Iconic Business Women to Follow in 2023

LETTER EDITOR’S

Iconic Business Women to Follow in 2023

Unveiling the Trailblazing Women!

DearEsteemedReaders,

Aremarkablegroupofforward-thinkingwomenisleadingthewayinthedynamicworldofbusiness,advancingits growth,andusheringinafuturefulloflimitlessopportunities.Weareexcitedtosharewithyouthisedition,which highlights“IconicBusinessWomentoFollowin2023.”Wecordiallyencourageyoutoimmerseyourselfintheinspiring talesoftheseremarkablepeople,whoseunrelentingdedication,boldmoves,andground-breakingaccomplishments havetransformedtheverydefinitionofbusiness.

Dr.BinaModi,theChairpersonofModiEnterprises-KKModiGroup,gracesourcoverpage.Withherpersistent commitmenttoexcellence,Dr.Binahastransformedthecorporateenvironmentbyadvocatingdiversity,inclusiveness, andsustainablepractices.ModiEnterpriseshasemergedasatrailblazerunderherinnovativeleadership,driving developmentanddefiningthefutureofbusiness.

Youwilllearnaboutanarrayofluminariesasyoudelveintotheinspiringpagesthatfollow,featuringtheoutstanding accomplishmentsofDeepshikhaSharma,UmaShankar,ShrutiJaipuria,SheetalRamkumar,andanumberofother powerfulwomen.Eachofthesetrailblazershascarvedoutauniquerouteinsidethebusinessworld,permanently changinghowweviewentrepreneurship.Theyhavecreatedanewparadigmwhereinnovation,sustainability,andsocial responsibilityalleffortlesslyintertwinethankstotheirunrelentingpursuitofperfection.

Maytheinspiringnarrativeswovenwithinthesepagesigniteasparkwithinyouasyouembarkonyourownjourney. Letthetalesofthesevisionaryentrepreneurscatalyzeyouraspirations,inspiringyoutoembraceinnovation, sustainability,andethicalpracticeswithinyourownsphereofinfluence.Together,letusforgeapathtowardabrighter andmorepromisingfutureforthebusinessworld—onethatempowersandupliftswomenleaders.

Weextendourheartfeltgratitudeforyourunwaveringsupportandcontinuedreadership,whichenablesustocelebrate theremarkableachievementsofthesetrailblazingwomenandinspirethenextgenerationofIconicBusinessWomen Leaders.

Thankyouforyourcontinuedsupport!

Parag Ahire PROJECT EDITOR

PAGE CREDIT

Publisher : Archana Ghule

Editor-in-Chief : Vikram Suryawanshi

Managing Editor : Pankaj Gholap

Creative Head : Project Editor :

Graphic Designer : Anu Bharathi M Kratika Goyal Parag Ahire

Head of Distribution & Production: Aakash Mahajan

Web Development & Maintenance : Vishal More

Project Manager : Kalyani Bhokare

Business Analysts : Maria Smith

Advertising : Jacob Eddy

BUSINESS APAC

Dr.

Bina Modi’s 10

Chairperson | Modi Enterprises

Asthebusinessworldcontinuestoevolve,itis imperativethatwetakenoteofthewomenwhoare shapingthelandscape. ,whosucceeded Dr.BinaModi herlatehusband,Mr.KKModi,asChairpersonofModi Enterprises—KKModiGroup,isonesuchiconic businesswomanwhohasguidedtheconglomeratetogreater success.Withanunwaveringfocusonnurturingherhusband’s legacyofcare,shehasestablishedherselfasaleaderwho understandstheimportanceofputtingpeoplefirstinthecutthroatworldofbusiness.

Underherguidance,ModiEnterprises—KKModiGrouphas witnessedremarkablegrowthandexpansion,andtodayitis countedamongthetopbusinessgroupsinIndia.Asthe ChairpersonandManagingDirectorofGodfreyPhillips India,Dr.BinaModihasbeeninstrumentalindrivingthe company’sgrowthandhasestablisheditasaleadingplayerin thetobaccoindustry.Sheisalsothe nand Chairperso ManagingDirectorofIndofilIndustriesLimited,whereshe hasspearheadedseveralinnovativeinitiativesthathave propelledthecompanytowardsgreaterheights.

ApartfromherroleintheGroup,Dr.BinaModiisasuccessful entrepreneurinherownright.Herfashionbrand,BinaFashions, hasaglobalpresence,whileherspecialtyrestaurantchain,Ego, andsalonbrand,Dessange,arehighlyacclaimedintheir respectiveindustries.Sheisatrueembodimentofthephrase “leadingfromthefront”andhasinspiredcountlesswomento pursuetheirentrepreneurialdreams.

Inthepast,Dr.BinaModihasservedasHeadoftheFamily CouncilforModiEnterprises—KKModiGroup,providinga crucialinterfacebetweenprofessionalmanagementandthe Modifamily.Herextensiveexperienceinleadingandmanaging businesses,combinedwithherabilitytobuildstrong relationships,hashelpedhershapethefutureofthegroupand itsvariousbusinesses.

