Roshni believes Innovation is a necessary evil and one of her biggest challenges today at the helm of HCL Technologies and managing a workforce of 200,000, with an average age of 25 years, across 52 countries, is to keep them engaged and thriving. She says as one of the biggest employers and contributors to GDP in India (Tech exports comprise $200bn), the Tech industry is best poised to drive innovation in culture and people. Motivate them to be productive, loyal and ensure results and growth for the company. Innovation in workforce management and design thinking in the workplace is what will drive the future of work. Innovation requires experimentation and taking risks, and as Roshni would say, ‘Always take that leap of faith – else how will you ever know what the next step is?’

As a successor to the company her father and legendary entrepreneur Shiv Nadar built, she says she is still always justifying her role as Chairperson at HCL Technologies with several other senior, experienced leaders in the room, at all times. She holds her ground with the confidence instilled in her by the experience of being thrown in the deep end and learning the ropes ground up. She oversees the balance sheet, acquisitions, product strategy, workforce dynamics, philanthropic ventures and a whole lot more.

Here are Roshni’s Must Do’s:

1.       Daily Investor Report which is especially relevant with a multitude of FIIs and daily changes in market holdings and events.
2.       Weekly huddle with HCL Tech’s CEO even if there is no earth shaking development – we always make it a point to meet and go over things.
3.       Daily look at Treasury & Hedge books which is something we have to be extremely careful about, especially right now with the deep-dive in the currency.   
4.       Competitor Analysis. Yes! We do this weekly. We are also extremely sensitive to the US economy, inflation, wages and costs so it requires constant thinking.
5.       Monthly customer relationship meets which are ongoing and take up some of my time of course.  
6.       Quarterly and Annual Board meetings which are strategic and earnings driven. HCL Tech has annual revenues of $11.8 billion and we have a large, diverse board. It is diverse not only in representation of women directors but also in experience, industry and thought leadership.