Rohini Kappadath has spent over 15 years in the technology sector as a senior business leader, working across the Asia Pacific region, and over ten years as a cross-border trade and investment advisor.
Rohini's story in her own words
I was raised in the City of Joy, Kolkata, virtually on the playground, within a large colony consisting of Port Trust families, who had a shared sense of responsibility towards each other’s children. Although I was blessed with amazing parents, I was raised with a sense of having many matriarchal and patriarchal figures (our elders) who commanded our Respect.
I arrived in Australia as a 20-year-old seeking to build a life of significance on the strength of nothing but personal initiative, creative thinking and hard work. 
My journey from the technology industry in the late eighties to professional services in the early two thousand saw me move back to India as an ex-patriate in 1996, to start SAS Institute’s Indian subsidiary as Managing Director.
Source: Supplied
On my return to Australia in 2000, I found myself having to start over, due to the near absence of international investment appetite in Australia and low level of understanding about the value of Asia related expertise and capability. I, therefore, embarked on building my own boutique consultancy on cross-border business advisory while growing my family. The ability to adapt to life’s changing circumstances has been an invaluable asset in difficult times.
I arrived in Australia as a 20-year-old seeking to build a life of significance on the strength of nothing but personal initiative, creative thinking and hard work.
Challenges she faced
A career move into a new industry, in a new city presents double the challenge. My way of overcoming such challenges is through life-long learning and relentless re-invention. A focus on family and friends as sources of vital personal and professional support has also been very fulfilling and enriching, particularly over the long term.
Can women have it all?
A wise woman once said, “women can have it all, just not all at the same time”. I tend to agree.
The meaning and interpretation of “having it all” is also deeply personal and individual. The human condition is to want more than there is. Acceptance of what is, remains the best antidote to this common affliction.
The best advice she ever received
My mother’s advice - 'To thine own self be true'.
My teacher’s advice
Rohini Kappadath and Victorian Minister for Trade and Investment, Philip Dalidakis. Source: Supplied
Murray Gillin, who created the ‘Masters of Entrepreneurship and Innovation’ program at Swinburne University - 'Your network is your net worth'.
This has been invaluable advice that has shaped my later career and opened a whole new opportunity set that I would otherwise not have had a line of sight into, or been able to access.
Her advice to other women
Believe in yourself. Back yourself.
A professional life can take many forms and there will be many opportunities to reinvent oneself over a lifetime. You get many chances, not just one.
Be a lifelong learner and invest in yourself and your personal growth. Don’t wait for others to do this.
This is part of SBS Punjabi’s special series dedicated to the International Women's Day. Watch this space for more such stories.