Dr.BinaModi’sachievementshavebeenrecognizedand celebratedglobally,withaccoladessuchas“Womenofthe DecadeinBusiness&Leadership2018”bytheWomen EconomicForumandtheprestigiousAchiever’sAwardin2019. Shehasalsobeenfeaturedin‘India’sMostPowerfulWomen,’ abookbyPremAhluwalia.Morerecently,shehasbeen recognizedasthe‘MostInspiringWomanInBusiness’atthe OutlookBusinessSpotlight’sVisionaryLeaderAwards2023.

InanexclusiveinterviewwithBusinessAPAC,Dr.BinaModi candidlysharesheruniqueapproachandambitiousplansforthe future,leavingnodoubtaboutherstatusasanextraordinary leadershapingthebusinesslandscape

The key to sustainable growth for the Group companies lies in prioritizing the human factor. “

cover story

Q:Youenteredthebusinessworldattheageof40.What ledtothisdecision?

Dr.Modi:Aftermy40thbirthday,whenadearfriend casuallyaskedmewhatIhaddonewithmylifesofarand whatIplannedtodonext,itreallygotmethinking.Ihadalot tooffer,andagewasthelastthingthatcouldstopme.My childrenhadgrownup,andIwasmotivatedtofollowmy passion.Ibankedonmyinstinct.Byrelyingonmyintuition,I establishedbusinessescenteredonmypersonalinterests. Eachofmyentrepreneurialpursuits,whichincludeBina Fashion,aseriesofEGOrestaurants,auniquetravel company,andaluxuriousbeautysalon,areallproductsofmy passionandserveasevidencethat,withpersistence,onecan realizetheircapabilitieswithouthindrance.

Q:DidyoufacechallengesafteryourinductioninModi Enterprises—KKModiGroup?

Dr.Modi:Cigarettesandagrochemicalbusinessesare completelydifferentballgames.Iwastoldthatitwas impossibletomakeyourownspaceinthesemale-dominated industries.ButKKsawpotentialinme.Hesaid, “When someone says impossible, seize the challenge.” Ihavemadeit mylife’smantra.Inmyopinion,myabilitytoremainpatient, resilient,andeagertolearnhasplayedacrucialroleinmy riseasaleaderandinmakingasignificantdifference. Additionally,Ihavehighregardfortheleadershipteamofthe Groupfortheirabilitytoadapttochangingtimesand appreciateindividualsfortheircapabilitiesratherthantheir age,race,orgender.

Q:Since2014, hasbenefittedgreatlyfromyour theGroup leadership.Canyoutellusaboutyourjourneysofar?

Dr.Modi:Ithasbeenanincrediblejourneysofar,andIam proudofwhatwehaveachievedasateam.WhenIjoined Groupin2014,Iwasexcitedtotakeonnewchallengesand contributetothegrowthofthecompany.Itwasagreat opportunitytoworkwithmylatehusband,Mr.KKModi,and beapartofGodfreyPhillipsIndia’sBoardofDirectors.Asa memberoftheExecutiveCommittee,Iactivelyparticipated instrategicbusinessdecisions,thereconstructionofbusiness processes,andthestrengtheningofthebusinessportfolio. Reinforcingthehumanfactorhasalwaysbeenasimportantto measstrategizingforbuildingbusinesses,andkeeping People-Firstisanintrinsicpartofmybusinessphilosophy.

Ibelievethatbusinessesaresuccessfulonlywhenthepeople involvedareconfidentenoughtodotheirbestandexplore theirpotential.Itisgratifyingtoseetheresultofourhard

cover story

workandthededicationofourpeople,andIamproudtoleadateamof highlytalentedandextremelymotivatedindividuals.Weareaproudly people-orientedgroup.Andwhenwesaypeople,weincludeour employees,investors,retailers,customers,andcommunities.Iamdeeply investedinensuringthebestoutcomesforeachofourstakeholders.Our communitywelfareandsustainabilityprogramsareatestamenttoour commitment.AstheGroupstrengthensitssustainabilityandESGefforts, Iwillcontinuetoleadfromthefrontandensurethatwemakeapositive impactonsociety,theenvironment,andtheplanet.

Q:AstheChairpersonoftheGroupandChairpersonandManaging DirectoroftheGroup’sflagshipcompanies–GodfreyPhillipsIndia andIndofil,you’vetakensometoughdecisions.Whatmotivatedyou?

Dr.Modi:WhenIfirststartedmybusiness,Ireceivedguidancefrommy husband,whomIconsidermymentor.Hiswisewords, “Innovate, because to stagnate is to die,” and “Have the courage to fail,” have stayedwithmeandcontinuetoguidemeinmydecisions.Mypriorityhas alwaysbeenthewell-beingofourpeopleandthegrowthofthegroup.It isaconstantexercisetobetterconsolidateourbusinesstodeliverthebest resultstoourstakeholders.Aspartofthisexercise,althoughwehadbuilt astrongbrandinthepanmasalabusiness,wedivestedfromitafter evaluatingitscontributiontoourbusinessandgrowthpotential.Thisbold decisionhasprovensuccessful.

AnotherstrongmovethatIamextremelyproudofisSanchay–acostefficiencyprogramthatouremployeesembracedwholeheartedly We maximizedtheutilizationofourresourcesandresponsiblymanagedour spending.Theresultshavebeenphenomenal,andwehaveachieveda significantboostinefficiencyandproductivity.

