Welcome to our WBE Spotlight Series! Today, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Sonal Malavia, Co-founder and President of Cloud 9 Infosystems. Join us as we delve into Sonal’s entrepreneurial journey and uncover the driving force behind her success in the information technology (IT) and cloud computing services industry.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Coming from healthcare background and a certified Occupational Therapist, I knew my career limitations and he upside was very limited in terms of flexibility and pay.
However on the other side, The IT industry is known for its potential for high profits, rapid growth and flexibility.
Starting an IT business allowed me to be my own boss and have greater control over our professional and family lives. The idea of being able to set their my own schedule, choose my pet projects, and pursue my vision of financial independence has been a major motivating factor.
What is a business milestone or achievement that you are most proud of?
Diversity and Inclusion Award
Diversity and Inclusion Award – Winning the 2022 Gavriella Schuster IAMCP DE&I Partner of the Year Award was among our favourite highlights of the year.
We are very proud of our diversity, equity, and inclusion legacy, and it felt great to be recognised as a #DEI champion.
The promotion we got along the way positioned us as among forward-thinking organisations that recognise the business value of having diverse teams. We especially loved talking to Sherlaender Phillips (Lani) in her D&I Fireside Chats.
Testimonials from Microsoft:
“We are pleased to recognize Cloud 9 Infosystems as a Microsoft Azure Expert MSP. During our long-standing association, we have witnessed Cloud 9 Infosystems’ global commitment to build and leverage deep Azure knowledge and service capabilities. Cloud 9 Infosystems has consistently demonstrated the ability to enable organizations in optimizing their cloud capabilities and deliver digital transformation for enterprises innovatively,” said Rodney Clark, Corporate Vice President, Global Channel Sales and Channel Chief at Microsoft.
Andrew Smith, General Manager, Partner Program Management at Microsoft added, “The Microsoft Azure specializations highlight the partners who can be viewed as most capable when it comes to deploying various scenarios in Azure. Cloud 9 clearly demonstrated that they have both the skills and the experience to offer clients a path to transition to desktop-as-a-service in a scalable, secure, and cost-effective way.”
What challenges have you faced as a woman business owner, and how did you overcome them?
Women in business often encounter gender bias and stereotypes, such as assumptions about their competence or leadership abilities. To overcome this challenge, it’s important for women business owners to assert their expertise, demonstrate their capabilities, and cultivate a strong professional network for support and advocacy.
However, i have been very lucky to have some great allies and network of family and friends who have always supported me through ups and downs.
I have learnt the hard way that building professional networks and gaining visibility in the business community can be more challenging for women entrepreneurs, who may face barriers to access or inclusion in male-dominated spaces. Overcoming this challenge was very critical for me. I did actively started seeking out networking opportunities, participating in industry events and conferences, and leveraging online platforms and social media for visibility and networking.
What advice would you give to aspiring women entrepreneurs?
Believe in Yourself: Confidence is key to success in entrepreneurship. Believe in your abilities, talents, and vision, and don’t let self-doubt hold you back. Remember that you have unique perspectives and strengths to bring to the table.
Educate Yourself: Continuously seek out opportunities for learning and skill development. Invest in your education, whether through formal programs, online courses, workshops, or mentorship opportunities. Stay updated on industry trends and best practices to remain competitive.
Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with supportive mentors, advisors, peers, and allies who can provide guidance, encouragement, and practical support. Networking with other women entrepreneurs and joining professional organizations can also offer valuable connections and resources.
About Cloud 9 Infosystems
Cloud 9 Infosystems is a Microsoft Gold Partner founded in 2010, with global operations headquartered in Chicago. They specialize in end-to-end cloud solutions (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) utilizing Microsoft, AWS, and Google technologies to drive digital transformation for SMEs and Fortune 1000 companies across North America, Asia, and Europe. With 14 years of expertise, they build, migrate, manage, secure, and optimize cloud initiatives.
Believe in Yourself: Confidence is key to success in entrepreneurship. Believe in your abilities, talents, and vision, and don’t let self-doubt hold you back. Remember that you have unique perspectives and strengths to bring to the table.