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JOB PROFILE: As a part of the senior management team in Canon, Rai manages
various functions. She takes care of IT infrastructure, IT security and
applications like ERP, web-based portals, business intelligence solution,
messaging and workflows. Additionally, she also leads the quality, environment,
health and safety initiatives of the organization.
“I am in charge of general affairs and am managing the expansion of offices
across the country,” she informed.
BACKGROUND: Rai hails from a quaint little town of Allahabad, known for
Sangam, which has given Prime Ministers to the country and of course, the
Bachchans. Talking about her qualifications she shared, “I did my schooling from
St Mary's Convent and DP Girls High School after which I pursued my B Tech from
IIT Kanpur.” After completing her B Tech she worked for Bharat Heavy Electricals
in Bhopal and Jhansi. Following this, she got the opportunity to change her
stream to IT. She worked as an IT personnel at Rayban and Bausch & Lomb at
Bhiwadi as well as the Duracell manufacturing plant of Gillette at Manesar. “At
Canon I got the opportunity to expand my area of management“ she noted. On
lighter note she shared, “I have been with Canon for six years now and intend
spending many more years here; unlike what is happening in the IT industry.
Somebody recently called me a dinosaur!”
CHALLENGES: As a woman, Rai never faced any bias from others.
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Shikha Rai
Director-IT GA & QEHS
Canon India |
“All along I had faith in my capabilities and never let gender issues take
precedence over professional requirements,” she stated. But her life has been
challenging both at work and home. However, it is the challenges that keep her
going. “I have noticed that I perform my best under challenging circumstances. I
need that adrenaline rush!” she gushed.
STRENGTHS: She has always been willing to learn, experiment, adapt, take and
give credit as the case may be. “Multitasking comes naturally to me and this has
helped me juggle various roles successfully. Bringing speed to execution is my
strength,” she said. Also, she gives credit to the team at office; without whom
goals wouldn't have been achieved.
FAMILY: Rai's mother has always been her support structure, making it
possible for her to continue work when her child was small. “A large part of the
credit goes to her for what and where I am today. My father has remained my idol
since childhood. He has been my constant inspiration,” Rai said. She also shares
a very good rapport with her two sisters. Her better half is a finance
professional, full of wit and open-mindedness.
HOBBIES: Spending time with family and friends or reading a good book with a
hot cup of coffee is her idea of unwinding. “I love to take care of my potted
plants and have about 100 of them in my two balconies. These days I have taken
an interest in the study of trees,” she said. She also works with an NGO called Pragati in the area of child education.
FUTURE PLANS: She does not think too much about the future. “I take each day
as it comes and give it my best,” she concluded.
Manisha K
manishak@cybermedia.co.in Page(s) 1
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