IfirmlybelievethatthesuccessofModiEnterprises is —KKModiGroup duetoourpeople,andtherefore,Istrivetoempowerthemtopush boundaries.Ourseniormanagementfollowsanopen-doorandopenmindsetpolicy,valuingeveryemployee’sfeedback.Weencourageour peopletotakerisksandshareinnovativeideaswithus,whichwediscuss andimplementbasedonmerit.

Q:GPIisknownforitstech-ledapproach.Canyoutellusabout someoftheprogramsandinitiativesyou’veimplementedduring yourtimeasChairperson?

Dr.Modi:Ourcompany’srichheritageandlegacyofcarehavealways beenattheforefrontofallourinitiatives,whilewecontinuouslystriveto integrateamodernoutlookandtechnologicaladvancements.

Ourprogram,LEAP,automatesanddigitizesoursupplychainprocesses, usheringinthefuture.Throughtheuseofautomation,advancedsoftware, digitization,artificialintelligence,andmachinelearning,wehavebroken

cover story

When someone says impossible, seize the challenge. “

thesilosacrosstheorganization,enabledtransparent planning,andcoveredend-to-endsupplychainprocesses, fromdemandforecastingtodispatchplanning.

Wealsoleveragedtechnologytobetterconnectwithour employeesacrossthecountry.Forexample,atGodfrey PhillipsIndia,ourintranetandofficialin-housesocial mediaplatformhaveallowedouremployeesfromdifferent partsofIndiatoengagewitheachotherandstayup-to-date withthecompany’sdailyoperations,bringinguscloser together

Q:Youareoneofthehandfulsofwomeninleadership rolesinthecountry.Recently,youhavealsobeen honoredwitha‘WomenEmpowermentLeadership PrinciplesAward,Asia,2023’.Howdoyouempower womeninyourorganizations?

Dr.Modi:AtallofourGroupcompanies,wegive tremendousimportancetoupskillingouremployees.We believethatinvestinginlearning,development,andtraining programsisessentialtonotonlygrowingasindividualsbut alsoensuringthesuccessandgrowthofourcompanies.As

awomanmyself,itismypassionatedutytoinspireand empowermorewomentostepforwardandtake advantageoftheseopportunities.Webelieveingoing aboveandbeyondtoprovideasafeandnurturingwork environmentwhereeveryonefeelsvaluedandrespected. Discriminationhasnoplaceinourcompanies,andwe takegreatprideinourcomprehensivepoliciesandthe unwaveringdedicationwehavetoupholdthem. Together,westrivetocreateacultureofinclusivity, growth,andexcellence.

Personally,Ibelievewomenareextremelystrongand capable.Thebestwaytoempowerthemistoprovide themwithequalopportunities,andtheywilldotherest. Organizationsthatarebiasedinfavorofanyonegender arelosingoutongreattalent.AndatModiEnterprises —KKModiGroup,weensurethatweprovideallour employeeswithanequalplatformforgrowth.Asa country,wehavemadesignificantstridestowardgender parity Theindustryhastorisetothechallengeasa wholetoensureweareusingourtalentpooltoitsfull potentialbynotdiscriminatingagainstanyonebasedon theirgender,race,region,religion,orage.

Q:Youhavebeenhonoredwithanhonorarydoctorateby twoleadinguniversitiesandrecognizedatmultiple distinguishedplatforms,includingtheWomenEconomic ForumandIndo-AmericanChambersofCommerce. Recently,youwerehonoredwiththetitleof‘MostInspiring WomanInBusiness’attheOutlookBusinessSpotlight’s VisionaryLeaderAwards2023.Whichachievementsareyou mostproudof?

Dr.Modi:Itmaysoundlikeacliché,butItrulybelievemybest achievementsareyettocome.AsRobertFrostsaid,Ihavemiles togo.ButifIhavetochoose,I’llsaythatthecertificationofour GroupcompaniesasaGreatPlacetoWorkgivesmegreatjoy. TheGrouphasarichlegacyofalwaysputtingpeoplefirst.All ourbusinessdecisionshavethehumanfactoratthecenterof them.Gettingvalidationforoursincereandrelentlesseffortsto createagreatworkplaceforourpeopleisalwaysheartening.In fact,ourflagshipcompany,GodfreyPhillipsIndia,hasreceived thisrecognitionforthefifthyearinarow.

Furthermore,recognitionofourmanufacturingcapabilities,CSR initiatives,andemployee-centricschemesbyvariousbodiesand institutesgivesmegreatjoy.Buttherecognitioncomeswitha greatresponsibility,whichI’mhonoredtoshoulder.Itismy commitmenttoalwaysaimforexcellenceanddeliveroptimal valuetoeventhelastmemberofourvaluechain.

Q:WhatdoesthefutureholdforModiEnterprises—KK ModiGroup?

