RONITA MITRA, HEAD corporate brand group of ICICI Bank is a self confessed coffee addict, but of a different kind. Her love for coffee is not restricted to the cuppa, but also collecting coffee mugs and beans from across the world. "I try and restrict my coffee intake only for health reasons," she admits sheepishly. Besides coffee, Ronita also likes listening to rock music, collecting furniture, perfumes and watches. Ronita moved to her current job about four months back, prior to which she headed the marketing role for ICICI Prudential, "The interesting part about my job in Prudential was not just the brand part but also customer strategy," she says.

Post her MBA from Jamnalal Bajaj in Mumbai, Ronita began her career with J&J in 1992, followed by stints in Best Foods, British Petroleum and Marico, before the ICICI Bank opportunity came along. For her, the lessons from her experience in the FMCG sector have held in her good stead when she made the jump into the services sector. "In FMCG, one is responsible for gross profit and brand contribution. It really starts with understanding the consumer to products, price, advertising, right upto being in touch with the market. So you have to travel, do field visits, etc. all in all the level of exposure is very high," she says. Apart from the job differences Ronita doesn't think the stereotypes that existed before about women in the corporate world are prevalent anymore.

"There are a lot of strengths women bring onto a job, and I don't think we want any relaxation. Because once you ask for flexibility in your job, you are asking for relaxation in growth too," she says.

Be it professional life or personal life, relaxation is not one of Ronita's strengths. An avid sportswoman, she has played games, from basketball to volleyball to chess. "I never thought of myself as a person who will stay at home. It has always been about having an identity. Having your own individuality has always been very important for me," she explains.

Today, Ronita says there's been a sea change and women are more career-minded than ever before. "We are probably the ones who have broken the stereotypes and looked at jobs beyond desk jobs. And the reason we are here is because we have been able to enjoy ourselves in the job for a very long time," she reasons. While she is passionate about her work, there is one regret — "I had started doing something for under-privileged children which 1 't find enough time for. It is very close to my heart and I want to start devoting more time towards it," she says.