Empowering Women

Sunija Rishi, VP, marketing and business development, Nevales Networks truly believes in striking a balance between personal and professional life.

What are the challenges of being a woman VP?

Any senior professional role is challenging, especially when you are also an entrepreneur and have a crucial role to play in building it into a successful company. While moving up the ladder, it is always a challenge to get out of your comfort zone. Managing multiple roles gives a lot of exposure and a broader perspective of the business. For me, my biggest challenge is very high parameters for myself. I strive to give the best in all the facets of life whether personal or professional. Finding the time to get everything done can be a challenge.

Your educational background

Sunija is a bachelor of Computer Science with a diploma in computer applications.

Your family background

Hailing from a traditional Malayali family background, Sunija's mother has been her role model for the ways in which she managed a healthy balance between work and life. As a working mother today, Sunija lean on those early lessons she learnt from her. Blessed to have a supportive family that wholeheartedly encourages and supports her in her professional endeavors.

 

Working in male-dominated field of IT:

In her early career days, Sunija was too busy working hard, learning and growing, didn't probably notice any obstacles if there were any. Accordiong to her, she has never regreted her decision of being a part of the IT industry. It has given me the privilege of working with and learning from many smart and seasoned executives and entrepreneurs.

Does a glass ceiling exist?

"It actually depends upon you entirely, if you truly want to excel in your career, there is no glass ceiling holding you back. I think any time you believe a barrier to success exists, it holds you back from achieving your full potential, " says Sunija beaming with confidence.

Advice to working women

It is very important to enjoy what you do every day and hence it is critical to know what it is that makes you happy. Achieving professional success and getting to the top is tough for anyone, regardless of gender, but it is absolutely attainable. You can only focus on what you can control and that is yourself. As women, we do and handle a lot. It gives us a whole new skill-set that men lack, such as efficiency,multi-tasking and let's not forget our ability to lead and psychologically handle people. Be confident to ask for what you deserve. And don't forget to strike a balance between personal and professional life.

Hobbies

Travelling, reading especially fiction, listening to music, watching movies and catching up on my favorite English sitcom.

Future plans

Sunija's focus right now is building Nevales into a successful business and long term plans include taking a more active role in empowering women and helping them achieve their entrepreneurial dream.

High Five

Your fitness mantra: "A fitness routine can help us lead a balanced, healthy lifestyle. I found out early that I wasn't a gym person. I enjoy a group exercise schedule that's a mix of aerobics, kickboxing, power yoga, strength training 3-5 days a week."

Your de-stressing mantra:

"Playing with my son is my greatest stress-buster "

Where you like to shop?

"I enjoy shopping at many places depending on what I am looking for, including the internet."

Your favorite holiday destination: I love traveling and hope to see the world and experience new places, food and cultures as much as I can. Destination depends basically on the purpose of the holiday. Kerala is my all time favorite in India and international destinations, for a relaxing holiday, I can keep going back to Langkawi andfor a sightseeing vacation, it will have to be Paris.

5 things you cannot live without:

Family, friends, work, smartphone and internet

 

@Workday

Wake up at: Around 7.30 am

Morning activities:Start my day at 7.30 am with my morning cup of tea. Spend some time with my family, catching up on news, quickly scan my email and head for my fitness classes.

First half in office:My day is packed back-to-back from the moment I start work. I go through my list of outstanding calls/decisions that I need to make and plan out the rest of the day.

Lunch: 2.00 pm

Post Lunch:After the tasks that need immediate attention are completed, I have a conference call with my distributed team and move into the daily routine.

Leaving office at: Around 6.00 pm

How you spend your evenings:Evenings are an important time for the family. Spend some time with my husband and in laws,followed by checking mail and completing the pending tasks for the day. After putting my son to bed,we finish dinner by 9.30 pm.

Sleep time: Around 11.30 pm -12.00 am