Dr.Modi:Wedon’tbelieveinsittingaroundandwaitingforthe future.Wearethechangemakers,andweareringinginthe future!Wecontinuetodeliverphenomenalfinancialsuccess. Alongwithcelebratingrecord-breakinggrowththisyear,weare alsoplanningthediversificationofourportfolio.Our commitmenttothepeopleandourplanetwillbeastrong underlyingthemeofallourdecisionsandactions.

Innovate, because to stagnate is to die, and Have the courage to fail. “ cover story

AstheGroup’sChairperson,Iamunwaveringinmydedication toCorporateSocialResponsibilityandourvaluesof sustainabilityandcorporategovernance.Wearetakingboldsteps towardsanambitiousESGjourney,prioritizingreducedwater usage,renewableenergy,wastereduction,andbiodiversity improvement.Ouragilityandpeople-centricapproachare essentialtosustainablegrowth,andweprioritizethewell-being ofallstakeholdersinourvaluechain.Withastrongcultureof inclusionanddiversity,weensuretheindependenceofnonexecutiveandindependentdirectors,internalandstatutory auditors,andcompliancewiththehigheststandardsof accountingandregulations,whileadvocatingforpositivechange andlong-termgrowth.

“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, because you will make mistakes and you will learn; Nothing will ever be attempted, if all possible objections must be first overcome.”

Founder & CEO | White Globe

Sheetal Ramkumar

A Ferocious Leader Playing By The Rules

AsiaPacificregionisknownforits

diverseculturesandlanguages. Despitethis,thelanguageindustryis quitefragmentedandunorganizedinthis region,especially,inIndia.Therequirements arehighlymanagedbysmallsetupsor freelancersresultinginchallengessuchasno priceregulations,noprocessestomanage complexandhigh-volumelanguage requirements,i.e.translations,subtitling,etc. Addressingallthesechallenges,Sheetal Ramkumar(CEO)foundedaplatformWhite Globe.Thereasonbehindtheestablishmentof theWhiteGlobewastocreateaprofessionally managedlanguageservicescompanythatwill helpbreaklanguagebarrier&support businessesacrosstheGlobe.

Hergoalhoweveratbothpersonalaswellas onanentrepreneuriallevelistocreate meaningfuljobopportunitiesforthelanguage expertsandhelpthembecomeemployable& Heraimistobethepioneerincreating platformsthatwillgetthelanguageexpertsin themainstreambusinessandnotlimitthemto onlytranslationorteachingjobs.Sheetal believesthattheselinguistsareunderratedand furtherstates,“Thereissomuchthatlanguage expertscandowiththesenicheskills.”

Young,VibrantandSuccessfulLanguage ServiceProvider

Today,thebigobstacleforthecompanyisto getthelanguageexpertstotakethe assignmentsasanemploymentopportunity

Anotherhuge

obstacleistogetthecustomerstoanIndian companyasLanguageServiceProvider(LSP) aslargeMNC’scontinuetooutsourcethe servicestotheUSandEuropeforthelackof professionallymanagedLSP’sinIndia.Where otherLSPsarestillstrugglingtoovercomethese obstacles,WhiteGlobeisemergingasayoung, vibrantandsuccessfultranslationand localizationServicesCompany

Thejourneytowardsthetopwasnoteasy Sheetalhasbeenferociouswithherdecisions forthecompany.WhiteGlobeisknownforits higher-than-averageriskappetite,althoughthese risksarenotrandom.Thecompanytookup assignmentsthatmostcompanieswouldrefuse toowetothemagnitudeandcomplexity.Sheetal thoughttheseriskswouldpushtheenvelopeand supportthecustomersthroughsteepdeadlines andpricepressure.Shewasrightasthe decisionshelpedtobuildstrongerrelationships andcreditability,whichin-turnrewardedrepeat business.“Weunderstoodinthebeginningthat nomatterhowwellyouplanandhowwellyou execute,you’regoingtoencounterobstacles thatmakeyouwanttoquit,orbreakdownin someothermanner,wehavesomehowmanaged topushpastthatsofar,”concludedSheetal.

UpgradingOfferingsandCustomizable Services

WhiteGlobeprovidestranslation,localization, interpretation,websitelocalization,software localization,subtitling,dubbing,language training

morethan400corporatecustomers.Thecompanyoffers asuiteoftranslationandlocalizationservices,whichis supportedbyadvancedtechnology,innovative knowledgecenter,impeccableprojectmanagement,and highlyevolvedprocessesandqualitysystems.White Globeputsalotofeffortintocontinuallyupgradingthese offeringsandrealignthesamewiththecustomer requirements.Thisapproachhasbenefittedthecompany withnoservicedenialsordelayeddeliveriesoverthelast 3years.

Someofthecompany’sservicesarehighlycustomized, thusgivingitanedgeoverthecompetitors.Sheetal asserts,“Ourdeepinvolvementwithlargecustomers fromstagezerohashelpedusunderstandthe requirementsclearlyanddelivertop-qualityassignments toourcustomers.”Herteamalwaysensuresthatthe stakeholdersarealwaysinvolvedfromstagezerofora clearunderstandingofdeliverables.Also,inallthe projectsdatasecurityandcontentconfidentialityisa non-negotiableparameter.Inordertomakethisprocess moregenuine,thereiscompletetransparencyinthe pricinganddeliverables.ThereisaHighResponseTeam (HRT)totakecareofalltheurgentchangesand modificationswheneverrequired.

