The ascent of successful women leaders across various industries marks a significant stride towards gender equality in the professional sphere. Among these remarkable individuals stands Suguna Gnana, a beacon of inspiration and resilience in the realm of business leadership.

Hailing from a typical Indian middle-class family, Suguna's journey to leadership was paved with obstacles. Despite being one of eight siblings, she defied the odds and pursued higher education, initially in nursing at a govern­ment institution. Her path eventually led her to serve in the Indian Military, where she retired as a Major, demonstrating her commitment and determina­tion in challenging environments.

Her transition into the corporate world was through her business mentor and husband Gnanasekar when she was heading HR and Finance at BBSSL However it took an unexpected turn with the untimely passing of him led her to take the CEO mantle of BBSSL. Faced with adversity, Suguna found strength in the responsibility she bore for the livelihoods of hundreds of em­ployees dependent on their company. Motivated by this realization, she em­braced entrepreneurship, determined to carry forward their legacy and lead the company to greater heights.

Her decision to pursue a management course at the prestigious IIM-B was not only a testament to her resilience but also a tribute to her late husband's unwavering support and encouragement. The knowledge and skills acquired during her time at IIM-B have been instrumental in her journey as a business leader.

Under her guidance, Best of Breed Software Solu­tions has thrived, thanks in no small part to the dedica­tion and efficiency of her outstanding team. Suguna's story exemplifies the power of perseverance, determi­nation, and the transformative impact of education in propelling individuals towards success despite formi­dable challenges. Let’s dive into this one on one inter­action to know more about Suguna and her journey as an entrepreneur.

Tell us about your experience while working for the Indian Army. What are some key areas of expertise that you have developed over the years?

My tenure in the Indian Army profoundly influenced both my personal and professional growth, instilling enduring skills and qualities pivotal to my success. Among the key areas of expertise honed during my service are leadership, exemplified through crisis man­agement and ethical leadership; teamwork and collab­oration; and accountability. Strategic thinking became second nature, encompassing a comprehensive under­standing of missions, goals, and the ability to analyze complex operational environments, formulate strate­gic plans, and execute them with precision.

Decisiveness under pressure emerged as a hall­mark, relying on critical thinking and experience to make bold and effective decisions advancing strategic objectives. Adaptability and flexibility were essential, recognizing the necessity to adjust plans dynamically in response to evolving conditions. Additionally, mas­tering risk assessment and mitigation strategies be­came imperative, anticipating threats and vulnerabil­ities while developing contingency plans.

Operational efficiency became ingrained through optimizing processes, resources, and capabilities to enhance readiness and effectiveness amidst a rapidly changing global security landscape. My experience in the Indian Army cultivated a robust skill set that con­tinues to drive my success in diverse professional en­deavors.

Introduce us to Best of Breed Software Solutions.Throw light on the key responsibilities you shoulder as the company’s CEO?

As the CEO of Best of Breed Software Solutions (BBSSL), my role is not just about steering the ship; it's about charting a course for innovation, growth, and sustain­ability in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Founded in 2003 by the visionary Late Gnanasekar, BBSSL isn't just a company—it's a testament to women's excellence in technology.

At BBSSL, my responsibilities are manifold. I set the vision and strategy, defining our long-term goals while ensuring alignment with our values and culture. Uphold­ing the highest standards of corporate governance and ethical conduct is non-negotiable, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.

Strategic leadership is paramount. I guide the com­pany's direction, make high-stakes decisions, and as­semble a top-tier executive team capable of executing our vision. Financial stewardship is key—I oversee our financial health, maximizing revenue while minimizing costs to optimize profitability.

Business development is about more than just growth; it's about forging meaningful partnerships and alliances. CSR and sustainability are integral—we inte­grate these principles into our operations, making a pos­itive impact on society and the environment.

Product development and innovation are at the heart of what we do. I ensure we stay ahead of the curve, de­livering solutions that exceed customer expectations. Market positioning and branding efforts are ongoing, enhancing our reputation and visibility in the industry.

Operational excellence is our backbone. I drive effi­ciency across all facets of the business, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality solutions. Digital transformation is not just a buzzword—it's our reality. We invest in cut­ting-edge technologies to deliver value-added solutions to our clients.

In essence, my role as CEO of BBSSL is to lead with dedication, guiding the company towards sustained growth, innovation, and excellence. But above all, I pri­oritize the needs and satisfaction of our clients and em­ployees, ensuring BBSSL remains a beacon of success and empowerment in the tech world.

Which are some of the most critical professional milestones you have achieved over the years?

My career trajectory has been punctuated by sever­al pivotal milestones, each contributing to my growth and development - Earning a degree in Nursing laid the groundwork for my subsequent career advancements. Serving in the Indian Army, rising to the rank of Major, instilled valuable leadership skills, discipline, and a pro­found sense of duty. Transitioning into entrepreneur­ship alongside my husband opened new avenues and challenges in the business realm.

Leading BBSSL has been a cornerstone of my pro­fessional journey, marked by securing strategic part­ nerships, expanding market reach, and establishing our presence globally. Through a sister company, we actively empower rural college students, fostering independence and self-sufficiency.

Furthering my education with an MBA in HR en­hanced my skill set and strategic acumen. Overcoming challenges, including the loss of my husband, show­cased resilience and adaptability, driving BBSSL forward despite adversity.

As a female leader in the tech industry, empowering women in the workforce stands as a significant achieve­ment. At BBSSL, fostering a culture of inclusion and ad­vancement for women has been paramount, serving as a model for aspiring female leaders.

What has been your success mantra as a leader over the years?

Throughout my tenure as CEO of BBSSL, my leadership ethos has centered on visionary guidance, strategic de­cision-making, and unwavering dedication. By fostering an environment of innovation, flexibility, and a relent­less focus on customer satisfaction, we continuously strive for excellence and advancement. I view challeng­es as opportunities for growth and development, lever­aging them to propel BBSSL to new levels of success in the ever-evolving business environment.

Advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs/ business leaders: As we embark on our journey, we should always remember that our gender does not define our capabilities or potential for success. We should embrace our unique perspective and experiences as strengths that can set us apart in the business world. Seek out mentors and allies who can offer guidance and support along the way. We have to be bold in pursuing our goals and be ready to face the challenges. Remember to prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Stay true to your values and vision, and never underestimate the power of perseverance. Everyone has the ability to make a significant impact in our chosen field, so we must believe in ourselves and our abilities.

Suguna Gnana, CEO, Best Of Breed Software Solutions

Suguna Gnana, CEO of Best of Breed Software Solutions, a visionary leader with a background in nursing and Indian Army service. Transitioning to entrepreneurship after her husband's passing, she drives BBSSL's success with strategic leadership and a commitment to innovation, empowering women in tech along the way.

Awards of Recognitions won so far:

• Business Women of the year, 2023, The CEO Magazine
• Implementation Partner Award
• Delhi APEA Award
• Infosys Partner Award
• Finacle SAAS Partner of the Year Award