Could you please introduce yourself to our readers, highlighting your professional journey and key achievements?
I am Shubhangi Raina, a seasoned IT professional with nearly three decades of diverse experience. My journey has been marked by leadership roles in delivery and business operations, talent development, testing services, and CSR initiatives. Holding a PMP certification and a B.E. in computer science, I’ve excelled in operations management, vendor negotiations, and service delivery optimization. Throughout my career, I’ve spearheaded skill development programs, established Centers of Excellence, and played a pivotal role in business development.
My achievements include accolades like the Leaders Choice Award in Target and the Best Team Award in Aztecsoft, reflecting a consistent record of achieving delivery excellence and client satisfaction. I bring expertise in delivery unit management, leadership development, program and project management, client relationship management, and business development. Certified in various domains and tools,
Throughout my career, I’ve held leadership positions at renowned organizations, including E&Y, L&T Infotech, Redwood Algorithms, Brillio (formerly Collabera Solutions Ltd.), Target, Aztecsoft (Mindtree), Logica (CGI), BirlaSoft and RMSI. In each role, I’ve made substantial contributions through strategic planning, relationship management, pre-sales, and delivery. I’ve driven talent acquisition, onboarding, training programs, and business growth strategies, contributing significantly to the success of the independent testing business and establishing myself as a valuable asset to every organization where I have worked.
Your professional journey includes roles in diverse industries, from IT consulting to entrepreneurship in religious services. How has this variety of experiences shaped your approach to leadership and problem-solving?
Indeed, my diverse professional journey has been a valuable source of learning and growth. Starting in IT consulting and transitioning to entrepreneurship in religious services allowed me to apply my skills in a unique context. Leading initiatives in digital analytics and intelligent algorithms demanded a creative problem-solving approach. Balancing the sacred and the technological, I learned to adapt leadership strategies to diverse environments and foster innovation in unexpected domains.
These experiences collectively shaped my leadership style, emphasizing flexibility, innovation, and a deep understanding of diverse perspectives. In problem-solving, I draw from this rich tapestry of experiences, leveraging both analytical thinking from the IT sector and creative ideation from entrepreneurship.
As the Co-Founder of OmShreePuja, you’ve delved into the realm of providing hassle-free religious services. Can you share a particularly rewarding or challenging experience from this venture that has left a lasting impact on you?
Co-founding OmShreePuja was a unique venture that provided both rewarding and challenging experiences. One particularly rewarding moment was when we successfully orchestrated a large-scale religious event, ensuring a seamless and deeply meaningful experience for our clients. On the challenging side, navigating the intricacies of coordinating various religious rituals and ceremonies, each with its own set of traditions and customs, posed a significant hurdle. Ensuring cultural sensitivity and authenticity while meeting individual preferences required meticulous planning and adaptability.
A lasting impact from this venture is that it reinforced the importance of cultural understanding, respect for diversity, and the ability to create tailored, hassle-free experiences that honor and enhance spiritual practices.
You’re certified as an Independent Director. What inspired you to pursue this certification, and how has it influenced your approach to corporate governance and leadership?
The pursuit of the Independent Director certification stemmed from my commitment to enhancing governance practices and contributing to effective board leadership. Recognizing the pivotal role that directors play in shaping organizational strategy and ensuring ethical conduct, I sought to deepen my understanding of corporate governance principles.
This certification has profoundly influenced my approach to corporate governance and leadership at EY. It has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of regulatory frameworks, ethical considerations, and the responsibilities of an independent director. This knowledge has been instrumental in fostering transparency, accountability, and integrity within the organization and fostering a governance culture that aligns with industry best practices.
Overall, the Independent Director certification has been a catalyst for elevating my leadership capabilities, allowing me to actively contribute to the ethical and effective governance.
Having worked in leadership roles in the IT industry, particularly in testing services, how have you witnessed the evolution of this field, and what role do you think testing plays in the overall success of technology projects?
Having worked in leadership roles in the IT industry, particularly in testing services, I’ve witnessed a significant evolution in this field. Over the years, testing has transformed from a traditional, post-development activity to an integral part of the software development life cycle (SDLC). The evolution is marked by the adoption of agile and DevOps methodologies, emphasizing continuous testing and integration.
Automated testing tools, continuous testing practices, and the incorporation of testing in the early stages of development have become standard industry practices.
Testing plays a critical role in the overall success of technology projects. It serves as a quality assurance mechanism, ensuring that the software meets the specified requirements, functions as intended, and is free from defects. Effective testing helps identify issues early in the development process, reducing the cost and effort required for bug fixing in later stages. It also enhances the overall user experience and minimizes the risk of post-release failures.