RemarkableWisdomandExceptionalLeadership Skills

Sheetal’swisdomisasremarkableasherexceptional leadershipskills.Sheisanauthenticleaderandiswell awareofherweaknessesandstrengths,whichisabig partofherauthenticity.Shehasbeenhandlingthe company’sengagementmodelthathashelpedthe companytogetvisibilityamongstthelanguageexperts lookingforassignments.SheledtheteamofWhite Globethatiscontinuouslyengagingwiththelanguage expertsgloballyandblendingtheirlanguageexpertiseto createa360-degreesolutionforthecustomers.

Agoodleaderisagoodlearneraswell.Asfewleaders getdiscouragedbythefailures,Sheetalembracesthese failuresandtakepleasureinsmallsuccessaswell. However,herbeliefisthatshestillneedstopractice beingpatientwiththeteam.Thecontinuouschangein theindustrygetsoverwhelmingsometimes,soSheetal makessurethattheteamisnimbleandpatient.

WhenSheetalfirstcommencedonherentrepreneurial journey,shehadtofacealotofchallenges.Atfirst,the LanguageServiceProviderIndustryinIndiawashighly

fragmentedwithnodocumentedmethodsof assessingthecompetencyoflanguageexperts.She hadtoinvestalotof timeandefforttodevelopamulti-dimensional competencyassessmentforlanguageexpertsand facilitatetheircollaborationtoofferhigh-quality servicesbasedoncompetencymapping.

Shealsohadtokeeponlearningtoremainrelevant totheindustry’sneeds.However,shefaced challengeswithanopenmindset.Shesays,“Every timethereisacrisis,takeadeepbreathandsay‘we willovercomethis,let’sdothemostlogicalthing first!’Iwouldliketosaythistoallaspiring entrepreneurs,ifyouwanttodosomething,justdo it,withanopenmindthatyoumayfail,butyou willlearnandthereisnofixedformulatomakethis workandthereisnoperfectsettingtostart something.Yourcustomerswillthrowchallengesat you,bereadytotakerisksandgiveityourbest shot,youwilleithercomeoutasawinneroryou willbecomewiser!”

TheMultifacetedLeaderofWhiteGlobe

Sheetal’sjobdoesnotlimittohercabinassheis handlingtheeverydayaffairsofthecompany To stayinthecompetition,itisimportanttobeaware ofemergingtrends.Hermantraistostayrelevant withthechangingtimeandbecontinuousinthe processoflearning.Sheetalinteractswithmany stakeholdersfromtheIndustryandCorporate Sectortounderstandthesetrendsincontent management,communication,andtechnology. Thus,herdayisdividedbetweenregular operations,networkingandbrainstormingsessions withvariousstakeholders.

Beinginnovative,agileandpenchantforqualityin theservicesandaveryhappycommittedteamis requiredtostayinthebusiness.Themultifaceted leaderensuresthatthesameispracticedinthe company Asaresultofherhardwork,thecompany isnowservingmorethan400corporatecustomers.

InnovationandExpansionastheGoalsFor2020

WhiteGlobebelievesthat2020isgoingtobea hugeyearastheteammovesaggressivelyto consolidatethegainsandhaveadeeper,strategic engagementwiththetopcustomers.

Withtherapidtechnologicaladvancements, WhiteGlobe’stargetistomovemilesaheadin termsofautomation,CATTools,Translation Memory,andCustomerEngagement.The companyhasalsostartedtheglobalexpansion andengagedwithclientsglobally.Thiswill helpfurtherfortheeventualexpansionplanned inAsia,Europe,andAmerica.

Howdoyoudistinguishyourselfasaleader?

Iwouldliketothinkofmyselfassomeone veryfocusedandcustomer-centric,however,I alsofeeltoaccomplishthatyouneedahappy andpassionateteamthatisalignedtoyour goal,andalsoresonateswiththecompany’s missionandvision.IfeelIhaveahighEQand canengagemyteamtoworkonacommon goal.

Howoverwhelminghasbeenyourjourney? Hasitchangedyou?

Myjourneyhasbeenincrediblyenrichingand exciting,tosaytheleast.Thebeginningof WhiteGlobehasalsobeenthebeginningof sayinggoodbyestomylimitations,fears, doubts,andvulnerabilities,notthatthese emotionshavedesertedmecompletely,they stillcometomindwhenthingsdon'tgoas planned,whichhappensofteninyourstartup journeybutIthinkIammuchmoreincontrol now Also,Iwouldliketosaythatits important,onegoesthrualloftheseemotions astheyhelpyounavigatethroughthedifficult timeswhichareplentyinthebeginning.

Whatwillyoushareaboutyouridol?

MyidolevenbeforeIdecidedtobean entrepreneurisPhilKnight,thefounderof Nike.Hisperseverance,hisnevertogiveup attitudeandthewayhebuildsaworld-class brandandstayingrelevantandaheadof competitionsays,alotabouthisgrit,

perseverance,customerfocus&leadershipstyle.Iliveby hisquote“Playbytherules,butbeferocious.”

