Shallu Arora, a dynamic leader, specializes in business planning, budgeting, forecasting, and negotiations. With a decade of expertise in finance management, financial reporting, and auditing, she plays a key role in leading and directing the finance team while ensuring smooth coordination with auditors and stakeholders. She is also an active faculty member and contributor to professional journals.
In an insightful interaction with Women Entrepreneurs Review Magazine, Shallu shares her insights on the evolution of the paint and coatings industry over the next five years, addressing financial resilience, gender bias in leadership, and aligning financial decisions with long-term strategic goals.
Given the ongoing global economic uncertainties and shifts in consumer behavior, how do you foresee the paint and coatings industry evolving in the next five years, particularly in terms of financial resilience and sustainable growth?
The paint and coatings industry is poised to undergo significant transformation in the next five years, driven by global economic uncertainties, shifts in consumer behavior, and growing sustainability demands. Companies that adopt sustainability early can attract eco-conscious customers, secure funding tied to ESG goals, and mitigate risks of regulatory penalties. Digitalization and smart manufacturing is helping optimize operations. There will also be a rise in use of AI and data analytics for demand forecasting, inventory management, and predictive maintenance. Development of “smart coatings “with functionalities like self-healing, antimicrobial properties, or energy efficiency.
Advanced technologies reduce costs through efficiency while opening new revenue streams with innovative products. Companies may diversify geographically and by sector to mitigate economic uncertainties. Diversification can help balance revenue fluctuations due to regional or sector-specific downturns. Consumers are prioritizing quality, convenience, and sustainability. Growth in DIY home improvement, driving demand for consumer-friendly packaging and products. Companies that adapt to consumer preferences can enhance customer loyalty and reduce price sensitivity. The paint and coatings industry is entering a pivotal era characterized by innovation, sustainability, and adaptability. Companies that prioritize financial resilience, embrace technological advancements, and align with evolving consumer and regulatory demands will position themselves as leaders in this transforming landscape. Over the next five years, the ability to balance short-term economic challenges with long-term sustainable growth will define success.
As a woman CFO in a traditionally male-dominated industry, how do you balance between asserting your leadership and navigating the pressures of gender bias, particularly when making high-stakes decisions for a listed company?
Navigating the role of a woman CFO in a traditionally male-dominated industry presents unique challenges, particularly in high-stakes decision-making for a listed company. Here’s how I would manage the balance between asserting leadership and addressing gender bias effectively: Build credibility through expertise, consistent results, and a clear vision for financial strategy. A reputation for competence reduces the impact of bias and fosters respect.Create an inclusive, transparent environment that values diverse perspectives.Encourage input from all stakeholders, ensuring decisions reflect collective expertise rather than individual dominance.Collaboration mitigates perceptions of authoritarian leadership and builds a culture of mutual respect.Use Emotional IntelligenceEQ to navigate interpersonal dynamics effectively, especially in challenging or biased situations.Adapt communication styles to resonate with diverse audiences, ensuring alignment on strategic goals.EQ strengthens relationships and positions you as a thoughtful, adaptive leader.Strengthen professional relationships to support leadership initiatives and amplify impact.Cultivate allies across the organization, including male colleagues, to challenge stereotypes and drive inclusivity.
A robust network provides a platform for influence and shared accountability. Inspire others by exemplifying resilience, competence, and authenticity.Share personal experiences and strategies for overcoming bias, empowering others to navigate similar challenges.Advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the organization.Role modeling creates a ripple effect, fostering a more inclusive culture over time. By combining strategic expertise, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to inclusivity, I can assert leadership effectively while addressing the challenges of gender bias. Leading by example and focusing on delivering results ensures that decisions are valued on merit, paving the way for a more equitable and innovative organizational culture.
How do you promote innovation, agility, and collaboration within your finance and accounts team, while staying true to the company’s core values and maintaining financial discipline?
Creating a culture within a finance and accounts team that balances innovation, agility, and collaboration with financial discipline and alignment to the company’s core values requires thoughtful leadership and strategic actions. Here's how this can be achieved:Equip the team with tools that streamline operations and enable data-driven decision-making.Adopt cutting-edge technologies like AI for predictive analytics, blockchain for transparent transactions, and cloud-based solutions for scalability.Train the team to harness data insights for strategic financial planning and operational efficiency.Regularly review and upgrade tools to stay ahead of industry trends.
