"Never hold back as a woman"–Lizum Mishra

JOB PROFILE

Steering the country operations of Business Software Alliance as director, Lizum Mishra performs a variety of functions in her dynamic role. From representing and advocating software industry's interests with government and policy makers, to developing a clear advocacy, government relations, and marketing strategy to promote the global software industry's interests in India, to nurturing and retaining talent, she does it all.

FAMILY BACKGROUND

Born in Surat, Gujarat, to parents who were then employed with the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Gujarat Cadre, Mishra belongs to a well-educated family with all the members holding significant positions in their areas of work. "My parents served the early part of their career in Gujarat before getting posted to the center. They completed service as secretaries to the government of India and currently my father serves on the boards of several international organizations including the Asian Development Bank and the Bombay Stock Exchange. My mother heads the Indian National Trust for Art, Culture and Heritage (INTACH). I have an elder brother who is the CEO and founder of an executive search firm, Spearhead Corporate Services. I am married and my spouse heads up business development for a global search engine giant in India," she informs.

GETTING INTO IT

The pretty lady did not imagine herself in the IT field as a child. "In my childhood, I dreamed of becoming either a doctor, a lawyer, or a writer," she says. But, as they say, destiny had something else in store for her. After schooling from Mayo College Girls' School, Ajmer, she went on to pursue Bachelors in English Literature from Miranda House, Delhi University. She did her Masters in Public Affairs and Communications from Syracuse University, New York. She moved into corporate affairs and marketing early in her career with an IT consulting firm-Sapient Corporation. "Sapient gave me a great foundation to understand technology and the IT business," says the graceful lady. Prior to joining Business Software Alliance, she also worked with Boeing as their director of corporate affairs.

STRENGTHS

Self-discipline, determination, communication, and ability to grasp complex concepts quickly and simplify them.

THRIVING IN THE MALE-DOMINATED IT FIELD

Mishra shares that it is natural to feel daunted in the beginning as the only woman in the room, but emphasizes that it is important to always focus beyond one's gender. "Completely immerse yourself in your professional objectives and duties. Rely on your inherent skills and mental abilities, and soon gender ceases to matter," says the elegant lady.

ADVICE TO WORKING WOMEN

 

Mishra strongly feels that women deserve to be successful and fulfill their potential. "Never hold back because you are a woman, believe in yourself, be gender-blind, and there is always a way to balance work and personal commitments, says Mishra with confidence.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Mishra owes credit to her family and friends for being able to strike a balance between work and personal life. "I have an extremely supportive spouse who is also in the technology business and we find a lot of support and mutual understanding in each other for our professional commitments. I also have an extremely supportive family in my parents and my brother who have always encouraged me to never hold back in my career. They have taught me to maintain a sense of personal and spiritual balance in my life," she says. Besides, Mishra is a spiritual person too and derives a lot of strength from prayers. "I am extremely spiritual and rely a lot on prayers to get me through challenges which always works!, she exclaims. A closely knit, supportive set of friends is also a huge morale booster for her.

HOBBIES

Mishra is a travel-enthusiast and loves traveling to offbeat destinations. She also claims to be an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction. Besides, the lovely lady possesses a heart for the animals as well. She commits, "I am an animal lover and an animal rights supporter." Good films also interest her.

FUTURE PLANS

Mishra is passionate about work, and aspires to continue working with dedication and focus in future. At the same time, she believes in maintaining a strong sense of balance in life. "A balance between personal life and work is essential, and for this I like undertaking travel and recreate myself," concludes the successful woman.