Adopting CSR enhances customer retention and loyalty, boosts employee engagement, improves the brand image, attracts investment opportunities & top talent, and positively impacts financial performance. The ARCH Foundation, a Section 8 company, specializes in bridging the gap between a company's CSR aspirations and their realization through meticulous design, construction, and maintenance. Under the leadership of Sonkee Shah (CEO), the organization thrives on her extensive industry experience and visionary guidance, driving ARCH Foundation towards sustained success. Sonkee's strategic acumen and dedication to social impact have solidified ARCH Foundation's reputation as a leader in effective CSR implementation and innovation.

In an intimate interview with us, she shared her life goals and inner operations of the organization.

What key factors have shaped your journey to becoming a leader and the CEO of your foundation today?

It was during my 12 grade that I signed up for a fundraising activity and at a very young age, I witnessed the injustice faced by the disaster survivors which made me choose to pursue a career in this sector. Back then, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to start my organisation, I always go with the flow rather than overthinking and focus on providing my best. It was in 2008 I joined the Suzlon Foundation which turned out to be a steppingstone in my career. I met my mentor, Seemantinee Khot, who played a vital role in changing my perspectives on social development by highlighting the importance of sustainability and effective program design. A turning point in my career was resigning from L&T, driven by my desire to connect directly with beneficiaries and make a tangible impact. This decision led to the creation of my organization. The journey from my 12^th grade to the present has profoundly shaped my career.

Introduce us to ARCH Foundation and explain the core concept behind the venture, as well as its main areas of expertise.

ARCH Foundation is a sec 8 organisation mainly focusing on CSR activities. In our initial days, we started with a small project in our hometown Baroda and after 5 years, started operating in most of the states. We have partnered with over 50 companies with their CSR interventions. It began with just two members which have now evolved to 158 members. We are one among the top 20 most trusted organizations in India and are recognised as a great place to work being some of the numerous awards we have received over the years. Education, empowerment, research and volunteering are the main four areas we specialize in strategizing and implementing CSR projects. We have very recently begun publishing research papers and have been assisting elite PSUs in conducting impactful assessments and research studies. As a CEO, I am bound by a set of duties and responsibilities, such as ensuring projects are implemented within deadlines and carried out as planned, acquiring new projects, and maintaining good client relationships. One of the critical aspects of my job includes securing funds for upcoming projects and writing proposals. These are some of the primary objectives of my role.

How have your leadership qualities influenced your approach to fostering a positive work environment? How did you overcome self-doubt?

I believe leadership can be inherent and have always possessed these qualities naturally and consider myself fortunate for that. I believe in fostering healthy competition and focus on building an energetic, determined team that can embrace challenges rather than strategizing and encouraging ruthless rivalries. For effective leadership, I believe personal connection, mutual respect and support play a major role. I know all the members of our team, their family background and their close circle. I was highly uncertain when I quit my position at L&T and found myself hesitant to try something innovative despite the consultancy assignments I received during the break. But it was Steve Job’s autobiography that pushed me through my self-doubt to start my organisation and made me realize that if he could do great things, so could I. This moment had a huge impact on my life as well as my career.

What are the most critical challenges you face as a social entrepreneur, and how do you tackle these obstacles?

Over the years, the beliefs of clients have varied from simple donations to donating with certain strategic motives and impactful programs associated with their CSR visions and policies. In the past five years, there have been huge regulatory changes and increased accountability in CSR initiatives. Our programs are built to meet the client's and the company's needs and also to be flexible. One of the most important aspects in this field is to constantly study and be updated with the new policies and industry trends along with strategic plans. This personally helps me in understanding and implementing the various latest developments in CSR activities.

How do you predict the future evolution of the social development landscape in India? What industry trends do you believe will have the most profound impact?

The Indian social development landscape has evolved significantly over the past decade. It has shifted from a donor-recipient charity model to partnerships and collaborations, with professionalism and accountability now paramount. Social interventions are more comprehensive, balancing community needs with stakeholder expectations, and ensuring a holistic impact. New frameworks like ESG have added strategic depth and transparency, making actions accountable and visible. Moving forward, the focus on accountability and transparency in delivery and finances will continue to shape the industry's trajectory.

Sonkee Shah, CEO, Arch Foundation

Sonkee excels in designing and delivering impactful CSR initiatives. With extensive experience in social entrepreneurship, she integrates strategic insights, comprehensive research, and effective implementation to drive meaningful social change.