what makes the Marketing profile one I enjoy. The perfect blend to which is Sales that gives the much needed adrenaline rush, with the added advantage of being able to associate with different people and the profound satisfaction of closing complex deals. Sums up my most interesting job to be the Sales & Marketing one.
What advice would you give to women looking to break into the field of computer technology?
The key to break through, not just in IT but any field, is to believe in yourself and never be afraid of failure. Be willing to learn, open to take risks, carry a positive attitude, prepared to face challenges and push yourself beyond boundaries.
What is the greatest transformation in technology you’ve witnessed in your career?
Technology never ceased to astonish me. There are not one but many great transformations I have witnessed in my career, with dynamics shifting rapidly from the information age to the digital one. Right from the inception of open source platforms, automation, adoption of cloud, energy management, mobile app boom, wearables, blockchain, 3D printing, to name a few of the disruptive technologies taking over today. The mammoth amongst all these being the convergence of Big Data, IoE (Internet of Everything) and Edge Analytics.
What are your thoughts on the next transformation in the tech industry?
As they say, change is the only constant thing in life.
While machines slowly replace humans in many a complex and ordinary tasks, and your privacy is a thing of the past, it’s both exciting and scary at the same time. Looking at the bright side though, the transformation is set to increase pace, optimize efficiency, enhance experiences, and possibly arrest or even reverse a few adverse effects of our not-so-green footprints.
Are you involved in any sort of volunteer work? Can you give us some details?
While in India, I have had the pleasure to volunteer in minor ways with being involved monetarily and otherwise in a few care homes. In UAE, despite having enrolled myself in a few volunteering organizations, I haven’t had the chance yet to be personally involved in any such activities, possibly because of the influx of volunteers in the region. I am for sure excited and eagerly looking forward to a chance though.
