Every woman leader’s journey in the business world is inspirational. So is the saga of Rajani Tewari, who is hailed as one of the most inspirational businesswomen leaders in India. Though she shines as the Chief People Officer at Green Cell Mobility today, her path to success is a long and arduous tale worth telling.
According to Rajani, navigating a professional journey comes with unique challenges and pressures. It’s crucial to highlight these experiences and the lessons learned along the way.
Firstly, the challenges faced by women in the professional world are immense, she adds. There’s often a prevailing notion that women can’t excel in every aspect of their careers, which can be incredibly frustrating. However, it is essential to challenge and overcome these stereotypes. “Ambition is not a crime; it’s a powerful driver for success,” believes Rajani, and adds that as women, they must continually prove that they can be just as competent, if not more so, in various roles and responsibilities.
Dealing with internal pressures is equally important, she says. “The drive to outperform the competition can be exhausting, but it’s a testament to our ambition and determination. Understanding that ambition fuels our professional growth and should be celebrated, not stifled, is key.”
One Critical Point
She emphasizes that women often have a unique understanding of business because they excel in understanding people. Business is not merely about numbers; it’s about the people behind those numbers. Effective people management is the backbone of any successful business. When people are managed well, they perform better, which in turn drives business success.
Rajani’s entry into human resources stemmed from a deep belief in the power of people. “I have always been convinced that people have the unique ability to visualize, research, and co-create numerous productive outcomes from various ideas.” People transform ideas into reality, turning dreams into visions and visions into successful achievements. This belief in the transformative power of people is the primary reason she pursued a career in HR.
Of course, this journey has also been one of self-discovery and growth. Rajani shares that she was very active in theatre and wanted to enter HR because she believed that every learning experience at each stage of her life would eventually yield positive outcomes. “I firmly believe that no learning ever goes to waste,” she insists. This belief drove her to continuously upgrade her skills and knowledge, whether through experiential learning, academic pursuits, or professional courses. “I was always keen to understand global perspectives and practices that I could apply in my own country. This was my way of contributing positively to my organization, my country, and society as a whole,” says Rajani.
Daring to Dream, Racing to Realization!
Ability is not just about an organization; it’s about realizing a dream, she furthers. It’s about passion with purpose. At Green Cell Mobility, she continues, they connect with the vision of sustainability, addressing climate change, and making theoretical ideas a reality through practical actions. The individuals who work for Green Cell Mobility are dedicated to these ideals.
Green Cell Mobility represents a new and empowered India. It’s about creating a future where India stands equal to any nation in the world. She states, “Our mission is to revolutionize public transportation in a country like India, where not everyone can afford a car. We believe in offering top-class, affordable mobility solutions to our passengers, whom we consider our guests. Our goal is to provide an experience of accessible yet luxurious travel for all of India.”
The organization thrives because of its agility and adaptability. Rajani informs that they don’t fear mistakes; “Instead, we celebrate them and learn from each one. We rigorously document our processes and engage in intense brainstorming sessions.” Entering this uncharted territory– building a platform for eMaaS (Electric Mobility-as-a-Service) – they didn’t have ready-made skills but brought with them a passion for learning and creating something meaningful and long-term for society and India as a whole.
Thriving on Talented Triumphs
Rajani says the success of Green Cell Mobility lies in its ability to attract and retain exceptional talent. It’s this talent, driven by more than just compensation, that builds the organization with the dedication to nurturing a child. “At Green Cell Mobility, we strive for excellence while remaining committed to our vision of a sustainable and progressive India.”
The business landscape is continually evolving. In such a scenario, says Rajani, they at Green Cell Mobility firmly believe in the principles of agility, adaptability, and innovative thinking while adhering to established processes and norms. She adds, “Our core value, “safety before revenue,” sets us apart as a trendsetter in the industry.” Unlike typical startups focused solely on profit, they recognize that while generating revenue is essential for sustainability, their commitment goes beyond that. “We strive to lead the industry by staying ahead of trends.”
The company’s IT services exemplify this forward-thinking approach, as it is already a decade ahead of industry standards. Rajani mentions, “Each role within our organization is designed with a 10-year roadmap, ensuring that we anticipate and adapt to future developments. We proudly boast to our guests (Passengers) that once you experience Green Cell Mobility service on our premium buses, you won’t want to go anywhere else. Our coach captains (drivers) and cabin hosts don’t merely serve; they embody the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family), treating each guest with the utmost care and hospitality.”
