CARGOCONNECT-MARCH2024 - Flipbook - Page 34
COVER STORY
SUPER WOMEN IN SUPPLY CHAIN
Refining Leadership with Diverse
Styles and Beliefs
TARUNA MAHAJAN
Head of Marketing,
Horizon Industrial Parks
Early in my professional journey,
transitioning career paths provided
valuable hands-on experience, which
remains unparalleled. However, I recognise
that supplementing practical experience
with academic knowledge could have
accelerated my growth during that period.
34 | CARGOCONNECT MARCH 2024
Transitioning Roles
I’ve been in the logistics and
supply chain sector for over 15
years. I worked with an agency,
before transitioning to emerging
sectors. Joining a Tata Group
logistics company in 2009 marked
the beginning of my journey in
managing marketing communications. While the company was
acquired by TVS Supply Chain
Solutions, I continued to advance,
and I spearheaded marketing
communications e昀昀orts for other
prominent logistics and industrial
real estate developers.
Work Ethics
Agile, adaptive, collaborative.
Finding Joy in Every Role
I’ve enjoyed every aspect of my
role. Challenges have only added
to the excitement, providing constant learning opportunities.
Fortunately, both my family and
employers have been supportive, allowing me to maintain
a harmonious balance without
sacri昀椀cing either.
Leadership Values
I admire people who build teams
of talented, ethical individuals
and nurture their development.
Advocating trust in the team,
guiding without micromanaging,
and granting freedom to experiment and learn aligns with my
values. Responsible risk-taking,
approachability, and a commitment to daily learning are traits
I highly respect.
Refining Leadership Style
There is no “key” event that
has shaped my leadership style;
rather, it’s been an evolving journey. However, certain experiences
have shaped my approach. One of
them was my assessor training
in the Tata Business Excellence
Model and Tata Affirmative
Action Programme. This provided
me with invaluable insights into
organisational management best
practices that strengthen its leadership’s strategic and operational
capabilities for long-term success.
Furthermore, my participation in TVS Supply Chains’
Shadow Board played a crucial
role in refining my leadership
style. Working closely with both
India and Global leadership teams
on strategic initiatives geared
towards preparing the company
for IPO. I gained a comprehensive
understanding of various departments and witnessed 昀椀rst-hand
the setting of company-wide goals
and exploration of new solutions
and technologies. Interacting with
global CEOs during this period
exposed me to diverse leadership
styles and beliefs, inspiring me to
incorporate best practices from
industry leaders into my own
approach.
Interacting with these leaders
broadened my understanding
of e昀昀ective leadership, providing on-going inspiration and
opportunities to benchmark
against industry standards while
integrating new methodologies
into my leadership style as a
department head.
Nurturing Relationships
through Open
Communication
Don’t fear speaking up or seeking
help. It doesn’t show weakness;
instead, it fosters strong relationships and supporters.
Captivating Possibilities
Having the ability to time-travel
would be fascinating. While I
don’t dwell on regrets, exploring
the paths I didn’t take, including
plan Bs and plan Cs, and witnessing the alternate timelines they
may have created would be truly
captivating.