Whatwillbeyourmessagefortheaspiringleadersin heels?

Iwouldliketosaythistoalltheaspiringentrepreneursif youwanttodosomethingjustdoit!Withanopenmind thatyoumayfail,butyouwilllearn&thereisnofixed formulatomakethisworkandthereisnoperfectsetting tostartsomething.Haveahorizonofatleastoneyearto buildyourservicesandcapabilitystack.Bepreparedfor cashburnduringthisperiod.Investintechnologyand automationandfocusonqualityrightfromthebeginning.

Shruti Jaipuria

A Visionary with Purposeful Fashion and Conscious Clothing

Thefashionindustryisanenormoussectorthatemploys millionsofpeopleworldwide.However,thealarming growthoffastfashionhasraisedsevereconcernsabout innovationandenvironmentalimpact.Regrettably,thishas ledtolimitedexposureforlocaldesignersandartisans. Fortunately,ShrutiJaipuria,FounderandCEOof SatatKi,hastakendecisivestepstobridgethisgap.Asa visionaryfashionentrepreneurbasedinBangalore,shehas uniqueandeffectivestrategiestoelevatetheIndianfashion industry.Inthisexclusiveinterview,sherevealsher inspiringjourneyandoffersherinsightfulperspectiveon theindustry’sgrowth.

Q:Whatisyourtakeonthecurrentscenarioofthe fashionindustryinAPAC?Whatchallengesand opportunitiesdoyouthinktheyarefacing?

Well,itgoeswithoutsayingthattheFashionIndustryinthe APACregionisbooming.It’snotedtobecontributing40% totheglobalfashionmarketwhenitcomestoluxury

fashionandretail.InIndia,somerisingtrendshave beenanaffordableluxury,athleisure,andmore minimalfashion.Wealsoseeariseinlocal homegrownbrandsandmorefocuson collaborationsandretailpartnershipswithinthe Industryhere.Ithinkthebiggestchallengefashion faceshereinIndiaistraceabilityandfairwages.As anagency,weaddresstheseissuesbycollaborating withlocaldesignerswhoworkdirectlywithartisans andcraftsmeninthecountry.India’sdesignskills areavaluableassetthatmustbeshowcased globally.Bydesign,Idon’tjustmeanexcellent qualitybutrefertotheintricate,conscious, purposefuldesignbytheweaversorthe craftsmanshipthatcomeswithpatternmakingor tailoringandfinishing.

Q:Couldyoupleasewalkusthroughyour educational/professionaljourney?Whatinspired youtobecomeanentrepreneur/businessleader?

Iamabusinessmanagementgraduatemajoringin financefromBangalore,India.Afterbeingrecruited byaglobalconsultingfirm,Irealizedearlyonthat mypassionlayinafieldoramostlynon-technical andlessanalyticalrole.SoIquitmyjobasan analystataconsultingfirmandjoinedthefamily businesstobuildtheirlocalretailmarket.Mytime theretaughtmeeverythingIcouldaboutrunninga successfulbusinessonashoestringbudget.Then, gettingaspecializeddegreeinfashionandretail wouldhelpmegrowandgodeeperwithinthe industrythatwasmyheritage.Soaparticularyear inLondongavemetheskills,knowledge,and exposureIneededtofindagap,targetaconsumer segment,andcommittoanicheIcaredabout.Years later,afterbeingacoreteammemberofaB2B fashionstartupsolvingforemergingbrandsfrom India,IfoundedSatatKi,whichmeans “sustainable spirit.” Wearepassionateaboutallthingsfashion andlifestylethatarehandcrafted,slow,and sustainablebutprimarilydesignedfirstandglobal intheirapproach.

Q:WhenwasProjectSatatKiestablished?What arethemissionandvisionofyourcompany? Howisyourorganizationuniquefromothersin themarket?

ThecompanystartedoperatinginJanuary2022. However,theideahasbeensomethingIhavebeen

“

Using creative storytelling to market better and more strategically is game-changing, whether you are a product or service business.”

workingonsince2016.Thebrand’svisionistohelp emergingindependentdesignersfromIndiago global,andourmissionistomakeIndiaadesignfirstnationratherthanjustatextilemanufacturing andproductioneconomywithinthefashionindustry atleast.Ithinkwhat’suniqueaboutus,unlikeother marketingagenciesorB2Bagents,isthatweare focusedonhelpingbuildabrandthroughstrategic andcreativesolutionsthatarefocusedmoreon fixingandimprovingthefunctioningofthebusiness alongwiththebrand’spositioning.Webelievethatto buildasustainablebusiness,yougenuinelyneeda targetedmarketingapproachthatisallabout focused,consciouseffortstogetsalesand conversionsfromtherightaudience,ratherthanjust anyaudience.Youwouldratherspendtimeand energyfindingrepeatbusinessthannewbusinessin thisindustry

Q:Whatareyourcompany’skey products/services/solutions?Whichindustriesdo youprimarilytargetwithyourofferings?