Enhances innovation while maintaining financial accuracy and discipline.Balance innovation with a strong focus on compliance and prudent resource management.Implement regular audits and reviews to ensure adherence to budgets and regulatory standards.Link innovative projects to measurable financial outcomes, ensuring they align with long-term business goals.Create a safe space for sharing ideas and feedback.Hold regular brainstorming sessions to generate innovative solutions to financial challenges.Actively seek feedback from the team about processes, tools, and leadership practices.Use anonymous surveys or suggestion boxes to capture ideas from all levels.Builds trust and ensures diverse perspectives are included in decision-making.
In your role as a CFO, what innovative approaches do you take when it comes to risk management in volatile market conditions? How do you ensure that the financial decisions align with the broader strategic goals of the company without sacrificing long-term sustainability?
As a CFO, navigating volatile market conditions requires a proactive and innovative approach to risk management, ensuring financial decisions are aligned with the company’s strategic goals while safeguarding long-term sustainability. Develop a robust risk management framework to identify and assess risks before they materialize.Leverage AI and predictive analytics to detect early warning signals from market trends, geopolitical shifts, or supply chain disruptions.Use scenario analysis and stress testing to evaluate potential impacts on liquidity, revenue streams, and operations.Align risk metrics with the company’s strategic priorities, such as market expansion, sustainability initiatives, or operational efficiency.
Integrate and financial planning. Conduct ESG risk assessments to evaluate potential exposure to regulatory changes, reputational risks, or resource scarcityAlign investment decisions with long-term sustainability goals, such as transitioning to renewable energy or reducing carbon footprints.Strengthens the company’s brand, complies with regulations, and positions it as a future-ready market leader.Utilize cutting-edge technology to enhance risk management capabilities.Implement blockchain for secure financial transactions and supply chain transparency.Use machine learning algorithms to identify patterns of fraud or operational inefficiencies. Ensures financial discipline while fostering innovation and efficiency across operations. Strike a balance between immediate financial stability and long-term value creation. Prioritize investments that yield both immediate returns and align with long-term strategic goals, such as digital transformation or sustainability. Use key performance indicators (KPIs) that balance short-term financial metrics with long-term outcomes like customer satisfaction and ESG performance.
As an active speaker for ICAI and ICSI, how do you see the role of mentorship and knowledge sharing evolving in today’s fast-paced business world, especially for aspiring women in finance? What advice would you offer to those aiming to reach executive positions?
The role of mentorship and knowledge sharing has never been more critical, especially in today’s fast-paced, dynamic business environment. For aspiring women in finance, these aspects serve as vital tools to overcome challenges, bridge knowledge gaps, and accelerate their journey toward executive positions.
Mentorship is shifting from a one-size-fits-all model to a more tailored approach, addressing specific challenges and aspirations of mentees, especially for women navigating a traditionally male-dominated field like finance. Knowledge sharing is now a two-way street. Aspiring professionals bring fresh ideas, while experienced leaders offer strategic insights, fostering mutual growth. Mentors increasingly act as sponsors, advocating for their mentees and opening doors to opportunities, helping women overcome systemic barriers.
Stay abreast of industry trends, such as digital transformation, sustainability, and evolving financial regulations. Develop a deep understanding of financial principles while being open to learning new skills, such as data analytics or AI applications in finance.Take on challenging assignments and leadership roles to showcase your capabilities.Speak at events, contribute to industry discussions, and build a personal brand that reflects your expertise and vision. Beyond technical proficiency, invest in honing leadership qualities like decision-making, strategic thinking, and team-building. Cultivate emotional intelligence to navigate interpersonal dynamics and inspire trust.
As a speaker for ICAI and ICSI, I aim to inspire aspiring professionals, particularly women, by sharing actionable insights and relatable experiences. I advocate for initiatives that support women in finance, such as mentorship programs, leadership workshops, and diversity-focused policies.
