In a male-dominated industry like steel distribution, Kairavi Mehta, the CEO of V. K. Industrial Corporation Ltd (VKICL), has emerged as a trailblazer and an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneur leadership.
Over a span of a decade of her leadership, Kairavi has led her organization to witness a threefold increase in revenue, reaching its zenith at ₹1500 crores, alongside a twofold rise in net profits. Kairavi nurtured a dream to join her family business from an early age.
Armed with a strong educational background from Babson College and fueled by her passion for value creation and problem-solving, Kairavi has made significant strides in the steel industry.
Kairavi encountered scepticism, biases, and resistance from brokers, suppliers, and even some employees. Despite these obstacles, she remained resilient and let her work speak for herself. Kairavi is known for shattering stereotypes, earning respect, and gradually changing perceptions, proving that gender does not define one’s capabilities. She emphasises the importance of pursuing dreams wholeheartedly, proving naysayers wrong.
At the young age of 21, Kairavi represented the interests of “Importers & Stockists” during a public hearing in 2015, impressing industry leaders worldwide with her pitch and courage. Two years later, she emerged victorious in a groundbreaking legal battle against Chennai customs regarding safeguard duties on steel imports. These early experiences shaped her career path and ignited her determination to make a lasting impact. Kairavi’s commitment to innovation led to the development of VKICL’s in-house Inventory Management System (IMS) software. This user-friendly software revolutionized the steel buying experience and empowered the blue-collar staff instead of making them redundant. It streamlined operations, reduced internal timelines, and ensured faster and more accurate service delivery to customers.
Kairavi’s efforts to create a gender-neutral workspace at her organization go beyond simply hiring women employees. Currently, almost 50% of their staff is women and many have executive roles too. Kairavi’s journey continues to inspire individuals, and her impact goes beyond financial achievements. Her willingness to share her experiences and the strength she provides aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, is invaluable.
Recently her younger sister, Gautami Mehta also joined the family business after graduating from Marshalls College at University of Southern California with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Today, they are two sisters heading VKICL with the aim to create a benchmark in the steel industry and make a significant positive impact on environmental, social, and governance aspects.
