Minitha Saxena: Eyes on the Skies

A marketing management professional from Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, with nearly 2 decades of multi-disciplinary experience, Minitha has come a long way exceling in all her assignments. Dedicated to her work, Minitha believes in accepting. She has an in-depth understanding in consumer behavior across industries like media, retail, confectionery, personal care, durables, leisure and now cloud computing.

 

Current Designation

In her current role as head, branding & communications for iON the small and medium business unit of TCS, Minitha is responsible for positioning and developing branding and communication strategies targeting small & medium businesses. Also the role includes strategy, creation and dissemination of brand message to prospects, customers, partners and internal stakeholders across channels. Her background has primarily been in advertising and strategic brand consulting. Since then she is steadily climbing the ladder,

In her own words, "I have been fortunate that I have been given enriching opportunities and roles in every organization I worked for. And each role I have taken on has added to repertoire and enhanced my position in the organization."

Educational Background

Minitha did her schooling from Good Shepherd Convent in Chennai and graduation in Commerce from Ethiraj College (University of Madras). She completed her post-graduation in management from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, specializing in marketing and advertising.

Family Background

A North Indian by birth, Minitha was born and brought up in Chennai. Her family comprises of parents, sister, brother-in-law and two nieces, who live in Pune. Her father, a lawyer specializing in company law, retired as a whole-time director in a South based industrial group. Her mother, a homemaker, devoted her time to bring up her sister and Minitha, instilling a streak of independence in both. She recalls, â??My dad has played a critical role in inspiring me to pursue a career without pressurizing me. After graduation when I was in no mood to study further, it was he who told me to work for a while and then decide what I want to do in life. I think that was the best advice I ever got, for once I started working I realized the value of a professional degree in expanding my horizon. After working for 2 years in a small but exciting and warm ad agency in Chennai, I joined IIM Bangalore to pursue my post graduation.â??

Working in Male-dominated field of IT

â??It is a challenge and women do have to make that extra effort to prove their potential. At TCS my role is in branding and communications which is a new area for TCS where launching a brand is concerned. In a way handling communications without an iota of tech knowledge seemed daunting for a while but my persistence in asking questions and immersing myself in understanding technology and tech terminology has made it easier to create communication that is understandable to the consumer, â?? says Minitha with a smile.

Does a Glass ceiling exist?

Minitha believes that it all depends on you as an individual. â??If a woman wants it and focuses, she can break the barriers but of course given the right support in the organization. There are many women at the top in many industries and in IT too women are getting to the top. TCS, HP, Intel, etc, do have women in key senior positions,â?? she says candidly.

Advice to working women

"Belief in yourself, persistence and perseverance and a 'never give up' attitude works very well. Be ready to take and accept constructive criticism and use it as a learning to grow," advices Minitha.

Hobbies

Minitha likes to maintain a work-life balance. She says, "When I am not at work, I read mainly fiction. I meditate and do yoga. And as a foodie, I enjoy experimenting with food particularly quick cook recipes."

Future Plans

IT is a relatively new industry for Minitha and branding a product that is. iON is a new initiative for TCS. She hopes to draw upon the experience she has gained in consumer insights and branding, to build a stronghold for TCS and iON in particular in both the domestic and international markets.

 

 

Ekta Saxena

(ektasa@cybermedia.co.in)