From receiving the Best Outgoing Student Award in 10th grade to becoming the CCO of Sagar Asia Group, Anitha Prasad Tumuluri's journey has not been a linear path. The dynamic lady has seen it all and done it all; from a corporate job to becoming a professor, a writer, and a consultant, and then back to corporate. There has been no turning back for her as she climbed the corporate ladder to reach the coveted position of CCO. Anitha also serves on the board of directors of group companies, and still continues on her path to learning and success.

At Sagar Asia Group, she was initially in charge of finance and accounting, then moved on to commercial aspects, and now, in addition to commercial aspects, she is also in charge of human resources, including hiring, training, and upskilling staff. "There are several opportunities available, and all we have to do is grab them, do not think about the monetary returns; these are opportunities for you to grow," believes the competent business woman. Here are excerpts from her conversation with the Women Entrepreneur team where she takes us along on her exciting professional journey.

Introduce Us To Sagar Asia Group. What Are Some Important Features About Your Expertise As A Business Leader?

Sagar Asia Group was incorporated as an aluminum engineering company in 2007.  We manufacture Aluminum, Steel, and Fiberglass Access Equipment such as Ladders, Scaffolds, Mobile Access Platforms, and Wind Energy Towers, as well as Special Fabrication for the Automotive Industry, Aircraft Maintenance, Railway Solutions, and Industrial Solutions. We also have an in-house component shop. Sagar Asia Group is an integrated complex and the only company of its sort in the world that creates items that are conforming to both American and European standards.

Take Us Through Your Early Educational And Prior Industry Experience. What Led You Towards Business Management? 

After Post-I did my schooling upto 12th class in Kendriya Vidyalaya schools in Hyderabad. I went on to pursue B.com specializing in Finance from University College for Women, Koti, and was the university topper. I completed a portion of Cost and Work Accountants (ICWA) course during my graduation, and then went to work. While I was pursuing master's degree, I completed ICWA course.

I found it difficult to care for my two little daughters while working in a corporate job, so I shifted to teaching and became a professor at St. Francis College in Hyderabad, where I held various positions. In 2006, the college launched a Bachelor of Management studies program, for which I was appointed as the founder and Head of the department of Business Management. I also published research articles and provided consulting services while being a professor at college.

Later, I joined Sagar Asia Group, where I initially handled finance and accounts before moving on to commercial activities, where-in I was elevated to Vice President of Commercial Operations and Corporate Affairs, and then to CCO. I also serve on the board of directors of group companies, and still continue to take finance and HR classes at the college.

What Are The Roles And Responsibilities That Your Current Role Entails? What Are The Most Challenging Aspects Of Your Job And How Do You Overcome Them? As The CCO How Do You Drive Growth Within The Organization?

My job entails dealing with the business's commercial aspects. I am in charge of preparing and reviewing business plans along with the Managing Director. I also host the cash flow podcast and oversee all legal matters. I'm in charge of human resources, from hiring to training and upskilling personnel.

“I advise all young people, regardless of gender, to take on responsibilities; and not think of immediate monetary gains; if not anything, you gain experience out of the opportunity - these are opportunities for you to grow”

The difficult aspect is having inadequate resources and unlimited requirements. To combat this, we employ the available possibilities and, in classic entrepreneurial fashion, choose the best solution that is goal-oriented.

Being at leadership position, I look at every responsibility as an opportunity to grow. When it comes to leadership positions, one must think like an entrepreneur. Only by working with enthusiasm and being self-motivated you will be able to succeed and drive the growth within the organization.

How Has Your Journey Been As A Business Leader So Far? How Do You Keep Yourself Well Aligned With The Periodic Evolutions Occurring In The Industry?

So far, my journey has been really rewarding and satisfying. Shifting from corporate to academic was a conscious decision I made for the benefit of my family, and I made it knowing that I would return to corporate in the future since I am not the person who can keep to a monotonous job. Both professions were incredibly satisfying for me and I did them with a lot of passion. We don't have to wait for someone else to keep us informed about new developments; instead, we must keep an eye on the market and make precise modifications in response to industry changes. Take advantage of the opportunities that external entities present to us and gradually convert them into commercial solutions and numbers for the firm.

How Do You Balance Your Work And Home Life? What Would You Advice Young Women Aspiring To Become Business Leaders?

Work-life balance is crucial for all working people, regardless of gender. The key to balancing things in one's life is planning and prioritizing. And this planning must reflect both in your professional and personal obligations. I believe 'Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man wise and productive'. Reading is one of my hobbies, and shopping is a great way for me to relieve stress.

There are several opportunities available, and all we have to do is grab them. I advise all young people, regardless of gender, to take on responsibilities; and not think of immediate monetary gains; if not anything, you gain experience out of the opportunity - these are opportunities for you to grow.

I would also advise them to create an interest in the tasks that they don't particularly enjoy but are unable to avoid. Don't let yourself trail behind by failing to do things when you were expected to.

Stay grounded in terms of ethics, principles, and relationships with family and co-workers. No matter how big you grow and which crown you wear at work, especially woman, leave it at your doorsteps and enter the house as a wife, mother, daughter, daughter in law or whatever role you have.

Anitha Prasad Tumuluri, Chief Commercial Officer

Anitha has worked her way up the corporate ladder from looking after the Finance & Accountants of the company to becoming the CCO of Sagar Asia Group. In her current role she hands business's commercial aspects, legal matters and human resources.