India's 10 Great Places to Work for Women – 2024

Vol 02 | Issue 01 | 2024 The Inclusive Revolu on How the Workplaces Championing Diversity and Inclusion for Women are Crea ng a Future of Equality? India’s 10 Great Places to Work for Women – 2024 Blue Dart Express Limited Empowering Women and Eleva ng Excellence by Fostering Gender Equality Her Story Top Ten Trends in Gender Equal Workplaces www.insightssuccess.in

India’s 10 Great Places to Work for Women – 2024

I n 2024, as the world continues to evolve and progress towards greater gender equality, it is imperative to recognize and celebrate organizations that prioritize creating inclusive and supportive work environments for women. India's 10 Great Places to Work for Women represents a culmination of efforts by forward-thinking companies committed to fostering diversity, equality, and empowerment in the workplace. These organizations understand the importance of providing women with opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and work-life balance. By implementing policies such as flexible working hours, parental leave, mentorship programs, and gender-neutral recruitment practices, they create a conducive atmosphere where women can thrive and excel in their careers. Moreover, India's 10 Great Places to Work for Women go beyond mere compliance with diversity quotas; they embrace diversity as a cornerstone of their organizational culture. They actively promote women's representation in leadership roles, ensure pay equity, and offer avenues for women to voice their concerns and contribute meaningfully to decision-making processes. By prioritizing the well-being and advancement of women in the workplace, these organizations not only attract top female talent but also set a precedent for others to follow. They recognize that gender diversity is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage, leading to increased innovation, creativity, and overall organizational performance. FUTURE EQUAL PROPELLERS OF WOMEN EMPOWERED PROGRESSIVE MARCH As we applaud Insights Success ‘India's 10 Great Places to Work for Women – 2024,’ let us also acknowledge the ongoing efforts needed to create a more inclusive and equitable society. By fostering environments where women feel valued, respected, and empowered, these organizations pave the way for a brighter and more promising future for women in the workforce. Dive in! Editor’s Note Gaurav PR Wankhade Managing Editor [email protected]

We Believe, We Can Make Your Brand Fly High on the Success Tree Carol Philip Architects 22 Philosophizing Creatively Sustainable Innovations Profiles Interactive Bees 28 Nirav Biosolutions Private Limited 36 Talent Search Management Consulting 42 18 Her Story 32 Profiles ArAticles rticles How the Workplaces Championing Diversity and Inclusion for Women are Creating a Future of Equality? Top Ten Trends in Gender Equal Workplaces The Inclusive Revolution Leading a New Global Era of Biotechnology Empowering Businesses with Human Resource Finesse

Blue Dart Express Limited Empowering Women and Eleva ng Excellence by Fostering Gender Equality 08 VER STOR O Y C

Insights Success Media Tech LLC 555 Metro Place North, Suite 100, Dublin, OH 43017, United States Phone - (614)-602-1754 Email: [email protected] For Subscription: www.insightssuccess.com Insights Success Media and Technology Pvt. Ltd. Survey No.133/134, Brand Square, Office No. 512, Kunjir Chowk, Pimple Saudagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411027 Phone - India: +91 7410079881/ 82/ 83/ 84/ 85 Email: [email protected] For Subscription: www.insightssuccess.in Corporate Offices: [email protected] FEBRUARY, 2024 Editor-in-Chief Pooja M. Bansal Managing Editor Gaurav PR Wankhade Assisting Editor Prajakta Zurale Visualizer Sandeep Tikode Art and Design Head Rashmi Singh Sr. Graphic Designer Sameen Arif Vice President Swapnali Vasaikar Asst. Vice President Tejaswini Whaval Team Lead Sapna Walunjkar Sr. BDE Gayatri Borkar Technical Head Prachi Mokashi Technical Specialist Rajeshwari Avhad Digital Marketing Manager Renuka Kulkarni SME-SMO Executive Nikita Khadalkar Circulation Manager Tanaji Fartade Copyright © 2024 Insights Success Media and Technology Pvt. Ltd., All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from Insights Success Media and Technology Pvt. Ltd. Reprint rights remain solely with Insights Success. Printed and Published by Insights Success Media and Technology Pvt. Ltd. Follow us on : www.facebook.com/insightssuccess/ https://twitter.com/insightssuccess Cover Price : RS. 350/- RNI NUMBER: MAHENG/2018/75953 We are also available on Vol 02 | Issue 01 | 2024 The Inclusive Revolu on How the Workplaces Championing Diversity and Inclusion for Women are Crea ng a Future of Equality? India’s 10 Great Places to Work for Women – 2024 Blue Dart Express Limited Empowering Women and Eleva ng Excellence by Fostering Gender Equality Her Story Top Ten Trends in Gender Equal Workplaces www.insightssuccess.in

Company Description Carol Philip Architects is led by Carol who is an architect par excellence who thoughtfully applies technology in offering best of the solutions to the clients ensuring complete satisfaction. Blue Dart is a well-established courier company with a great reputation, that has consistently shown its commitment to reliable and efficient service. Bridgestone India Private Limited has set a benchmark with its operations in India and has grown to become one of the biggest suppliers to almost all reputed OEMs in India with best in class quality products. Carol Philip Architects Blue Dart Express Limited Bridgestone India Private Limited Carol Philip, Founding Principal Sudha Pai, CFO; Sonia Nair, VP-Customer Service; and Namita Patwari, Sr. General Manager-HR Shraddha Gadkari, HR Chalet Hotels - An International High-end Hotel Chains in India, comprises of seven operating hotels with a co-located serviced residence. Chalet Hotels Ltd Rakhi Kankane, Corporate Communications Manager Featuring Interactive Bees is the Web Design and Brand Communication Agency in India offering Professional Digital Marketing services for your company. Interactive Bees Monica Gupta, Founder and Director India’s 10 Great Places to Work for Women – 2024 Sanctum is a professional Wealth Management Company in India, engaged in personalised Financial Advisory Services. Lucas-TVS has been serving the Automotive Industry for more than 5 decades and over 80 millions of vehicles have Lucas TVS products operating within India and overseas. Nirav BioSolutions Pvt. Ltd. is a Life Science company and has signed a collaboration with the Institute of Professional Education and Research to develop a programme in pharmacy for aspiring students. Sanctum Wealth Pvt Ltd LUCAS TVS Limited Nirav Biosolutions Pvt Ltd Aditi Shetty, VP Brand Marketing and Communications Mani N R, Head of Human Resources Mrs Vaishali Sharma, CEO TSMC is a preferred talent acquisition and corporate Training partner for leading businesses, our specialized training programs help clients stand out. Talent Search Management Consulting Reema Nakra, Founder and Director THOUGHTSOL INFOTECH PVT. LTD. helps brands grow through digital transformation enabling them to leverage the power of IT for an all-embracing impact on their businesses. THOUGHTSOL INFOTECH PVT. LTD. Anchal Goenka, Assistant Manager

Blue Dart Express Limited Empowering Women and Eleva ng Excellence by Fostering Gender Equality Cover Story

Sudha Pai- CFO, Sonia Nair- VP Customer Service, Namita Patwari- Sr. General Manager-HR, Shweta Gula - Corporate Controller, and Priya Zutshi- Head of Corporate Communica ons Ensuring equal opportuni es and pay parity for women in the workplace, Blue Dart is focusing on the representa on of women in management (WIM), with 18% of females holding posi ons in the middle to senior management. ‘ ‘ ‘‘

W hat are the aspects that make a place great to work for women? Let us find out through an exceptional saga of a company whose every act confirms the proud fact that the Indian industry is indeed on the path of workforce empowerment through equality. In the dynamic world of logistics, Blue Dart Express Limited stands as the north star of gender equality, recognized as one of India’s 10 Great Places to Work for Women – 2024. This prestigious accolade is a testament to Blue Dart’s unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering workplace culture where women can thrive and reach their full potential. Recognizing that diversity is a cornerstone for innovation and business triumph, Blue Dart champions a progressive mindset aiming to cultivate a diverse workforce. The company firmly believes that a diverse team enhances workplace culture and drives business advancement. Upholding an unwavering dedication to excellence, Blue Dart prioritizes fostering a safe and inclusive work environment that empowers every member to flourish. Embracing sustainability in its pursuit of success, the company actively advocates for gender diversity, acknowledging the substantial value that a well-balanced and diverse workforce contributes to its ever-evolving industry. At Blue Dart, diversity is not just a buzzword; it’s a driving force behind innovation and success. The company recognizes that a diverse workforce, enriched by women’s unique perspectives and experiences, is essential for driving business growth and achieving operational excellence. The North Star of Gender Equality Blue Dart has been committed to nurturing a diverse talent pool, attracting exceptional women and investing in their India's 10 Great Places to Work for Women- 2024

