An IBM-er is probably the prototype of an IT professional. Words such as ?structure? and ?process? sit nicely with these guys and Pradeep Nair is every bit of that, and a little more, as we found out during this 90 minute chat.
Pradeep looks lean and fit thanks to the hours he puts in during the daily morning runs, and talks in a (no prizes for guessing this one) very structured fashion. We remind him of that and Pradeep is quick to point out that it is an occupational hazard. ?You know, some bit of structure and process is always good,? he says, slicking back his salt and pepper hair.
As the director of IBM?s Software Group, Pradeep is responsible for the management and growth of Software Group?s business in India and South Asia. He also oversees the sales and support of IBM?s software products and services in India. ?The processes,? he elaborates, ?are there to help you. No one invented these for the sake of it. It improves productivity and efficiency.?
But the notion is that rigid corporate structures can hamper individuality.
?I?ll give you an example to correct this notion,? says Pradeep. ?There was a team member with whom I was really upset with. His work on a certain project wasn?t upto the mark. While I was talking to him, I could see him smiling at me and I was even more irritated by that. He just turned around and told me that whether or not to smile was his prerogative!?
?So now you would know how things run here at IBM. That was a small example. There are any number of examples to show that we are not just about structures and processes.?
Pradeep is a quintessential IBM man, having worked with the IT giant for 16 years. Time flies. ?Working with IBM gives you the opportunity to work in various functions. There are several roles that you can take up within the organisation, without having to resort to switching jobs.?
Having previously worked with IBM?s regional team in ASEAN/SA in multiple roles, Pradeep was involved with managing the software business in different markets. These included heading the Lotus and Tivoli Businesses, which are an integral part of IBM?s Software Group overall business. More recently, he has also spearheaded SMB and Channel Teams across the region. Besides, he was instrumental in devising a robust SMB and channel partner strategy in the region, accelerating market adoption of IBM products.
Pradeep?s technical expertise and domain knowledge across sectors reflected in his work with his clients while working with IBM?s client coverage organisation in Mumbai. He has worked closely with customers in the financial services sector and with small and medium businesses during his days there.
?India is a very fascinating market. IBM thrives in solving complex problems and a country like India provides that in ample measure,? says Pradeep, who has an engineering degree from the University of Mumbai alongside a PGDM from IIM, Kolkata.
?IBM offers you great challenges and it also has the bandwidth to have a great crack at developing innovative solutions. Being in the India market satisfies our hunger for such solutions.? IBM?s ceaseless search for smarter software is a case in point. Smart software is one that can reduce consumption of electricity by analysing energy usage, prevents crime by analysing crime statistics to point out high-vulnerability areas and also help one organise his daily life schedule. After all, the drive is towards a smarter planet.
Interestingly, Pradeep has been innovating outside work as well. ?Well, I have jumped off a plane a few times. I love that adrenaline rush. My wife who is in the advertising industry does not like that too much, but I guess am a bit of an adventure seeker.?
?As a family (we have no kids) and all we are trying to do is go on frequent vacations these days. Both of us love going on vacations together to exotic destinations.
Recently, we went to Norway and loved it.? Pradeep feels that as years pass by, one tends to look at stuff outside one?s area of work. ?It?s a great feeling to know and feel one?s horizons expanding.?
