Balancing a growing career and the joy of motherhood is no easy task, but Rajani Bhatia is doing just that—and with a smile! As Contabo’s Country Manager for India, Rajani is driving the company’s expansion in the region, all while enjoying life with her three-year-old toddler. After a well-deserved break to focus on parenting, she jumped back into the workforce and took on the exciting challenge of establishing Contabo’s presence in India. In this fun and candid conversation, Rajani shares her journey, the hurdles she’s overcome, and how she’s finding balance between being a leader and a mom.
What does Rajani Bhatia, India Country Manager, do at Contabo? Can you provide an overview of your career path and how you became a part of the Contabo team, and now a country manager?
Rajani Bhatia: My career has always been centered around IT services and business development. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with several web hosting and cloud solution providers, including companies based in India, Austria and the US. This experience gave me a deep understanding of the global tech landscape, as well as the specifics of the Indian market.
After taking a break to focus on parenting, I was ready to return to work and wanted to take on a meaningful role. When Contabo’s plans to enter the Indian market came along, the timing was perfect. It was an exciting opportunity to apply my expertise and help drive Contabo’s growth in India. Transitioning back into a leadership role has been challenging but incredibly rewarding, and I’m thrilled to be part of Contabo’s journey in this market!
What are the key responsibilities and challenges you have in your role as a country manager?
Rajani Bhatia: As Country Manager, I’m responsible for overseeing the smooth operation of our new data center in India, ensuring we meet all local regulations, and driving business growth in this exciting market. Lately, I’ve also taken on the role of working with our international marketing team, managing affiliate partnerships, and running our new Facebook page for India to engage more directly with our Indian audience.
One of the biggest challenges has been aligning our global strategies with local market needs, but it’s a project I enjoy. Every day brings something new, and that’s what keeps the role so rewarding!
Indian Market Challenges and Plans
What are some of the most significant challenges you have faced during setting up the Contabo Navi Mumbai Data Center, and how did you overcome them?
Rajani Bhatia: Oh, where do I begin? Setting up a data center in India isn’t easy! There were tons of regulatory and logistical hurdles to tackle. I quickly learned that forming relationships with local vendors and partners was key to getting things done. Also, being a mom has really helped me with multitasking, which came in handy when managing everything from paperwork to infrastructure. The complexity of the project was enormous, but step by step, we managed to get things rolling!
How do you make sure Contabo is compliant with local regulations and laws in India?
Rajani Bhatia: Ensuring compliance with local regulations is one of our top priorities at Contabo. Navigating the Indian regulatory landscape can be complex, but we take a proactive approach. Our legal team work closely with local legal experts and regulatory bodies to stay updated on the latest laws and ensure we’re fully compliant, especially around data protection and industry standards.
We also engage with local vendors and partners who have a deep understanding of the market, which helps us navigate any potential challenges more smoothly. It’s a team effort, and by staying informed and collaborating with experts, we make sure Contabo operates in full compliance with India’s legal framework
What will be the next and most important steps in securing a position on the Indian market?
Rajani Bhatia: The next important step for Contabo in India is to deepen our presence and continue expanding our customer base. Many businesses in India already know and trust Contabo, which gives us a strong foundation to build upon. We’re focused on offering services that cater specifically to Indian businesses, particularly SMEs, and tailoring our solutions to meet their unique needs.
Building strong local partnerships is key. We’re working closely with Indian vendors and partners to ensure our offerings are relevant and competitive. Additionally, expanding our service offerings and further localizing our approach will be crucial to securing a solid foothold in this dynamic market.
Part of the Multi-Cultural Team at Contabo
How do you feel working with a team of people from such diverse cultural backgrounds?
Rajani Bhatia: It’s been amazing, honestly! At Contabo, we don’t just have colleagues from Germany—we have team members from Romania, France, the UK, Poland, and many other countries. This makes our team incredibly diverse, and I love it. Despite the different cultural backgrounds and languages, we all come together and communicate in English, which keeps things smooth. There’s a deep respect for everyone’s unique perspective, and I’ve learned to embrace and celebrate these differences.
We at Contabo truly feels like a global family. This diversity brings in fresh ideas, new ways of thinking, and, of course, a lot of learning for all of us. As a parent, I’ve learned the value of listening and empathy, which has been super helpful when working with people from so many different cultures. We all work towards the same goals, but we bring our own unique touch to it, making the journey even more exciting!
Was there any time when you felt that the difference between the India and the international company culture made a difference, and how did you manage it?
Rajani Bhatia: Definitely! One big difference is how decisions are made. In Germany, the process tends to be more methodical and thorough, with a focus on building consensus, while in India, decisions are made faster to keep up with the fast-moving market.
To manage this, I’ve had to strike a balance—ensuring we maintain the global team’s thorough approach while staying agile in the Indian market. Clear communication has been key to keeping everyone aligned, and being flexible helps us adapt to both global expectations and local realities.
What sort of work setup do you have, and does working remote on different time zones not impact your effectiveness?
I work in a flexible, remote-first setup, which is actually part of the larger work culture at Contabo. A lot of our team members work from home or remotely, and this flexibility is one of the great things about Contabo. The company has really embraced a modern, remote-friendly work environment, which not only boosts productivity but also supports a healthy work-life balance.
Given my past experience working with companies in the USA and Europe, I’m used to working with teams and projects across different time zones. While it requires good planning and clear communication, the tools and processes we use at Contabo make it easy to stay aligned. Remote work has allowed us to focus on what’s important without being limited by geography.
Family Life for Rajani
Tell us a bit about yourself as Rajani-the person, and not as Rajani – Contabo Country manager.
Rajani Bhatia: Outside of work, I’m a fun-loving person who enjoys spending time with family. I have a passion for travel and love exploring new places whenever I get the chance. Creativity is a big part of who I am—whether it’s DIY projects, colouring, or finding new ways to express myself. Yoga is a regular part of my routine; it helps me stay grounded and refreshed.
In my downtime, you’ll often find me with a book—sometimes reading for myself, other times with my little one. I also love gazing at the night sky, looking for satellites and stars. For me, it’s all about balancing my personal passions with my professional life, making the most of every moment. Life is busy, but it’s a fun, fulfilling kind of busy, and I make sure to embrace every bit of it!
How do you balance the demands of parenting and work?
Rajani Bhatia: Balancing both roles definitely keeps life interesting! I’ve had moments where I’m on a call with a vendor, discussing compliance, while trying to stop my toddler from using crayons on the walls—one hand on the mute button, the other doing some serious damage control! It’s all about juggling and prioritizing. Time management has become my superpower, and I make sure to carve out time where I can focus entirely on work and, separately, on family. It’s also about being flexible—sometimes work sneaks into family time and vice versa. But I’ve realized that taking a breather when things get hectic helps me stay focused and energized. There’s never a dull moment, but that’s what makes it fun!
Last but not least, what advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a country manager?
Rajani Bhatia: My advice? Get to know the market inside out and build strong relationships with local partners. Be open to learning, because every market has its own challenges and quirks. And most importantly, find your work-life balance—taking care of yourself and your family makes you a stronger and more effective leader. Don’t hesitate to take breaks when you need them; it’s all part of the journey.