You pick up the delegate list at any CIO conference or round-table, and you would be amazed to see the virtual absence of women IT decision-makers. It is not that they stay away from such brainstorming sessions, the reality is that there aren't many women CIOs in the country. 

Many of us say that it is necessary for CIOs to tap and exploit opportunities, demonstrate clear and strategic understanding of the core business functions, key organizational issues, competitive landscape, and bottom line results. On doing so, they say that the path leading to the CEO position will be much easier. What do you think? 

I see a great opportunity for CIOs in following the succession planning process in their respective organizations. This paves the way for them to climb up the ladder to attain a strategic position and focus more on strategic goals. One may say that a CIO alone cannot be held responsible for ineffective succession planning but may I ask who stops us from playing the role of an influencer? 

A number of leadership initiatives have to be taken by the CIO. The ones that I have taken involved not only grooming but also motivating people to work as a team. This ensured that technological deliveries happened on time, and that too with the engagement of people who would be finally impacted by it.