Suggestions
Rashmi Potdar
Director, Customer Success - APAC at SugarCRM
Professional Background
Rashmi Potdar boasts an impressive 15 years of extensive experience in the SaaS (Software as a Service) sphere, coupled with a robust background in IT sales, specifically within the realm of cloud computing. Her expertise spans across various models including Platform as a Service (PaaS), SaaS, and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Over the past few years, she has firmly established herself as a cloud computing evangelist, working collaboratively with top-tier clients such as Salesforce, JDA, SAP Concur, and Dell across the diverse landscapes of the Asia-Pacific region, including key markets such as Japan, India, Korea, Southeast Asia (SEA), and Australia/New Zealand (ANZ).
Rashmi's journey in cloud technology has not only enhanced her knowledge of SaaS products but also has given her deep insights into Human Capital Management (HCM) and Supply Chain Management (SCM) sectors. She takes pride in her understanding of cutting-edge technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT), which further solidifies her position as a thought leader in cloud-based solutions.
In addition to her solid foundation in cloud computing and SaaS products, Rashmi has cultivated a rich skill set focused on customer relationship management and business acquisition through strategic up-selling and cross-selling. With a knack for navigating high-volume deals and fostering collaboration among multi-cultural teams within multinational corporations, she consistently surpasses her performance targets, showcasing her commitment and drive in every role she pursues.
Throughout her distinguished career, Rashmi has garnered invaluable experience in various aspects of sales, including account management, forecast analysis, channel sales management, and corporate sales. Her dedication to education and aligning sales strategies has further enabled her to develop a keen understanding of market dynamics.
Education and Achievements
Rashmi Potdar's academic journey is just as impressive as her professional accomplishments. She holds a Bachelor of Science and a Masters in Nutrition from the University of Marathwada located in Pune, India. Continuing her quest for knowledge, she further pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing from the prestigious Nottingham Law School in the United Kingdom. This diverse educational foundation not only complements her work in technology and sales but also enhances her ability to approach problems from unique angles, thereby providing insightful, well-rounded solutions.
Her professional roles exemplify her expertise and dedication to her craft:
- Director, Customer Success - APAC (SugarCRM): In her current capacity, Rashmi is responsible for leading customer success initiatives, ensuring client satisfaction throughout the customer lifecycle.
- Sr Director, Renewals Asia Pacific & Japan (JDA Software): Here, she was instrumental in managing client renewals across a diverse geographic region, enhancing retention strategies.
- Regional Sales Manager, South East Asia (SAP Concur): Rashmi's strategic vision and sales acumen helped in extending the company's footprint in the SE Asia market.
- Channel Account Manager, APAC (NetSuite): Focused on developing valuable partnerships and driving channel sales in the APAC region.
- Renewals Manager, APAC (Salesforce.com): She played a key role in overseeing renewals management processes, working closely with customer accounts to ensure continuity.
- Support Renewal Sales Manager, APJ (Quest Software Pvt Ltd): A position that allowed her to manage relationships and renewals across the Asia Pacific and Japan.
- Sales Associate for India (Quest Software): Rashmi began her sales journey here, laying the groundwork for her illustrious career.
- Subject Matter Expert (CSIB – Lowes) (GE CAPITAL INTERNATIONAL SERVICES): She developed expertise in customer service initiatives and the management of complex service projects.
- Senior Research Fellow (CSIR scheme) (University of Marathwada): A research-oriented position that enhanced her analytical capabilities.
- Process Developer and Process Associate (CSIB – Wal-Mart and others) (GE CAPITAL INTERNATIONAL SERVICES): Early roles that honed her skills in process improvement and operational productivity.
Personal Philosophy and Future Outlook
Rashmi holds a deeply rooted belief that the foundation of any business thrives on relationships. Her mantra, "People buy from people, not companies," reflects her commitment to establishing lasting, trusted connections with clients. She emphasizes the importance of listening to and understanding clients' needs and challenges, always striving to provide tailored solutions that leverage her extensive knowledge and resources.
Driven by curiosity and a desire for self-improvement, Rashmi actively seeks out opportunities to explore beyond her comfort zone. She embraces challenges as chances for growth and innovation, continually pushing her limits to achieve excellence.
With her vast expertise in cloud computing, SaaS, and customer relationship management, along with her academic foundation, Rashmi Potdar is poised to make significant contributions to the world of technology and business. As she continues to evolve her career, her focus remains on promoting cloud solutions and customer engagement as cornerstones for modern business success. Rashmi is committed to leveraging her skills and expertise to help businesses excel in their digital transformation journeys, ensuring they remain competitive in an ever-changing landscape.