A Straightforward Leader
This proves Rajani’s leadership is one of the prominent driving forces behind Green Cell Mobility’s tremendous success. For her, leadership is straightforward: walk the talk and avoid micromanaging. Trust your people and have faith in them, as relationships built on trust and faith are strong and enduring.
Secondly, it’s crucial to recognize everyone’s unique abilities. Each person is different and cannot be treated or recognized in the same way, she adds.
Lastly, people are the magic. They hold the power to create success stories and drive businesses forward. Believe in them and allow them to experience different sub-functions within their roles. “This approach has been a significant game-changer for us and has helped set the trend,” says Rajani, adding that it has enabled her, as a leader, to see beyond superficial strengths and focus on nurturing these unique qualities. “Everyone is magical, and it’s important to tap into that magic,” she reiterates.
A Customer-Obsessed Company
The essence of Greencell Mobility lies in bringing innovation and advancements to the experience of passengers while providing them with the utmost safety and comfort. Rajani emphasizes, “We are not just a customer delight organization; we are customer-obsessed.” This brings significant responsibility for them to ensure that every guest who interacts with their brand receives the best service, irrespective of the price they pay. The focus is on providing a safe and top-notch booking experience. In their uncharted industry, setting trends and making continuous innovations are essential, says Rajani. “We aim to strike the right balance between being innovative and ensuring sustainability.”
They do not want to implement changes that are unsustainable in the long run, she claims. The best customer experience comes when customers return, expressing their satisfaction and engaging in repeat business. “Building long-term loyalty to our brand is an ongoing journey, and we are committed to evolving and improving continuously.”
She furthers that sustainability and environmental responsibility are crucial aspects of modern corporations, including their organization, Green Cell Mobility. “Our foundation is built on creating a sustainable road mobility platform for future generations while actively addressing climate change. We are committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions, which is central to our vision and ethos.” The organization is also renowned for the stringent safety measures it implements.
“Our Goal – Safety First and Zero Accidents!”
Rajani highlights a transformative initiative by Green Cell Mobility that showcases their commitment to excellence and innovation. “Our organization prioritizes safety above revenue, exemplifying our commitment to “safety first.” This mindset drives the team’s continuous innovation in safety measures, whether through external alarms, coach captain training, or ensuring everyone’s involvement in their safety journey. For instance, partnering with institutions like Brahmakumari has helped the firm’s coach captains build resilience and patience while driving.
Rajani explains, “Our goal is clear: zero accidents. To achieve this, we ensure that our coach captains work with adequate breaks and commendably include women coach captains. We made history last year with the first intercity bus journey from Delhi to Agra, featuring women coach captains, women cabin hosts, and women passengers, earning a record in the India Book of Records and Asia Book of Records. Additionally, we employ many trans men and women as coach captains, showcasing our commitment to skill development.”
She furthers that they are especially proud of their efforts in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where the hunger to grow is most evident. Their focus on skill development has been phenomenal, allowing them to tap into the potential of these regions.
Tech-Pivotal-Role
Rajani also believes that in the realm of e-mobility, technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency. “Our systems are designed in-house, leveraging extensive data management and data science. Early on, we realized that the business could only succeed by harnessing technology and staying five to ten years ahead of the market. We take great pride in this forward-thinking approach. Our team of excellent IT professionals collaborates with various partners, who help us co-create and customize solutions to align with our vision of transforming road mobility.”
She further insists that the workforce is the cornerstone of the organization’s success. “We are dedicated to providing the people of India with quality travel at affordable prices.” Committed to addressing climate change, they also strive to ensure absolute customer delight every time guests step onto their bus and throughout their journey. “For us, safety will always remain the most important and paramount aspect of our service.”
Outplaying Obstacles
Challenges are inevitable. Yet every day at GreenCell is united with purpose, says Rajani, further adding that they have publicly demonstrated numerous examples of their resilience. They have faced and overcome many rules, norms, and challenges. For instance, they secured the first green loan in their sector, pioneering safety measures for both coach captains and passengers on and off-road.
