Sonali Chowdary firmly believes that open communication and continuous learning can help any individual and organisation to succeed through the most challenging of times. The dynamic CEO of Officenet – a provider of innovative and user-friendly human resource (HR) solutions to enterprises – has been putting these ideas to practice with fascinating results. A woman of varied interests, ranging from music, travel and gardening, Ms Chowdary continues to inspire and be inspired by life. In a friendly chat with Sharmila Chand, the Officenet chief opens up about her professional and personal lives.

How do you define yourself?

Self-driven, hardworking and grounded

What is your philosophy of life?

By aligning creativity with practical processes, I find a deep sense of purpose in my work, which fuels my motivation to continually strive for better results across all areas of my life.

What is your passion in life?

During my college years, music, later travel, then nurturing my children and now gardening

What is your management mantra? 

Discipline, clear focus on business goals, consistent effort and an unwavering commitment to these goals are what drive long-term success.

What is your work philosophy?

As a leader, it is crucial to lead by example, demonstrating the values I preach and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

Business leaders you admire the most...

Ratan Tata for his unwavering commitment to philanthropy and Narayan Murthy for his pioneering role in the IT sector and additionally, for their work ethic, humility and integrity

Your source of inspiration...

Being from a defence family, I have always been inspired by the values of discipline, dedication and pride in one’s work.

You are a tough, serious boss or...

I am a tough boss who sets high standards and expects the best from my team.

What do you enjoy the most in life, generally?

Travelling, especially to explore the rich history and cultural heritage of our ancient temples that offer a deep connection to the past and a glimpse into the architectural marvels and spiritual traditions that have shaped our civilization

How do you de-stress?

Cooking a new recipe is my go-to for unwinding and de-stressing after a long day.

What is your fitness regime?

I prioritise my daily fitness by committing to a 5-km walk every morning. This routine is more than just exercise; it is a vital part of my day that helps me clear my mind, set my intentions and prepare for the challenges ahead.

Ten years from now, where do we see you?

Leading a larger team in a bigger office building, with our products and services reaching even more global markets