It is true that if a woman is resolute to achieve her goals, then nothing can stop her from achieving them. This drive and perseverance has resulted in women leaders making a mark in industries that were earlier deemed male bastions. Shruti Mehrotra is one such woman, who forayed into the aviation industry to do something distinctive from the crowd. Currently functioning as the CBDO & Project Head at SRK Aviacom, she has always given her finest efforts to deliver excellent services and achieve organisational goals.

Shruti is a commerce graduate from Lucknow University and has pursued MBA in Aviation Management from Banasthali Vidyapeeth, Rajasthan. After that, she undertook a short term training at Lucknow airport, where she learned about the various skills and technicalities of aviation management. After joining SRK Aviacom, the company gave her immense opportunities by trusting her abilities. She received technical training from OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and aircraft manufacturers. In this boundless field, she carries responsibilities ranging from business development to handling technical projects.

In an interview with the Women Entrepreneur Team, Shruti shares her extraordinary journey at SRK Aviacom. Here are a few snippets from the conversation.

Tell Us About The Various Roles And Responsibilities That You Currently Shoulder At Srk Aviacom. What Are Some Of The Most Challenging Aspects Of Your Current Role And How Do You Overcome These Challenges?

I initially got familiarised with business development in sales, networking and interaction with prospects from the niche category (all senior-level management teams like CEOs and high net-worth individuals). If we talk about business development in terms of flight simulators and aircrafts, then it is not a common commodity product. I take care of the various business development and strategies at the firm.

Currently, I handle all the ongoing projects of Aviacom for our OEM partners worldwide. I have received all the requisite training, regarding civil aviation policy and procedures and was also introduced to a military aviation project. It was both exciting and challenging to know the military work culture, their behaviour and smooth coordination with the fellow team members. I was the only woman in the entire team and that was quite challenging. I learnt a lot and was the mediator between OEM and the client. Currently also, I have to carry out such coordination to ensure providing the end user with the best service. Furthermore, I had also represented our company at various international air shows, like Paris air show, NBAA US, Singapore air show, Dubai air Show and many more.

In Your Opinion, What Are Some Of The Key Aspects Of Your Personality And Leadership Style That Have Helped You Gain Success In The Corporate World? What Is Your Leadership Mantra?

I believe in a sense of total commitment, honest & open communication and flexibility towards change. Commitment is a pledge to carry out a task successfully. It is the awareness of the responsibilities which you intend to achieve with your efficient work. Moreover, once you reach a senior level, you become the role model for your fellow employees and continual improvement becomes part of your daily operations.

I like honest and open communication, as it is the key expression of a professional work environment, that facilitates the exchange of information and ideas between all the levels of an organisation. Also one should be flexible to changes. Continual improvement requires flexibility and thus there is a constant positive change too. Apart from this, my self-empowering attitude is the most important guiding leadership philosophy.

Given Your Time-Consuming Role At Srk Aviacom, How Do You Strike A Balance Between Personal And Professional Life? Are There Any Activities That You Like To Indulge In?

When I am at work, I ensure to give 100 percent to my project while when I am with family, I try to give the best out of my available time. I make sure to maintain the balance. Getting good support from my family members has always been very positive for me. My Aviacom team members have also been a great support for me throughout my journey that has helped me to deliver my best performance.

“I believe in a sense of total commitment, honest & open communication and flexibility towards change”

In my free time, I enjoy going to the movies, reading books, cooking or just spending some time alone, where I can relax. At this time, I come up with many innovative ideas for my work too. I believe, having a supportive family and a positive work environment are two very crucial factors in maintaining a proper work-life balance.

The Role Of Women Has Been Evolving Gradually In The Corporate World. What Is Your Take On This Evolution? How Can We Take More Women To The Top Leadership Tables?

The environment is rapidly changing worldwide. Nowadays, the acceptability of women leaders by their male fellow counterparts is increasing. Previously, it was very tough for women to be acceptable as bosses by the male members. But situation have changed now. The aviation sector has also witnessed an overwhelming transformation, with women playing a very significant role. I am among the few female members, who are technically trained for flight simulation. In India, we have very few female engineers who are certified technicians for supporting flight training operations. Even though the corporate world is evolving and giving opportunities to more females, I believe women should also come out and take a firm stand for whatever they aim to achieve in their life.

As A Successful Business Leader, What Would Your Advice Be To Young Women Who Aspire To Become Business Leaders And Entrepreneurs In The Future?

Being courageous in any situation helps a lot. Also, one should have clarity of thoughts in terms of vision and mission, both for the organisation and personal life. Always have the ambition to learn something new and find more challenging opportunities to uplift yourself. Try to work in a way that sets you apart from the crowd. Only then can you can overcome the male-dominated society. One should learn from the challenges and should work upon themselves. Women should possess strong decision-making power and should inculcate patience if they want to accomplish something big.

Shruti Mehrotra, CBDO & Project Head, SRK Aviacom

Shruti is a commerce graduate from Lucknow University and has pursued MBA in Aviation Management from Banasthali Vidyapeeth, Rajasthan. After that, she undertook a short term training at Lucknow airport, where she learned about the various skills and technicalities of aviation management. After joining SRK Aviacom, the company gave her immense opportunities by trusting her abilities. She received technical training from OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and aircraft manufacturers. In this boundless field, she carries responsibilities ranging from business development to handling technical projects.