Khan made the transition to the IT sector from Citibank where she worked as a relationship manager. More than a decade later Khan has mastered the art and science of managing the channel and its many faces. Khan has worked with a number of prominent organisations including Emitac Distribution, Techdata and Metra Computers.
Khan believes that her role at Lexmark has been aided by the wealth of experience and firsthand knowledge she has acquired over the years in addition to the hard earned respect of peers in the industry.
She says that she enjoys being on the field and directly engaging with partners and distributors. The ability to work on the field requires good negotiation and interpersonal skills to develop a strong business network and keep updated the latest market information to stay competitive. An element Khan considers her USP.
“One tree can make 100,000 matchsticks, but one matchstick can burn 100,000 trees- one negative thought can destroy all positive thoughts. Self motivation, self confidence and the right attitude are the key to success,” Khan is careful to point out. Similarly, Khan believes that one cannot do justice to a role they don’t enjoy. At Lexmark, she says she enjoys the right balance between authority and responsibility.
Passionate about her work, Khan credits a strong support system at work and home for helping her maintain the delicate work-life balance.
“While my manager, Mark Thompson, allows me the freedom and flexibility to manage the business on my own terms, he is always ready to support and guide me should I need it. Similarly, my husband’s support and encouragement to achieve my career aspirations helps me come back to work with a renewed vigour,” she says.
Today, Khan cannot see beyond the channel and believes this to be the role where she feels right at home.