Weofferconsulting,marketing,anddesignservices toemergingdesigners,brandowners,retailers,or justaboutanyonelookingtostarttheirownlabel. Theindustriesarefashionandlifestyle,mainly.I genuinelybelievethatifyouareabrandthatis lookingtogrow,thengrowthdoesn’talwayscome fromthenumberofsalesconversionsyouhaveor therevenueyougenerate.Weofferdevelopment acrosstheboardthroughmostofyoursystems, whichcanrangefromthenumberofopportunities we’vebroughttothenumberofinsightsyoucollect.

Q:AstheFounder/CEOofthecompany,whatare yourprimaryrolesandresponsibilities?Whatare yournotableawardsandachievements?

Myroleisprimarilyfocusedonstrategyand partnershipsfornow.Havingateamhashelpedme delegateandimprovemoreclient-facingand demandingworkflows,butIhaven’tfullyachieved thatatthelevelIwant.

Q:Couldyoupleasetellusthechallengesyou facedasaleaderinyourcareerandhowyou overcamethem?

ThebiggestchallengeIhavefacedasaleaderwithin thefashionindustryisworkingwithanopenand

risk-takingmindset.Contrarytowhatmostpeople thinkaboutmanufacturersandtextileunits,the largerthebusiness,theharderitisforthemtoadapt tochangeandmakeinnovativeandcreativeshifts. It’sreallyfrustratingtoworkwithunitsand businessleaderswhothinktheyknowthetrade insideoutwhenallthey’redoingisworkingwith onlyoneaspectofthevaluechain.Ialsothink usingcreativestorytellingtomarketbetterand morestrategicallyisgame-changing,whetheryou areaproductorservicebusiness.Itworkedforus, sowhynotforthem?Butmostinthefashion industrystillbelieveintraditionalmarketing methodsthatlargelydependonthenumberof SKUsyoucreateandthesizeofyourcatalog.We aretrackingnumbers,butnotquantity There’sa vastdifferencethere.

Q:Howdoyouencouragewomen’s empowermentwithinthecompany?What changeswouldyouliketomaketoavoidgender discriminationintheworkplace?

Well,90%oftheteamatSatatKiconsistsof women.Idon’tpreciselyfocusonhiringor workingwithonlyfemalecreativeprofessionals. Still,Ithinkthegeneraltrendisthatifit’sa creativebusiness,there’smostlyawomanbehind it.SoIgotluckythere.Therealdealisifyouare passionateorcareaboutyourjobasmuchaswedo, whetheryou’reaninsideroranextensionoftheSK family.Iinvestalotmoretimeworkingdirectly withmyteammemberstoencourageandfacilitate learningandgrowth.It’salotofgiveandtake everyday,andthat’showweempowereachother allthetime.

Q:Asasuccessfulleader,whatadvicewouldyou liketogivetoaspiringwomenleaders?

Aswomen,wesecond-guessourselvesalot.We needalotofassurance,validation,andmotivation fromexternalforces.Whilenoneofthatisabad idea,it’ssillytothinkthatwecangetgoingonour thoughtsanddreamsoncewegetthere.Thereis nothingthatcanormuststopyoufromworkingon thoseideas.Also,Idothinkweareharderon ourselvesthanourmalecounterpartsbecausewe havejustbeentrainedtobemoreself-critical. That’spainful,soIhopewecanlearntocut ourselvesslackandbeyoung,wild,andfree.It’s magical.

Uma

Shankar

An Ardent Leader Grooming Professionals of Tomorrow

Ialways wanted to be a provider of

employment and not a seeker of employment,” saysUmaShankar,theFounder,CFOand CPOofMaximusInfoware

Whileworkingatthebank,Umacameacross severalentrepreneurswhomadeherrealizeshe toohaddreamsofherownandwhenthetimeis rightshewouldestablishaventureofherown. Sheservedinthebankingsectorformorethana decadeandcalleditquitstopursueherdream. Umacommencedherentrepreneurialjourneyby settingupatraininginstitute.Sheranherown businessofpackagedsoftwaredistributionfor8 yearsandherfirmwonmanyawardsthroughout thistime.Duetoherexceptionalleadership,few ofherkeyemployeesfromthisbusinessventure arestillworkingwithheratMaximustoday

In2007,UmaalongwithherhusbandMr.Shankar co-foundedMaximusInfowareIndiaPvtLtdfor providingsoftwareservicestothefinancial servicesindustry.MrShankarbeingafinancial servicesprofessionalandatechnocratspearheaded theproductmanagement,businessdevelopment andorganizationalstructuring.Thecompany initiallystarteditsjourneywith30employees. Today,MaximusInfowarehasover200 employeesandservicesprivatebanks,financial inclusionserviceproviders,scheduledbanks, publicsectorbanksandcorporatesthatprovide servicetobanks.Maximushasalmostmappedout alloverIndiaandisexpandingitsgeographical reachbysettingitsfootprintsinBhutan,Nepal, Afghanistan,Bangladesh,Djibouti,Papua,New Guinea,andAustralia.

SuperlativeServicesandInnovativeSolutions

Umaco-foundedMaximusInfowarewitha missiontobethebestglobaltechnology-enabled serviceproviderdelightingcustomerswithtopnotchservicesandinnovativesolutions, encompassingeverydeliverychannel,payment method,andcustomertouchpoint.Thecompany

caterstofront-endbanksandfinancialinstitutions forvariousformsofpayments.Inadditiontothis, Maximusalsofacilitatesthetransactionsfromthe user-endandmakethemsmoothandreliable throughitsinnovativesolutions.