There are countless success stories from their coach captains who have gone above and beyond, even in distressed situations. One notable example is when they attempted to register their bus in a particular state. “It seemed almost impossible at the start, but we persevered and achieved it. Another example is when we were building our talent pool,” recalls Rajani. Many doubted their venture into mobility, but Rajani and her team remained committed to the cause, determined to drive change in the market, regardless of the challenges.
“As a purpose-driven organization, our greatest strength is our culture,” says Rajani. At GreenCell, culture isn’t just something we talk about; it’s something they live every day. “We are proud of our addictive culture, which even brings back alumni who initially moved on but later wished to return. We welcome them back without judgment, understanding their decisions and the reasons behind them.”
At GreenCell, the culture is one of growth and skill development. Rajani and her team actively seek and nurture talent from tier-2 and tier-3 cities, fostering their development. Their goal is to create a new wave of skilled professionals who are employable not only with Green Cell Mobility but across the industry.
Empowerment is Fundamental
In the organization, “We have numerous cross-functional teams that collaborate, discuss, and create cross-functional SOPs to bring in diverse perspectives,” says Rajani, and adds, “Our collaborative decision-making process empowers every employee, making them feel like an integral part of the organization beyond their specific roles.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped industries globally. While navigating these unprecedented times, Rajani says they prioritized the health and safety of their employees and customers, implementing stringent safety protocols and leveraging technology to enable remote work where possible. They also enhanced their safety measures on buses, including frequent sanitization, social distancing practices, and mandatory mask-wearing.
They also focused on digital transformation, accelerating their adoption of technology to maintain operational efficiency and customer engagement. Their in-house IT team developed and implemented innovative solutions to streamline processes and improve customer experiences.
Furthermore, they supported their coach captains, cabin hosts, and staff through continuous training and development, helping them adapt to new safety standards and operational changes. This included leveraging partnerships with institutions like Brahmakumari to build resilience and patience during challenging times.
By fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment, their cross-functional teams worked together to tackle challenges and innovate, adds Rajani. “This collective approach enabled us to remain agile and responsive to the evolving situation, ensuring that we continued to deliver safe, reliable, and high-quality services to our customers.”
Riding on the Digital Dynamics
Also, she adds that at Green Cell Mobility, they recognize the importance of going beyond the physical realm to address digital transformation, constant consumer engagement, and virtual user experience. Here’s how they incorporate these critical factors into their service offerings:
- Digital Transformation: They have embraced digital technologies to streamline their operations and enhance the customer experience. The in-house IT team has developed innovative solutions for efficient data management, real-time tracking, and seamless communication. This not only improves operational efficiency but also provides customers with up-to-date information and a smoother travel experience.
- Constant Consumer Engagement: They prioritize continuous engagement with their customers through various digital channels. Their mobile app and website offer user-friendly interfaces for booking tickets, accessing travel information, and providing feedback. “We also leverage social media platforms to interact with our customers, addressing their concerns promptly and keeping them informed about new services and safety measures,” says Rajani.
- Virtual User Experience: To enhance the virtual experience for our customers, they have integrated features such as interactive route maps and real-time updates on travel schedules. Their customer support team is readily available through chatbots and live chat options, including ‘On the call’ and a 24*7 dedicated women’s helpline, ensuring that assistance is always at hand. Additionally, they offer digital training and resources to their coach captains and staff, “Ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of our passengers.”
By focusing on these aspects, Green Cell Mobility remains at the forefront of the industry, providing a comprehensive and engaging travel experience that goes beyond the physical journey.
Fostering a Sustainably Innovative Tomorrow
Looking to the future, Rajani divulges their vision: to continue leading the way in sustainable and innovative transportation solutions. They aspire to make a significant impact on India’s business leadership landscape by prioritizing safety, embracing cutting-edge technology, and fostering a culture of continuous growth and empowerment.
They aim to expand their reach, particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, bringing quality travel experiences and employment opportunities to underserved areas. By leveraging their commitment to digital transformation, Rajani adds that they will enhance customer engagement and provide exceptional virtual user experiences.
“Furthermore, we are dedicated to contributing to the fight against climate change by adopting greener practices and promoting eco-friendly travel options.” Through strategic partnerships, skill development initiatives, and a focus on diversity and inclusion, they will continue to build a resilient and forward-thinking organization.
Ultimately, Rajani concludes that Green Cell Mobility’s goal is to set new industry standards and inspire other businesses to prioritize safety, sustainability, and innovation in their operations.
