Overcoming bias and sexism, women around the world are making great strides in their careers today, becoming entrepreneurs, CEOs, leaders of nations and organizations, in varying business fields. The management industry is no stranger to this change. Today, the need for management consultancies is quite high, as more businesses need solid guidance for managing various aspects of their businesses including assets, and operations. Management Consultancy covers everything from identifying the gaps through guidance to formulation of strategies to bridge these gaps, and even overseeing execution. A volatile career, management consultancy was not too long ago considered a career only ideal for men. Devaki R Menon, Founder of Kacchapi- The Business Clinic, is breaking stereotypes through her organization, providing actionable strategies to clients, empowering them to maximize their potential.

Here are some highlights from our interaction with her.

What are some important features about your expertise as a management consultant that you want us to highlight through the article
I have been practicing for the last two years independently, we get different projects from various industries like manufacturing, service, jewelry, textiles, retail, and others. In Kerala, there are many MSMEs, and a big challenge is that many businesses start and shut down easily because they were started without long term vision. So, as a Management Consultant, I am hired to help in creating a long term vision and mission for them, setting out objectives, planning strategies, recruiting people, and designing the entire organization plan, how each of the departments must function and what are the strategies that need to be implemented for  their growth. I also provide coaching to entrepreneurs for their initiation, growth and establishment.

"We begin projects by analysing ga ps, identifying root Cause for prevailing problems, analyse and recommend solutions"

Take us through your early educational journey and prior industry experience that you bring to the table. Throw some light
I completed my B.Sc in computer science and after that pursued MBA, specializing in marketing and HR. Thereafter I worked for 10 years, with different private and governmental organizations in various capacities. Thereafter, I pursued a second PG in Management Consulting, from Cochin University of Science and Technology. After working as a Senior Consultant in a reputed Management Consultancy firm in Kerela, I started Kacchapi. Initially building networks and promoting myself on social media, I got clients, after which I started developing a team. I also upskilled myself , and completed the Six Sigma Green Belt from KPMG which is a Lean management certification.

What motivated you to establish Kacchapi? Tell us about the underlying idea behind the company and some of its most unique features.
It is evident that micro enterprises and family owned businesses need support from management experts for their growth & scale up. There are a lot of enterprises where people lack professional skills, which is why they are stagnant. This is where I intervene. Businesses looking for growth contact  me, and then we help them create a roadmap for their organization, plan strategies, and help in implementations along with my team. MSME’s or micro enterprises are my motivation. These organizations need continuous training, wherein we sit with them and upskill them.

"Women's empowerment for society comes From inside, it is our internal confidence that gets us through, not the confidence That is handed to us by someone else"

Tell us about the various roles and responsibilities you shoulder as the Founder of Kacchapi. What are you primary focus areas in your current role?Responsible in identifying and selecting projects, creating and developing my team, inspire team to upskill and learn on the job, hire, empower youngsters who are passionate about consulting and sharing knowledge. We begin projects by analysing gaps, identifying root cause for prevailing problems, analyse and recommend solutions. I do collaborate with various specialists in the Industry to implement solutions to clients.

What are some of the most pressing challenges that you encounter as a business leader? How do you successfully mitigate these challenges?
One of the biggest challenges that we encounter is that since we deal with clients who are from micro organizations, they are not very comfortable letting in management consultants. As consultants, we require them to share their business details like financials with us, which these people are not willing to do. The trick that has helped us get past it is to get down and mingle with the clients and build trust. By explaining the process in simple terms rather than using management jargons, we are able to build trust. Once they trust us, they allow more freedom to us and get more engaged with us. We not only analyze a problem but also devise strategies and explain them to these business owners so that they can continue the implemented activities in the long run.

In your opinion what are some of the most significant milestones that you have achieved throughout your professional journey? What has been the driving force behind your success as a business leader?
I joined the workforce immediately after completing my education, and have never taken a sabbatical. In all this while, I have, with the support of my family, juggled various roles, gotten married, had children, but continued to work every day. Balancing my career and life outside of work, while upskilling myself regularly has been a challenge that I never quit. Another milestone was when I quit my job and pursued a second Post-Graduation, all while managing a full family. I put my best foot forward in  all that I do.

What would your advice be to young women and girls who also aspire to become business leaders and entrepreneurs in the future?
One piece of advice I'd want to give is that every woman should be independent, make her own decisions and be financially independent. By performing self-reflection and learning about their interests they can empower themselves. Girls should be immersed in their interests, abilities, and personalities. It's even better if they can make money doing what they enjoy. They must develop their skills in order to advance so that they may successfully juggle work, and family. Those who are employed must continually upskill themselves. Women's empowerment for society comes from inside; it is our internal confidence that gets us through, not the confidence that is handed to us by someone else.

Devaki R Menon, Founder, Kacchapi
Devaki completed her MVoc in Technology & Management Consulting from CUSAT post MBA in marketing & HR. She brings with her a decade's worth of varied experince across private and governmental organizations in various capacities. Through her firm Kacchapi-The Business Clinic, she is breaking stereotypes & providing actionable strategies to clients, empowering them to maximize their potential.