For an episode of Guwahati Connection, Sidharth Bedi had an interesting conversation with Atreyee Borooah Thekedath, exploring her career, journey and future plans.
Atreyee Borooah Thekedath is an entrepreneur in the IT sector and is the founder of Web.com (India) Pvt. Ltd., one of Assam’s leading software development companies. Established in 1999, the company is a trusted partner to many large PSUs and government establishments in the region and abroad.
The first person to be nominated by the US Embassy for the prestigious Fortune/U.S. State Department Global Women’s Mentoring Partnership, she is also a member of the Vital Voices Leadership Network, a worldwide network of women leaders.
Borooah serves as an Independent Director of Agra Smart City and is on the Board of Governors at the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing, Jabalpur, under the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. Additionally, she is the Director of Assam Hospital Ltd. (Apollo Hospitals Guwahati).
During her conversation with GPlus, following was discussed.
Sidharth: As a successful entrepreneur, how do you define success?
Atreyee: Success is relative, but to me, it’s about having the freedom to do what you want, when you want.
Sidharth: Can you share your entrepreneurial journey?
Atreyee: I’m an engineer and MBA who never initially considered entrepreneurship. After starting my career at Hewlett Packard in Singapore, I realised I didn’t enjoy working for someone else. I returned to Guwahati in the late 90s and began my entrepreneurial journey, starting with a web technology training franchise, which eventually evolved into a development company.
Sidharth: How have you seen Guwahati’s business environment evolve?
Atreyee: When I returned from Singapore, there was very little here. Now, there's a lot of entrepreneurial activity and support. The environment has significantly evolved, with more people returning and starting businesses.
Sidharth: What’s your take on the startup ecosystem in Guwahati?
Atreyee: It’s developing. While the failure rate is high globally, Guwahati is catching up. We have some successful startups, and the ecosystem is improving.
Sidharth: How has AI impacted your business?
Atreyee: AI has dramatically changed the landscape, enhancing productivity. It's here to stay, and while it may take over repetitive tasks, new opportunities will emerge, requiring human creativity.
Sidharth: What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs?
Atreyee: Follow your passion and be persistent. Success requires perseverance. If you’re not passionate, it’s hard to sustain the effort needed.
Sidharth: How do you stay updated on technology trends?
Atreyee: I read extensively and stay active on platforms like LinkedIn to keep up with dynamic trends.
Sidharth: Reflecting on your long career, what is a key takeaway for those who prefer a stable job over entrepreneurship?
Atreyee: Whatever you choose, do it well and with dedication. There are plenty of opportunities for success in all fields.
Sidharth: If you could change one thing in Guwahati, what would it be?
Atreyee: I would preserve the beautiful Assam-type houses as heritage sites. They are a significant part of our cultural history.
Sidharth: Considering the ongoing issues in Guwahati, like flooding and urban decay, which problem bothers you the most as a long-time resident?
Atreyee: Flooding has always been an issue, especially in areas like Chandmari. This problem has persisted for 50 years, regardless of population growth. I believe infrastructure issues need expert solutions, but as citizens, we must also change our behaviours. For instance, avoiding plastic use and not littering can significantly help. It's a shared responsibility between us and the government.
Sidharth: Given your awareness, would you consider joining politics to bring about change in the city?
Atreyee : Maybe. I strongly believe in giving back to society, which I already do in various ways. Who knows what the future holds?
Sidharth: How do you currently give back to society?
Atreyee: I'm a member of the Vital Voices Global Leadership Network, and I organise a mentoring walk for young women. This year marks the 10th year of this initiative. Senior women mentor young girls, offering guidance and exposure. It has been life-changing for many of them, which gives me immense satisfaction.
Sidharth: In the bigger picture, would you pursue politics?
Atreyee: I'm not sure, but I know I'll continue to give back more than I currently do.
Sidharth: Balancing entrepreneurship and family life must be challenging. How do you manage it?
Atreyee: I’m blessed with family support, which is crucial for any woman entrepreneur. My children have always supported me, allowing me to be both a hands-on mother and a dedicated entrepreneur. Women are natural multitaskers, and the flexibility of entrepreneurship has enabled me to be present for my family while managing my work effectively.
Sidharth: Now that your kids are grown, do they encourage you to take a break?
Atreyee: No, they actually encourage me to stay active. I can’t sit idle, so I will continue working.
