/dqc/media/agency_attachments/3bO5lX4bneNNijz3HbB7.jpg)
Follow Us/dqc/media/post_banners/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/syska1.jpg)
Jyotsna Uttamchandani, Executive Director, Syska Group tells us about her journey to reach this position and about women's challenges in the business world.
Tell us about your role in your work, especially in the decision making process
Jyotsna - I currently handle the Pan India Offline Channel of Syska Accessories. I am also handling around 13 Samsung Retail Outlets across the west. For me decision-making process always involves teamwork. When we realise there is a goal that needs to be reached, I always include my team in such discussions. We weigh our pros and cons, and we evaluate our multiple options together. It is important to ensure my team is on the same page and thinks likewise. Once we have brainstormed and ideated together for the best way to move forward, we decide to take the stride as one. Yes, there are many key decisions where I might have to think of long term goals as a leader while the team is looking at situations shortsightedly. At such times I ensure they are informed why and how I decide to go a certain way. I also keep them motivated throughout that process because we may disagree but we are at the end one team with one goal.
What kind of challenges did you face in your journey to reach this position?
Jyotsna - I think there was a change of mindset required for me as well as my peers. For them, we are a second-gen that just got everything served on a silver platter. It is an advantage that I have had with the hard work the first generation has done but we have a lot of unsaid responsibilities and expectations that no one knows. I am always living under the umbrella of my father and the success he has received. It's difficult to cope with that as a whole.
How easy is it for women to reach a senior decision making position in FMEG business?
Jyotsna - It is not easy. Having a corporate job experience in the US at Microsoft, I know it's hard out there for women, be it in any world not just in FMEG and not just in India.
What are you future expansion plans?
Jyotsna - As a trading and distribution focused company, we are of course trying to expand into every customer's hands. Not just that we are trying to expand into more consumer good verticals. But before that, we want to be the best at what we already have.