Employee Spotlight
E2open is powered by a strong global network of problem solvers and innovators driven by strong values and our company culture. Together, we are focused on doing what’s right in business and our communities. Every month, we will shine a spotlight on an exceptional team member who is helping us transform the supply chain industry. This month, we held a Q&A with Lalitha Hemanth, Senior Manager, Global Content Operations at e2open.
Q: What’s your current role at e2open, and how long have you been with the company?
A: I am working as Senior Manager, Global Trade Compliance (Global Data Ops) North America & Asia Pacific region teams. This team falls under GKCS. I’ve been with the company for 12.5 years.
Q: What’s the most valuable skill you’ve developed in your time at e2open?
A: I am always amazed at the valuable skill set that I have acquired over the years with e2open in the vast global trade compliance space. I feel like I am now a better version of myself, and can confidently claim the title of an SME (Subject Matter Expert). I have gained the ability to deal with my job more effectively, efficiently, and confidently. I can guide and cultivate capable teams with the needed skill set.
Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting in their career?
A: ‘Make sense out of whatever you do’. Don’t just blindly do what you are asked to do. Understand what you do. This is the learning phase; the foundation of your work should be strong so you can build a strong career. Take any training seriously, listen, ask questions, and then apply the learning at work. Go the extra mile and spend more time familiarizing yourself with career-related terms and concepts. Be proactive and responsible to gain the trust of your senior team members. Capable and dedicated work never goes un-noticed. Money shouldn’t be the only thing that matters about your job.
Q: In your experience, what are the biggest challenges supply chain leaders face today?
A: International trade is vast and complex. It deals with cross-border movement of goods, and the rules and regulations of various countries. End-to-end supply chain visibility is not an easy business. The world is already witnessing changes in geopolitical shifts, with the new US administration and frequent trade-related executive orders. Unpredictable natural calamities and pandemic outbreaks like Covid have a long-lasting impact. These are all unforeseen situations which no one can be completely prepared for. Ensuring the smooth flow of business operations, while meeting timelines and maintaining quality, is alone a big challenge.
Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: Movie time with kids, traveling with my hubby and kids, listening to music alone, long drives and coffee, lazy and relaxed days at my mom’s place, fun time with friends, and shopping.
Q: What was your dream job when you were a child?
A: I had several dream jobs as a child. What I wanted to do changed from time to time depending on the people I was around, or the movie that I watched or liked. I wanted to sometimes be a doctor, or a policewoman, or an actress, or a minster, or a teacher, or so on…which sounds funny, but it’s true.
But my current job in global trade compliance feels like dream come true for me.
Q: What personal strengths have helped you most in your career?
A: I have many, including: Analytical skills, multi-tasking, self-motivation, and motivation of and sympathy/concern for others, self-confidence (not overconfident), polite with all, responsible, and patience to deal with all kind of people. Also, attention to detail, valuing people for what they are, remaining open minded, being available when needed, and staying away from politics in my personal and professional life…
Q: If you could have three wishes granted by a genie, what would they be?
A: My first wish would be to bring back my Dad, whom I had lost two years ago. Then second one would be for enough money to fulfill all my wishes and to help others. And then the third, to become all talented person/all-rounder.
Q: Out of all the places you’ve been to, what is your favorite and why?
A: Mangalore beach is one of my favorite places that I have been to. It was a memorable one. I had a good relaxing time with my Hubby and kids. We enjoyed playing at the beach, and loved having hot food served near the beach from time to time (Yummy red boiled rice, Dhal….)
Q: What is your go-to drink, meal, and dessert choice?
A: I am a veggie lover. My go-to drink is sugarcane juice, street side hot idli with chutney (South Indian dish) and dessert is Bengali sweets.
E2open is a purpose-driven, people-powered company that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are always on the lookout for creative problem solvers, so if you are interested in joining an innovative technology company, we encourage you to check out our careers page to see if e2open is the right fit for you.
