In the traditionally male-dominated textile industry, the emergence of women leaders brings a refreshing wave of diversity and innovation. Bhavana Vasantha stands as a noteworthy example in this landscape, steering her family's textile business with resilience and strategic foresight.

Bhavana's commitment to navigating challenges, evident in the swift adaptation to the pandemic and the implementation of a solar power project, highlights the indispensable role women leaders play in fostering positive change.

Engaging in an idiosyncratic interaction with Women Entrepreneur magazine, Bhavana shares the imperious details of her journey as one of the influencing entrepreneurs in the country. Let’s hear it from her.

Tell us about Vasantha Industries. What are the various responsibilities that you have as the Executive Director at Vasantha Industries?

Vasantha Industries stands as a premier global producer and exporter of top-notch yarns, catering to quality-conscious markets like the European Union, Japan, and the USA. With an impressive spindle capacity of around 1,03,872 spindles and a daily production capacity of 48 metric tons, we not only offer a diverse range but also handle substantial order volumes. Our success is rooted in unwavering commitment to technological advancement, customer-centric innovation, and ethical business practices.

As the Executive Director, my key responsibilities encompass HR, technical upgrades, and product development. Over the years, a focus on technical upgrades led to the creation and implementation of a customized ERP software and the installation of a spinning monitoring system, fostering efficient management and empowering our workforce. We strive to leverage technology to enhance not just productivity but also the well-being of our employees, reflecting our people-centric ethos at Vasantha Industries.

As a leader, what do you believe are your strongest qualities that have contributed to the success of Vasantha industries?

I believe my greatest strength lies in fostering meaningful connections with our employees at Vasantha Industries. The relationships I've nurtured and the genuine effort invested in our team have yielded remarkable results over the years. Embracing a teamwork philosophy, I hold that optimal outcomes emerge when every team member actively participates and feels their contributions are valued. Looking back, I'm grateful for the unwavering support of my team in current and upcoming projects.

How do you approach decision making, especially when faced with complex or difficult choices?

Navigating decision-making in our industry involves embracing the diverse perspectives of our longstanding employees and the newer team I've built. Recognizing that each individual brings a unique experience and viewpoint to the table, I prioritize sitting down with everyone to understand their insights and approaches. The team members who've been part of the company before my tenure possess invaluable industry-specific wisdom that I may not fully grasp. By actively seeking their advice and considering ground-level issues they highlight, I ensure a comprehensive understanding before arriving at conclusions.

Tell us about the most significant milestone that you have achieved throughout your professional journey so far?

One of the most significant milestones in my professional journey is the successful implementation of an 11-megawatt solar power project, a colossal endeavor completed in a record time of four months. Amid the challenges posed by the unstable post COVID-19 scenario in 2022-2023, we achieved an exceptional 85 percent utilization rate compared to the industry average of 55 percent, thanks to strategic product diversification plans. Moreover, recognizing the transformative potential of AI, we've engaged an expert team to integrate AI tools for more efficient decision-making.

On a deeply personal level, my dedication to empowering women in the workforce, reflected in our factory where female employees now outnumber males by 20 percent, stands as a testament to my commitment to inclusivity and positive change.

How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration within the leadership team and across different departments in the company?

I strongly believe in fostering two-way communication throughout the leadership team and across departments, steering away from an autocratic approach. Rather than micromanaging, I entrust specific responsibilities to colleagues at each level, respecting the chain of command. This not only empowers them but also instills a sense of accountability for their tasks. Open channels for feedback are maintained, ensuring anyone can share insights directly. I refrain from overshadowing their roles, encouraging a collective responsibility that motivates our employees to go the extra mile. This collaborative and trusting environment not only enhances communication but also cultivates a culture of shared ownership, where each team member actively contributes to the overall success of the company.

A business leader you admire: Indra Nooyi Advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs or business leaders:

In the traditionally male-dominated textile industry, my advice to fellow women is to believe in themselves and prioritize long-term benefits over short-term gains, paving the way for lasting success and leadership roles.

Bhavana Vasantha, Executive Director, Vasantha Industries

Bhavana Vasantha, inspired by her father's extensive experience in real estate and textile manufacturing, embarked on an entrepreneurial journey enriched by family wisdom. Armed with a Bachelor's in Electronics and Communication Engineering, her passion for innovation led her to actively engage in academic programs and extra-curriculars during her college days. Despite initially aspiring for a master's in finance, Bhavana found herself immersed in her in-laws' hospitality sector, eventually founding Riverview Barbecue restaurant, Churrasco. Formally inducted into the textile business in 2019, she navigated the challenges posed by the pandemic, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. Bhavana's leadership shines through in the implementation of a solar power project, aligning with global discussions on renewable energy and making a significant impact on carbon emissions reduction.