Women leadership series - In conversations with Prachi Kotmire

How would you introduce yourself?

A Seasoned IT leader with experience in AI-driven digital transformation, automation, and IT operations; a wonderer and a fitness enthusiast.

Can you tell me a bit about your career journey? When did you first get into a leadership role?

Initiated corporate journey in 2008 as a techie, in IT security domain with HP group. Followed by service delivery and operations domain @IBM for almost five years. Then took over, Senior Delivery consultant role with DXC technology. Stepped up in leadership role in year 2020 as a customer engagement global lead. Joined Commonwealth Bank of Australia in mid-2021 and shouldered the responsibility of senior manager, Application Management. Stepped up as a Transformation director in Oct’2023 @ LTIMindtree. Had a fantastic career journey so far and looking forward for more!

What were the top challenges you faced during your journey and how did you overcome them?

The challenges begun post getting into leadership role. Major aspect of leadership is people management, keeping the business requirements on the top priority. Maintaining balance between business and people expectations is crucial. Major challenge I have faced is managing the balance between financial growth expectations of employees and business goals. To deal with it, you must know the major business drivers and doers. For this, closely connect with people is important. Keep in mind, EQ and IQ are equally important.

What motivates you?

New challenges and exposure to new learnings and domains keep motivating me.

Do you have a role model in your life? Can you name a few people who you look up to?

I cannot name a specific role model. I do learn from anyone and everyone. Sometimes what I am supposed to do as a leader, and sometimes what I am not supposed to. I follow principles of multiple leaders though like Ratan Tata, Indra Nooyi, Kamala Harris, Sheryl Sandberg, Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, Satya Nadella, Sundar Pichai and list goes on!

What does leadership mean to you? How would you describe your leadership style?

Leadership comes with responsibility and accountability of business and people! It’s about taking the risk, collaboration and empowerment! Leadership is not about controlling people and making them follow you. It’s about taking them along in the journey, help them to participate and grow.

I describe myself as a   democratic leader.

What would be your advice to young leaders?

Invest in your people, your customers and in yourself. IQ and EQ are equally important!