COVER STORYSUPER WOMEN IN SUPPLY CHAINRefining Leadership with DiverseStyles and BeliefsTARUNA MAHAJANHead of Marketing,Horizon Industrial ParksEarly in my professional journey,transitioning career paths providedvaluable hands-on experience, whichremains unparalleled. However, I recognisethat supplementing practical experiencewith academic knowledge could haveaccelerated my growth during that period.34 | CARGOCONNECT MARCH 2024Transitioning RolesI’ve been in the logistics andsupply chain sector for over 15years. I worked with an agency,before transitioning to emergingsectors. Joining a Tata Grouplogistics company in 2009 markedthe beginning of my journey inmanaging marketing communications. While the company wasacquired by TVS Supply ChainSolutions, I continued to advance,and I spearheaded marketingcommunications e昀昀orts for otherprominent logistics and industrialreal estate developers.Work EthicsAgile, adaptive, collaborative.Finding Joy in Every RoleI’ve enjoyed every aspect of myrole. Challenges have only addedto the excitement, providing constant learning opportunities.Fortunately, both my family andemployers have been supportive, allowing me to maintaina harmonious balance withoutsacri昀椀cing either.Leadership ValuesI admire people who build teamsof talented, ethical individualsand nurture their development.Advocating trust in the team,guiding without micromanaging,and granting freedom to experiment and learn aligns with myvalues. Responsible risk-taking,approachability, and a commitment to daily learning are traitsI highly respect.Refining Leadership StyleThere is no “key” event thathas shaped my leadership style;rather, it’s been an evolving journey. However, certain experienceshave shaped my approach. One ofthem was my assessor trainingin the Tata Business ExcellenceModel and Tata AffirmativeAction Programme. This providedme with invaluable insights intoorganisational management bestpractices that strengthen its leadership’s strategic and operationalcapabilities for long-term success.Furthermore, my participation in TVS Supply Chains’Shadow Board played a crucialrole in refining my leadershipstyle. Working closely with bothIndia and Global leadership teamson strategic initiatives gearedtowards preparing the companyfor IPO. I gained a comprehensiveunderstanding of various departments and witnessed 昀椀rst-handthe setting of company-wide goalsand exploration of new solutionsand technologies. Interacting withglobal CEOs during this periodexposed me to diverse leadershipstyles and beliefs, inspiring me toincorporate best practices fromindustry leaders into my ownapproach.Interacting with these leadersbroadened my understandingof e昀昀ective leadership, providing on-going inspiration andopportunities to benchmarkagainst industry standards whileintegrating new methodologiesinto my leadership style as adepartment head.Nurturing Relationshipsthrough OpenCommunicationDon’t fear speaking up or seekinghelp. It doesn’t show weakness;instead, it fosters strong relationships and supporters.Captivating PossibilitiesHaving the ability to time-travelwould be fascinating. While Idon’t dwell on regrets, exploringthe paths I didn’t take, includingplan Bs and plan Cs, and witnessing the alternate timelines theymay have created would be trulycaptivating.
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