Women leaders are shaping the future of FMCG and dairy sectors: Akshali Shah

Adgully has consistently celebrated and acknowledged the accomplishments of women entrepreneurs and leaders in various sectors. One of our notable initiatives, W-SUITE, focuses on highlighting extraordinary women achievers in the Media & Entertainment, Advertising, Marketing, PR, and Communications industry. In this updated series, we aim to explore how women leaders adeptly manage their teams and overcome challenges in the dynamic landscape of their respective industries.

In an exclusive interaction with Adgully, Akshali Shah, Executive Director, Parag Milk Foods, highlights the transformative role of women leaders in the FMCG and dairy industries, emphasizing their empathy, resilience, and collaborative mindset. It showcases how Parag Milk Foods is fostering an inclusive, innovation-driven culture, with a strong focus on health, nutrition, and sustainability, while empowering the next generation of women leaders to thrive in traditionally male-dominated sectors.

What, according to you, sets women leaders apart in the corporate world, and how do you incorporate these qualities into your leadership style at Parag Milk Foods?

Women leaders bring unique qualities such as empathy, resilience and a collaborative mindset to the corporate world. These traits allow women to effectively navigate challenges and build strong teams fostering trust and innovation. At Parag Milk Foods, I strive to incorporate these qualities by focusing on creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. I believe that a culture of collaboration where everyone's voices are heard is key to achieving both personal and organizational success. I make sure that we value diversity in decision-making and leadership as it drives better outcomes for the business.

How do you see the role of women evolving in the FMCG and dairy industry, and what innovations do you believe women leaders bring to the table?

Women in the FMCG and dairy sectors are becoming more prominent and their leadership is helping shape the future of these industries. As women continue to make their mark we bring fresh perspectives and an inclination towards creating consumer-centric innovations.

We focus on creating authentic, quality products that resonate with the evolving needs of consumers. At Parag Milk Foods, we’re embracing this change by not only focusing on traditional dairy products but also exploring plant-based and high-protein nutritional offerings that cater to changing dietary preferences. Women’s influence is crucial in pushing boundaries and introducing new solutions while remaining deeply connected to the values of sustainability and quality.

Balancing a leadership role with personal commitments can be challenging. What is your mantra for successfully managing both, and what advice would you give to other women striving to achieve this balance?

Balancing leadership and personal commitments requires a mindset shift. My mantra is prioritization and setting clear boundaries both professionally and personally. It is necessary to identify what truly matters and manage your time effectively. Delegate tasks where necessary and lean on a strong support system both at work and at home. I would advise women to avoid the pressure of perfection and focus on consistency instead. It's important to build a leadership approach that allows space for both personal well-being and professional growth. Being kind to yourself and acknowledging that balance looks different for everyone is key.

As a woman leader, what are your observations on the progress of women in the dairy and FMCG sectors? Have you noticed any significant shifts in leadership opportunities or workplace culture?

Over the years I’ve seen women in the Dairy - FMCG industries rise to key leadership roles. There's been a noticeable shift towards more leadership, where women are increasingly being recognized for their skills and contributions. Companies are beginning to embrace diversity and workplaces are evolving to support women’s growth. There’s a growing recognition of the value that women bring not just in terms of innovation but also in creating healthier more sustainable work cultures.

How do you nurture and mentor the next generation of women leaders within Parag Milk Foods? Are there any specific initiatives or programs that you have introduced to support them?

At Parag Milk Foods, we’ve established a nurturing culture where mentorship and support are integral to our leadership development. We encourage young women to take on leadership roles and provide them with the tools they need to succeed.

Over the years, how have you seen the contributions and presence of women evolve in the dairy and FMCG industries? What more can be done to enhance their impact? Could you share details about any key projects you are currently leading? Are there any upcoming innovations or initiatives at Parag Milk Foods that you are particularly excited about?

The presence and contributions of women have increased significantly in the dairy-FMCG sectors. The importance of diversity in leadership is being recognized more than ever. While there has been great progress there is still work to be done specially in creating an environment where women have equal access to opportunities and leadership roles. To enhance their impact, it is essential to continue investing in women-focused leadership programs and championing policies that promote gender equality at every level.

At Parag Milk Foods, I’m particularly excited about our ongoing focus on health and nutrition, with innovations like Avvatar India, India’s vegetarian whey protein. Our commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation in the dairy sector is paving the way for new product offerings that cater to the evolving needs of our consumers. I’m also excited about our continued expansion into new markets and the introduction of technology-driven solutions for improving both the product quality and our farmer relationships.

Parag Milk Foods has a strong focus on innovation and R&D. How do you ensure that women within the organization have opportunities to contribute to this innovation-driven culture?

Innovation at Parag Milk Foods is driven by the collaboration of diverse minds. We make it a point to create an environment where women can contribute to R&D and innovation. Women are encouraged to participate in idea-generation processes and we actively provide opportunities for them to take on leadership roles in these initiatives. It’s crucial to create an inclusive culture where every team member regardless of gender, feels empowered to bring fresh ideas to the table. By promoting a culture of continuous learning and creative problem-solving, women are able to make their mark on innovative projects.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to leadership positions in traditionally male-dominated industries like dairy and FMCG?

My advice to young women aspiring to leadership positions is to believe in themselves and stay persistent. The dairy and FMCG industries may be traditionally male-dominated but women have the ability to challenge norms and lead successfully. Focus on continuous learning, hone your skills and seek out mentors who can guide you. Don’t shy away from challenges; they are the stepping stones to your growth. Lead with authenticity and don’t hesitate to bring your unique perspective to the table. The world is changing and there has never been a better time for women to make their mark.

Also Read: Women leaders bring unique blend of empathy & pragmatism to the workplace: Nisha Khatri