In today's dynamic business environment, women leaders are leaving no stone unturned when it comes to setting new benchmarks. Shikha Kamra, as Director of Partner Management at Alorica, stands as a testament to this trend, showcasing resilience and ambition in her journey. Originating from Bikaner, Rajasthan, Shikha's decision to deviate from traditional academic paths in pursuit of financial autonomy underscores her determination. Graduating from Mody College and further honing her skills at institutions including Amity University, she gained invaluable insights and experiences. With a rich professional background spanning notable companies such as e4e Healthcare, Sourcepoint (formerly ISGN) and Wipro, Shikha brings a wealth of expertise to her current role at Alorica. Leading Partner Management with unwavering dedication, she continues to make significant contributions to the organization's success while inspiring others with her remarkable journey. Let’s hear more from her.

Could you walk us through your previous work experience and highlight some key areas of expertise you've honed as a business leader over the years?

Commencing in presales, I supported sales teams with capability decks and bid management. Transitioning swiftly to a Solution Architect role, I tackled large RFPs, BPaaS (Business Process as a Service) deals, and crafted tailored solutions for clients, spanning pricing, win themes, and negotiations. Progressing within solution design, I served diverse sectors such as healthcare, banking, and non-banking industries. Collaborating closely with sales and marketing, I emphasized our offerings as valuable solutions to meet client needs. A standout achievement was showcasing my organization's capabilities at its Silicon Valley Innovation Centre, resulting in acclaim and paving the way for increased responsibilities. This journey has been marked by continuous growth and the opportunity to contribute to our organization's success through innovative solutions and strategic collaborations with clients.

Please provide an overview of Alorica and outline the diverse responsibilities you undertake in your role as Director at the company.

Alorica India, a subsidiary of Alorica headquartered in California, USA, serves over 250 clients across 18 countries, boasting a workforce of over 115,000 dedicated employees. Renowned as a global leader in providing customer experience solutions, we cater to esteemed brands in sectors including Banking & Financial Services, Communications, Healthcare, Energy & Utilities, Public Sector, and Retail & Consumer Goods. Our Indian operations are headquartered in Bengaluru, with another delivery center in Mohali, Punjab, and plans for expansion into other cities to accommodate our growth trajectory. Within Alorica, I contribute to the Alorica IQ team, which is dedicated to integrating digital solutions into every interaction. I am responsible for fostering a robust partner ecosystem of technology providers, evaluating their offerings for suitability, onboarding selected vendors, negotiating contracts and pricing, and ensuring ongoing relationship management to drive mutual success and efficiency gains.

What, in your view, are among the most pressing challenges faced by business leaders? How do you approach overcoming these obstacles?

Embracing the belief that challenges are opportunities, I embark on each day within our fiercely competitive market with a sense of purpose. The dynamic landscape, fueled by disruptive technologies and the imperative to promptly address client needs in a 'first-to-market' environment, presents an array of ongoing hurdles. Our organizational ethos is deeply rooted in agility and foresight, driving us to anticipate and adapt to industry shifts proactively. We maintain a dedicated research team tasked with vigilantly monitoring our business landscape and cultivating innovative solutions. Successfully navigating these formidable challenges demands discipline, both individually and collectively within our teams. Regular self-assessment against predetermined milestones serves as our compass, ensuring we remain steadfast amidst the ever-changing currents of our industry, poised to seize opportunities and overcome obstacles with resilience and ingenuity.

Please illuminate us about the most significant professional milestone you've reached during your career journey.

My career journey has been shaped by the diverse organizations I've contributed to, the multifaceted roles I've embraced, and the individuals I've collaborated with. These experiences have intricately woven together, offering me abundant opportunities for skill refinement and tackling complex challenges head-on. Moreover, the unwavering support of a robust professional network and the guidance of inspiring mentors have played pivotal roles in nurturing my growth. With each step, I've been equipped to take on progressively greater responsibilities, empowered by the collective wisdom and encouragement of those around me.

What is your definition of success as a business leader, and what guiding principles have shaped your success throughout your career?

'Playing Thy Part and Embracing Teamwork' serves as my timeless formula for achieving success. It's all too common to underestimate the challenges others face, falling prey to the illusion that their journey is effortless. This pervasive 'grass is greener' mentality overlooks the intrinsic value of every role within an organization. Each individual brings unique capabilities to the table, contributing to the collective success. Through unwavering discipline, daily commitment, and fostering a culture of collaboration and open communication, success becomes an inevitable outcome. Personally, success manifests as a sense of fulfillment at day's end, a sentiment I eagerly share with my teenage daughter. I prioritize recognizing and celebrating small victories, as they pave the path towards larger triumphs, reinforcing the significance of teamwork and individual contributions in achieving shared goals.

Shikha Kamra, Director, Alorica

Shikha Kamra, Director at Alorica, embodies a philosophy of teamwork and personal dedication. With a belief in the importance of every role, she fosters collaboration and communication to drive success. Shikha's leadership is guided by a mantra of playing her part and celebrating each day's achievements, shared with her daughter.