Dhivya Sriram

Dhivya Sriram, Director, Anil Engineering Pvt Ltd, VS Pressure Vessels and Gas Projects Pvt Ltd, Proprietrix, ALG Equipment’s Asia Pacific
 
Hi! I’m Dhivya Sriram, Director of Anil Engineering Pvt Ltd, VS Pressure Vessels and Gas Projects Pvt Ltd, and Proprietrix of ALG Equipment’s Asia Pacific. With a background in human resource management and being a people-oriented person, I accidentally entered the family-acquired business in 2014, an OEM engineering company, and have since combined my HR knowledge with a dynamic approach to business management.
 
Since 2015, I’ve been dedicated to building a 'Make in India' company and expanding our presence into the global market. Today, we proudly supply products across India and export to 19 countries, including the UAE, Africa, Latin America, Colombia, Singapore, Nepal, Indonesia, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
 
Outside of my work, I’m an avid gardener, enjoy reading books, and love listening to music.
 
 
Could you share your professional journey, highlighting the significant milestones in your career?
 
I started my professional journey with “no engineering or business background," which made my path to success even more meaningful. Within seven years, I climbed to board positions in two companies and eventually launched my own startup.
 
Since taking over Anil Engineering, a struggling company then located in a 700-square-foot shed in 2014 with my spouse, my journey has been filled with significant milestones that have shaped both the company and my personal growth. It has been humbling to drive the company to new heights by expanding our market presence in niche segments, both domestically and internationally. One of the key milestones has been the successful expansion into the export segment, establishing a strong foothold in 19 countries over the past decade.
 
A major focus has been on sustainability and creating a greener future through innovative practices. I’m particularly proud of our continuous R&D efforts, which led to the patenting of one of our USP products, catapulting our growth by sixfold in the last decade. Alongside this, we have actively fostered a learning culture within the organization, empowering our team to grow alongside the company.
 
Additionally, as the National President of the 'Visionary Woman Circle,' I am committed to fostering growth for aspiring and budding entrepreneurs, leveraging technology to empower women, helping them realize their potential and contribute meaningfully to the business world. These milestones represent not just business growth but also a vision of progress, sustainability, and empowerment.
 
 
Could you tell us about your areas of expertise and the specific skills or knowledge that have contributed to your success?
 
My areas of expertise are centered on long-term leadership, strategic planning, and fostering a culture of resilience and sustainable growth. One of my key strengths is analyzing potentials for growth. I rely heavily on data-driven decision-making to identify opportunities, track progress, and course-correct when necessary. By understanding the financials and metrics that drive performance, I’ve been able to lay the foundation for a thriving organization that is both agile and sustainable.
 
My strategic approach is rooted in setting clear, achievable goals and aligning every aspect of the business toward achieving them. I take a holistic view, from streamlining operations to creating a strong organizational culture that empowers my team. Being goal-driven, I consistently push for excellence, and my never-give-up attitude has been crucial in overcoming the challenges that come with turning around the company. It’s this combination of passion, vision, and practical skills like financial analysis and strategic execution that has fueled our success.
 
 
Could you share your current roles and responsibilities?
 
As the director of businesses across Chennai, Mumbai, and Dubai, I am responsible for providing strategic leadership and overseeing the seamless operations of our businesses. I play a key role in driving growth, expanding our market presence domestically and internationally, and ensuring innovation and sustainability in our products through Process Optimization, and Kaizen.
 
One of my primary responsibilities is market analysis, where I am instrumental in continuously evolving and adapting the business to sustain its competitive edge. This involves understanding market trends, customer needs, and emerging opportunities to keep the company agile. Additionally, I manage regulatory compliances, ensuring that our operations are aligned with both domestic and international standards, ensuring financial stability with robust systems that meet statutory requirements.
 
 
Could you discuss some of the prominent awards and recognitions you have received throughout your career?
 
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to receive several prestigious awards and recognitions that have been both humbling and inspiring. These accolades include the 'Woman Power Entrepreneur of the Year 2024' by Billenium Divas, the 'Iconic Woman Director 2023' from Mentor My Board addressed by Smt. Smriti Irani, and the 'India Inspirational Woman Award 2024' for exceptional achievements in engineering.
 
I’ve had the privilege of being featured in Femina Magazine and on Money Matters for Her S3 YouTube on advocating financial independence for women, highlighting my journey and emphasizing carving an identity. Additionally, I received the 'Patent & Innovation Award 2024' for AEPL. I was also honored to be selected as one of 17 women out of 650 male entrepreneurs by Laghu Udyog Bharti Maharashtra to represent SME women entrepreneurs in Pradesh Adhiveshan 2022, where Honorable Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitaraman encouraged the MSME segment for their contribution to the nation's GDP.
 
These recognitions serve as a testament to the hard work and dedication of both my team and myself, and they motivate me to continue pushing boundaries in the engineering and entrepreneurial space.
 
 
Could you share the key licenses or certifications you have acquired within your career?
 
Throughout my career, I have actively pursued various licenses and certifications to enhance my skills and contribute effectively to my organizations. These include:
 
•   Associate Practitioner in Neuro Linguistic Programming from CHDNLR, which has equipped me with valuable communication and leadership techniques.
•   Women on Management and Boards, focusing on empowering women in leadership roles.
•   Boardroom Mastery Certification from Mentor My Board, which has deepened my understanding of governance and strategic decision-making.
•   Iron Lady Leadership Essential Program, enhancing my leadership capabilities in a dynamic business environment.
•   Additionally, I have ensured that our company is ISO 9001 certified, which emphasizes our commitment to quality management systems.
•   Currently pursuing the Bullet Proof Manager course from an renowned American Institute.
 
I have been instrumental in obtaining a patent for our USP product, which has significantly contributed to our competitive edge in the market. Additionally, I played a crucial role in securing ATEX, CE, and PED approvals for the company, ensuring that our products meet the highest international safety and quality standards. These achievements underscore my commitment to innovation and regulatory compliance, further enhancing our reputation and marketability. These qualifications not only reflect my dedication to continuous learning but also support my goal of driving excellence and innovation within my organizations.
 

What advice would you give young professionals, particularly women, who aspire to become business strategists or leaders in operations, finance, or engineering?
 
My advice to young professionals, especially women aspiring to become business strategists or leaders in entrepreneurship, operations, finance, or engineering, is to embrace a mindset of continuous learning and resilience. Here are some key points to consider:
 
•  Believe in Yourself: Confidence is crucial. Trust in your abilities, and don’t be afraid to voice your ideas. Your perspective is valuable, and diversity in thought drives innovation.
•  Seek Mentorship: Find mentors who can guide you, provide feedback, and help you navigate your career path. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and can share their experiences.
•  Continuous Learning: Stay updated with industry trends and technological advancements. Consider pursuing certifications and educational opportunities that enhance your skills and knowledge.
•  Network Actively: Build a strong professional network. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with others in your field. Networking can open doors and provide support.
•  Be Resilient: Challenges are part of any journey. Embrace failures as learning opportunities and remain committed to your goals, even in the face of adversity. Take that leap of Faith, it is Now or Never!
•  Embrace Technology: Leverage technology to streamline operations and improve efficiency. Familiarizing yourself with the latest tools and systems will give you a competitive advantage.
  Empower Others: As you advance in your career, focus on empowering other women and creating inclusive environments. Your leadership can inspire and uplift others.
•  Stay True to Your Values: As you navigate your career, maintain your integrity and values. Authenticity will earn you respect and trust from your colleagues and stakeholders.

Remember, the journey may be challenging, but with passion, resilience, and a strategic mindset, you can achieve your goals and make a significant impact in your field.

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