'Never Fear Aything': Arati Naik, chief marketing officer, Smartlink

Arati Naik, chief marketing officer, Smartlink Network Systems is smart in her thinking and believes in taking challenges head-on

"One of the most common challenge of being a top executive in a male dominated culture is the divide one feels on reaching that position since women are still a minority amongst the largely defined male peer groups at that level. It's the women who are asked if they have family priorities as it's assumed that men don't need to necessarily have any. For a woman with a family of her own, her commitment to work is questioned when she cannot spend more time in team building as her male peers do. This often leads to management not giving a chance to handle a challenging project with a thought that her family matters might keep her from giving her work her 100%." says Arati matter-of factly.truly reflecting what a what top wman executive goes through.

Education is Important

Having completed her schooling in Mumbai from Arya Vidya Mandir, Arati completed her graduation in UK in computer networking technology followed by a masters degree in Business & Information systems from University of Bolton

Her father, K R Naik started Smartlink Network Systems in the year 1993 and is the executive chairman of the company presently while mother is a home maker. According to Arti , it's their guidance and motivation which has always helped her achieve goals and plan for her future. She comes from a very close-knitfamily with her elder sister and her husband, both doctors, blessed with have two wonderful sons. Arati likes to play with them and find them complete stress busters. :

The Glass Ceiling Debate...

Glass ceiling is a reality and not a myth. But a lot also depends on the company and its culture. Many women today have reached the upper echelons of an organization due to their sheer hard work, perseverance and zest to reach the top. "They have been recognized just like any man would be for their contributions to the company's growth and success. I feel that if a woman is persistent and patient and keeps her emotional quotient steady with the right attitude and confidence, there is no way she can be stopped from reaching the desired level." says Arati.

Advice to Working Women

Arati believes that women and especially working women, end up compromising to a great extent. She has a very practical and sincere advice when she says that when personal commitments arise, it becomes necessary to let go of certain things you dreamt of achieving. This doesn't mean that you cannot achieve it at a later time. For her, life is too short to live with regrets and if you have to let go of something today, make sure you reach for it tomorrow. Your dreams are yours and yours only to achieve.

Hobbies

Arati loves to cook. She had exposure to international cuisines when she was studying in the UK and developed a passion for cooking world cuisines. Arati also loves to read and write and watch good movies whenever time permits.

Future plans

Arati hopes to see her company at the top most pinnacle of success that I know it has the potential to reach and with a great team of my fellow employees and channel partners, I know it is a feat very much achievable in the future.

Ekta Saxena

(ektasa@cybermedia.co.in)

High-Five

Your Fitness Mantra:Eat healthy and keep smiling

Your de-stressing Mantra:Cook complicated dishes...yes this works for me!

Where you like to shop?

No specific shops but I do like Marks & Spencer and recently have developed a penchant for online shopping for which I think Amazon and Flipkart are really good.

Your favorite holiday destination:

Lisbon. I have family who live there and have always loved Portugal as a country...its beautiful and peaceful with the best seafood I have ever eaten

5 things you cannot live without:

My iPhone, Kindle, contact lenses, internet connectivity and Tea

@Workday.

Wake up at : 6 30 am

Morning activities: Gym for an hour and half followed by breakfast and reading the newspaper

Leaving office at:10 am

Ist half in office: Going through mails, phone calls to regional teams, meetings

Lunch: With my team in office, always a stress-buster and enjoyable experience

Post Lunch: More meetings and internal team discussions

Leaving office at: 8 pm

How you spend your evenings:Meet friends for dinner or spend time with my parents at home

sleep time: 11 pm