An Afterthought: Women 2.0 Summit 2009

Date: 13th March 2009 (Friday, the 13^th… but a pleasant one) J

At the outset, I'd like to express my gratitude towards SiliconIndia for organizing a well-thought event: 'The Women 2.0 Summit'.

Being an ambitious career oriented woman, I take every opportunity to participate in such enlightening summits, seminars & workshops.

I'm glad to see my day off from office was put to its best use. I’m sure; my boss won't regret approving this one day leave J

About 100 women got a 'Platinum' opportunity to listen to and interact with Successful Women up there in corporate ladder.

In a nut shell, the event comprised of:

1. Super Gals – Women who’ve been there, done that! (The speakers)
2. Budding Stars - All the aspiring women (& men) with patient ear & huge learning appetite (The Audience)
3. The Masterminds - The whole team of Silicon India & their sponsors

The speakers of this Summit were a beautiful blend of 'Wonder-Women':

Speaker Panel ranged from Corporate Women like Cisco CFO & Infosys VP to Entrepreneurial Women like Prayag CEO & Laqsh Founder; And from Successful HR Manger Axentis & Partner Capco to GM Amazon & VP Alcatel Lucent.

It couldn't have got better than this!

And yes, if you’ve missed the Beginning or the End of this Summit, you’ve missed a great deal. Really!

1. KeyNote: 'Stepping up & developing the Leader in you'

... A Wonderful Start @ Women 2.0 Summit 2009

For, the event was kick started by the ‘Dynamic-Duo’ of Cisco: Mrinalini Ingram (CFO) and Archana Handa (Director - Corporate Communication).

And this, my friend, was the best choice to start such an event. It was full of Enthusiasm, Entertainment & most important: Information!

Mrinalini also talked briefly about her journey within Cisco US to Cisco Bangalore with a blissful smile. And Archana glued the audience attention to her through her versatile personality who's a true go-getter. (She is someone who drives from Delhi to Bangalore with her 3 other girlfriends- that’s Wow!)

My take away from this opening presentation by Cisco’s dynamic duo:

"If you wish to climb up to the peak [CxO or Entrepreneur level], then, this is what you need to do without delay":

1. Develop your own 'Marketing Plan' (Be your own brand)
2. Focus (On your current role and on your vision)
3. Take Risks - Take up tasks that others would hesitate to.
4. Be humble - Don't let your success turn into arrogance (Keep Learning)

2. Ascending the Corporte Ladder

Panel: Rama NS, VP Infosys; Nivruti Rai, Director Intel; Radha Shreenivas, Group Manager Target

Moderator: Gayathri Parthasarathy, Partner - Capco

Had it not been for this discussion, one wouldn't have got clarity on Technical & Biz Leadership for the rest of the day. And the panel itself was cherry picked to include best of both worlds - Technical & Business.

While Nivruti Rai aggressively presented her well structured thoughts about success (through Content Knowledge, Opportunities & Environment), Radha Shreenivas exemplified how choosing a scarier option in career could actually lead to success. She also compared the 'Corporate ladder' to be much closer to reality as in ‘Rock-Climbing' (Tough, vertical, horizontal, and at times demanding grip). Rama NS on the other hand was a truly motivational speaker for all the women. She in her early 50s (probably) took the audience on a retrospective ride of her corporate journey with an emphasis on 'Positivism' & 'Perseverance'.

At the end of this discussion, the moderator – Gayathri Parthasarathy, made a real crisp impression through ‘5-points-tip’ towards the top of corporate ladder:

1. Build a layer of your own successors
2. Break away from your own comfort zone
3. Define a goal and focus on it
4. Choose to be Passionate & Optimistic
5. And last, but not the least - Take Rest & don't let the fear of failure take over

3. The Great Juggling Act

I understand this panel discussion was directed towards balancing professional & personal life. However, in my opinion (which may differ from others), most part of this discussion ended up in that related to 'kids', 'husband', 'family', 'sacrifices', 'Quality time'. Apparently, during this discussion, a woman's personal life seemed to be equal to her family life, but what about her 'personal' space? Hence I couldn't really relate to or appreciate this discussion. So, I don't have anything to quote here. No offense intended. I hope I’m not suppose to feel guilty about this J

4. Strategic Mentoring: The Power of many

Panel: Vani Sharma, Director Citrix R&D Deptt; Rituparna Mandal, Project Manager Texas Instruments; Veena Chakravarty, Sr. Manager Centillium.