Annually, we commemorate DEIB week, an occasion to communicate the significance of diversity from the MD’s desk, reinforcing our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ professional growth since its inception. The company understands that women bring a wealth of skills, expertise, and leadership qualities to the table, and it proactively seeks to nurture their talent and empower them to excel in all areas of the business. Blue Dart’s dedication to gender diversity is evident in its comprehensive range of initiatives and policies designed to support women’s career aspirations. These initiatives include: *Flexible work arrangements: Recognizing the diverse needs of its employees, Blue Dart offers flexible work arrangements, such as work-from-home options and flexible working hours, to enable women to balance their professional and personal responsibilities seamlessly. *Leadership development programs: Blue Dart provides women with comprehensive leadership development programs, empowering them to hone their leadership skills, gain confidence, and advance into senior leadership positions. *Mentorship and networking opportunities: Blue Dart fosters a culture of mentorship and networking, connecting women with experienced mentors and providing opportunities to build professional relationships that support their career growth. *Gender sensitization training: Blue Dart conducts regular training workshops to raise awareness about gender equality and promote inclusive workplace practices. *Support for working mothers: Blue Dart offers a range of benefits and support services for working mothers, including daycare facilities, parental leave policies, and flexible work arrangements, to ensure their well-being and enable them to thrive in their dual roles. Blue Dart’s commitment to gender diversity extends beyond its workforce. The company actively engages with suppliers and partners to promote gender inclusion in its supply chain, ensuring that its values of diversity and equality are upheld throughout its business ecosystem. Fostering the Feminine Force Blue Dart is rooted in a fundamental guiding philosophy centred on prioritizing ‘people first’ in all aspects of talent management. Sudha Pai, the CFO, says, “The cornerstone of our identity lies in a steadfast commitment to nondiscrimination and fair treatment, cultivating a ‘Respect and Result’ culture that permeates our organizational fabric.” Additionally, the VP of Customer Service, Sonia Nair, says, “These core values form the foundation of our inclusive environment, particularly regarding women within our ranks.” “We stand firm in our belief that every woman in the Blue Dart family should not only feel secure but also deeply valued and included,” insists Namita Patwari, Sr General Manager of HR. From its inception, this unwavering commitment to women’s well-being and inclusion has been an intrinsic part of Blue Dart’s DNA. All three leaders claim that their ethos of ‘One’ underscores their collaborative approach, driving them collectively toward achieving meaningful and impactful outcomes. Shweta Gulati, the Corporate Controller, assures, “We vehemently oppose any form of discrimination, be it based on gender, age, or any other demographic variable. Our day-to-day operations and long-term vision revolve around maintaining a delicate balance between fostering respect and delivering exceptional results.” This steadfast dedication to nurturing an inclusive and respectful workplace has earned Blue Dart recognition as one of the ’10 Great Places to Work for Women’ and has secured its place among ‘India’s top 100 Great Places to Work.’ “Beyond being a workplace, we aspire to create a community where every individual, irrespective of their

background, flourishes and contributes to our shared journey of success,” states Priya Zutshi, Head of Corporate Communications. Diversified Freedom of Flexibility In a continually evolving business landscape, Blue Dart ensures that it remains flexible with working arrangements offered for employees, especially women, such as remote work, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks and the freedom of embracing diversity. Blue Dart, an express company operating across six regions in India with an extensive network of warehouses, hubs, regional offices, and service centres, recognizes women’s pivotal role at the forefront of its business. Sudha adds, “Ensuring the safety and well-being of our female workforce is paramount, and we prioritize this through comprehensive measures and initiatives.” One cornerstone initiative is their robust POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) training program. It sensitizes all employees, from blue-collar and white-collar workers to outsourced personnel and senior management, fostering a culture emphasising gender-sensitive behaviours and communication. The primary objective is to enhance awareness, minimize sexual harassment, encourage open dialogue, and nurture an atmosphere of respect towards women in the workplace. In furtherance of their commitment to women’s well-being, they have instituted an Internal Complaint Resolution Committee dedicated to promptly addressing any situations or occurrences related to the safety of female employees. Sonia informs, “For those involved in night operations, we prioritize their safety by offering pick-up and drop services facilitated by our trusted drivers and vehicle operators.” Understanding the diverse needs of their female workforce, they provide maternity and adaptation leave to support them in caring for newborns. “Additionally, we offer special leave allowances for employees whose children are facing board exams, promoting a harmonious work-life balance,” says Shweta. Blue Dart extends special leaves to its female employees to accommodate various health-related situations, including critical medical treatments, post-surgery recovery, or postpartum conditions. Recognizing the challenges that may arise post-maternity, the company offers flexible work timing options for at least two months upon rejoining, allowing a minimum five-hour work schedule. “Furthermore, we ensure maternity insurance coverage for all female employees, demonstrating our holistic approach towards their well-being and security,” says Sudha. The Success Driving Might Blue Dart’s leadership team is often recognized as a driving force behind the company’s policies or programs to support a healthy work-life balance for women, such as childcare facilities, wellness programs, or mental health support. Shedding light on their approach to leadership and team building within the organization, Priya says that in addition to their comprehensive maternity leave policy, special leaves, and flexible timing options post-maternity leave, they strongly emphasise the mental health and overall wellbeing of their women employees. “We have implemented a specially designed Employee Assistance Program, collaborating with external partners to offer confidential counselling services as a complimentary mental health support service,” she says. Monthly awareness initiatives covering health, wellness, emotional well-being, and stress management are conducted to foster a supportive environment. These efforts prioritize the employees’ psychological safety, ensuring the confidentiality of beneficiary names. Periodic webinars further contribute to awareness and sensitization regarding the importance of a healthy work-life balance. Recognizing the significance of personal and family time, they not only

a greener future by implementing eco-friendly practices throughout our supply chain, optimizing routes for fuel efficiency, adopting energy-efficient technologies, and promoting a paperless work environment. “Our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint extends to ongoing initiatives such as waste reduction, recycling programs, and investments in sustainable packaging. We believe in leading by example and actively contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible industry.” Blue Dart introduced India’s first end-to-end Go Green Carbon Neutral Services in December 2011. Since 2017, annually planting 111,000 trees demonstrates team Blue Dart’s tangible commitment to environmental conservation. Priya mentions, “We aim to achieve Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050 under DHL Group’s ‘Mission 2050,’ aligning with global efforts to limit global warming to less than 2ºC.” Blue Dart’s dedication has earned recognition and certification from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) under its #ClimateNeutralNow initiative, highlighting its unwavering commitment to sustainability. Turning Women into Future-Ready Leaders Blue Dart has achieved remarkable success. Highlighting a transformative initiative that showcases their commitment to excellence and innovation from the women wellrepresented in leadership positions, including at the executive and board levels, the team says that succession promote but insist on utilizing the 15 days of mandatory PL (Privilege Leave) each year, says Sudha, adding that these initiatives have led to the establishment of two fully women-operated service centres and the inclusion of seven female pilots in their aviation crew. She adds, “At the heart of our diversity programs and initiatives lies a commitment to the overall health, well-being, safety, and a collaborative working environment for all our employees.” The Dynamic DEIB Approach The essence of a diversified workplace lies in a diversity and inclusion policy. Thus, ensuring equal opportunities and pay parity for women in the workplace, they are focusing on the representation of women in management (WIM), with 18% of females holding positions in the middle to senior management, says Namita, adding, “Our ambitious goal is to achieve 25% WIM by 2025 and further increase it to 30% by 2030. To support this, we closely track diversity hiring every quarter, maintaining an annual ratio of 12-15%, contributing to a notable rise in the WIM KPI from 13% to 17% over the past two years.” Blue Dart adheres to clearly defined compensation brackets based on experience and qualifications to ensure fairness, transparency, and equity. Its compensation policy is rooted in competency and credibility assessments for talent attraction and promotions. The Role Classification System (RCS) underscores the role’s significance in the business, disregarding personal demographics such as age or gender. In 2023, talent mapping based on RCS brought uniformity and transparency to the organizational structure. The Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) policy champions gender neutrality, emphasizing Respect and Results as core values in driving business. Ongoing Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) training ensures continuous sensitivity and awareness, reaching over 3000 employees quarterly. Blue Dart’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) approach permeates the org’s training programs, mandating 10-15% female representation in each session, a metric actively tracked. “Annually, we commemorate DEIB week, an occasion to communicate the significance of diversity from the MD’s desk, reinforcing our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace,” reveals Sonia. India’s First #ClimateNeutralNow Sustainability and environmental responsibility are crucial aspects of modern industry. Similarly, they are integral to Blue Dart’s operations. According to Shweta, they prioritize Blue Dart generously sponsors 75% of course fees under EmPowered and STEP programs, emphasizing its investment in con nuous learning. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘

