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- Tell us a bit about your professional journey.
It’s been quite an interesting journey! I started out in retail with a search for flexibility, but over time, it became a deep-rooted passion for business development and retail expansion. My academic background in commerce and a Post Graduate Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations gave me a unique blend of analytical thinking and creativity, which has always been a differentiator for me. I began with M&B Footwear, where I learned the fundamentals of business development and grasped the nuances of retail growth. As the industry evolved, so did my role, transitioning to more strategic positions with brands like Blackberrys and Raymond, where I was able to scale operations and drive meaningful change.
- How have your experiences shaped your approach to retail?
Each of these roles has taught me something valuable. At M&B Footwear, it was about learning the basics—site selection, building relationships, and growing in a very nascent retail environment. As I moved on to Blackberrys, the transition was about using data-driven strategies. I learned to align market research with broader business objectives. My time at Raymond was transformative because I had to balance brand positioning, market penetration, and operational execution. I learned the importance of not just expanding for the sake of it, but ensuring that every new store opened strengthened the brand's presence.
- How has technology impacted your approach to business development?
Technology has been a game-changer. Retail today is all about leveraging data—sales figures, customer insights, and market trends. At Fabindia, we’ve focused on using data to make more informed decisions that allow for more strategic, impactful outcomes. The future of retail is in omnichannel and phygital experiences, AI-powered personalization, and automation. It’s about creating seamless integration between offline and online channels and offering consumers a more immersive, tailored experience.
- As a woman in a leadership role in the retail industry, what challenges do you face and how do you navigate through them?
It’s not always easy, especially in a field that’s often perceived as male-dominated, particularly in the real estate space. There’s still an unconscious bias that equates male leadership with strength and female leadership with compromise. But I’ve always believed that leadership is about vision, capability, and resilience—it’s not about gender. I’ve had to work hard to prove that, but it’s something I take in stride. It’s important for women to be confident, advocate for their rights, and build their careers in their own terms. Progress has been made, but there’s still a long road ahead.
- How do you maintain your professional commitment over the years?
I hold myself to very high standards, and I’m definitely a perfectionist! I’m deeply invested in my work, sometimes a bit too caught up in the details, but that’s who I am. I have a relentless desire to improve and innovate, which keeps me going. At the same time, I also strive to create a positive environment for young talent to grow. I believe in mentoring and giving back to the next generation of retail leaders—those are the things that keep me motivated.
- Looking ahead, how do you envisage the future of retail in India?
The future of Indian retail lies in a seamless blend of physical and digital experiences, driven by AI, AR, and VR. These technologies will shape how consumers interact with brands, and the focus will be on creating personalized, experience-driven retail journeys. I’m excited about how we can use these innovations to push the boundaries and make the retail experience more meaningful and customer-centric.
- What advice would you give to young women aspiring leadership roles in retail?
First and foremost, own your confidence. Never underestimate your worth. Retail is a dynamic industry, and whether you're on the sales floor or in the boardroom, your ability to communicate, show resilience, and trust your instincts will set you apart. Keep learning, keep pushing, and don't let anyone tell you that you don’t belong.
- What has been the key to your success?
For me, it’s been about three key pillars—passion, purpose, and performance. Passion drives continuous learning and innovation. Purpose ensures that I stay aligned with long-term goals and values. And performance ensures I consistently deliver results that build credibility and open doors for new opportunities. When these three elements come together, success follows—it’s inevitable.
