Initiating Change

“The most prestigious designation on her resume is that of Country Programme Manager, India, for the Clinton Climate Initiative of the William J. Clinton Foundation. Leena Pishe Thomas is one of the few experts in the country well versed with energy efficiency and clean technology. Her knowledge of the subject is not just academic – she is also one of the few minds to have put her knowledge to use to create viable business modules. “

Archana Shenoy speaks with the enterprising lady from Bangalore.

From starting and establishing programmes for the Clinton Climate Initiative in India, to promoting clean energy technology and preparing Indian entrepreneurs to flourish in the global market, 38-year-old Leena Pishe Thomas has done it all. Her mind is brimming with new ideas; her work takes her across the globe. Yet she finds time to balance her hectic work schedule and be a brilliant mother to her two girls and a loving wife and daughter to her family.

For someone who began her career working as an executive assistant at the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce in Bangalore, she has come a long way today, acting as Regional Manager Bangalore for the European Business and Technology Center and CEO and Founder of Global Business Inroads. “One of the main reasons I decided to be an entrepreneur was that I wanted to travel. There is this notion that an entrepreneur would have the flexibility to travel and work. Many people do not realize that as an entrepreneur you tend to work a lot harder just trying to keep things going,” explains Leena as she talks animatedly about her journey from working as an assistant to owning her company and training European companies on Indian market etiquette.

Your work sounds extremely complex and challenging. Do tell us more about what it is you do.

Leena: I have over 15 years’ experience in the field of International Business, Technology and Project Management in the Climate Change Mitigation, Energy, Environment, Transport, Biotech, Agro-Food, Education and Innovation Sector and have also worked with various European, North American, Russian, Canadian and Asian organizations.

I established Global Business Inroads (GBI) in September 2009 to assist and serve Government, NGOs, Financial Institutions, Multilateral and Bilateral Funding agencies and Private Sector organizations with their technology and sustainable energy and environment project development, international business needs.

Can you describe in detail the nature of work your company does? 

Leena: Global Business Inroad’s unique approach to developmental sector consulting, business strategy, technology and innovation management across borders, combined with business model and financing strategies has served clients well.

Our objective at GBI is to provide organizations with a unique one stop Integrated Solution to developing markets and implementing projects. What this means to you as our valued client is that you no longer have to be at crossroads with your International Business Development and Project Management requirements.

The company is a specialist consultancy firm that works on developing strategies by analyzing inputs and outputs in a unique manner combining years of experience, instinct and knowledge of the sector.

Apart from the clients whom I work with I also serve as Regional Manager at the European Business & Technology Centre at Bengaluru – an EU-India Clean Tech and Biotech partnership development project of the European Union.

Tell us more about your time working with the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI) in India. 

Leena: I have worked as Country Program Manager, India and City Director, Delhi, for the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI) of the William J. Clinton Foundation from Jan 2007 to July 2009. I was instrumental in starting and establishing the Programs of CCI in India, including managing office and staff in multiple locations in India. I actively developed and implemented projects in Building Energy Efficiency, Roof-Top Solar PV, Solar Thermal, Outdoor Lighting Energy Efficiency, Municipal Waste Management, Carbon Financing, Hybrid-Electric Vehicles. In the role of Program Manager for the aforementioned areas, I continuously engaged with the national and various State governments in India, private sector stakeholders, technology providers, financial institutions and carbon companies to initially identify gaps, find potential solutions, conduct discussions with stakeholders and finally implement projects. The significant results achieved include the a national hybrid-electric bus program being implemented by the Ministry of Urban Development, India, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi implementing an energy-efficiency program for 62 buildings, Delhi government and a large utility implementing a roof-top solar program, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi implementing the first integrated waste management project among others.

How did you get into this field of work?

Leena: I began my international business career with the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, India (1997 – 1999) promoting industrial and commercial relations between India and France.

I then did my International Business and Project Management Consultancy (1999 – 2006) and did a variety of long and short term assignments for USAID, Alliance to Save Energy, USA, Louis Berger Group, USA, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, USA and business consulting for private sector wine companies and an educational institution from France. My 5-year assignment with the USAID/Alliance to Save Energy involved setting up their presence in India, office set-up, building and managing the team, development and implementation of energy efficiency projects for the municipal sector in India and Sri Lanka.

Can you give us a run-down of your educational qualification?

Leena: I have completed my B.A. (Honors) in History and Economics from the prestigious Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi and followed that up with business management from ICFAI, Hyderabad. I have also completed the technical Certified Energy Manager’s Course from Atlanta, USA, funded by the US Government and attended the Euro-chambers Academy in Brussels to do a course on doing business with Europe, funded by European Commission.

How have you managed to balance your demanding career and your home? 

Leena: I must say it has all been possible because of the support of my husband, Shibu Thomas, and my parents and siblings. When the job with the Clinton Foundation came my way I was very skeptical about taking it up as Tanisha, my younger daughter was just two. But my husband made me believe that I was making the right decision by taking up the job; my parents encouraged me as they know how much I admired President Clinton and that working with his foundation was a lifetime opportunity.

Since then I have only ever had their constant love and support.

I firmly believe that a woman is complete only when she is satisfied in the things she does. For me my home, my family, my children and my work are the fulcrum of my being.

A woman’s environment is very important and I feel that it is the women in a woman’s environment who are very important. Be it your mother, sisters, mother-in-law, daughters, they play the most important role in your life. When I started working not many women – post-marriage – were actually going gung-ho about their careers. But when my family began seeing the potential in me, they offered their complete support in every way that I needed it.

Considering the amount you travel, how does your family cope without you when you are away on work? 

Leena: Well, I really enjoy the travel part of my job and I have found that even my family seems to enjoy the few days that I am away from them. Even the girls like that little space my travel offers them.

Many times I place challenges to the children when I travel. Instead of repeating myself, I tell them that maybe they could challenge themselves to finish a particular chore by the time I return. This keeps me from nagging them and they feel the need to achieve the target I have set for them.

Many times I find that in a family we tend not to give each other the kind of space they need. It could be between husband and wife, mother and children…. we constantly feel the need to be helicopters around our family. But I believe that we need to strike the right balance – nurture the people around you, but at times take a step back and allow each one to flourish in their independence.

I thank God each day that my children are growing up great. I am just thankful that I have been able to manage things the way I have.

Archana Shenoy holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism from Media Center, Bangalore. She is an enthusiastic media professional and is an editorial consultant working for several publication houses in India.