Leaders
The automobile industry has historically been dominated by men, but in recent years, there has been a significant shift towards greater inclusion of women in various roles within the sector. Women have made remarkable strides in the automobile industry, breaking barriers and making significant contributions in areas such as engineering, management, sales, and entrepreneurship. Anu Lall, the Managing Director of Classic Kia, is a shining example of a woman making a mark in the automobile industry.
Anu is a seasoned expert in the automotive industry, boasting extensive knowledge and experience across various sectors. From her early exposure to her family's automobile dealership to her role as the Managing Director of Classic Kia, Anu has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep understanding of the industry's nuances. Her journey is marked by significant achievements, including surpassing market share targets, excelling in customer satisfaction, and contributing to critical projects. Under her guidance, Classic Kia has achieved remarkable milestones in customer satisfaction, market share, and overall performance, making her a potent leader in the Indian automobile industry and an inspiration for women entrepreneurs.
What are some important facets of your life and professional journey?
I hail from the Andaman and Nicobar Islandsand completed my education up to the 12th standard at Carmel Convent,Port Blair. Following that, I pursued a B.Tech degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering at Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore. During my academic journey, I had the privilege of participating in a summer internship with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in Port Blair. Later, I worked on my final year project at the Indian Institute of Science (IISC) in Bangalore.
After graduating, I began my professional journey with Infosys Technologies Limited, but soon realized my desire to take on more substantial project responsibilities and embrace an entrepreneurial mindset. This turning point prompted me to pursue an MBA in Marketing and Human Resources, preparing me for leadership roles. Following that, I worked with Kotak Mahindra Bank, Jana Bank, where I gained real-world experience and tackled various challenges.
My family background is rooted in a long-standing business in the automobile dealership industry, spanning three generations. This upbringing instilled entrepreneurial skills and a mindset that aligned with my career aspirations.
Marriage brought me into a partnership with my husband, who also has an automotive background. Together, we ventured into the Kia dealership business, and I currently serve as the managing director. In this role, I am primarily responsible for sales strategy planning and customer service within the organization.
Share your industry expertise and how your prior experiences contribute to your leadership today.
Coming from a family deeply entrenched in the automobile dealership industry; I gained exposure to this field early on. My involvement in my family's Ford dealership allowed me to understand various aspects of the business. The family business environment subtly shaped my perspective, and I absorbed valuable lessons from my parents and elder siblings.
My parents' support created an environment where I had the freedom to explore and make my own choices. This upbringing provided me with a realistic view of the business world as I interacted with clients and encountered real-world challenges in my career.
Growing up in the Andaman Nicobar Islands, known for its cultural diversity and strong sense of community, taught me how to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. This skill became especially valuable during my time at VIT, where I interacted with students from various walks of life.
I faced numerous challenges and experienced personal growth, emphasizing the importance of consistency, honesty, hard work, and dedication in achieving goals. A critical lesson I've learned is that planning and taking action are only part of the equation; robust implementation is the missing link that turns plans into reality. Without effective implementation, desires remain unfulfilled, and personal growth remains stagnant.
"My success mantra: There's no 'impossible' in the achiever's dictionary. To reach your goals, proactively forge your own path"
Introduce us to Classic Kia. Tell us about the various responsibilities you shoulder as the firm’s Managing Director.
Classic Kia serves the Kumaon region as a prominent Kia dealership. Specializing in new Kia vehicles and certified pre-owned models, Classic Kia offers a comprehensive range of services, including financing and leasing options, auto body repairs, and maintenance.
Our commitment to customer satisfaction and top-quality service has earned us a stellar reputation in the Kumaon region. We pride ourselves on being one of the top-performing dealerships in the area. Our primary objective is to ensure an exceptional experience for customers seeking new or certified pre-owned Kia vehicles, as well as those requiring service, repairs, or genuine Kia parts and accessories.
My role as the Managing Director involves overseeing various responsibilities within the dealership. My primary responsibilities include managing the entire sales function, setting and achieving monthly targets, and ensuring the highest level of customer service. Since our inception in 2019, our dealership has consistently grown in market share within the Kumaon region. We've received awards for our exceptional performance, meeting and surpassing targets, and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
What are the critical challenges you encounter as a business leader? How do you overcome them?
As a business leader, I've faced numerous significant challenges during my journey. One major hurdle was relocating from the Andaman Islands to Uttarakhand. This move was not just about changing physical locations; it also demanded that I adapt to entirely new geographical challenges and opportunities. This required making independent decisions tailored to the specific needs of the region and effectively managing a different workforce.
Another significant challenge in any organization is creating and maintaining processes consistently. While establishing processes is relatively easier, ensuring their day-to-day implementation and adherence can be demanding. I believe that flexibility and adaptability were crucial in managing these challenges. Decision-making needed to be dynamic, responding to changing business dynamics and external factors. Striking the right balance between internal organizational needs and delivering results required timely and effective decision-making.
Moreover, being a woman in the male-dominated automobile dealership industry posed its challenges. However, I viewed this as an opportunity to break barriers and confront these challenges head-on.
Tell us about the top professional milestones that you have achieved throughout your journey.
Under my leadership, we have excelled in customer satisfaction, surpassed market share targets, and outperformed competing brands in our region. Classic Kia has become one of the top-performing dealerships in the Kumaon region.
One of the most memorable milestones in my journey was the opportunity to witness the launch of GSLV F 04 at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Although my direct contribution was limited, being part of such a momentous event and indirectly serving my country filled me with immense pride.
Another significant achievement was my involvement in the design and development of an accelerometer at the Indian Institute of Science (IISC) which allowed me to contribute to the aviation industry by creating a crucial component used in aircraft today. Notably, this project received recognition as the best project in the institute.
I attribute much of my ability to achieve these milestones to the foundation and preparation I received during my time at VIT Vellore. The institution directed me towards these opportunities and equipped me with the skills and mindset to face challenges and pursue my goals in life.
Tell us about the success mantra that you follow as a business leader.
My success mantra as a business leader is deeply rooted in the values instilled by my family. They have always taught me that there's no such thing as "impossible" in the dictionary of achievers. To attain your goals, you must proactively work for them. Success doesn't come to you; you have to actively pursue it by forging your own path. Consistency, hard work, and timely decision-making are essential elements in achieving success. Being adaptable and making decisions that align with the current environment are crucial for yielding the desired results.
This is the advice that I also share with fellow women entrepreneurs, encouraging them to embrace a proactive and determined mindset on their own journey to success.
Moreover, I believe in a collaborative approach to leadership. Rather than a commanding style, I tend to be more of a directional leader. I understand that leadership styles can vary depending on the context and the region you're operating in. Therefore, fostering an environment where team members collaborate and support one another is vital to achieving success.
Anu Lall , Managing Director
Anu Lall is a distinguished figure in the automotive industry, renowned for her exceptional leadership and deep industry expertise. She has a proven track record of exceptional customer satisfaction, surpassing market share targets, and contributing to critical projects in aviation. As the Managing Director of Classic Kia in Uttarakhand, she navigated significant challenges, demonstrating adaptability and resilience.
