Harshini Carey is an experienced and driven sales professional at KMD Neupart UK.
Did you ever sit down and plan your career?
Not at all! A childhood friend introduced me to an Internet services provider job at an early age where I learned about the IT infrastructure/telecommunications from the ground-up. I was fascinated about technology and enjoyed learning about TCP/IP to CISCO routers. After approximately a year, I decided that Information Technology was going to be my career for the foreseeable future. However, in life nothing works out exactly how you plan it.
During my career I have been fortunate enough to be introduced to some really excellent individuals and build a really good network of contacts; (some I now call good friends); grabbing opportunities where and when they were presented to me; but always with the foresight to benefit all.
Have you faced any challenges along the way and if so, how did you deal with them?
I think everyone would face setbacks in every industry some are within your control and some are not. Company valuation and product choice, Changes in Government and Regulatory factors all bare-down on what I do and are beyond my control. However, with every challenge there is an opportunity and to revise one’s customer portfolio with those different characteristics; looking at returning value there-in.
What advice would you give someone who wishes to move in to a leadership position for the first time?
- Self-awareness, are you comfortable working with your colleagues?
- Being mindful of your co-workers by having a relationship that inspires them to work with you.
- Re-evaluation: Write your high points and low points in working-life and try to overcome your fears.
- Be humble and work towards a team goal.
- Seek honest feedback and uncover your blind spots.
When faced with two equally-qualified candidates, how would you decide who should have the role?
It’s a very difficult situation, I’d need to assess their personalities to see if they could fit-in with the organisation’s culture. Additionally, choose who I feel would cope best with the challenges of the role in-hand and respectfully try and summarise how happy they would be within the organisation.
How do you manage your own boss?
I am very fortunate to work with a fantastic boss, we communicate regularly and keep each other informed about important matters. It’s highly important to be honest and open in discussion (the good, bad and ugly!); and have good working dialogue.
On a typical workday, how do you start your day and how does it end?
Each day is unique, every day I start off writing five ‘objectives’ for the day; pre-client meeting preparation. At the end of the day I finish off all follow-up emails, ticking off my objectives.
What advice can you give to our members about raising their profiles within their own organisations. How have you benefited from coaching or mentoring?
Authenticity is essential when you are dealing with colleagues or clients with willingness to connect with people from different backgrounds. Think on your feet.
I have attended few coaching sessions in the past and found it highly beneficial, especially when faced with different people and put in difficult situations.
Do you think networking is important and if so, what three tips would you give to a newbie networker?
Networking is imperative.
- A clear understanding who your target market is and identify people that matter to you ( quality not quantity)
- People shy away from talking with strangers, therefore carry out research (Social Media / LinkedIn) to find something in common to talk about.
- Make Strategic introductions to others that could help them it’s not all about taking; it’s about giving.
What does the future hold for you?
KMD Neupart was established in UK last year and there has been so much growth within the UK. I am committed to grow the business and have a five-year plan to greatly expand the Regional business.