J. Seshadri finds it useful to set up open communication channels and keep abreast of every development in the team. ?I have a multi-pronged style of management. No battle can be won alone, so it is necessary to aid the spread of technology throughout the organisation and involve other departments in planning and decision-making. Besides, I believe in investing resources in small-term projects that fit the organisation?s roadmap, even though they may not use the most ambitious technology,? he says.
As chief information officer (CIO) at Emerson Network Power India, he spearheads technology transformation, which, he believes, adds value to the business.
?Technology is a key differentiator. We have implemented several applications across multiple locations. For example, Oracle eBIZ applications and workflow-based solutions were deployed to improve productivity, process efficiency and operational excellence. Besides this, software packages like project management, disaster recovery solutions and integrated document management systems have been deployed.
Seshadri has a B.Sc. degree in mathematics, with a diploma in computers. In 2004, he joined Emerson Network Power. While leading technology transformation and implementation at the company, he is also a member of the executive leadership team.
Prior to Emerson Network Power, he worked with Godrej Tea Limited, where he was responsible for the implementation of ERP and SCM applications, and the sales reporting system. In the past, he has worked as a systems analyst at Vulcan Infotech, from where he moved to Abbott India Limited in 1997 as IT manager.
So, what are his targets at Emerson? ?My task is simple ? to influence strategic business decisions in my capacity as CIO. I aim to achieve this by bringing in the impact and future vision of emerging technologies and systems in relation to the company?s position.?
Today, Emerson has a vast portfolio of telecom products and solutions. These include automatic transfer switches, racks, monitoring solutions and inverters (30 kVA) for cell sites.
A career in telecom was never his first choice. Instead, he aspired to become an entrepreneur. ?At the early stages of my career, I chose to establish my own enterprise. From where I am now, I would like to lead technology change in a larger business ecosystem. The entrepreneurial zeal is still alive and I would love to start out on my own when a good opportunity presents itself,? he says.
At present, Seshadri seems well equipped to meet any challenge that comes his way. In his spare time, he enjoys playing badminton and spending time with his family.
