Three words for entrepreneurs – R. Chandrasekaran, Group Chief Executive, Technology & Operations, Cognizant

• Self-confidence, innovation, and the drive to be different – these three, says R.Chandrasekaran, Group Chief Executive, Technology & Operations, Cognizant, are the most important qualities required of entrepreneurs.Self-confidence – You need confidence that you are here to make a difference. The drive that comes out of self-confidence is a very important thing.
• Innovation – Even if it’s a small idea, given today’s business environment, you can actually create a big business through that innovation.
• The drive to be different– This is related to the second one. The drive to be different means you don’t want to be an also-ran. Trying to do things differently is very important.

R. Chandrasekaran

Ramakrishnan Chandrasekaran did his Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the National Institute of Technology (formerly the Regional Engineering College), Trichy, and MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, informs the company site.“Prior to joining Cognizant, Chandrasekaran worked with Tata Consultancy Services, and was responsible for setting up its offices across the US and Europe,” notes Nasscom, where he is part of the executive council. “Chandrasekaran has been associated with Cognizant since its founding in 1994, propelling its growth into a global delivery organisation, spearheading newer solutions and championing crucial process initiatives.”

Cognizant

Headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey (US), Cognizant has over 50 delivery centres worldwide and approximately 164,300 employees as of June 30, 2013, informs the company site. “Cognizant is a member of the NASDAQ-100, the S&P 500, the Forbes Global 2000, and the Fortune 500 and is ranked among the top performing and fastest growing companies in the world.” A page on innovation states that the company continually incubates new approaches and services offerings to prepare clients for new technologies with significant business potential. “We focus on technologies that promise to reduce costs, streamline processes and speed time-to-market. A key element of this approach is our Global Technology Office (GTO), which provides technology R&D, services and solutions to help clients on their transformation initiatives.”