planning and empowered initiative are their flagship interventions to develop women’s leadership across levels. Quarterly talent reviews, led by functional leaders, shape their succession planning efforts, specifically focusing on identifying and nurturing women successors for critical roles. The HR team proactively ensures a talent pipeline with capable women leaders, supporting their development to fit into key positions seamlessly. Sudha says, “Our yearlong empowered program, currently comprising 70% female participants, is a catalyst for developing women into future-ready leaders.” Utilizing innovative learning methodologies such as gamification, peer coaching, e-learning, facilitative conversations, and coaching, this cohort learning program engages subject matter experts globally to groom talented individuals. The program’s success is evident as, in 2022 and 2023, over ten females progressed through the initiative, leading sub-departments today. Anticipating continued success, the 2024 Empowered program boasts a 70% female nomination rate. The impact of these initiatives is reflected in women holding significant positions, including CFO, Corporate Controller, ISO auditor, and Customer Service Head. “We attribute these achievements to the seeds sown over the last 40 years, affirming our dedication to fostering and promoting women’s leadership in our organization,” shares Sonia. Learning and Growth––STEP to EmPowered In the realm of diversification, technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing convenience and efficiency. Recognizing it, with a four-decade legacy as a market pioneer, Blue Dart maintains its competitive edge through a steadfast commitment to technology and innovation. Its learning platforms, My Talent World and Blue Connect, exemplify this commitment by offering a diverse array of skill-building modules for upskilling. The cutting-edge Elearning modules cover both functional and behavioural aspects, as well as leadership development. “At Blue Dart, we prioritize "Learning and Growth" as a crucial employee value proposition, providing women with the flexibility of self-paced learning from anywhere,” says Shweta, adding that it ensures their workforce, especially women, can access continuous learning opportunities, reinforcing their position as leaders in the market through a culture of constant innovation and skill enhancement. The workforce is the cornerstone of any successful organization. According to the team Blue Dart, they foster a culture of growth, skill development, and empowerment among their employees, especially women. Priya says, “We take pride in our two impactful programs, EmPowered and STEP, which align with our people-first philosophy and reinforce our commitment to the employee value proposition of ‘Learn and Grow.’ STEP, our Subsidized Tuition and Education Plan, empowers employees to pursue higher education, enriching career prospects, personal development, and effectiveness in their current roles.” Blue Dart generously sponsors 75% of course fees under this program, emphasizing its investment in continuous learning. EmPowered is designed to cultivate a women’s leadership pipeline at Blue Dart, ensuring diversity at the highest management levels. Sudha says, “In addition to our mentoring initiative, where successors are entrusted with projects and developmental plans, senior leadership team members provide frequent guidance to enhance their competencies.” “These programs embody our dedication to fostering talent, promoting growth, and creating avenues for continuous learning within our organization,” believes Sonia. Teamwork Trumps Tornados The team further accepts that as leaders in the industry, they confront challenges on the path to excellence. However, their diversified team’s resilience and ingenuity always help them triumph over adversity. Our yearlong empowered program, currently comprising 70% female par cipants, is a catalyst for developing women into future-ready leaders. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘

Balancing talent acquisition and women in management percentages is a key focus, recognizing the need to attract and develop competent resources. While maintaining gender inclusion and competency balance can be challenging, certain business calls are necessary based on urgency. Leadership team Blue Dart’s intention is to foster a healthy representation of women in the workplace. Externally, societal norms often dictate expectations from women, impacting career aspirations due to traditional caregiver roles. Cultural constraints lead to the loss of women’s talent, but as part of its hiring strategy, the company actively promotes and encourages women replacements for existing roles. According to the team, through increased hiring ratios, internal job postings, and ensuring fairness in promotion decisions, they’ve experienced a yearly increase in Women in Management from 13% to 17%. With a target of 25% by 2025, tracked quarterly, and a focus on hiring 30% female Management Trainees in their yearly program, “We are committed to infusing young talent diversity into our organization,” says Shweta, who also feels that today, every workplace goes beyond the physical realm, touching on aspects like safety, security, hygiene, comfort, deep sense of wellbeing, and cultural vibrancy. Proudly Furthering India Diversity Forum At Blue Dart, they prioritize a holistic approach to employee well-being, encompassing safety, security, hygiene, comfort, and a vibrant culture. Priya adds that they go beyond the physical realm to create a workplace fostering deep well-being. “Our initiatives include robust safety protocols, secure environments, hygienic facilities, comfortable workspaces, and a vibrant cultural atmosphere.” “This commitment enhances employee experience and engagement, reflecting our dedication to creating a positive and inclusive work environment,” states Sudha. As a proud member of the India Diversity Forum and a DHL group company, Blue Dart is committed to aligning with global best practices in Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity. The team of Sudha, Sonia, Namita, Shweta, and Priya divulges that they aim to develop more focused programs and policies surrounding inclusion in the future. Their upcoming initiatives include proposing agile, hybrid, and flexible employee working styles. Additionally, team Blue Dart plans to extend their efforts in women empowerment to reach junior and middle management cadres, fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion at all levels within the organization. Team Insights Success is proud to have Blue Dart as the winner of the coveted title ‘India’s 10 Great Places to Work for Women – 2024’. IS India wishes Blue Dart’s entire team, including Sudha Pai, Sonia Nair, and Namita Patwari, all the very best in all their future endeavours! For more information about Blue Dart, you can connect with ~Sudha Pai- CFO- [email protected]. ~Sonia Nair- VP- Customer [email protected]. ~Namita Patwari- Sr. General [email protected]. Our ambi ous goal is to achieve 25% WIM by 2025 and increase it to 30% by 2030. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘

Diversity Equality Empowerment

F or far too long, gender gaps and systemic biases have hindered the progress of women in the workplace. But a transformative shift is underway, fuelled by a rising tide of championing diversity and inclusion (D&I) within organizations. This inclusive revolution is not just about ticking boxes; it's about creating a future where women not only have a seat at the table, but actively shape the conversations and drive meaningful change. Unlocking Potential, Unleashing Innovation: The benefits of fostering an inclusive environment that empowers women are undeniable. Studies consistently show that diverse and inclusive teams outperform their homogenous counterparts in terms of innovation, problemsolving, and overall company performance. By tapping into the talents and perspectives of a diverse workforce, organizations open themselves up to a wider range of ideas and solutions, fostering a culture of agility and resilience. Beyond Hiring: Building an Ecosystem of Support At the heart of this revolution are workplaces that prioritize diversity and inclusion as core values. These organizations understand that embracing gender diversity isn't just the right thing to do morally—it's also smart business. Research consistently shows that companies with diverse workforces perform better financially, are more innovative, and have higher employee engagement and retention rates. By championing diversity and inclusion initiatives, forwardthinking companies are not only creating a more equitable workplace but also driving greater business success. Meaningful D&I go beyond simply hiring women. It involves creating a supportive ecosystem that addresses various challenges women face at work, including: Unconscious bias: Implementing awareness training and fostering open dialogue to dismantle unconscious biases that can hinder career advancement. Mentorship and sponsorship: Connecting women with experienced mentors and sponsors who can provide guidance and advocate for their success. Flexible work arrangements: Offering flexible work schedules and childcare options to address work-life balance challenges and attract a wider talent pool. Equal pay and opportunity: Ensuring pay equity and promoting women into leadership roles to create a level playing field. How the Workplaces Championing Divers y and Inclusion for Women Creating are a Future of Equal y? 18 | www.insightssuccess.in Feb, 2024

