In the rapidly evolving landscape of the IT industry, dynamic women leaders have emerged as powerful catalysts for growth. Through their strategic acumen, these exceptional individuals are steering their organizations toward success, leveraging their visionary mindset and extensive industry experience. They play a pivotal role played in driving growth through strategy, highlighting their exceptional leadership, innovative thinking, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Krishna Peesapati is an accomplished professional with an MBA degree in Business Management from XLRI Jamshedpur. With a successful journey spanning over 22 years, Krishna's continuous learning approach and adaptability have proven crucial in navigating the dynamic and knowledge-driven software industry, where she currently thrives as the Co-founder and Director, and Head of Operations and Strategy at Covalense Global.

Engaging in an idiosyncratic interaction with Women Entrepreneur magazine, Krishna shares the imperious details of her journey as one of the influencing entrepreneurs in the country. Let’s hear it from her.

Introduce us to Covalense Global. Tell us about the underlying idea behind the company.

Covalense Global was carefully named with a vision to endure for over a century, reflecting our commitment to longevity. After months of brainstorming, we settled on the name Covalense. 'Covalense' represents the enduring covalent bond, known for its strength, while 'SE' symbolizes the reliable foundation of software engineering. As a science enthusiast, I wanted a name that encapsulated resilience and stability.

Being a founding member, I played a critical role, including seed funding, in the company's establishment in 2006. Covalense Global is a digital transformation and enterprise solutions company offering superior and tailored solutions across geographies. Our primary goal has always been to serve as a trusted development partner and technology advisor to our clients. Today, we have successfully achieved that objective through long-term partnerships and delivering reliable solutions across a wide array of industry verticals.

What are some of the roles and responsibilities you shoulder as the Director & Head of Operations at Covalense Global?

As the Director and Head of operations, sales, and strategy, my responsibilities encompass a broad spectrum of critical areas. I oversee global strategy implementation and customer relationship management, ensuring seamless delivery of our services and solutions. With a focus on maintaining strong client connections, I personally engage with customers worldwide, traveling and meeting in person whenever feasible. Collaborating closely with the PMO, technical directors, and engineering teams, I play a pivotal role in driving successful outcomes. Additionally, I support the operations' administrative and head the legal and compliance team, while also providing partial assistance to the HR teams as needed. Active involvement in strategic goal-setting, supporting the CEO, financial planning, and global roadmap planning for Covalense Global further defines my multifaceted role.

What role has your Alma Mater XLRI Jamshedpur played in shaping you as a business leader?

Attending XLRI has been instrumental in my professional growth, and I am immensely satisfied with the decision to pursue the comprehensive MBA program with its diverse range of 21 electives. The program's structure and the expertise of the professors provided an enriching and holistic learning experience, specifically designed to groom aspiring business leaders. My specialization in business management exposed me to a plethora of subjects, with each book and case study offering unique perspectives and invaluable insights.

Even years after completion, I find myself referring back to those books, as they encompass exemplary case studies from global enterprises, showcasing successes and pitfalls. Subjects like operations research, strategic management, HRM, organizational behavior, sales and strategy, branding, and marketing have profoundly shaped my knowledge and capabilities.

“The power of continuous learning & adaptability lies in our ability to embrace change & navigate challenges, & we at covalense global are striving to shape a successful future for ourselves & our clients”

What are some of the professional milestones that you have achieved throughout your professional journey?

Over the past four years, the ability to secure significant engagements and forge important strategic partnerships has been a crucial driver of our organization's global growth. This accomplishment holds immense professional significance for me, especially considering my prior role in finance, legal, and compliance, where I supported various teams for over a decade, gaining a comprehensive understanding of our business operations. Transitioning to head operations, sales, and strategy, winning large-scale engagements, and establishing vital partnerships have become major milestones in my career.

Another noteworthy achievement includes identifying and procuring an ideal office space in the heart of IT Park and large MNCs, fulfilling a long-standing dream. Being recognized as a trusted development partner by numerous Fortune 500 organizations across multiple geographies, due to my dedicated customer relationship management, represents yet another significant milestone I take immense pride in.

What would your advice be to young women and girls who also aspire to become business leaders and entrepreneurs in the future?

Women entrepreneurs embarking on their journey must prioritize internal competency, resilience, and effective communication. Building a strong network and seeking diverse perspectives become essential steps toward success. Perseverance and determination are crucial, as giving up should never be an option. Continual learning and a strategic mindset enable effective leadership and organizational achievement. During challenging times, pausing to regain balance and making well-considered decisions is paramount. Emphasizing personal values, intrinsic motivation, and long-term fulfillment over fleeting external recognition will empower women to thrive as entrepreneurs and make a lasting impact in the business world.

Krishna Peesapati, Co-Founder & Director, Covalense Global

Krishna Peesapati, an avid learner and compassionate individual, has had a remarkable journey of two decades in the IT industry. Drawing from previous experience in IT organizations and a profound comprehension of team dynamics, Krishna's strategic acumen and operational expertise at Covalense Global contribute significantly to ensuring clients' success. Serving as an insightful and resourceful partner, Krishna strives to make each client's journey a resounding triumph, epitomizing the values of diligence, compassion, and unwavering commitment.