From Indra Nooyi (Former Chairperson and CEO of Pepsi Co) to Kiran Mazumdar Shaw (Chairperson and MD of Biocon Biologics Ltd.) Indian women as well as women of Indian origin have demonstrated their ability to hold leadership positions around the world. Whether it is the corporate world or politics, 21st-century women can be found everywhere, displaying a statement to the world that they are second to none. Indian women in the Middle East, traditionally a male-dominated culture, have begun to make a mark in regional Corporate Board Rooms. Indeed, they are few, but they never fail to bring something different to the table and stand as an inspiration to others. Among such leaders in the Middle East, Chitransha Mathur is a name worth mentioning.

Carrying over a decade of experience spanning diverse industries, Chitransha is currently a leader at Emirates Post. She has led the company's Strategic Planning and Transformation department since 2021. To honor Chitransha as an inspiring lead-er, Women Entrepreneur India, engages in an exclusive conversa-tion with her. We sincerely hope that our endeavor will motivate aspiring women in India and around the world to be bold and to be ambitious. Read on to know more about her journey.

Take us through your early educational journey and the prior industry experience that you bring to the table.

Hailing from an economically middle class family, I was fortunate to grow up in an ecosystem that recognised the value of a good education.

I completed my UG in computer engineering from Delhi College of Engineering and joined Cisco Systems in their R&D department. At Cisco, I was involved in developing and testing cutting edge communication systems that were generations ahead of what was available in the telecom world at that time. Spending days in the icy cold labs of Cisco offices in Bengaluru taught me patience, precision, planning, and the ability to anticipate and prepare for complex scenarios. Little did I know that these very skills, learnt so early in my career, would come in handy soon. After spending a few years at Cisco, I decided to study further and explore the world of management. I did my management studies at the S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai.

SPJIMR's focus on creating grounded, ethical corporate leaders through some very innovative programs such as rural internships and mentorship of underprivileged children made me realise the privileges I was born into when compared to our less fortunate brethren. I developed a strong sense of gratitude for my good fortune for having all that I have today. SPJIMR was also the place where I met some wonderful people and more importantly, found my future life partner.

Post my studies, I worked with Deloitte Consulting, advising global clients in developing and implementing transformative strategies. The company, with a fast paced but supportive environment, laid strong foundational stones for my professional journey. It gave me tremendous exposure to several parts of the world working with a multicultural and multinational workforce and handling various projects in different industries. Throughout my career, I have had a lot of mentors and coaches that have been constructive critics, helping me to perform directly or indirectly. I would like to extend such guidance to the young generation as I grow in my career as well.

What are the various roles & responsibilities at Emirates Post? What are the primary focus areas in your current role?

As the head of strategic planning and transformation, I largely look at business growth opportunities, market dynamics, and niche areas for progress. The postal industry has undergone tremendous changes over the years and transforming our fundamentals has been crucial to survival. Apart from long-term business growth initiatives, I also work on short-term planning, annual planning, and budgeting exercises along with the operational needs required to support those plans. Tell us about the key challenges that you face as a business leader at the UAE's official postal operator.

What steps do you take to successfully counter these roadblocks?

I believe that every challenge is an opportunity in disguise. Let me elaborate. The postal industry has been ripe for disruption for a while now. It began when email replaced letters as the principle means of correspondence. Today, competition from International Courier services and hyper-local delivery services is the disruption. So we decided to co-opt the competition and tied up with leading global and local e-Commerce players to become their delivery partners.

Despite several other challenges, UAE as a country offers a unique advantage for the postal industry. It lies at the intersection of the East and the West allowing us to act as a transit hub between the two global economic blocs.

On a different front, bring a woman leader in a traditionally male dominated industry has been quite an interesting journey. As long as you have a supportive and understanding leadership that understands the value you bring to the firm, I believe the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

What has been the driving force behind your success as a business leader?

Good fortune, hard work, and the ability to embrace the unknown. If twenty years ago someone had told me that I'll be occupying leadership positions in the UAEs official postal operator, I would have laughed at them. Yet, here we are! I may have not drawn this path for myself, but whenever there was an opportunity I have accepted it.

“Dream big & surround yourself with a supportive ecosystem”

Drawing from your experience as a successful business leader, what would your advice be to young women and girls who also aspire to become business leaders and entrepreneurs in the future?

Most women approach business and people differently, and I think that's okay. That is what differentiates you and allows you to add additional value to everything you do. Also, women are often forced to choose between personal life and work life, and it's okay to choose your dreams even if society inhibits them. Some folks might be unhappy with your decisions since it doesn't confirm to their world view of what a woman should do. You just have to find a way to live with it and live thelife you want for yourself. Lastly, the most important ingredient in professional success and professional and personal happiness is to find people who really believe in you and appreciate you.

Chitransha Mathur, Director - Strategic Planning & Transformation, Emirates Post

Chitransha is a Strategy and Transformation professional with experience across industry sectors in the Middle East, US, UK, & India markets.