Achiever. For many, the word creates a vivid image of a survivor, fighting against odds to emerge victorious, taking the un-trodden path to achieve his/her ambitions in style. For a select few, it indicates a journey, made fruitful through choices and decisions—or in the words of Sumeeta Hari, Assistant Vice President, Quality at Satyam—“Just by being the best that one can.”

Fresh out of college, Sumeeta decided to gather job experience than opting for higher studies. When her peers were packing their bags to cross the oceans in the hope of fulfilling their ambitions, Sumeeta set out to chase her dreams at home, armed with only a Bachelors degree and a Diploma in Computer Applications. She rejected a seat at a top institute and started working as a Software Developer in a computer firm. Her naïve but assured mind was not the least scared.

Twenty years down the lane, a mature Sumeeta muses at her ‘yester-year’ enthusiasm. “I got carried away with work experience, something I would not have done today,” she admits. But the choice stands testimony to her leadership qualities. “As a leader of a highly qualified team, I tell myself that I may not have grown this way if I had considered education. Real merit lies in the ability, the capability and the kind of attitude you show.”

Thanks to her abilities, today she is leading the global quality consulting business at Satyam Computers, with over 180 consultants and 70 plus live consulting projects. Her expertise is reflected by her title as a Carnegie Mellon certified CMMI Trainer and CMMI Candidate Lead Assessor. After all, she is credited to have played a pivotal role in large organizations like DSQ Software, Citibank Technologies and even Satyam in achieving the ISO 9000 and the CMM Level 4 and CMM level 5 accreditation in Quality. And she is probably among the youngest to reach this high seat.

Reminiscing, Sumeeta describes her career as one roller coaster ride, where it was never about planning, but choosing to take the bus when the opportunity arrived.