Having access to clean drinking water has long been an issue in rural and urban India alike, and the economic and health consequences of this problem cannot be overstated. Although it is home to 1.3 billion people, India only possesses 4% of the world's freshwater resources. Even though water is a fundamental human right, a substantial section of India's population lacks access to it. This was an eye-opening reality for Divya Yachamaneni when she joined Naandi Community Water Services (NCWS), leading her to pursue employment with an organization dedicated to the upliftment of such underserved communities. Divya now leads the organization that works with a mission “To save lives of underserved communities in India by providing them access to safe drinking water in a sustainable manner.” NCWS has so far reached over 650 communities of India living across seven states, affecting over 850,000 lives with their safe drinking program.

Armed with an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management – Kozhikode, Divya has also received certification in Stanford Seed Transformation Programme from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. After ten years in the corporate sector, Divya desired a change and to accomplish something important. She was particularly attracted by the social enterprise area, as Divya saw an opportunity to use her business expertise for a societal purpose. That is when she encountered NCWS.

Naandi Community Water Services Pvt. Ltd. (NCWS) is one of India's largest community-based drinking water solution provider. It is a pioneering social for-profit organization established in 2010 by the Trustees of the Naandi Foundation in partnership with DANONE Communities.

Divya walks us through her incredible career trajectory in an insightful conversation with Women Entrepreneur India.

Tell Us About The Varied Expertise That You Possess As A Business Leader. How Has Your Past Industry Experience Helped You In Your Current Role?

I learned the value of the structure, organization, systems, and processes in the consulting realm, and I realized the significance of entrepreneurship, agility, flexibility, and speed in the manufacturing sector. All of these abilities have aided me in contributing to the resolution of some of the most perplexing societal challenges.

What Are The Various Roles & Responsibilities That You Currently Shoulder At Naandi Community Water Services? What Are Some Of The Most Challenging Aspects Of Your Role And How Do You Overcome Them?

As CEO, I am responsible for achieving Naandi water's mission of "changing lives by providing sustainable access to clean drinking water to underserved communities." As a result, my primary responsibilities include establishing and implementing the organization's vision, as well as initiating new strategic initiatives. Additionally, I am accountable for nurturing and growing the leadership team to maximize their potential and carry out the organization's goal and vision, raising funds for growth, and managing critical external connections.

No path is rewarding without challenges, and I encountered a few along my way, one of which was adjusting to and developing despite changes in the legislation that had a significant financial impact on us. Getting capital in an atmosphere where the notion of a social company is unfamiliar is very challenging. Furthermore, being a decentralized organization, adapting to COVID was a major difficulty, but we overcame it and increased revenue and profitability. Challenges are unavoidable and can be solved by having faith in one's abilities, assembling an effective management team, instilling an innovative and resilient corporate culture, and forming a supportive ecosystem. These are the primary reasons why we were able to surmount our challenges.

What Have Been The Most Significant Milestones That You Have Achieved So Far In Your Professional Journey? What Has Been The Driving Force Behind Your Successful Stint As A Business Leader?

For the last five years, I have been leading NCWS. Since the time I have taken charge as CEO of NCWS, me and my team of high performers have made a significant difference including:

• Strengthening the brand iPure in rural India by focusing on quality, community and sustainability.

• Increasing social impact by 42% (currently at 850,000 people) by expanding the reach of the safe drinking water program to over 120 more underserved communities. Serving 30,000 government school children with daily access to safe drinking water irrespective of the lockdown.

• Developing a culture that values empathy, safety, trust, creativity, and resilience.

• And last but not the least. launching India’s first social packaged drinking water brand iQuench.

"I am accountable for nurturing and growing the leadership team to maximize their potential and carry out the organization's goal and vision, raising funds for growth, and managing critical external connections"

A significant source of inspiration for me along this journey has been my belief in the organization's objective, the customers who rely on us for safe drinking water, and most importantly our amazing workforce and board of directors.

How Do You Keep Yourself Well Aligned With The Periodic Evolutions Occurring Within Your Respective Field Of Work?

Every day, I immerse myself in acquiring new information to stay up to date with changes in my industry and the rest of the world. In addition, our systems and procedures that guide our approach include market research conducted on the ground and macro trends. Furthermore, conversations with like-minded professionals at Naandi Community have helped us build a forum of like-minded professionals.

As A Successful Businesswoman, What Would Your Advice Be To Young Women And Girls Aspiring To Become Business Leaders And Entrepreneurs In The Future?

Do what you love and believe in yourself because now is the best time for women to start their businesses. Most people now feel women can succeed in positions of authority. Eventually, build a network of people who will help you along the way.

Divya Yachamaneni, CEO, Naandi Community Water Services

Divya joined Naandi Community Water Services with the social mission of providing clean drinking water to those living in remote places of India. Before which, she worked for nearly a decade at Deloitte,Kaalmanns Plastics and the Naandi Foundation.