Dr Pramod Kumar, President of ISB&M, with whom she shares a close relationship, isn't abashed to call her his favourite student. "At ISB&M, we were always taught to express our mind. The college always promoted intrinsic versatility by asking us to bring something concrete across the table", says a nostalgic Shridharan who also conducted a lecture for the students at her alma mater.

Shubha has previously worked with Philips as Manager, Global Training and Change Management and prior to that at Colgate Palmolive. Talking about her circumscribed plans she says, "I need to fulfill the responsibilities they have meted out to me." Her other goals include learning to speak French and Dutch fluently.

Her easy garrulity and cutting directness command attention. Her communication skills help her come across as someone who is fairly sensible, she jokes. She is a self-confessed recovering workaholic. "I never switch off," she says. "Though," she continues, "My husband and I love movies, dancing and Indian classical music."

Inquired if she was a victim of culture shock, she laughs. "People everywhere are the same. In two months time, I have already made firangs dance to Indian tunes by holding a Bhangra workshop."