Q&A 4Her – Maja Chowdhury, Managing Director of Asko Appliances, Inc.

Maja Chowdhury recently became Managing Director and CEO of Asko Appliances, Inc. located in Plano, TX. Chowdhury brings over 15 years of marketing, sales, and management experience in the field of domestic appliances to Asko. She holds an MBA in Management from the University of La Verne, California. Joining Gorenje Group in 1997, she has worked in various management positions; most recently, Chowdhury held the position of Managing Director of Gorenje Greece where she navigated the company through a difficult time and made it a success story. Gorenje Group, a European leader of household goods, purchased Asko in August of 2010 completing their global brand portfolio.

Maja took time out of her schedule to chat with MyCity4Her about her position with Asko Appliances, the best business advice she’s received and more. Read on for her full interview.

Did you ever imagine yourself achieving what you have?

Actually yes…and I am not done yet. There are still hills and mountains out there to be climbed!

What in hindsight would you say you underestimated about your industry or business and why?

I have been in this industry since the beginning of my career and thus I cannot really say that much surprises me. An appliance industry is very old one and sometimes old rules of business apply.

What is the best business related advice you have ever been given?

Business is about people. If you treat people, whether employees, partners or buyers, with respect and honesty, you will reap the rewards. Also, never stop learning! Knowledge is the best tool in business, and whoever has the most of it wins.

What do you love most about what you do and why?

Every day is a challenge, no two days alike. I love solving the problems and challenges that I get every day. I love that new sale or new customer! It’s a great feeling when you see the products on the floor! I love that I get to meet so many people from all aspects of the industry, from producers to sellers to service providers.

What if you knew then what you know now – would you do differently and why?

To be honest…not much. I might give some priority to certain things earlier, but all in all I like where I am and how I got here! I do have things planned for the future, but as far as for the past- no regrets.

When you’re not working how do you like to spend your time?

Well, I do not have much personal time. I like to travel and have been in many countries already. I also like to read and paint, which is kind of funny, since I have no talent at all.

How do you define success?

To me success is usually a mixture of ambition, hard work and blind luck.

If you had to share one final thought with our audience of thousands of women in business – what would it be?

Don’t put limitations on what you can achieve…everything is possible… Dream and have courage to go after your dreams!

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