Manjula Talreja

One of the biggest stories this year, according to Talreja, is that cable companies are offering broadband and value-added services (such as video applications, and interactive services like gaming and infotainment) on top of DOCSIS 3.0 or PON fiber platforms. The 25-year IT industry vet has spent the majority of her career at Cisco, where her extensive experience in general management, business strategy consulting and operations of large scale IT systems has helped guide the company through many inflection points.

 How can cable do a better job at supporting the industry’s women?

Cable users are a cross-section of the human population, which is nearly a 50-50 split of men and women. So in order to adequately serve their customer base, cable companies need to have a diverse base of executives that also includes women.  Ideally, women leaders should be dealing with female cable customers who also really understand the customer.  This also sends a strong message to customers as many of them want to do business with companies that value a diverse and well-rounded workforce.

What’s been the biggest story in cable this year?

One of the biggest stories is that cable companies are offering broadband and value- added Services (such as video applications, and interactive services like gaming, infotainment) on top of DOCSIS3.0 or PON fiber platforms. They are also moving next into offering N-screen, SMB cloud and limited Wifi /mobility services.

How do you define a successful career?

I think a successful career is defined by being true to who you are both personally and professionally, and by not being afraid to take risks. The other key aspects of a successful career are always being willing to learn, and being open to new opportunities.  Being mentally stimulated, continually enhancing your skills and feeling challenged are all priorities for my team, and I believe they are also important attributes of any good leader and manager.