Soumya Prajna, Head of Marketing & Communications, Help AG talks to Channel Post MEA about how she adopted her passion as her profession
Tell us about your leadership style and philosophy.
I am a creative person and don’t believe in tying myself to a specific leadership style per se. As a believer in the people-first philosophy, I like to always believe in empowering the team to think independently and work collaboratively to execute successful projects. I never shy away from taking a contrarian approach to things, if that is what a project needs. I echo my mentor’s philosophy of choosing people based on the unique capabilities they bring to the table and letting them flourish in an environment that appreciates creativity, rewards innovation, and admires a winning attitude.
What made you choose IT as a career opportunity?
I am intrigued by the logic presented by science, the innovation coming from technology, and the aesthetics and solace art brings. I always visualized myself pursuing a career that leverages a harmony of art and science, and I believe that is exactly what technology marketing brings to the table. Technology is ever-changing and extremely exciting – it is tough not to like technology once you have had a taste of it. I chose my passion as my profession when I took up marketing and communications in the technology sector.
So, here I am – part of a super cool team of people who inhale innovation and exhale excellence at Help AG. The core of my approach is built around data and customer-centricity. Following that approach, I have worked to transform the marketing and communications department at Help AG, aligning it closely with the business objectives. As a result, the department is positioned as a crucial component of the brand and a critical contributor to the success that is spelt Help AG.
How has your unique background prepared you for success in the industry?
My background has been extremely instrumental in shaping my perspective on technology marketing and communications. The major chunk of my studies has been in sciences, hence bringing in the aspects of logic and rationale to everything I do. A love for arts and creativity since childhood ensures I am always trying to look at newer ways to do things, whilst considering aesthetics. Last but not least, I am a keen observer of people and their behaviour under different circumstances, and because of that, in everything I do, I try to keep people and the right connections at the core of my approach.
What was your most interesting job?
I must say that my most interesting job is my current one, as the head of the marketing and communications department at Help AG. The combination of one of the most exciting areas of technology (AKA cybersecurity) and unmatched company culture (AKA Help AG) empowers me to approach the brand building, marketing and communications in newer ways, every single day. The rate of evolution in the field is so high that there is hardly a dull moment. And being able to pursue my passion as my profession does add icing to the cake.
What advice would you give to women looking to break into the field of computer technology?
Read, learn, inquire, and understand. Be creative and take initiative. Find what differentiates you, then augment and amplify that. Do not be shy of dreaming big. Instead of waiting for things to just happen, take ownership, think smart and hustle hard to make those dreams come true. Believe in yourself above everything else. And if anyone says you aren’t capable, stop listening to them and spend your time with people who push you ahead rather than pull you down.
And always remember to be kind and have courage.
What is the greatest transformation in technology you’ve witnessed in your career?
It is tough to pick just one, but I do always marvel at the way connectivity exploded and became such an inseparable part of everyone’s lives. From the era of letters and faxes to smartphones, the internet, social networking and IoT, I believe we have taken a huge leap as a society.
What are your thoughts on the next transformation in the tech industry?
While I am extremely enamoured and amazed by the potential of machine learning and automation, I believe the present and future of technology transformation are going to be people-centric. The technologies that will manage to keep people and their rights, convenience, privacy and cybersecurity at the core will be the ones that will pick up maximum traction.
What’s next for you in terms of your career in the tech industry?
I am glad to be part of what might easily be one of the coolest industries, so every day is a new day to learn new things. And just as technology and marketing continue to evolve, I will evolve my career to keep pace, or better yet, stay a step ahead. The future is exciting, and the future is NOW.