The Inclusive Revolution 19 | www.insightssuccess.in Feb, 2024

Leading the Charge: Inspiring Examples One of the key pillars of the inclusive revolution is the advancement of women into leadership positions. Historically, women have been underrepresented in executive and boardroom roles, facing barriers such as the gender pay gap, lack of mentorship opportunities, and unconscious bias. However, progressive organizations are actively working to break down these barriers and create pathways for women to rise to leadership positions. Through mentorship programs, leadership development initiatives, and targeted recruitment efforts, these companies are empowering women to take on leadership roles and drive positive change within their organizations. Several organizations are leading the charge in championing D&I for women, serving as inspiring models for others: Accenture: Committed to achieving gender parity in its leadership team by 2025, they offer targeted development programs and flexible work arrangements. EY: Focusing on talent acquisition, development, and leadership opportunities, they have achieved a 40% representation of women in senior leadership positions. Unilever: Implementing a powerful "HeForShe" campaign to engage men in advocating for gender equality, they have seen significant progress in closing the gender gap. Beyond Business: A Societal Ripple Effect Another critical aspect of the inclusive revolution is the implementation of policies and practices that support worklife balance and flexibility. Recognizing that women often face unique challenges balancing their professional and personal responsibilities, inclusive workplaces are offering flexible work arrangements, parental leave policies, and support for caregiving responsibilities. By accommodating the diverse needs of their employees, these organizations are not only attracting top talent but also fostering a culture of trust, respect, and well-being. The impact of inclusive workplaces extends far beyond the walls of organizations. When women are empowered to reach their full potential, it creates a ripple effect across society, leading to: Increased economic growth: Studies show that closing the gender gap could unlock trillions of dollars in global economic output. Improved social well-being: Gender equality contributes to better health outcomes, educational attainment, and overall well-being for individuals, families, and communities. Breaking down harmful stereotypes: Diverse workplaces challenge traditional gender roles and inspire future generations to pursue their dreams regardless of gender. Moreover, the inclusive revolution is about creating a culture of belonging where every individual feels valued and respected for who they are. This means actively challenging stereotypes, biases, and discriminatory practices, and creating an environment where everyone can bring their whole selves to work. Through diversity training, awareness campaigns, and inclusive leadership practices, organizations are fostering a culture of belonging where diversity is celebrated and differences are seen as strengths rather than weaknesses. The Road Ahead: A Collective Responsibility The inclusive revolution is not a sprint; it's a marathon requiring ongoing commitment and action from individuals, organizations, and society as a whole. We must continue to: Challenge traditional mindsets: Dismantle unconscious biases and promote open dialogue about gender equality. Champion inclusive policies: Advocate for policies that support women's participation and advancement in the workforce. Celebrate role models: Share stories of successful women leaders to inspire future generations. Hold organizations accountable: Encourage companies to adopt and implement effective D&I initiatives. By actively participating in the inclusive revolution, we can create a future where workplaces are truly equitable, women's voices are amplified, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive. 20 | www.insightssuccess.in Feb, 2024

Act as if what you do makes a difference. Subscribe Today CORPORATE OFFICE Insights Success Media and Technology Pvt. Ltd. Survey No.133/134, Brand Square, Office No. 512, Kunjir Chowk, Pimple Saudagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411027. Phone - India: 020- 7410079881/ 82/ 83/ 84/ 85 USA: 302-319-9947 Email: [email protected] For Subscription : www.insightssuccess.in Cheque should be drawn in favour of : INSIGHTS SUCCESS MEDIA AND TECH PVT. LTD. Stay in touch. Subscribe to Insightssuccess Get Insightssuccess Magazine in print, & digital on www.insightssuccess.in www.insightssuccess.in

A gem was in the making as Carol Philip commenced her professional education in 2011 for a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture at TKM College of Engineering under the University of Kerala. In 2016, she st completed her course and secured 1 rank at the University level. She was also the credit topper for all University semester exams along the stretch of the five-year program. She was also the first student in the history of the University to have secured admission for her Master’s Degree before the completion of the course. She secured these admits with the City University of New York, Pratt University, University of Florida and Tulane University with significant scholarship offers. After accepting admission to the City University of New York in mid-2016, Carol moved to Manhattan, New York. Her studio works that were completed during the fall and spring semesters, titled “Additions to the Guggenheim Museum” and “Enhancement of Broadway’s History”, respectively, were published in “City Works” (A collection of outstanding studio works collaborated by the Architectural Students of City College of New York). “Enhancement of Broadway’s History” proceeded to get selected for implementation but was held off as she had graduated the following year, completing the two-year program in a span of only one. She also obtained various titles such as the “Master of Architecture II Outstanding Design Project” and “Master of Architecture” given to graduating students to recognise their overall academic achievement and consistent excellence in design. She moved back to India mid-2017 and launched the Carol Philip Architects firm. In early 2018, she was appreciated for her contribution to the field by ACC Cement Group as a part of their #PressForProgress program. In mid-2018, she became an Associate Member of the Indian Institute of Architects (AIIA) and Associate Member of the Indian Institute of Interior Designers (AIID). The firm’s budget home project based in Thekkady, a well renown high range in the state, had obtained wide recognition across the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This project went on to be featured in Ÿ “Designer+ Builder” magazine’s October 2018 Edition Ÿ The “Veedu” series of Puthiyathalamurai, a Chennaibased Tamil channel and Ÿ Manorama Online who had highlighted the exterior elegance of the project considering the budget investment involved in the construction. A 1700 sq. ft middle-class home was built in Chunagumvely Kerala with contemporary designs and layouts that made it stand out amongst its neighbours. The firm designed a 47000 sq. ft indoor stadium for a young group of investors looking to start a huge venture with a small budget. While keeping the expenses within the budget, the look and feel of the stadium were elevated with the use of unconventional design elements on its outer façade. To date, the firm has handled over 80 projects across various parts of Kerala and South India in the last five years. Carol Philip, the Founding Principal of the firm, spoke in an interview about architectural philosophies, journey, and plans to transform Kerala’s architectural landscape with an Carol Philip Architects Philosophizing Creatively Sustainable Innovations 22 | www.insightssuccess.in Feb, 2024

Carol Philip Founding Principal Carol Philip Architects India's 10 Great Places to Work for Women- 2024

exemplary vision. The high points of that candid discussion are given herein. Carol, please brief our audience about your firm, its USPs, and how you are currently positioned as one of the best Architectural Designing Solution Providers. We are a cochin-based firm aiming to define spaces in the best way possible for the common people–by forming highly functional and visually aesthetic designs yet keeping the economic aspect of the project in check. To achieve this, we work on two simple philosophies: Economic Innovation: to ideate solutions to design, material and methods by thinking out of the box and not restricting ourselves to conventional construction and interior design methods. Imaginative Iterations: Functions and Aesthetics are created to their highest efficiency and negate any iteration, resulting in budget expansion. While these are our internal operating procedures for creating homes, we also hold the client as important to our processes. Our first step is to recognize and acknowledge our client’s requirements and set that as a stage for all designs to be developed. Since our designs are for the common people–radical designs are not usually on the checklist for our clients or us. But at the same time, we intimate, educate and demonstrate the uses and advantages of modern or unconventional designs, thus bringing visual aesthetics a stronger part of the game than it would have been otherwise. Clients are constantly involved in every iteration, and we believe the client should share a spot in the design process. We want to achieve a contemporary yet economical design–but more importantly, we hope that our team and the client will have had a learning experience from each other. For us, it is the additional set of ideas that were formulated that we can reuse in other plans or designs, and for the client, it’s a newfound outlook on architecture and its depth. Tell us more about your firm’s offerings and what aspects make it stand out in the cutthroat competition. We offer residential and commercial design solutions for projects of any size, but our experience in our five years thus far has our team specialized in layouts that span at most an acre of land. Being for the common people, our niche is to provide functional, aesthetic, and contemporary design solutions by restricting them to the economic limitations of our client. Additionally, we are very much like a startup; thus, our valuable trait is the attention to detail given to the clients’ requests and immediate reactions to their queries. We operate the same way–by tackling the smallest of requests in the biggest of ways possible. Each project is united teamwork from our end to connect the spatial requirements of the clients to the realistic outcomes achieved from each minute decision. As an experienced leader, what do you think of modern technologies like AI and ML impacting your niche and how your firm adapts to the change? The evolution of technology can be quicker, and the possibility of being trampled by it in architecture practice is a prospect that is overlooked in most scenarios. For instance, the adaptation of AI is seen to happen faster with construction companies abroad. This can result in a future possibility of vacating architects from making crucial decisions regarding the design execution and implementation. But AI can never To date, Carol Philip Architects has handled over 80 projects across various parts of Kerala and South India in the last five years. 24 | www.insightssuccess.in Feb, 2024

