Roshni Nadar Malhotra, the Chairperson of HCLTech, has had a remarkable career journey. After completing her undergraduate degree in film and television, she worked as a producer with Sky News in London. However, her father, Shiv Nadar, the founder of HCL Technologies, advised her to pursue an MBA, which led her to join the HCL Group in 2008. She became a member of the board in 2013 and was appointed as Chairperson in 2020. Malhotra is ranked second on the list of Most Powerful Women in Business and was declared the richest woman in India by the M3M Hurun India Rich List earlier this year.
In an interview, Malhotra shared her experiences and insights on leadership, diversity, and inclusion. She emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself and being committed to one’s goals. She also highlighted the need for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, particularly in the tech industry. As Chairperson of HCLTech, Malhotra has made sure that 50% of the company’s board comprises women, and she hopes that this diversity will trickle down to the rest of the organization.
Malhotra also discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the Indian IT industry, including the impact of geopolitical headwinds and tariffs. She believes that the growth of global capability centers (GCCs) in India will continue, and that the industry needs to be given more credit for its agility and ability to navigate complex challenges. When asked about unique challenges she faced as a woman chairing a global tech corporation, Malhotra said that her biggest challenge was not being a woman, but being young. She was 39 when she became Chairperson, and she often faced comments about her age rather than her gender.
Malhotra’s advice to women aspiring for leadership positions is to “stay the course” and remain committed to their goals. She also emphasizes the importance of upskilling oneself and grabbing every opportunity that comes along. She believes that leaders should be authentic and true to themselves, and that this is essential for success in any field. Overall, Malhotra’s story is an inspiration to many, and her leadership and vision for HCLTech are likely to have a significant impact on the tech industry in the years to come.
In terms of HCLTech’s future plans, Malhotra mentioned that the company is focusing on expanding its presence in new geographies, including Japan, India, and the Middle East. She also highlighted the company’s strengths in AI and its range of solutions, including AI Force, AI Foundry, and AI Labs. Malhotra believes that AI will enhance the skills needed in the workforce, rather than replacing workers, and that HCLTech is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. With her leadership and vision, HCLTech is likely to continue to grow and thrive in the years to come.