For COOs, the ‘Collaborate, Communicate, and Deliver’ philosophy is essential. Collaboration promotes teamwork and harnesses diverse perspectives, resulting in innovative solutions. Effective communication ensures transparency, goal alignment, and timely issue resolution, preventing misunderstandings and delays. Delivering on commitments builds trust and credibility, ensuring consistent results and organizational success. This approach enhances operational efficiency and fosters a positive, inclusive work culture where everyone feels valued and motivated. A prime example of a COO who embodies this mantra is Phanipriya Vangala.

Phanipriya Vangala stands as a pivotal figure in the dynamic world of IT services, currently serving as the COO at Headrun, a company renowned for accelerating startup growth and providing cutting-edge solutions for SaaS companies. With a professional journey that spans over 15 years, Phanipriya’s career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership.

Below is an excerpt of Phanipriya Vangala’s exclusive interaction with Women Entrepreneurs Review magazine.

What are some important facets of your life and professional journey?

Reflecting on my life and professional journey, I realize how fortunate I've been to seize unique opportunities. During school, I led as SPL and later served as Student President of the Literary and Cultural Wing in college, these roles bolstered my confidence and prepared me for future challenges. A lesson that stands out from my education is the importance of participation over winning, shaping my approach to various endeavours. My parents' dedication instilled in me emotional maturity and responsible decision-making.

Furthermore, my first job was pivotal, offering mentorship that fostered a sense of ownership and accountability. Later, joining Headrun marked a transformative period, where I embraced diverse roles and learned invaluable business insights over the past decade. These experiences, from childhood to now, have profoundly shaped my journey.

Take us through the prior industry experience that you bring to the table as a seasoned business leader.

Over the past 15 years, I've had the privilege of working at two esteemed organizations: Tesco for five formative years and Headrun for the past decade. At Tesco HSC, I managed a tool tracking replenishment progress, fostering a passion for quality and excellence. A pivotal moment was my visit to Tesco's UK headquarters, which broadened my perspective on global software development.

Starting at Headrun marked a new chapter, and with a student-like mindset, I learned Python and immersed myself in technical aspects. Recognizing the need for structure, I led initiatives in operations, finance, and resource planning. These experiences have shaped my leadership style, emphasizing continuous learning, quality, and human touch.

Introduce us to Headrun. What are the various responsibilities you shoulder as the company’s COO?

Headrun, founded in 2009, focuses on accelerating startup growth. Over the past 15 years, we've gained deep insights into the challenges startups face. Recently, we've honed our efforts on SaaS companies, addressing their key concerns: scalability, stability, and security. To tackle these, we created SaaStra, a team dedicated to offering comprehensive advisory services, cutting-edge technology solutions, and expert human resources.

As COO, I translate our strategic vision into actionable steps, ensuring alignment across the organization. I oversee operations planning, recruitment, compliance with regulations, and strategy implementation. Additionally, I maintain vital relationships with customers and stakeholders, fostering a collaborative and productive environment.

What critical challenges do you face in your current role, and how do you overcome them?

One of the most critical challenges in my role is fostering continuous motivation and engagement within the organization. Employees should feel connected to the company's vision and see their contributions as valuable. To overcome this, we create an environment that encourages learning, collaboration, and recognizes achievements.

Another challenge is managing diverse stakeholder relationships, from the CEO to customers. Clear and transparent communication is key to aligning everyone's interests. Lastly, navigating constant change and transformation requires embracing new technologies and market shifts. We achieve this by fostering a culture that welcomes change, offering support, and ensuring everyone stays aligned with our objectives.

Throw light on the most critical professional milestone you have achieved throughout your professional journey.

One of my most critical milestones was leading the successful implementation of a complex project for a client in our IT services company. The project involved multiple stakeholders, tight deadlines, and a significant technological shift. To overcome these challenges, I assembled a cross-functional team and established clear communication channels, ensuring everyone was aligned despite their different perspectives.

We meticulously planned every stage and adopted an agile approach, allowing us to meet our objectives efficiently.

How do you foresee women’s representation evolving in leadership roles across the Indian business landscape going forward?

Women's representation in Indian leadership roles is poised for significant growth. According to an article published on Women's Day, women-led ventures employ 27 million individuals and drive substantial economic growth, another research highlights that 15.7 million enterprises in India are run by women, accounting for 22 percent of the entrepreneurial landscape. These figures show a positive shift in societal attitudes.

Also, government policies, like the Companies Act 2013, further promote diversity. Despite challenges like unconscious bias, the momentum is undeniable. Changing societal attitudes and supportive policies create a powerful wave, propelling women into leadership roles and fostering innovation.

Phanipriya Vangala, COO, Headrun

Phanipriya Vangala is the Chief Operating Officer at Headrun, where she drives operational excellence and strategic growth initiatives. With a passion for innovation and collaborative leadership, she empowers teams to deliver transformative solutions in the IT services sector. Her expertise spans managing complex projects and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.