replace architecture practice, as it has the restrained domain of influence on nature and human inclinations. At the same time, architects can add value to their practice by integrating data and applications to warrant a sturdier business. It can be used to replace banal chores to utilize it as a not human replacement but make systems execute tasks that can be done best by them. In doing so, architects utilize time more efficiently on creative output, eventually adding value to the profession. Computational design tools like LunchBox for Grasshopper and Dynamo, including machine learning (ML) components, or even learning to run a small script in Microsoft Excel, can help architects to allot their time and money to more relevant and non-replaceable tasks. The more automation is incorporated into the design, the further the firm's productivity and the more refined the proposal delivered to the client. The development of the visual logic can help develop workflows that investigate and refine the geometry and functioning of the design models. We focus on integrating technology into the design process in primarily generating the hectic designs and developing the patterns utilizing scripts in Grasshopper that can not only save time in the development of the output but also leave an element of unpredictability within the design space. This often sparks a new perspective to consider in the design process, ultimately adding more value to the final product by refining it in a way that aids in generating a refined proposal in a compact time. Considering the current scenario, what initial challenges did you face, and what are the challenges now? As with any new firm, our initial challenges were the same. Funding and getting clients were top priorities. We confronted these challenges by portraying our digital methods of layout creation where the plan and the elevation could be shown in 3D models to the client before construction. This enabled most clients to see what they were about to build, which was relatively new in the market. Introducing and training our in-house staff in parametric designing was another time-intensive task. We analyzed our team members’ learning times to create procedures where new learning methods could be incorporated. The first and final investment rounds were from Family, and the firm continues to have them as a bedrock in times of financial inadequacies. 25 | www.insightssuccess.in Feb, 2024

This will result in much better attention to detail and an increased number of project iterations. Furthermore, this enables the firm's principal architects to look at more important matters – especially not limited to designs. After this expansion, our next phase will include a concierge team that can handle incoming client queries and meetings, freeing up space for the technical team’s desk to enhance their focus on the iterations without worrying about handling client emotions. In such a system, more radical and out-of-the-box methods can be thought of and incorporated into the iterations, ensuring the best possible solution for the client. We have now overcome the aforementioned scenarios and are currently scaling up operations by creating internal processes where the number of iterations for a client can potentially increase. This is done by stretching the current mode operations into multiple levels, which can introduce a finer looker at the details, thus ensuring quality at every turn. We are trying to find the right junior architects with the right outlook on their work and compassion for the job who can be then made in charge of these sub-processes. This will also help us manage the current pipeline of projects, which can be hard for the team to juggle with each other. What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs who aspire to venture into the Architectural Designing Solution space? The first bit of advice is to have compassion for the trade. The challenges can vary from person to person, but the factor that allows most successful architects to endure is their love of design. Always find time to practice skills and design, no matter how busy or hard it gets. By removing all the technical details of construction, we are artists. We survive only if we can continue to create new ideas, layouts and methods. Secondly, I would encourage budding architects to understand that the time taken to create an industry-wide go-to name is quite large. Hence, persistence without focusing too much on profits would be a good outlook. The best word of mouth can be your clients and the work you create. Hence make sure there are no compromises on that. Finally, be humble. If there are projects in which you believe you cannot contribute to the best of your ability, then it’s better to let them go. It could be chemistry with you and the client, it could be the design style that they have, it could be budget constraints, or it could be time constraints. Only commit to projects where you believe your work can truly make a difference to the client and the community or locality of the project. How do you envision scaling your firm’s operations and offerings in the future? At this time, we are scoping out the changes required for scaling up the firm. We aim to introduce further processes and departments, which will allow the current process of ideation and iterations to go through multiple phases and multiple people. 26 | www.insightssuccess.in Feb, 2024

The most successful entrepreneurs I know are optimistic. It’s part of the job description. - Caterina Fake ” ”

Monica Gupta Founder and Director 28 | www.insightssuccess.in Feb, 2024

truly innovative mind is a neurological beehive of Acreative ideas flying with their magic of limitless imagination by defying every law in the books ever proven. The restlessness of the rebelliously constant change shatters the boundaries of the past to usher the present into the futuristic times, again proving that we must embrace novelty with an open mind no matter what. Those of us divergent enough to carve out our transformative thinking can, in reality, change the world for the better. If you don’t believe it, ask the Bumblebees, who have been flying since their species came into existence by defying all laws of aerodynamics. It might be thanks to their being unaware of the laws themselves, but they have been inspiring wise humanity from the age of sensibility and the dawn of reasoning. “Bumblebees at Interactive Bees – a full-service brand communication agency – are our inspiration, too, says the Founder and Director, Monica Gupta. Interactive Bees started in 2008 when the ‘start-up’ buzzword was still finding its ground, and companies were playing safe by using traditional marketing solutions for branding purposes. Already worked as a seasoned marketing professional, Monica realized that with the changing world, brands needed more than just traditional marketing; they required an integrated approach to marketing which comprises both conventional as well as digital with a secret and a smart ingredient what she terms as ‘Brand Storytelling.’ She explains, “Let’s take an example of the days when our grandparents told us stories.” The stories were not just read; they were told with words that children could visualise. There were sound effects and voice modulations infused in the narration, and the story remained imprinted in our brains, waiting to be retold. It is the USP of Interactive Bees, which is a complete Brand Communication Agency, that offers 360° integrated brand-building solutions that leave an imprint on the consumer's mind with a favourable image and top-of-the-mind recall. She adds, “Our beehive of experienced professionals design unique solutions customised according to each area of business; Our list of client testimonials encompasses a rich mix of brands from various industry segments - B2B, B2C, NGOs and even Government Organizations.” Regaling her journey in this industry and how she made the brand Ibees excel in its niche, Monica says she knew it wouldn’t be easy, but she was sure it was possible. As a child, she struggled with dyslexia, but with determination, she overcame all mental blocks and rose above the challenges. Meditation has helped her in this journey of realising her creative and logical potential and building a path of her own through hard work and perseverance. For about a decade, she worked across industry-leading creative teams, driving innovative projects and successfully delivering solutions to clients until it was time to choose the obvious path of starting her own company. On th 17 December 2008, Interactive Bees was formed along with a group of passionate professionals equipped with different expertise. We Believe, We Can Make Your Brand Fly High on the Success Tree INTERACTIVE BEES

