In Quest Of The Adrenaline Rush

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.

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