Meerah Rajavel is CIO at Citrix and leads their global information technology organization. She is passionate about customer service delivery, employee experience and engagement, and brings more than 25 years of experience in technology and cybersecurity and is the recipient of numerous industry and business leadership awards.
Fun fact: 50 x 50 in 7 – Run 50 marathons by the age of 50 covering all seven continents! I am currently at 42 marathons and covered five continents, however the COVID pandemic is making it a bit challenging to move the needle. ?
What is your favorite South Florida dining destination? Lobster Bar Sea Grille on Las Olas
What do you like to do on the weekends? Personally, I like to catch up on my workouts, reading, and explore all things technology. And of course, I cherish family dinners over the weekends—they are a priority for me.
How do you unwind from a long day at work? Get on my bike, go for a nice long walk, or just listen to an audible favorite.
What is your favorite quote? Make every day count!! Live with no regrets!!
From who, or what, do you draw inspiration? My inspiration comes from nature and the people I interact with regularly, including my family, my team, and my colleagues. These people have all played a significant role in shaping who I am today.
What has been the biggest accomplishment of your career? Helping others grow and achieve their goals. I am an advocate of constant learning and development and enjoy seeing others thrive in their careers and personal lives.
What has been the most challenging moment in your career, and how did you overcome it? The most challenging moment for me was very early in my career, when I had to separate from my one-and-a-half-year-old daughter for a number months to work on a critical project abroad. As a working mother and a woman, I’ve had to make many trade-offs in my lifetime, however that experience taught me to look at work-life not as a balance but as an integration. Spending quality time matters more than the quantity of time. I learned to check-in more frequently with my family and integrate them into my daily events regardless of where I am in the world, and I leverage technology to the fullest extent to make this possible.
What advice would you give an up and coming professional? Take risks. Instead of avoiding falls, learn how to get up faster. You will go further in life and make it more meaningful, not just for yourself but for everyone around you.