Creating a Buzz From the start, Monica’s vision of Interactive Bees was about creating a holistic Brand Communication agency that works as a solution provider for the overall brand identity creation, brand positioning and marketing communication design and development for various brands. From Offline (Brand Identity Creation, Communication Style and Design Creation, Print Designs, Films) to BTL (events, designs, etc.) to Digital Marketing (owned, social, marketplace, bought and earned media), “We have gradually built our niche as the ultimate destination for overall brand communication. I am happy to say that in fourteen years, Interactive Bees has created a buzz amongst the who’s who of the Brand Advertising world and has been the proud recipient of numerous titles and awards in this field,” she says with a smile. Being a holistic Brand Communication Agency is not just about being creative; Monica encourages her team to practice a research-based work process at Interactive Bees. Therefore, their client list is not limited to a particular business segment. They excel in B2C brand communication and have mastered the art of brand positioning in the B2B segment, which helps them fly high even in such volatile times. Dedication and passion for the work and doing it innovatively with customised solutions delivered are the practices that keep them ahead of the competition, along with quick and timely turnaround. The Power of Change Whether in her personal life or managing Interactive Bees, Monica ensures that their vision remains focused and that their attitude tackles every challenge as another stepping stone towards success. She shares, “Well, frankly, we have always loved and stayed headstrong with our Purpose of creating the agency, which gives us clarity on; “Why am I doing what I am doing?” Clear individual and organisational purpose awareness, which is well-aligned, and we constantly keep the attention.” Being an experienced leader, sharing her opinion on how adopting modern technologies like AI and ML impacts her industry and how Ibees is adapting to the change, Monica says she started Interactive Bees when the marketing world was transitioning towards digital, “And we all know that the industry has seen a tremendous transformation within the last decade.” The Tech-Nectar It is not incorrect to say that ‘those who adapt and adopt’ are growing. AI and Machine Learning have created their presence in all aspects of human communication and learning. While many believe this will lead to many jobs becoming irrelevant and redundant in the near future, she believes they will evolve. “Many of us are spiralling and getting stressed when it's time to evolve by using the latest technologies for our good. At Interactive Bees, we take modern technology as a learning ground and find a balance between the creativity of employees and the convenience of technology.” Let’s take an example of the recent buzz around ChatGPT; though much about it is still to be understood, Ibees creative team is already optimising their skillset by working around concepts like prompt engineering and its application within their arena. They believe technology interwoven with human creativity can result in tremendous success. The Honeycomb Considering the current industry scenario, Monica accepts there are challenges they face, yet they drive their company to overcome these obstacles. The market has been highly volatile for the past few years, especially as uncertainty loomed during the COVID times, because of the Work from home, business-from-home cultures and a lot of new normals creeping up. Creating and maintaining their position in the market and holding together a team of more than sixty people at a time when clients have limited their Interactive Bees is a complete Brand Communication Agency, offering 360° integrated brand-marketing solutions and leaving an imprint on the consumer's mind with a favourable image and top-of-the-mind recall. 30 | www.insightssuccess.in Feb, 2024

budgets and attrition is at an all-time high, they know the quality of their work will help them overcome all hurdles. “The way ahead for every company in the business of client servicing is to create an ecosystem where your customer becomes our spokesperson, and that for us is Mission Accomplished!” she believes. Her advice to budding entrepreneurs who aspire to venture into the Brand Communicators niche is simple – keep your vision straight and focused. Understand your client’s requirements very well. It is essential for every person trying to make their mark in the industry to take care of and respect themselves and their team in all situations. There will be challenges along the way. As we are in a highly volatile and fast-moving arena, be flexible and innovative, and keep upskilling is her mantra. The Beehive of the Future On envisioning scaling Interactive Bees’ operations and offerings in the future, Monica reveals they have reached the threshold of completing 14 years, overcoming many challenges and growing steadily by focusing on delivering quality service to their clients. She envisions Interactive Bees as the preferred agency for brands across industries. A happy team balanced with go-getter attitudes will keep the creativity buzzing and the agency moving ahead. “We are working towards scaling up our operations by serving clients beyond national borders and helping potential startups create their brand communication strategy from brand visibility to public relations,” she says, adding her clients’ praises for Interactive Bees. § Shabana Rahman: Deputy General Manager at Century Plyboards - “Monica makes everyone see the best in every situation and strive for excellence. She is a team player and will take you through her ideas, make you believe and participate in her vision and then commence work. It is the quality that makes her different from any other agency head that I have worked with. She is passionate about her work and doesn't fear giving her opinion on ideas and strategies if she thinks they will not benefit the brand. Over the years, I have also seen her do much pro-Bono work for causes she believes in. She is a very inspiring woman who manages to find balance in the chaos and would do tons of good for any brand she works with. All the best!” § Moumita Sarkar: Marketing Manager at Fortis Healthcare - “Monica is a true professional who believes deeply in delivering excellence. She helped us to develop an advanced E-commerce website, and she has been a reliable partner for our Marketing needs. It's been absolutely fantastic working with her. She is extremely creative with full of skills and knowledge in this field and understands clients' requirements very easily. I respect her immensely as a versatile professional with an impeccable value system.” India's 10 Great Places to Work for Women- 2024 31 | www.insightssuccess.in Feb, 2024

Her Story 32 | www.insightssuccess.in Feb, 2024

Top Ten Trends in Gender Equal Workplaces T he narrative of the modern workplace is undergoing a transformation, with gender equality taking center stage. From boardrooms to startups, a wave of change is empowering women and dismantling long-held biases. In the pursuit of gender equality, workplaces around the world are undergoing significant transformations. From diversity initiatives to inclusive policies, organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of creating environments where all individuals, regardless of gender, have equal opportunities to thrive. Here are the top ten trends shaping gender equal workplaces today: Shattering the Glass Ceiling: The rise of women in leadership positions is undeniable. From CEOs like Mary Barra (GM) and Indra Nooyi (former PepsiCo) to venture capitalists like Anne Wojcicki (23andMe), women are breaking barriers and proving their mettle. This shift is not just symbolic; it paves the way for future generations of women to aspire to leadership roles. Organizations are investing in leadership development programs tailored specifically for women. These programs provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and skill-building workshops to help women advance into leadership roles and break through the glass ceiling. Embracing Flexible Work: Gone are the days of rigid, inflexible work models. Organizations are recognizing the diverse needs of their employees, offering options like remote work, flexible hours, and childcare support. This fosters a work-life balance that benefits everyone, especially women often burdened with disproportionate caregiving responsibilities. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of flexible work arrangements, including remote work and flexible hours. This trend has continued as organizations recognize the benefits of allowing employees to balance work and personal responsibilities, particularly for women who often shoulder caregiving duties. Combating Unconscious Bias: Unconscious biases, ingrained societal beliefs, can subtly hinder women's progress. Organizations are tackling this issue through awareness training, mentoring programs, and diverse interview panels, ensuring a level playing field and fair evaluation of talent. Unconscious bias training raises awareness of implicit biases that may influence decisionmaking processes, including hiring, promotion, and performance evaluations. By addressing bias at all levels of the organization, companies can create fairer and more equitable workplaces. 33 | www.insightssuccess.in Feb, 2024

Pay Transparency and Equity: Closing the gender pay gap remains a top priority for organizations committed to gender equality. Companies are conducting regular pay audits, implementing transparent salary structures, and advocating for equal pay for equal work to ensure that women are compensated fairly for their contributions. The gender pay gap persists, but transparency is key to addressing it. Initiatives like salary audits and open discussions about compensation are crucial steps towards ensuring equal pay for equal work. Investing in STEM and Entrepreneurship: Encouraging girls and young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and supporting women-led businesses are critical for longterm gender equality. Initiatives like coding bootcamps and mentorship programs are paving the way for an inclusive future. Prioritizing Health and Well-being: Organizations are recognizing the link between employee well-being and productivity. This translates into providing comprehensive healthcare benefits, mental health support, and resources for managing stress, especially important for women navigating demanding careers and personal lives. Celebrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives: DEI initiatives are becoming integral to organizational culture, with a focus on creating diverse and inclusive workplaces where all individuals feel valued and respected. From diversity training to affinity groups, companies are taking proactive steps to foster belonging and combat bias. Diversity and inclusion initiatives go beyond gender, encompassing race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other identities. Creating a work environment that celebrates diverse perspectives and experiences enriches the whole organization and fosters innovation. Leveraging Technology and Data: Technology can be a powerful tool for promoting gender equality. Using data to analyze hiring practices, assess pay equity, and track progress on diversity goals helps organizations identify and address biases, ensuring data-driven decision making. Mentorship and sponsorship programs are essential for supporting the career advancement of women. These programs pair experienced leaders with rising female talent, providing guidance, advocacy, and opportunities for professional growth. Amplifying Women's Voices: Creating spaces for women to share their ideas, concerns, and experiences is crucial. Employee resource groups, workshops, and mentorship programs provide platforms for women to connect, advocate for themselves, and be heard. Also, to mitigate bias in the recruitment process, organizations are adopting gender-neutral job descriptions, blind resume screening, and diverse hiring panels. By removing gender-related barriers, companies can attract and retain top talent from diverse backgrounds. Building a Culture of Respect, Transparency, and Accountability: Transparency and accountability are essential for driving progress towards gender equality. Organizations are setting clear diversity goals, tracking metrics related to gender representation and pay equity, and holding leaders accountable for advancing diversity and inclusion initiatives. Ultimately, creating a gender-equal workplace requires a cultural shift. This involves fostering a culture of respect, where inappropriate behaviour is not tolerated, and holding individuals and organizations accountable for upholding standards of inclusivity and fairness. These ten trends are not just individual initiatives; they are woven together, creating a tapestry of progress. As we move forward, it's crucial to recognize the ongoing challenges, celebrate successes, and continue advocating for a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and reach her full potential. 34 | www.insightssuccess.in Feb, 2024

