Kairavi Mehta's Leadership Mettle Is Transforming The Steel Industry

A zealous 20-year-old Kairavi Mehta stepped into the steel industry to propel the legacy of her family business with an innovative approach and passion for leadership. The male-dominated corridors of the industry might have been daunting for a fresh-out-of-college woman, dreaming of making it big. However, the young leader's nerves of steel emboldened her to forge ahead, undeterred by the challenges she faced. Today, Mehta is the CEO of V K Industrial Corporations Limited, where she has not only taken the business to new heights but also inspired numerous women to break that glass ceiling. 

In an interview with SheThePeople, Kairavi Mehta shared her story of overcoming defeatists and self-doubt to embrace her role as a leader. She spoke about some of her remarkable milestones in the industry and described how she is forging new frontiers for women in leadership. Here is an excerpt from the interview. 

Tell us about your background. Were you enthusiastic about taking up leadership roles even in school/college days?

I was born and raised in Mumbai, within a family deeply rooted in the steel industry. I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, specializing in both Finance and Economics, at Babson College, located in Boston, USA, where I honed my business acumen. Leadership roles have always attracted me, even during my school and college days.

Remarkably, at the age of 17, I assumed the role of CFO for an actual company during my freshman year at Babson. Additionally, my inclination towards leadership was evident in various group and team projects where I willingly embraced the responsibilities of a leader and team builder. These experiences laid the foundation for my subsequent path in leadership within the steel industry.

Please give a rundown on your professional journey towards where you are today. How did you foray into the steel industry and climb up the ladder?

After completing my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (with a dual concentration in Finance and Economics) at Babson College, I returned to India, eager to bring a new dimension to VK Industrial Corporation Limited (VKICL), our family business. I was 20 years old and my entry into the steel industry was driven by a passion for innovation and a strategic vision to enhance VKICL’s market presence and make it a benchmark in the steel industry.

Over nine years of leadership, I have steered VKICL to a threefold growth, reaching a landmark revenue of Rs. 1500 crores and doubling our margins. This journey has not only been about financial metrics but also about building a recognized brand that serves over 4000 customers across India and has established strong connections with domestic and international suppliers. My efforts have focused on modernizing the notoriously pen-and-paper steel distribution industry, prioritizing customer service, advocating for sustainable business practices, and setting new standards in the industry.

Were you ever made to feel like an outsider for being a woman in a male-dominated industry? How did you deal with gender discrimination in your early days? Do you still feel discrimination for your gender/age?

Being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field did present its unique challenges. Initially, there were moments when my capabilities were underestimated and people betted on how short-lived my journey would be in this industry due to my gender. However, I confronted these challenges head-on, using them as motivation to demonstrate my competence and leadership. Over time, through persistence and achievements, I have worked towards changing perceptions within the industry.

My commitment to change didn't stop at personal achievements; I worked towards transforming VKICL into a model of gender neutrality in our industry. Now, 45% of our workforce is women and many have senior management roles too, a testament to our inclusive culture. Furthermore, I have taken this mission beyond the corporate sphere, inspiring young women at universities, and showing them the possibilities within industries traditionally perceived as out of reach.

Today, gender discrimination has lessened, and my journey has inspired more and more stakeholders in this industry to normalize women in the industry. Hence, now I am looking to create a workspace that is not only gender-neutral but also includes other marginalised communities.

Share a story from any time in your journey, when you felt proud of yourself. Is there a particular moment in your career that you look back on whenever you want to feel confident?

One moment that stands out in my career is when, at the age of 23, I won a significant legal battle against Chennai Customs regarding safeguard duties on steel imports. The victory after a 1.5-year-long struggle was not just a personal triumph but a landmark achievement for our company and the wider industry. It underscored the importance of standing firm for fair practices and regulations. This experience instilled in me a deep sense of confidence and reinforced my commitment to advocating for our rights and interests. It's a reminder of the impact one can make with determination and courage, serving as a source of motivation whenever I face new challenges.

When not working, what are your favourite activities to feel rejuvenated? Describe how important downtime and personal care are to people in leadership.

Outside of work, I am passionate about working out, finding it essential for both physical and mental well-being. Exercise provides me with a sense of balance, helping to rejuvenate and maintain resilience. I believe it's crucial for leaders to prioritize self-care and downtime to sustain their performance and well-being. I have found that personal well-being directly influences professional effectiveness. Downtime is not a luxury but a necessity, ensuring that one can lead with energy, clarity, and creativity.

Share a message for your younger self and a message for your future self.

To my younger self, I'd say, embrace every challenge as an opportunity for growth. Believe in your vision and persist, even when the path seems daunting. To my future self, continue to lead with integrity, inspire others, and push boundaries. Remember, your journey not only shapes your legacy but also paves the way for future generations. Above all, prioritize doing what brings you joy. This choice transforms the journey itself into a beautiful experience. In the end, life is not defined by a few specific achievements, but rather by the beauty with which it was lived.