WOMEN AND TECHNOLOGY: HARLEEN SOHAL, REGIONAL MARKETING MANAGER - MEA, WSO2

WSO2 is an open-source API-first integration vendor that offers a broad technology platform to build digital products rapidly. WSO2 solutions allow enterprises to deploy applications and services on-premises, on private or public clouds, or in hybrid environments and easily migrate between them as needed. The Integrator spoke with Ms. Harleen Sohal, Regional Marketing Manager - MEA, to learn more about her journey and how women in the industry are rising to challenges and forging ahead.

Tell us about your journey and how you got to where you are now.

I have had a very fulfilling journey over the past 5+ years of working with leading IT distributors, and now an IT vendor for the MEA region. I started my career as a Marketing Coordinator, primarily addressing back-end support activities for Marketing Specialists. Over nearly two years, my role evolved into a team leader for a small yet diverse team of coordinators. We delivered great value by working with vendors and brand principals to ensure efficient campaign executions. It was immensely satisfying that, as a team, we developed a solid understanding of back-end marketing processes, compliance, and timelines, among other things; eventually, we could make a mark at a brand-building level. While wearing my Team Leader hat, I moved into the Specialist role, giving me a great flavor of ideation and marketing planning for my bucket of vendors. Fast forward to today, I am spearheading the MEA-level marketing planning and execution for my organization.

What motivates you to continue working, and what keeps you inspired?

Brand building and communication has always been an area of my interest. As a computer science engineer, marketing in tech felt like a sweet spot to learn more on the ground and build an interest-based skill set. The IT industry is unique when we look at it from a marketing lens. For instance, selling an IT product or solution requires stronger network interaction between various value chain stakeholders, primarily because of the complexity characteristic. For almost every transaction, the vendor, distributor, and channel partner must collaboratively work to create and deliver value for the end user. Exposure to such an extensive marketing process has allowed me to work end-to-end and develop a holistic understanding. This has enriched my journey, and it has been very motivating to be empowered to contribute to and drive the regional marketing strategy at my organization.

How do you balance your personal life and work, and your strategies to maintain that balance?

Creating a healthy balance between work and personal life is done by strengthening your organizational skills and maintaining healthy workplace boundaries. Often, in the flow of a fast-paced life, we forget the need to set and accept boundaries. Regarding organizing and scheduling, preferences vary among people, such as tracking apps, checklists, visualizations, and mind mapping, and some prefer using a plain old schedule diary. What works best for me is to create multiple organized spreadsheets that keep track of every little detail. Starting my day by reviewing these spreadsheets gives me a better idea of how to distribute the tasks over time. This allows me to unwind my mind and enjoy being present completely. It can be challenging initially; however, I advise assessing the finest strategy for you individually through trial and error and ensuring it is healthy for you in the long run.