Moderator: Deepa Praveen, HR Manager, Axentis

One unique thing about this panel was: They were all very simple, down to earth women; who related their professional experience to the topic almost effortlessly. Vani Sharma presented a neat slide deck covering everything related to mentoring - Starting with the difference between Coaching & Mentoring to Mentor, Mentee & Corporate-based Strategic Mentoring. Veena Chakravarty and Rituparna Mandal presented their real life experiences about what works and what doesn't when it comes to Mentoring. Finally, the moderator, Deepa Praveen, induced physical and mental stimulation; through the 'Get-up-From-your-seat' act, followed by a crisp presentation. I got an opportunity to seek their view about 'Ongoing Mentorship' in today’s corporate world & it was to my satisfaction. Thanks to Deepa & Vani for their thoughtful insights.

5. The Women Entrepreneurs

Panel: Uma Balakrishnan, CEO, Axcend; Sudha Kumar, CEO Prayag consulting

Moderator: Revathi Kasthuri, CEO, Laqsh Jobskills Academy

In one of the 'Entrepreneur's Summit' I had previously attended, I saw many Entrepreneur's speak their minds. But what differentiated this panel from that is: the Women power. I cannot be termed a feminist, but it kills to see 'No-Woman' in various summits. So, Silicon India’s Women 2.0 Summit was a huge mood booster for me, especially witnessing this panel of 'Women Entrepreneurs'.

While Sudha Kumar shared her story of her well-thought separation from Infosys to kick start her own company; Uma Balakrishnan candidly presented her moment of inspiration which instigated her to quit from her well paying job to join a then shaky business as a partner. Their stories were true and worth learning from.

And then, one of my personal favorites, Revathi Kasthuri took over from this point of presentation. I'm sure she has managed to impress & aspire hundreds others like me. Her articulate, spontaneous, passionate and assertive personality was no doubt one of the best picks for this discussion. Adding to it was her 2 Entrepreneurial ventures (Tarang & Laqsh).

This panel managed to shortlist the following traits as some of the critical ones for any Entrepreneur:

• Passion, Energy, Optimism
• Resilience, Pragmatism, Perseverance
• Tolerance for ambiguity
• Ability to take risks
• Ability to ask for help, Ability to network
• Ability to build core team and Successors
• Strong Intention and Solid Hard work

Revathi also suggested budding Entrepreneurs who are ready with their business plan to register with various avenues to meet up with VCs, PEs, Angels and Personal Angels for their funding needs. Such as 'Mentor Square' and 'Tie'.

I have managed to get their weblinks for everybody’s reference:

· TIE: http://www.tie.org/

· Mentor Square: http://www.mentorsquare.com/

6. Closing Keynote by Chitra Kasthuri, VP, Alcatel-Lucent:

... A Wonderful End to Women 2.0 Summit 2009

If there is one speaker who perhaps earned the 'Maximum' attention and applauses, it has to be this one. Chitra Kasthuri, VP Alcatel Lucent - a woman you have to meet at least once in your corporate life. No exaggeration!

It's no cake walk to hold attention of a huge audience, especially towards the end of a day-long summit; but it apparently comes naturally to this super-woman. Yes, you can call me a new 'fan' of hers. I'll take that any day :)

Though it's impossible to summarize her mesmerizing speech here; I've attempted to summarize her message for all the aspiring corporate women:

• Her forwarded quote:
  • You are a woman: 'Do it Yourself'
  • You are a woman: 'Help other Women'
  • You are a woman: 'Network with other Women'
• Cash the available technology; go home from office on time, finish your personal chores, get back to work (if needed)
• Build your successors if you wish to grow up the corporate hierarchy
• Take risks, seek a mentor, Network!
• BELIEVE in yourself, showcase results to all

All said & done, Women 2.0 Summit 2009, was yet another success stories for Silicon India. Thanks to my close friend - Snehal for accompanying & inspiring me always.

Cheers!

Rupa Patil

Rupa.Patil@hotmail.com