My Foray Into Indian Relocation Industry Made Me Fight Harder For Diversity

In a world where boardrooms are dominated by men, the Indian relocation industry too has been a male bastion. The industry, known for its fast-paced and deal-driven environment, can be particularly unforgiving for women. From battling bias to navigating a network of male peers, the hurdles have been significant. That being so, it has always been pressing to shatter the gender barriers in this male-dominated industry. Not just to make an impact, but also to inspire the women seeking leadership roles in unconventional fields.

My Foray Into Indian Relocation Made Me Fight Harder For Diversity

In the Indian relocation industry, a leader must not consider relocations as just logistics, but a human experience – the anxieties of starting anew, the cultural adjustments, the emotional toll etc. This focus on the human element sets a leader apart and resonates with clients. Vitally, it should not be a norm that a leader should necessarily be from the same sector, and I can strongly espouse this fact.

My foray into relocation did not come based on tradition but from personal experience. With a background in engineering, I started treading through the corporate avenues until confronted by and exposed to issues related to relocation. This sparked a vision - to bring empathy and efficiency to a sector riddled with logistical complexities.

Entering the relocation sector as a woman is not easy. To some extent, outrage would be justifiable, more so when the lines of transportation are coloured with coarse language. Pre-existing notions of female roles in "softer skills" were common when I entered the industry. Having experience of working with men, I was able to overcome the shock of such perceptions. I reasoned the situation out with a strong voice and mentors who preached equality.

A woman leader can’t just change the company culture; she can revolutionize the relocation experience. By leveraging technology and data, she can overcome challenges seamlessly. She can streamline processes, offering customized solutions, and ensuring a smoother transition for families. Her focus on building a diverse team can ensure a well-rounded approach that can cater to the specific needs of a multicultural clientele. With my experience, I can say that strongly.

I Stood For Empathy

While beginning my journey, I faced a myriad of challenges. From the lack of standardized processes to the emotional toll on clients, I saw an opportunity for innovation. One of my significant feats addressed cultural training recommendations. As relocating was not just the shifting of items but indeed more of a transition from one setting to another, I built workshops to smoothen the relocation for the clients. These programs bridge the cultural gap, reducing relocation stress. More importantly, I stood for empathy. I understood the drastic changes families undergo: leaving familiar surroundings, saying tearful goodbyes, cultural adjustment issues, and challenges of new job markets.

A leader in this sector should understand that it’s not only logistics, but some relocations also require more sensitivity. The staff should be highly trained to be sensitive to the emotional state of the movers. From consultations at the very start to after-sales service, every procedure should heed "Move with Care," – the philosophy of my work. It should be clubbed with the latest technology—virtual surveys, and real-time shipment tracking—to ensure transparency and efficiency.

It’s a fact that the success of one woman paves the way for the following. I spread this advocacy beyond my firm; I mentor little girls in encourage them to take up careers in logistics and relocation. I also care for my blue-collar workforce by providing for their all-round development, earning in return the term “mother hen.”  

The balancing act between career and family requires great planning and relentless determination for women in this industry. In my case, I was strong on perseverance and very focused on what I saw in my vision. As mentorship is crucial, it was central to my first struggles at the business. Every challenge, from persuading suppliers to managing teams and client emotions, has been a learning experience that has fueled my growth.

The vision for the future of this industry should be an aspect of revolution. This will involve focused efforts in creating many more support systems for expatriates and corporations desirous of embracing and evolving their employee relocation programs. I remain passionate about driving greater gender diversity in the sector and envision a future in which women will play a significant role in shaping the dynamics.

When I look back, I realise that my journey in the Indian relocation industry has been wholesome. Not only did I try to redefine the benchmark of this industry, but I also tried to open doors for more women to don the leadership mantle. With a blend of empathy and efficiency, I believe that women should continue setting up new benchmarks and making an indelible mark on this industry.

Authored by Vani Gehani, General Manager - Avza Move