Anuja,  Your background?

I am the second of 4 siblings, born to my wonderful parents. My father has been a senior official with one of India’s largest PSU and mother a great homemaker. My parents are my greatest friends and all-time inspiration in life.

As you can understand I spent my childhood in a culturally thriving environment of family and neighbors that typically is the lifestyle of a public sector employee’s family. Schooling also happened across multiple schools as per my father’s transferable work requirements. 

From a young age we were exposed to people from diverse backgrounds, interests and culture. Also lived across multiple cities and travelled across India. 

My parents nurtured holistic development and skills, with emphasis on academics, while always allowing good engagement around sports and extracurricular activities. Me and my siblings got very good all-rounded grooming in a  caring and sharing environment. 

My family has very strong interests in languages, with my father always being an inspiration as a great public speaker and orator. He has a deep interest in the literary world.  Mother is extremely creative and a role model as a continuous guiding force. 

What did you do for graduation/post graduation?

I did my BCom and then an MBA (Marketing & Finance) from FORE School of Management, New Delhi. In addition, I have done multiple  on-the-job trainings, certifications in Sustainability and an Executive program from Indian Institute of Management (IIM Calcutta).

What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional career in Management and Sustainability?

I had interests in problem solving and in adding value to society, as well as  in diverse aspects of Business and Management. My career path is quite organic and has evolved based on my interests and opportunities. I have enjoyed working with different teams and different domains of Sustainability over the years.

I would say the main driving factor is an appreciation for innovation and developing great products, services. If I have to take two names that inspired me the most, I will say the below:

Kalpana Chawla: Indian American astronaut and aerospace engineer being the first woman of Indian origin to fly in space

JRD Tata: For his inclusive and value-based leadership, that has set the path as an example for Sustainable Business.  

Many people have been of good inspiration at different phases, including seniors, colleagues, professors and industry experts.   

I am a big believer in the power of collaboration and teamwork. I have had the opportunity to attend multiple events and engagement platforms that augment the scale of work and bring people together. 

There are times when one has to make decisions in one’s career to explore newer paths and experiences. I have had multiple such times of reinventing myself based on my requirements and opportunities. I have had to make such decisions at different points of time, such as one based around motherhood, one of moving from Marketing to Sustainability and then to setting up my Sustainability and Management consulting firm.

How did you get your first break?

My first job was through campus placement from my MBA School. 

What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?

I would rather say requirements to focus on

  1. One has to work with different types of people and scenarios, hence being objective is important
  2. Continuous learning is required.
  3. Mindset of problem solving.

Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?

I run my own Sustainability and Management consulting firm. 

  1. We work on improvising Sustainability and Management Systems.
  2. As shared before and through experience.
  3. Reviews, meetings, learning and engagement. In different combinations. 
  4. There is never a dull day as I get a mix of analytical and creative satisfaction. 

How does your work benefit society? 

By improving practices for the organizations we work with, around Social and Environment areas, we are adding value to the communities.

Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!

There are multiple but what is of great satisfaction if your work and value addition continue after you have left a role or an organization. 

Your advice to students based on your experience?

To be optimistic and happy. To focus on their development as a part of their own progress and personality, not just to fit into the marketplaceTo take inspiration from people and surround themselves with good company. Enjoy  childhood and be good to family,  and friends. Make sure to play some sports. A lot of our deeply engrained behaviours come from childhood experiences and is foundational to our whole life. 

Future Plans?

To continue developing my firm and help client organizations perform better with improved and simplified systems. If time permits, I am also keen to work with youth and the young generation towards their grooming, particularly on Motivation and on awareness around Sustainability, Health & Financial Management.