Gen Z: This young lady is spinning a bright future for Ludhiana

I am Soumya Jain Hora, I am the Executive Director in Vardhman Special Steels, Ludhiana. I had completed my B.Sc. in Economics with Honors from the University of Bristol in 2014 and in 2019, I decided to pursue an MBA in family business at the Indian School of Business and later joined the family business.

How Ludhiana has shaped me:

Ludhiana, my hometown, has been a pivotal factor in shaping my values and character. It’s a city brimming with history, and it’s where my great grandfather embarked on his journey, followed by my grandfather, who left behind a profound legacy. Today, my family and I continue to build on the strong value system established by them. Ludhiana’s unique blend of tradition and modernity has not only kept me grounded but also exposed me to various industries, economic landscapes, and growth opportunities. The city’s vibrant community of entrepreneurs and industrialists has been a constant source of inspiration, and the welcoming embrace of Punjabi culture is something that once experienced, becomes an inseparable part of one’s life. In a nutshell, Ludhiana has played a substantial role in shaping my individuality and personality.

My Journey:

My journey has been marked by a commitment to learning and growth. After I graduated, I joined our family business, Vardhman Textiles Limited, and dedicated five years to working in various capacities, progressing through different divisions and undertaking key roles such as Yarn Spinning, woven fabrics, and processing. My involvement extended across crucial areas like production, marketing, exports, HR, research and development, purchase, and capital investments. Notably, I was part of the core team that established the fabric printing vertical, a new business venture that I helped stabilize during its initial years. After my masters in 2019, I’ve been an integral part of Vardhman Special Steels Limited since 2021, contributing to diverse departments, including safety, quality, production, raw materials, and exports. I’ve also been engaged in various noteworthy projects, such as the development of the Miyawaki Forest, production capacity upgrades, stabilizing the Safety department, implementing the 3R approach (reduce, reuse, recycle), and strengthening the Vardhman–Aichi relationships. In July 2023, I assumed the role of a director at Vardhman Special Steel, which has granted me a fresh perspective on conducting business.

My Accomplishments:

I take pride in several accomplishments throughout my career that reflect my commitment to driving positive change. These include the successful establishment of the fabric printing unit within our organization, which expanded our offerings and ventured into new market segments. Additionally, I played a vital role in stabilising our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives at Vardhman Special Steels, reinforcing our dedication to ethical and sustainable business practices. I also actively contributed to the consolidation and system development within VSS, enhancing efficiency and competitiveness. Furthermore, bridging the gap between management and workers for faster decision-making has fostered a culture of collaboration and open communication, ultimately contributing to the company’s success.

Challenges that came my way:

In my journey, I encountered various challenges that have shaped me and my approach to business. These challenges included mastering time management, effective delegation of work, and striking a balance between my professional and personal life. Overcoming these hurdles has not only strengthened my skillset but also taught me the importance of adaptability and resilience in a dynamic business environment.

Reforms that I want in the system for ease of doing business:

To enhance the ease of doing business, I would advocate for streamlined regulations and faster administrative processes, reducing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles for entrepreneurs. Simultaneously, promoting digitalization and providing better access to technology and training would be essential. Additionally, incentivising sustainable and environmentally responsible practices should be a priority, as businesses play a vital role in achieving a more sustainable future. Finally, fostering collaboration between industry and education to ensure that the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills for a rapidly evolving business landscape is critical.

Stress-Busters:

When it comes to managing stress, I have a few go-to activities. I find solace in listening and dancing to music, which provides a much-needed release. Reading a good book is another way I escape into different worlds and unwind. Lastly, spending quality time with my family is a fundamental aspect of recharging and finding balance in my life.