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Vijayalakshmi Rao
Start-up Mentor/Business Advisor
Professional Background
Vijayalakshmi Rao, affectionately known as Viji, is a distinguished professional with approximately 40 years of experience spanning across multiple industries including consulting, entrepreneurship, and knowledge process outsourcing. Her remarkable journey in business has equipped her with the expertise to offer invaluable mentoring and business advisory support. Viji has a deep passion for helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses effectively, fostering innovation and growth in various sectors.
Viji's notable career began significantly at Scope e-Knowledge Center Pvt. Ltd., a globally recognized Knowledge Process Outsourcing organization, where she served as the Director and COO. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in transforming the company into a prominent player within the industry. After leading Scope through impactful growth phases, she successfully facilitated its sale to Quatrro BPO Solutions, marking a significant milestone in her career. Her extensive experience at Scope also involved heading large-scale market research assignments in the B2B domain, cementing her reputation as a leader capable of managing intricate projects with precision and insight.
Before her impactful tenure at Scope, Viji cultivated a diverse skill set through her roles at Steel Authority of India Ltd, S.B. Billimoria & Co, and TI Cycles of India, which is part of the renowned Murugappa Group. These positions allowed her to gain a comprehensive understanding of various operational dynamics and strategic management practices in different sectors.
Education and Achievements
Viji's educational journey is a reflection of her commitment to personal and professional growth. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from St. Francis College for Women in Hyderabad, which laid the foundation for her analytical and strategic mindset. Continuing her academic pursuit, she obtained an MBA from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. This premier institution enriched her expertise in management practices and strategic decision-making, further propelling her career in the business landscape.
Viji's outstanding professional journey is complemented by her dedication to societal impact, particularly focusing on women's education and empowerment. She is a co-founder and Advisor of Empowering Women in IT (eWIT), a voluntary forum dedicated to enhancing the representation and sustainability of women in the IT and ITES industries. Her role within this organization demonstrates her commitment to creating equitable opportunities for women in male-dominated sectors.
In addition, she serves as an Advisor for the Association for Non-Traditional Employment for Women (ANEW), where she plays a critical role in training and finding placements for underprivileged girls. Viji’s contributions to these organizations reflect her passion for social entrepreneurship and her dedication to uplifting the grassroots segment of society through education and skill development.
Achievements
Viji has garnered numerous accolades throughout her career, showcasing her formidable presence in the business and educational ecosystems. As a mentor, she is associated with various prestigious institutions including the Indian School of Business in their Women Entrepreneurship Program, Indian Institute of Management, and IIT Madras. She also mentors budding entrepreneurs through Stanford Seed Spark and is an active member of the Keiretsu Forum, further highlighting her commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Her strategic management skills, human resource development expertise, and mentoring capabilities set her apart as a thought leader in the business advisory domain. Viji's influence extends beyond the corporate sector, making her a cherished mentor and advisor to many emerging entrepreneurs and established companies alike. Through her efforts, she continues to uplift and support individuals and firms in achieving their business aspirations and goals.
tags=[
Business Mentor
Women Empowerment
Strategic Management
Human Resource Development
Entrepreneurship Support
Women in IT
Knowledge Process Outsourcing
B2B Market Research
IIM Ahmedabad Graduate
Scope e-Knowledge Center
TiE Chennai Member
Consulting
Education Advocacy
Location
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