I worked in almost all roles and most of technologies that Nokia sells
Having spent more than 2 decades, it has been a very fulfilling career with Nokia. I started my journey as a telecom engineer in planning and engineering roles. I have contributed in various roles - from product management, pre-sales (technical sales), solutioning, bid management, sales to services and operations. I have worked in most of the technologies that Nokia sells – Fixed, Wireless, Software, Core, Transport, Routers, Cloud, and Services. I have served in multiple countries and continents, locations being – Mumbai, Gurgaon, Noida, Tampere (Finland), and Munich (Germany). I have led very large global teams (~ 400 employees) across continents and I am also a Nokia-certified Mentor. I am humbled to share that I have helped to develop many new leaders in this long journey and I am also a Nokia certified Mentor. Currently, I am leading Network Infrastructure and Shared Services in the Global Sales Support team at Nokia.
Leading engineers, marketing, visualization, communication specialists
I am leading Global Sales Support for multiple domains – Network Infrastructure, Security, Value-Based Selling, Marketing, Strategy, and Technology. I am responsible for a team of engineers, and marketing, visualization, and communication specialists to serve various customer needs. I am working in the pre-sales / solutioning / tendering / bid management/offer preparation domain as well as shared services (support towards customer security requirements, value-based selling, marketing, strategy, and technology). On one hand, I support offer preparation (tendering needs) of any Nokia customer (Request for Proposal) like Bill of Quantity, Statement of Compliance, and Technical Solution description. This includes Network Infrastructure business, Security requirements, and Value-Based Selling (techno-commercial highlights). On the other hand, I support Marketing, Strategy, and Technology towards research, BI reporting, CapEx summary, videos, and customer events support. I also regularly mentor high-potential employees to help them maximize their potential.
Working for world leader and most ethical company on latest technology
It is so fulfilling to work for a world leader (and most ethical company) on the latest technologies to help our world come closer and be secure and connected. The open and supportive environment at Nokia and within my Global Sales Support team ensures creativity and growth. One can collaborate fearlessly across the organisation and get support. Leading a multi-cultural, virtual team (in China, India, Romania, Ukraine, Egypt, Mexico ) is so special. Another attraction is the diverse skill-set of the team. It provides the perfect opportunity to learn more from engineers (working on IP Routers, Fixed, 5G, Security, and Automation) as well as marketing, communication, and visualization specialists. The respect and team bonding are phenomenal too.
Be ambitious, resilient and open, build trust and practice gratitude
Beyond talent, I have realized that we need so much more to have a very successful career. Realizing a dream can take longer and include setbacks. From my personal experience, I have noticed that being open, resilient, flexible, and having an attitude to serve helps immensely.
While aspiring to grow, we need to prepare well with concrete homework. Having the right attitude and a prompt, service mindset is crucial. One has to keep learning (and unlearning) and be prepared for the next big thing. As an example, while you are working on 5G, start preparing yourself for 6G. On the softer side, empathy and humility should be key attributes to be practiced. Managing emotions and being mindful play a huge role. Transparent communication and openness towards the multi-cultural and virtual environment are very important. Staying motivated and being a change management leader is critical. Find time to build your personal brand and network. Look for a suitable mentor who can make your journey smoother. Finally, never compromise on your Integrity, continue to build relationships, and grow trust.
CEO appreciation, Nokia Values Award and developing leaders
In this long journey, the definition of achievement has changed over time. Initially, it was special to be individually appreciated, it is more about evolving teams and leaders now. I received an award from Nokia (including CEO appreciation) and it was amazing. I also received a Market level Nokia Values Award and it was very special.
Having worked at various global locations and leading large teams, I assisted/mentored many of my colleagues to evolve as a leader and this is most satisfying. Learning more about new cultures and locations has been wonderful too. Managing to thrive well after multiple technology changes in the last 2 decades inspires me further.
