What does C²
do, exactly?
C² Technologies provides innovative performance-improvement solutions—we
have always been very focused on the U.S. federal government and Department
of Defense. [C² Technologies, Inc. was recently awarded their
largest contract to date, worth up to $346 million, with Army Training
and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) to provide a range of distance training
services from online, interactive courseware to traditional classroom
instructional materials.]
What is the key to the success of C² Technologies?
Our key to success is that we’ve always embraced new trends
and stayed at the forefront of technology. We would like to continue
to grow the company—we had 70% growth last year and 65% the
year before.
How have you balanced your children with your career?
When we started C² in 1989, we had no children. Now my kids are
ages nine and eleven. I come from an entrepreneurial family—children
were always part of the business. To be honest, I haven’t found
it that difficult to accommodate my schedule with [the children’s].
It helps that both my husband and myself work at the same company.
Tell me about the Women Who Mean Business Award.
I received the award in December 2005. It is an award given to 25
women from the Washington Metro area who have achieved success in
business, community service and life balance. C² has also received
lots of recognition as a company—both corporate awards and those
for products and services.
As a South Asian woman, how have you managed success in a
career where men still dominate?
I think it’s an advantage to be a South Asian woman. In the
[1980s] people were not aware of women—Indians per se—but
now they are more cognizant of the power of technology in India [and
are taking note of Indian people more]. Credibility and credentials
also help—my degree from Harvard in Interactive Technologies
has helped me.
What has been difficult about “breaking into”
business in the United States?
Until 1997, I operated the business on my own. I couldn’t get
a line of credit—as a woman in business. I only got credit in
1997 when my husband came on board. Certainly it helps that we’ve
both been a team—we’ve been in the industry now for 20
years and have got to know the clients, making it easier now.
What sort of reaction have you received from the South Asian
community?
The reaction has been all positive. When I first moved I knew nobody
here. Being a part of the TiE Chapter [http://dc.tie.org], an Indian
organization, has given me a lot of visibility in the South Asian
community.
How have you been involved in the community?
I have focused [on transferring] technology to India for education
purposes—my family established the Oberoi Education Society
(OES) [in 1962] with the goal of taking education to the poorest sections
of society in New Delhi, India. [As refugees from Pakistan in 1947,
my parents Mohini and Kulbhusan Oberoi] saw the need to contribute
to the development of India’s infrastructure through education
of the masses. Since 1962, OES has established nationally recognized
academic institutions including a Dental College. OES was among the
first in India to bring educational technology to its school. We also
have a family foundation [with husband, Curtis]—the Cox Family
Foundation—which sponsors a number of underprivileged children
to go to school.
Are you seeing more women becoming involved in the technology
industry?
More than there used to be, but not overwhelmingly. There are not
as many women networking and visible in the community. I am trying
to get more South Asians involved. I do a lot of mentoring of small
businesses. I’m not sure why more women won’t get involved—women
still do play a traditional role in the house—generally there
seems to be a lack of interest in favor of family issues. With Indian
women it seems that the men are not in favor of their wives working.
My husband’s parents live [fairly close] so whenever they were
needed, they were there.
Do you think having an advanced degree is necessary in today’s
business world?
An advanced degree helps. At networking events Indians always ask
where you went to school. It is almost an anomaly if you don’t
have one—people don’t take you seriously.
What are some tips for South Asian women wanting to start
a business?
I don’t like to distinguish between South Asian women and women
in general…You have to strive to offer a valuable proposition
that nobody else can. As a South Asian woman, people don’t expect
much of you and people don’t forget you in business because
you look different. It makes it much easier for us to network—which
is so critical to being in the business world. I became a member of
a number of professional networking organizations right away, then
I started serving on boards and became involved in lots of community
activities. It was easier since I had no family then and it established
me well…Women, get into business for the right reasons, and
have the credentials and experience. After working some, it puts you
in a better position to start your own business. Small businesses
run on sheer resilience and will power. Stay focused on your mission!
Ambika Behal is a freelance writer based in Washington D.C.
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