Channel Post speaks with Aditi Ganguly, Director – Business Operations, Lenovo Middle East & Africa about her outlook on the IT industry and what made her chose IT as a career.
Tell us about your leadership style and philosophy.
My leadership style is to create an environment that is conducive to fostering entrepreneurship and ownership to nurture passion in any activity. I believe that employees are the most integral part of an operation and the backbone of any organization. I live by the belief that a good manager is one who understands people and motivates them on the basis of what emotionally drives every individual.
What made you choose IT as a career opportunity?
A career in IT was a chance that happened 20 years ago. Once I started working in IT, I realized that it’s the most exciting and continuously evolving industry. It gives people the opportunity to learn new technologies and skills, and would always remain an exciting place for me to work in.
How has your unique background prepared you for success in the industry?
Most of my experience in IT been in the transaction business within emerging markets where I had the opportunity to learn which prepared me for industry challenges. I also had the opportunity to work and learn in China, which gave me a deep understanding of the structured reach of the channel industry. In addition, my 14 years of work in Lenovo within diverse roles of sales/marketing/operations provide me with the ability to plan for a 360 degree business module.
What was your most interesting job?
The years I spent working in China stand out as the most interesting time, followed by the shift towards Business Operations in the Middle East and Africa region, as they exposed me to new experiences that helped me grow further in my career.
What advice would you give to women looking to break into the field of computer technology?
The technology industry is constantly evolving and it teaches people a lot. It is also super exciting – ‘So, go for it ladies’.
What is the greatest transformation in technology you’ve witnessed in your career?
From an industry perspective – the greatest change I would say has been the transformation of the channel management into a tool based automated system. From a technology base, it would undoubtedly be the evolution of smart devices in IT – smartphones and tablets.
What are your thoughts on the next transformation in the tech industry?
I think it would be the use of handheld devices. I would expect lots of unique and exciting forms of smart devices to emerge.
Are you involved in any sort of volunteer work? Can you give us some details?
Yes, when time permits my friends and I work with underprivileged children in my hometown, Kolkata, India. I am also very attached to the initiatives launched by Mother Teresa for the terminally ill people in “Nirmal Hriday” which is also in Kolkata.
What’s next for you in terms of your career in the tech industry?
A few years down the line, I would like to work on emerging retail and online consumer markets for IT.