Thesebouquetsofinnovativesolutionsinclude channelsforphysicalcash(ATMs),virtualcash (cards,wallets),orstraight-through-processing (UPI,BillPay).Asasecuritymeasure,thisprocess isfurtherauthorizedbyIdentityManagement Solutions.ThroughthisMaximusensuresthe identitiesoftheusersthroughBiometric(thumb, iris,face)ortechnology(encryption/decryption. tokens,anti-fraud,innovations).Besides,allthe solutionsbythecompanyarecertifiedwithboth international(PCI,EMV,etc.)andnational agencies(NationalFinancialSwitches).

ThroughouttheyearsMaximus'visionhasbeento createandsustainafrictionless,end-to-end transactionecosystemthatbenefitsbusiness organizationsandtheircustomers,byleveraging currentandevolvingtechnologies.Thus,Umaand herteam'sfocusonpaymentsandidentity managementformorethanadecadehasenabled thecompanytoexcelandplaceditasaleaderin thefield.

PreservingPeople-centricCulture

UmaShankarisnotjusttheFounderbutalsothe Director,Finance&HumanResourcesat Maximus. AstheHeadofFinance,shehandlesthe finances,managestheinvestments,andoversees thefinancialrisksofthecompany.In2015SIDBI VentureCapitalLtd.,investedinMaximus Infoware.In2017and2018Maximushasbeen ratedas“FinanciallyStable”byCrisil/S&P.

Ontheotherhand,Umaalsooverseesthe departmentofHumanResourcesandensuresthat thecompanyretainsapeople-centricculture.By combiningherfeminineinstinctswithprofessional wisdom,shegeneratesauniquepeople-oriented

culture,whichisakeystrengthofthecompany. Furthermore,inthetimeofthepandemic,the companyhaskepttheemployeehealthatthetop priority Assoonasthevirussurgedaroundtheworld, Maximusinformedalltheemployeestoworkfrom home.ItestablishedVPNconnectivityandalsosent desktopstothehomesofthestaffthatdidnothave theirpersonaldesktoporlaptop.Maximusalso offeredaMediclaimcovertoallemployees.

Apartfromthis,thereareonly5employeesthatopted tostayinofficeandarehandling24*7supporttothe customers.“Keeping their efforts in mind we have fully taken care of their food expenses and also paid an additional allowance for working from the office,” sharedUma.

AttainingthePerfectBalance

Asanentrepreneur,themostdifficultpartofrunning anorganizationisfindingbalancebetweenpersonal andofficelife.Umahasbeenperfectlybalancingthe professionalaswellaspersonallife.Sheunderstands thatpersonalfamilyandofficialfamilyareequally important.However,therecanbetimesonehasto sacrificeeitheronpersonalfamilymattersoron professionalmattersdependingonthesituation.

Umafurtheradds,“The compensating act from my side needs to be doubled up to make the family that sacrificed more to feel better.” Thebalancingactremainsinevitable,especially,for womenentrepreneurshavingasupportivefamilyby sidehelpstoattainthisbalancepeacefully.

ProfessionalismamidCrisis

“Women have that innate sense of understanding of others' strengths and weaknesses and their problems as well,”saysUmaShankar.Duetothis,employees tendtodeveloptrustandconfidenceintheirwoman employerandthiscreatesaninvisibleconnection betweentheemployerandtheemployees.

ThecurrentCOVIDoutbreakhasalteredthe traditionalworkstyle.AccordingtoUma,this outbreakhasprovidedwomenprofessionalswitha newopportunitytoresumetheirwork.“Women professionals who had resigned to handle their home responsibility have got the opportunity now to work and also fulfill their career goals,”sheasserts.The work-from-homehasgiventheseemployeesthe

freedomoftimewherecompletionofworkis importantthan9to5timings.Thisfreedomhas resultedintomoresuccessfulproductivehours.Women professionalsarefindingiteasytofocusonworkas wellasbalancingtheirpersonallife.

MentoringtobetheBestProfessionals

Beingaworkingprofessionalforalongtime,Uma Shankarhasexperiencedseveralobstaclesbutshewas alwaysdeterminedtoreachthegoal.Evenafterthe crisis,shehasbeentacklingtheobstaclesintermsof financialandHRrequirements.TheCOVID-19 outbreakhasbeenhard-hittingfortheemployeesin manyorganisationswiththesuddenlay-offsand industryshut-down.Despitetheindustryscenario,she hasbeenencouragingtheemployeestobringouttheir bestandhavealsorecruitedagoodnumberofnovices andgroomingthemtobethebestprofessionals.

Astheveteranoftheindustry,Uma,advisesthe aspiringprofessionalstobedeterminedanddohard workwithcompletesincerity.Besides,alwaysbelieve inthefactthat“Customer is God”andprovidethe customerswiththebestsupporttomakeamarkfor yourorganizationintheindustry.

“Employees develop trust and condence in their woman employer whom they are sure would give a helping hand when in need.”

a billion clicks to help a billion people