We help our customers accelerate life sciences research, solve complex challenges, improve success and increase lab productivity. Mrs Vaishali Sharma, CEO 36 | www.insightssuccess.in Feb, 2024

Leading a New Global Era of Biotechnology Nirav Biosolutions Private Limited he modern era, biotechnology has become the Tfoundation of global healthcare. Although prior to the pandemic, the industry was moving at a constant pacethriving to keep up with the expectations. However, new diseases and viruses were becoming regular, while only a handful of people with scientific insights and interest were willing to invest in the R&D of the healthcare and life sciences. That was also in mostly foreign countries and not in India. These foreign companies would establish their regional office in the country. Still, they would struggle to get precise professional talent and students keen on taking up medical R&D as their future career. All this happened when everybody understood that R&D is the backbone of the entire life science, healthcare, and biotechnology industry. While working at two giant pharmaceutical companies, initially as a Professional Service Officer at Pfizer and as a Regional Manager of the west zone at Millipore, Pravin Sharma observed this for almost eight years before being ready to provide a solution for sure in the form of Nirav Biosolutions Pvt Ltd, a Life Science company incorporated in 2012. Soon, his wife, Mrs Vaishali Sharma, joined him and the company as a CEO. A Purposeful Innovation Vaishali shares, "Incorporated in March 2012, we have completed ten years of serving life science. We help our customers accelerate life sciences research, solve complex challenges, improve success, and increase lab productivity. Through our premier, we offer an unmatched combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and comprehensive services. We provide scientists and engineers with best-in-class lab materials, technologies and services." The founders clearly envision adding value to its esteemed clients in Life Science Research. Strategically every initiative was driven with a clear thought to bridge gaps and provide a solution to researchers. Initially, Nirav started as a biotech trading company with a small team of technically competent people who could understand applications in life science and provide appropriate solutions. Vaishali adds, "Within one year of inception, we found ourselves a favourite among Biotech Product Manufacturers who believed in our technical capabilities. We have the privilege of working with some of the best brands in the industry like Thermo Fisher Scientific, Invitrogen, BD Bioscience, and Pall Lifesciences in the early phase of our business.” Turnaround and Turnover To begin with, Nirav Biosolutions worked for customers in the peripheries of Pune. Still, soon it was given an opportunity to work with some elite customers in Pune like CSIR-NCL, ICMR-NIV and NCCS among the central government institutes and Lupin Limited, Gennova Biopharmaceuticals and Emcure among the Pharma sectors. Although it grew at a decent pace in the initial years, it was not taking up big projects because of the financial limitations of the organization. The first big project it took up was in 2016, when it set up a functional Genomics Lab at Chitale Dairy for their Buffalo breading program. 37 | www.insightssuccess.in Feb, 2024 India's 10 Great Places to Work for Women- 2024

The value of the project was 25% of Nirav's annual turnover then. Vaishali puts, "This project was a turnaround in our thought process, and handling such big projects became a routine activity for us.” A Strategic Leap of Invention By 2017 Nirav Biosolutions was ready to take a second leap in terms of starting up a wet lab with the name Institute of Applied Biology Research and Development (IABRD). This lab has three primary objectives. · To train master's students who wish to pursue a career in R&D or QC in Biopharma and Pharma Drug discovery, we wanted to do something for the young generation because students don't have the practical experience they need to get a job. Vaishali adds, "We started the lab with the purpose in mind of contributing toward better employability." · To support the research activities of Universities and Academic institutes to work in the Applied side of Biology. · To provide a contract research lab which works on Invitro studies at the cellular and molecular level for new drug targets by the Biopharma/Pharma companies and International CROs. Fighting From the Front Vaishali remembers, "Our real metal was tested during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, where within complete lockdown and unavailability of any commercially approved testing kit.” ICMR-NIV was at the epicentre of testing COVID samples flowing across the country. This was the most challenging /demanding /emotional time of my life with small kids and old in-laws at home, and no team member was available. Vaishali states, "Fortunately, we – Mr Pravin Sharma, my husband (also my business partner), and I had to arrange the required raw material for manufacturing COVID-19 testing kits with no logistic support.” They travelled from the airport to the airport of Bangalore, Pune Mumbai, with the thought process of contributing towards the pandemic. It was the most challenging time on the people, product availability, and financial sides. They worked 24×7 to support NIV. 38 | www.insightssuccess.in Feb, 2024

They had to handle five times their turnover in one year, and they clocked their first 100 Cr plus turnover that year. However, Vaishali says proudly, "Rather than the turnover, what was more satisfying was that we could serve the nation when it was most needed. We are thankful to ICMRNIV and our principal client Thermo Fisher Scientific for trusting in us.” Vaishali states, "A lot of basic research has happened in our country over a few decades, and there are many aspiring scientists who are coming up with their innovations in healthcare with the support of the Government initiative under BIRAC." This is definitely going to boost the industry. Putting Down the Pandemic Discipline, Integrity and Positivity Recently Nirav Biosolutions celebrated its 10th anniversary in a new office space. Vaishali feels, "With a humble beginning from a 330 Sq. ft office to a 3000 sq. ft. it is a fulfilling journey." Even for IABRD, the new lab is designed to be GLP compliant; this setup needs to work in the drug discovery domain offering its services to Pharma and Biopharma customers looking for discovery service partners. Also, it will give students the experience of training in a GLP-compliant lab. Vaishali reveals, "Our Vision is" To be a leading Solution Provider in the life science industry for the betterment of the Planet. As per our mission statement, we plan to take the brand globally." With the Government initiative of Start-up and Make in India, many Biotech startups are coming up. And with its strengths being Marketing and Sales, Nirav Biosolutions would like to take these brands to the international market. "We have already started building capabilities around this and are associated with many start-ups," says Vaishali. Ritualistic Continuous Improvement According to Vaishali, from the business perspective, COVID-19 has made the world realise the promise that Biotechnology holds, whether diagnostics or vaccines. Secondly, it has made the Biotech Industry and International Regulatory Authorities realise that they were really moving at a very sluggish pace. They have the capability of developing health care solutions at a much faster rate. The coming years will be for therapeutic antibodies, vaccines, POC (point of care) solutions, molecular diagnostics and Biosimilar. About their pandemic experience and overcoming it, Vaishali says, "During the pandemic, we had to be on the front foot as we were the only leading suppliers to ICMR, NIV, which was the epicentre of all the diagnostics during the first wave when no kits were available. As a policy, we provide opportunities to freshers from rural parts. Post Lockdown announcement, our team had to be mobilized to their hometown as no PGs were working.” Most of the activity involved physical involvement in arranging COVID testing reagents and delivering them to ICMR-NIV; Nirav Biosolutions had to operate with logistics support. "However, teams were kept engaged in online training and motivational talks from our side. We also kept them updated about what was happening at the ground level," reveals Vaishali. Value Adding Tech-Knowledge Vaishali's opinion on biotech companies' need to align their offerings with technologies like AI and ML, especially when catering to the ever-evolving healthcare needs, is cautiously optimistic. She says that having AI and ML in the Biotech manufacturing process can bring in a lot of automation and reduce error, thereby improving productivity. It is a personal belief that the same should not be applied in diagnostics and treatment because it can never replace clinical findings. Also, AI and ML will play a very limiting role in the Research and Development of new therapies as biological systems are complex and do not function like a machine. However, AI and ML can assist in both healthcare and R&D to capture data, reproduce it for future reference, and provide some analytics which can guide Clinicians and Scientists to take decisions, but it cannot become SOP. 39 | www.insightssuccess.in Feb, 2024

