The fourth episode of our empowering blog series, The Women Behind BDx, brings us to Lakshmi Sona Singh, Business DevelopmentManager for BDx based in London, UK.

Lakshmi Sona Singh, we know her as Sona, has been referred to as, “The most awesome woman we know,” by Mensxp Magazine. No wonder!  Sona was the first person to skate in Antarctica!  This is a woman of resilience, grit, and determination. It is not surprising that after only five months with BDx, Sona received a “Star of the Month” recognition award, and indeed her star continues to shine brightly as one of the leading ladies of BDx.  Sona believes in working hard, doing what it takes to get the job done, and then making sure her voice is heard and that her efforts are noticed. She is taking her seat at the table and so much more!

“″[Tech] is changing our lives,” says Gates, “and so women have to be able to have their great ideas come forward, not just have a seat at the table, but have their great ideas come forward to help change society.” – Melinda Gates.

Let’s meet Sona, #BDxpert on Business Development in The BigSmoke.

What makes BDx different from other places you’ve worked?

The feel factor of belonging to this place after just six months says it all.  BDx is new, BDx is fresh, BDx is ambitious. Each and every employee is handpicked by the CEO. Having been personally selected by Braham Singh as the result of a10-minute casual conversation is proof of this to me. The true meaning of teamwork can be felt at BDx. BDx enables its employees to share their ideas and thoughts freely with the top leadership – the connection and pride everyone has is very unique.

What is your proudest BDx career moment, and why?

I come from a telecom background where theData Center was just two letters (DC) with a two-line description. So to get the “Star of the Month” award within just five months of joining not only a new company but also in a completely new role is definitely the proudest moment in my BDx career so far.

What, in your eyes, sets BDx apart from its competition?

The BDx mantra of constantly striving for improvement and the flexibility to bend over backward to fulfill its customer’s needs really sets BDx apart. I have not yet experienced the word “NO” from the team for any given requirement I bring to them on behalf of my customers. And trust me, all of our customers are very unique and require very specific solutions.

How would you describe the BDx culture?

The BDx culture is open and transparent.  It is about working together as a team, not just as colleagues, but also as friends. It is diverse. The leaders are visible and accessible. I would sum up the BDx Culture in a quote by Biz Stone, “Positive culture comes from being mindful, and respecting your coworkers, and being empathetic.”

Tell us about your typical day at BDx?

My everyday life at BDx (mentally) starts at 6:00 a.m. with a 5 KM run. During this time, I think about what I will be doing and learning that day. Technically it starts at 9:00 a.m. with checking the DC updates on the various forums I am registered in, followed by implementing my plans, which I have thought of in the morning. My role involves the Business Development of BDx in the WesternRegion, so I spend a lot of time searching on LinkedIn to connect with new partners. I associate myself with various regional networking forums, and I spend time telling them more about BDx. Tuesdays and Fridays are action-packed days as they involve the 360-degree visibility of the company’s performance, reviews and future plans.

What is most challenging about being a woman in technology?

Women these days are breaking all the stereotypes of gender biased roles. I follow two simple rules of making myself visible: Call out the people who are not taking you seriously and a little bit of bragging.

What traits define you?

I am very cheerful, a positive thinker, observant, analytical, and I am 100% dedicated to my work.

Who’s your favorite female inspiration?

I am quite a fan of many famous independent female leaders like Priyanka Chopra, Michelle Obama and Indira Nooyi, all who have made their mark in various fields of their work. But my favorite female inspiration remains my Mother – Malti Singh. I will never forget her saying, “When you know you are right, don’t seek anybody’s stamp (not even mine), just go ahead and do it.”

Favorite technology?

These days it’s Data Centers.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I don’t believe in the concept of free time. Instead, I can answer this question in terms of what I like to do during my non-office working hours.  After the 9:00– 18:00 Monday to Friday schedule, I plan time for activities such as reading books, painting, roller skating, learning to bake, ironing (my best therapeutic activity), watching Netflix – this month it’s Gilmore Girls. Next month, I plan to enroll in a French language course. And after doing all of this if I still have some time which is “free” – I assign it to sleep!

On a personal note, I am a record holder inIndia’s prestigious Limca Book of Records (2019) for being the first ever (and only) person to skate in Antarctica – the 7th continent. My next target will be to be introduced into the Guinness Book of World Records for skating in the North Pole and all seven continents.  A small coverage of my achievement was included in a magazine called Mensxp in India.  

Words of Wisdom

“Go Big or Go Home.” – Lakshmi Sona Singh

BDx would like to thank Sona for her continued dedication, her hard work and her relentless commitment to the BDx team and all of our customers.  Keep that star shining bright, Sona!

Be sure to check back on our blog next month for another exciting edition of The Women Behind BDx. To keep up-to-date with everything BDx, subscribe to our newsletter now. To learn more about how BDx can help your business, reach out to us today.