Shivangi Singh

E-commerce

Embarking on her professional journey in 2021 as an intern with one of the MNCs, Shivangi’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Over the past three years, she seamlessly transitioned through various projects, embracing new challenges and responsibilities with unwavering determination.

Shivangi’s journey commenced with customer-facing roles, eventually delving into backend product development within the US trucking industry, headquartered in Bangalore. Upon joining Mahindra Logistics, she discovered the demanding world of domestic trucking, where 24/7 operations and fixed turnaround times is the norm.

Despite the initial hurdles, Shivangi found motivation in the constant growth and evolution of the logistics industry, aligning perfectly with her career vision and passion for innovation.

There was a noticeable hesitancy among the customers, vendors, and ground team to engage with her, which created a barrier to effective collaboration. This became evident to her during the Vendor Connect event, where she found herself amidst a crowd of vendors, yet hardly anyone initiated a conversation with her.

Recognizing the need to bridge the gap, Shivangi proactively initiated conversations and built connections with stakeholders. It became apparent that some stakeholders were hesitant simply because they hadn’t previously worked with a female professional in the given environment. By taking the initiative to break down barriers, she fostered open communication channels and cultivated stronger relationships with stakeholders.

Shivangi believes that the absence of proper Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) creates intense pressure, often impacting personal life due to the industry’s round-the-clock demands. The dynamic and fast-paced nature of the industry underscores the need for a collaborative effort to establish standardized processes, which would alleviate pressure and streamline operations.

Additionally, she recommends that implementing pick-and-drop services could significantly enhance the willingness of women to work night shifts, addressing concerns about safety and accessibility. By prioritizing systematic approaches and incorporating measures to support diversity and inclusion, we can create a more balanced and sustainable work environment for all employees.

Reflecting on her journey, Shivangi shares, “Starting something new is always a bit daunting, but with time, it becomes second nature. Sure, there are challenges in the beginning, but as you learn and plan, things start to fall into place. It’s like a four-step dance: learn, plan, execute, and then take a moment to relax. This approach not only helps you improve but also leaves room for managing personal life alongside. It’s all about finding that rhythm and balance “

Shivangi recalls one of the most cherished moments in her corporate journey when she was awarded the Young Manager of the Year by our MD & CEO during the annual conclave. It was truly a highlight for her, as it marked her first-ever recognition in the corporate world.

In her experience at Mahindra Logistics, Shivangi expresses gratitude for having the best manager who provided numerous opportunities for her personal and professional growth.

From the onset of her tenure, she recalls being warmly welcomed and having her ideas and suggestions consistently valued, which not only bolstered her confidence but also empowered her to take ownership of her work. She describes the experience as truly rewarding, emphasizing her satisfaction in being part of a team that actively fosters collaboration and encourages individual growth.

Shivangi highlights the culture of equal opportunity at Mahindra Logistics, noting that it transcends mere policy to become a tangible reality. She cites examples such as the parental leave policies and supportive networks like PRERNA, which contribute to creating an empowering environment for women.

Personally, she finds participating in these initiatives uplifting, providing her with a platform to connect with other women, share experiences, and learn from each other’s journeys. Shivangi underscores the importance of creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported in their career aspirations, rather than just fulfilling checkboxes. In reflecting on the past, Shivangi shares that there were stereotypes and challenges that historically hindered women from fully exploring careers in operations and logistics.

However, she observes that significant evolution has occurred in recent times, leading to a wealth of opportunities now available to women in these fields. Shivangi emphasizes that operations, by its nature, does not discriminate based on gender.

She highlights the presence of women working as drivers, loaders, executives, and managers, not only within her team but also across our different departments. Shivangi finds it encouraging to witness this shift towards inclusivity, where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal access to pursue their career aspirations.

Shivangi’s advice is: “Stay focused on your goals and remember why you started. Be vocal and speak up for yourself – your voice matters.!“