Your passion for mentoring is evident from your involvement in talent acquisition, onboarding, and training programs. What advice would you give to aspiring professionals looking to enter the tech and business consulting industry?
For aspiring professionals looking to enter the tech and business consulting industry, I would offer the following advice:
Continuous Learning: Embrace a mindset of continuous learning. The tech industry evolves rapidly, and staying updated on the latest technologies, trends, and methodologies is crucial
Networking: Build a strong professional network. Attend industry events, join online forums, and connect with professionals in your field. Networking not only opens doors for opportunities but also provides valuable insights and mentorship.
Specialize and Diversify: Identify a specific area of expertise within the tech and business consulting industry. While specialization is essential, having a broad understanding of various technologies and business domains adds versatility to your skill set.
Problem-Solving Skills: Develop strong problem-solving skills. The ability to analyze complex issues, think critically, and propose effective solutions is highly valued in consulting.
Effective Communication: Communication is key in consulting. Hone your ability to convey complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner. Work on your written and verbal communication skills.
Internships and Projects: Gain practical experience through internships and hands-on projects. Real-world exposure helps you apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.
Adaptability: The tech industry is dynamic and constantly evolving. Cultivate adaptability to navigate changes and embrace new technologies.
Embrace Challenges: Don’t shy away from challenges; instead, view them as opportunities for growth.
Mentorship: Seek mentorship from experienced professionals in the industry. Mentors can provide guidance, share insights, and help you navigate your career path.
Ethical Practices: Maintain a strong commitment to ethical practices. Integrity and ethical conduct are foundational in consulting.
In your roles, you’ve been responsible for strategic growth, client acquisition, and competency development. Can you share a specific strategy or initiative that you’re particularly proud of and that significantly contributed to the success of the organization?
One specific initiative that I take pride in and that significantly contributed to the success of the organization was the establishment of Centers of Excellence (CoE) for key accounts in the testing practice.
This initiative involved:
Strategic Alignment: I identified key clients with long-term potential and strategic importance.
CoE Formation: I led the formation of dedicated Centers of Excellence for each key account. These CoEs were focused on specific domains such as Automation, Performance, Mobility, SAP, and Web Accessibility within the testing practice.
Customized Solutions: Each CoE was tailored to the unique needs and challenges of the respective client and involved close collaboration with them.
Innovation and Best Practices: The CoEs served as hubs for innovation and the implementation of best practices. We leveraged the latest technologies, tools, and methodologies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of testing processes.
Knowledge Sharing: The initiative facilitated extensive knowledge sharing among team members within the CoEs.
Client Value: The specialized focus of the CoEs allowed us to deliver high-value solutions to our clients, addressing their specific challenges and contributing to their overall success.
Business Growth: The success of the CoEs positively impacted client satisfaction and retention. It also played a pivotal role in business development.
As an accomplished professional, entrepreneur, and certified independent director, what legacy do you hope to leave, and what advice would you give to the younger generation aspiring to make a mark in their respective fields?
The legacy I aspire to leave is one defined by impact, inspiration, and a commitment to ethical leadership. I hope to be remembered as someone who contributed to the growth and development of individuals and organizations, fostering innovation, and promoting a culture of excellence.
For the younger generation aspiring to make a mark in their respective fields, here is some advice:
Define Your Values: Clearly define your core values early in your career.
Embrace Learning: Embrace a lifelong learning mindset. The pace of change in today’s world requires continuous adaptation and skill development.
Build a Strong Network: Cultivate meaningful professional relationships. Connect with mentors, peers, and industry professionals who can offer guidance and insights.
Take Calculated Risks: Don’t fear taking calculated risks. Innovation often involves stepping out of your comfort zone. Be willing to embrace challenges.
Prioritize Ethics: Uphold ethical standards in all your endeavors. Trust and credibility are built on a foundation of ethical conduct.
Contribute to Others: As you progress in your career, find ways to contribute to the growth and development of others. Whether through mentorship, knowledge sharing, or community involvement, leaving a positive impact is a fulfilling aspect of success.
Embrace Diversity: Embrace diversity in all its forms. A diverse and inclusive mindset fosters creativity, innovation, and a richer understanding of the world. Embrace different perspectives and recognize the value of diverse teams.
Stay True to Yourself: Finally, stay true to yourself. Your authenticity is a unique strength. Be genuine, embrace your individuality, and let your passion shine through in everything you do.
Remember, success is a personal journey, and each individual’s path is unique. Stay focused on your goals, adapt to change, and enjoy the process of continuous growth and achievement.