Constructing a home from the ground up is a profound journey. It involves creating a secure and cherished abode for your loved ones. Paying meticulous attention to every aspect, whether it's the bathroom flooring or the kitchen's electrical outlets, is crucial. Despite the numerous unanswered questions that may linger, no detail can be underestimated. At Ruchira, they take pride in their consistent and thorough research to curate the ideal community for individuals and their families. Their approach is grounded in staying informed about current trends and future societal needs, serving as the basis for their team to craft architectural spaces that offer the utmost comfort. Their goal is to construct homes characterised by uniqueness and meticulous craftsmanship. The transition from purchasing one's dream home to settling into it marks an exhilarating yet demanding journey. Shailaja Singh, Chief Marketing  and Sales Officer at Ruchira, has played a crucial role in  bringing many dream homes to life.

In a candid interview with our team, Shailaja shared insights into her early life, her entry into the industry, and her subsequent professional journey.

What aspects of your life and professional trajectory hold significant importance?

With 33 years of experience, I find numerous facets in my journey that have significantly influenced both my professional and personal life. One pivotal aspect is recognizing the value of openly expressing perspectives and concerns during discussions, not merely saying what others want to hear. Candid conversations are essential for optimal results and for fostering a culture where everyone feels free to voice their opinions. Equally vital is actively acknowledging and considering feedback from the team, as this feedback often leads to product improvements. Lastly, emphasizing a harmonious and motivating work culture by showing respect for every team member's contributions is crucial. In today's collaborative landscape, hierarchy matters less than collective teamwork towards achieving organizational goals. These three principles hold immense importance in my journey.

Can you shed some light on the industry experience you bring to the table?

I've been in the real estate industry for two decades now, commencing my professional journey in the hospitality sector after pursuing hotel management at the Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology, and Applied Nutrition in Bangalore. Initially, I ventured into hospitality and retail. However, my focus shifted primarily to the real estate sector afterwards. Over the years, I've been fortunate to occupy roles encompassing sales, marketing, client engagement, business development, and leadership within different organizations. Collaborating with exceptional professionals in both hospitality and real estate has greatly influenced my professional growth. I prefer a pragmatic and straightforward approach to my work.

From your perspective, what are the key challenges you face in your present role? How do you navigate these obstacles effectively?

Navigating as a small organization today has presented a major hurdle—sourcing the appropriate multitasking resources. Particularly, in the realm of home buying, which is an emotionally charged journey, sensitizing our team to this reality has been a crucial challenge to address. Guiding prospective customers seamlessly from their first inquiry to the final handover of their chosen unit demands a dedicated team capable of managing this intensive process over a span of two and a half to three years. Despite these obstacles, we've successfully assembled an outstanding team. Another shared challenge within this competitive market inundated with a plethora of housing options, involves differentiating and positioning our business distinctly. Especially in our area of focus, the east of Bangalore, where the market is flooded with numerous residential projects, crafting a compelling value proposition is critical.

In order to stay in sync with the changing industry and technology trends, how do you ensure that both you and your team are appropriately aligned?

We prioritize adding a personal touch to our interactions with potential homebuyers, as I firmly believe that buying a home is an immensely emotional and unique experience for each individual. Every homeowner approaching us has specific and significant requirements, considering factors such as older parents, young children, or pets in the household. To illustrate, I've encountered customers upgrading their homes due to their pets needing more space to move around. These instances emphasize the emotional aspect of this journey. Our approach involves candid and in-depth discussions delving deeply into understanding their needs, and aspirations, and finding the ideal home that aligns with their desires. For me, emphasizing a human connection in these conversations about home purchases is of paramount importance.

What guiding principles or philosophy have driven your success as a business leader?

In addition to my earlier remarks, I want to stress the critical importance of technology trends in real estate. Choosing the appropriate technological solutions for your organization is paramount. The current real estate landscape witnesses numerous operations conducted without direct human involvement facilitated through an ERP system for customer interactions, payments, documentation, and account statements. Technology has significantly transformed the real estate industry and will continue to do so in the future. Shifting to my leadership philosophy, centers on displaying respect and motivation to both my team and partners. Effective leadership entails placing equal emphasis on the organization's success and the well-being of the team—they are interconnected. I strongly advocate for meticulous planning from a project's outset to its conclusion, believing that with comprehensive planning, almost nothing is insurmountable.

Shailaja Singh, Chief Marketing & Sales Officer, Ruchira

Shailaja Singh possesses a rich professional history spanning thirty-three years across the hospitality, retail, and real estate sectors. Her expertise involves overseeing and managing diverse divisions within these industries, encompassing Marketing, Sales, and Customer Relations.