Encouraging Individual Initiatives As an established industry leader, Vaishali's advice to budding entrepreneurs and enthusiasts aspiring to venture into the healthcare services industry is precise. As per her experience, healthcare needs will be ever-increasing with the population. Also, the preventive health check is increasing with growing healthcare awareness and insurance support. Lastly, post-pandemic Biotechnology will proliferate in areas like immunisation, therapeutic antibodies, biosimilar and POC devices. So, all budding entrepreneurs should be focusing on this area. The other central area where Biotechnology can serve is in the sustainability of resources on the planet for the survival of life on the earth. So, Biofuel, Biofertilizers, and Livestock Management are a few other areas to focus on. "I recommend doing a personal and industry SWOT analysis before venturing into the industry," suggest Vaishali. Building Enduring Relationships Vaishali's vision of further strengthening Nirav Biosolutions' stronghold in 2022 and beyond is meticulous. She says, "By 2027 we, · Intend to Develop bio clusters in rural India · Reach PAN India · 20% Revenue from Exports · Contributing to drug discovery and clinical research area · Establish a Service Organization to Serve the Customers Better · Build and Start Facilities for Manufacturing.” So, the year 2022 would be the foundation year for Nirav's next five years' plans. It is infusing experienced team members and doubling the team size. It has already increased its infrastructure and built up a GLP-compliant lab. Vaishali says, "We are working on setting up systems and processes like CRM and ERP on the cloud. We are collaborating with new principals and OEM manufacturers to reach out to at least three states by the end of the financial year 2022. For this, we are looking for an association with some business with whom we can establish synergy and work together.” Expanding the Vision of Vishwaguru Nirav Biosolutions is working in rural areas, taking seminars and providing hands-on training on advanced technologies to students because Vaishali and the team Nirav believes in providing equal opportunities to all. The biotechnology industry in India is going to grow at a supersonic speed. For that, the workforce will be needed. "We want to increase the employability of students from the rural areas. It is also our dream to engage, encourage and enable 25000 biologists by giving them an experience of advanced applied biological research by 2025, helping them reach their full potential," says Vaishali. Finally, she concludes, "Our present and future purpose is to enrich and accelerate research in Applied Biology for the betterment of mankind through high-quality scientific tools, expertise and experience of developing innovative solutions." 40 | www.insightssuccess.in Feb, 2024

W hen people are financially invested, they want a return. When people are emotionally invested, they want to contribute.” – Simon Sinek, American author, and inspirational speaker Rightly quoted by Simon, the importance of human resources and handling them carefully with a kind, empathic and caring approach makes an interesting difference. Often it is noticed that the human resource teams and even the management members are occupied in various human resource tasks and activities, which is time-consuming. It becomes a smarter option to hire a professional human resource consulting firm that can plan, organize, support, and execute important functions in the right and effective manner. Talent Search Management Consulting (TSMC), guided by Reema Nakra, Founder and Director, stands as a glaring example of a professional human resource consulting and training firm that offers organizations customized solutions that address their major human resource requirements. TSMC is a leading HR consulting and leadership training company headquartered in New Delhi, India. It provides dynamic, comprehensive, and implementable solutions to the corporate world, enabling organizations to nurture and sustain a competitive edge through Human Resources with a focus on quality. In an interesting interview with the Insights Success team, Reema overwhelmingly expressed about her professional journey, inspirations, ideas, challenges faced and countered, Talent Search Management Consulting Empowering Businesses with Human Resource Finesse Reema Nakra, Founder and Director 42 | www.insightssuccess.in Feb, 2024

What are the USPs that highlight your TSMC’s uniqueness in the industry? Our USP is thinking out of the box. What exactly makes it our "USP"? By continuing to give repeat work orders, our long-term clients confirm again and again that our unique selling point is the quality of our service. The fact we carry out all processes - from briefing to filling the vacancy; efficiently, carefully, and intensively. The TSMC team works with complete dedication and, of course, also brings them to a successful conclusion. Sustainability is the foundation of our existence, which means that we recruit the best possible candidate for any vacancy with a long-term effect. Keeping a critical distance, objective assessment, as well as procurement and and her vision of how TSMC is headed for a dynamic future. What is your inspiration behind venturing into the business arena? Focus on your passion; nothing else matters. I am very passionate about Human Resource Management (HRM) and wanted to start consulting to help companies grow and create employable opportunities with a vision of transforming people's lives, autonomy, and a sense of accomplishment. What were the initial challenges that you had to surmount to ensure your start-up’s success rate reached greater heights? The biggest challenge was financial management, team stability, client acquisition, and client retention. What professional values and qualities do you think your clients value in you and TSMC the most? The key qualities that have been appreciated by clients are a high sense of responsibility with proper accountability of all the tasks planned and worked out. At TSMC, we associate every project and assignment with a fixed Turn Around Time (TAT) that is shared with the clients in the proposalfollow-ups-completion stages. The team maintains high relevancy of our work with utmost sincerity and integrity. The special focus lies in the quality of the services-what we do; we do it well. TSMC is reputed due to our dedicated customer support, embedded leadership, and the courage to shape a better future. At TSMC, our major focus is on engaging with clients in a consulta ve mode – where the talent search is based on the iden fied role, profile challenges, etc. “ “ India's 10 Great Places to Work for Women- 2024 43 | www.insightssuccess.in Feb, 2024

Awards and Accolades Ÿ Reema Nakra- Best Indian Author-2021 for the Book The Unstoppable Creative by CriticSpace Literary Journal, featured in Nationals/Internationals Ÿ Best women Leadership Award by Glantor-x-2022 Ÿ Best Author of the Year by LIFT Magazine for the Book- The Unstoppable Creative Ÿ Talent Search Management Consulting has been recognized as TOP7 HR consulting in India by Business Talks. Ÿ TSMC has been awarded Best Recruitment Company Globally-2022 by Great Companies-24 Ÿ Reema Nakra – Winner of Sahityakosh Samman Award 2022 by Ne8x official. Ÿ Reema Nakra- Honored with Tagore Commemorative 2022 for literacy Contribution and beyond by Ne8X official evaluation of references, are the guarantors. Since one-off business is not our objective. Our existence is based on long-term customer relations and mutual trust. A significant fact in this context is that today we are still working together with several clients from our start-up years. As an experienced professional, what would you like to advise the budding aspirants willing to enter the business world? I would advise young professionals to think differently. Challenge Yourself to take up new assignments with diverse requirements. Take the Risk upfront. Understand the client’s requirements properly. Based on the inputs, propose a suitable solution in systematic hiring, training, evaluation, and modern technological tools and applications. You should have a clear vision. Keep things simple with proper documentation of the work. Then you should grow your network as you can get connected with potential clients from various sources. Make a solid financial plan for your business that includes capital investment, managing the fixed and incidental costs, risk mitigation, ROI calculations, rolling of funds, etc. How do you envision TSMC’s operations with the emerging technologies and automated tools that are revolutionizing the business world by enabling innovations? Emerging technology can enable enterprise goals — but only if properly implemented. We are going with a flow. Properly implemented, emerging technologies can be powerful in helping companies solve business problems, scale on demand, improve resiliency, and deploy technology solutions rapidly and securely. Companies should conduct a digital maturity assessment and determine areas where emerging technology could provide the greatest value or enable the organization to deliver on its strategies with greater certainty or at a faster pace. It’s also critical to have effective change management during the transition; otherwise, any technology program will never truly reap the intended benefits. 44 | www.insightssuccess.in Feb, 2024

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