ManageEngine is the enterprise IT management division of Zoho Corp. It empowers companies to take control of their IT. Shankar Haridas, Country Manager for UK&I at ManageEngine, talks about the importance of trust and transparency in working relationships and the importance of AI.
Describe your current job role
I am responsible for building strategic partnerships and expanding ManageEngine’s growth across the UK. Over my 17 years at ManageEngine, I have worked my way up and the one thing that has been clear throughout my journey is the importance of strong relationships with people.
In my role, I lead cross-functional teams and ensure our solutions align with the evolving needs of our customers. A key focus of mine is fostering meaningful relationships with our customers, partners and teams and understanding their challenges. It’s a role that blends strategy, leadership and a deep connection to people.
What would you describe as your most memorable achievement?
Professionally, it’s been the projects that have not only delivered strong results but also encouraged genuine collaboration across teams. It’s been incredibly rewarding to share the direct impacts of solving complex challenges with our clients and teams.
On a personal level, I’m proud of how I’ve continued to maintain balance, embracing new challenges while maintaining a sense of steadiness and perspective in both my career and life.
What style of management philosophy do you employ with your current position?
I enjoy interacting and collaborating with a myriad of people. My philosophy with everyone is rooted in trust, transparency and empowerment. I believe in giving people the autonomy to take ownership of their work while providing the support and guidance they need to succeed.
Open communication is key; I value honest feedback and encourage a collaborative environment where ideas can be shared freely. Ultimately, it’s about creating a culture where people feel respected and inspired to do their best work, and I’m lucky that this culture is encouraged at ManageEngine.
What do you currently identify as the major areas of investment in your industry?
AI, for sure. It’s everywhere right now and not just as a buzzword; companies are really investing in AI that can drive efficiency, improve decision-making and even predict issues before they happen.
Beyond that, cybersecurity is a big one. With the rise in remote work and increasingly sophisticated threats, businesses are doubling down on securing their data and systems.
Then there’s the whole shift towards cloud infrastructure;organisations want flexibility and scalability, so investing in cloud solutions is a no-brainer. It all comes down to staying agile, secure and ahead of the curve.
If you could go back and change one career decision, what would it be?
Looking back, I would have pushed myself to step out of my comfort zone sooner. Gaining diverse experiences and understanding different markets would have enriched my perspective and potentially accelerated my growth in the global arena. That said, each step has been a valuable learning experience, and I’m grateful for the journey so far.
What advice would you offer somebody aspiring to obtain a C-level position in your industry?
Think big but don’t forget the details. Technology is about problem-solving. Every solution you are offering adds real, tangible value to something that would otherwise be an issue. Remember what value your services bring. Know how to clearly communicate it. Know how to align it with business outcomes, because for C-level positions, it’s not just about technical expertise; it’s about driving impact.
Focus on developing a strategic mindset. Understand how your technology influences not just IT but the entire business ecosystem, including operations, revenue, the customer experience and growth.
What behaviour or personality trait do you most attribute your success to and why?
I’d have to say curiosity. It pushes me to ask more questions and not just stay in the comfort zone of answers I already know. Being curious has driven me to explore new ideas, dig deeper into challenges and uncover opportunities that weren’t immediately obvious. It keeps me adaptable and open to new perspectives. If you stay curious, you continue learning.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
Honestly, it’s all about prioritisation. I make sure to tackle the most important tasks first thing in the morning when my energy is at its peak. I use a simple to-do list, but I break it down into must-dos, should-dos and nice-to-dos.
What changes to your job role have you seen in the last year and how do you see these developing in the next 12 months?
Over the last year, my role has evolved to place a greater emphasis on Digital Transformation initiatives. As organisations have rapidly adopted remote work and digital solutions, we’ve had to adapt our strategies to meet these demands.
Moving forward, I see this trend continuing with an increased focus on AI-driven solutions and cybersecurity. Additionally, building stronger relationships with our partners and clients will remain a priority as we navigate these changes together.
