The Proust Questionnaire: Carina Smith

She says she won't make it as a singer, but she probably has enough airmiles at this stage in her career to fulfill a longterm ambition of working as a travel writer. On terra firma she can spin around in her Mercedes SL 350 which is classy and fast (a bit like her!!) SSON talks to Carina Smith, Head of Strategic Development and Global BPO, CapGemini ... SSON: Who do you look up to in business and why? Carina Smith: I have no single favourite but I tend to favour entrepreneurs as I love their energy and focus SSON: What has been your greatest achievement? Carina: Bringing up 2 fantastic boys who are now 21 and 17; I am so proud of them. In business it is without doubt the development of Capgemini’s BPO business – I am proud to be a key member of the team that built a world leading organization from scratch in 6 years SSON: What is your greatest regret? Carina: That I cant sing in tune! SSON: If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? Carina: I’m not sure I would as I have had a fantastic life in business to date. SSON: What looks like the biggest potential for you right now? Carina: Combining our BPO and IT skills in a more innovative way to produce transformational solutions. We are currently looking at our investment program for the next 3 years and technology innovation will play an even bigger role SSON: What is your favorite occupation? Carina: I would love to be a travel writer SSON: In 10 years time - how do you see your current operation being run? Carina: I see Capgemini taking key positions in certain sectors as a "utility" business service provider. Over this we will add business transformation skills and commercial innovation. That will see us taking a big stake in the business outcomes of our clients. SSON: Which management books do you read? Carina: I like books that look at management with fresh eyes and with real life experience. Theoretical versions of these books can often be very dull and predictable. SSON: Who are your favorite writers? Carina: I have an eclectic taste in books. Current favorites include George Eliot, Stephen Faulks, Hilary Mantel and Stig Larsson. SSON: What car do you drive and what should you be driving? Carina: I drive a Mercedes SL 350 which is around 4 years old and is classy and fast (a bit like me!!). Before that I had a 25 yr old SL 300 which was beautiful. SSON: What's your favorite 10 minute dish that you cook yourself? Carina: Pasta with tomatoes and chilli SSON: Tell us a behavioral trait we should expect of you Carina: High energy and always positive. SSON: Reveal one weird thing we don't know about you Carina: I have really bad vertigo SSON: What one question would you put to your peers? Carina: Why are we still talking and not acting? SSON: Which historical figure do you most identify with? Carina: That’s hard….I can be very passionate so I love reading about women in history who have overcome barriers like not having the vote SSON: If your job requires a lot of traveling - what is your favorite journey? Carina: Despite the totally mad traffic I love travelling in India, especially in the Chennai area. The colors are amazing and the vibe is always surprising. SSON: What is the quality you most like in men? Carina: Openness, confidence and fun SSON: What is the quality you most like in women? Carina: Openness, confidence and fun SSON: What is your motto? Carina: Love every new day! [inlinead]

The Proust Questionnaire: Carina Smith

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The Proust Questionnaire: Carina Smith

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