Women’s leadership in the corporate world is essential for driving innovation, enhancing business performance, and creating a more equitable society. Addressing the challenges faced by women leaders and promoting inclusive workplace practices are crucial steps towards achieving gender parity in corporate leadership.
Reflecting on her career journey, Radhika Kalia (Managing Director, RLG Systems India Private Limited) emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and growth throughout different stages of life. She believes that early career experiences in smaller organizations offer valuable learning opportunities, followed by a period of focused growth and risk-taking in mid-career.
Overcoming Obstacles
Radhika Kalia was born and raised in Chandigarh under the strict guidance of her mother. This upbringing instilled in her a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for Indian culture. Her mother emphasized the importance of discipline, leading her to wake up at 4:00 AM daily for prayers and attend Bal Vikas, a cultural education program.
Following her 12th grade, Radhika enrolled at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning in Anantapur, where she immersed herself in a rigorous curriculum based on the guru-shishya parampara. This involved studying the Upanishadas and Vedas, reciting slokas, and adhering to traditional values, such as wearing a sari for all activities.
After completing her B.Com, she returned to Chandigarh and pursued an MBA while working as a management trainee. She excelled in her studies, securing admission to MDS University of Ajmer.
Radhika Kalia’s disciplined upbringing and strong academic foundation proved invaluable throughout her career. Despite facing challenges, such as finding employment in Delhi in the mid-1990s and navigating the demands of motherhood, she consistently demonstrated resilience and a strong will to succeed.
She held various positions in prominent companies, including Phoenix Group, Samsung, Haier, EXL HT Media & Panasonic showcasing her adaptability and ability to excel in diverse roles. Her career trajectory exemplifies her determination to overcome obstacles and achieve her goals, while maintaining a strong sense of integrity and a commitment to personal and professional growth.
From Individual Growth to Collective Impact
Radhika firmly believes in the principles of democracy and individual freedoms enshrined in the Indian Constitution. However, she emphasizes the crucial role of individual responsibility and ethical conduct as integral to a functioning society.
She observes that while many organizations value hard work and integrity, the foundation for these values should be laid during early childhood. She questions the effectiveness of corporate value systems in shaping adult behavior, arguing that a robust education system, emphasizing the impact of individual actions on society, is paramount. Drawing parallels to the Japanese education system, she highlights the importance of fostering a sense of social responsibility from a young age.
Bridging the Gap
In later stages, Radhika Kalia advocates for a consultative and coaching leadership style, leveraging accumulated experience to mentor and guide others. Radhika acknowledges that while Indian society traditionally emphasized strong values, the rapid pace of change, the influx of information, and the rise of individualism have potentially eroded these values.
Radhika’s current role involves working with a large team, where she emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and compliance with regulations. She describes her team’s efforts in promoting circular economy principles and assisting the informal sector in navigating the complexities of GST regulations, highlighting the challenges of integrating formal and informal sectors within the framework of government policies.
Driving Circular Economy in India
Radhika Kalia’s career trajectory transitioned from managing corporate affairs & CSR at Panasonic, where she actively lobbied for the development of India’s e-waste management rules, to spearheading the implementation of these regulations on the ground.
At Panasonic, she engaged extensively with government bodies like the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to shape policies that were both effective and industry-friendly. Recognizing the gap between policy formulation and on-ground execution, she sought a role in implementing these regulations.
This led her to RLG, an international leader in circular economy. Initially, she faced the daunting challenge of integrating the informal sector into the formal waste management system. However, through persistent efforts and a strong focus on employee training and stakeholder engagement, RLG has grown significantly, impacting the lives of thousands of individuals.
Her team has successfully converted numerous informal players into organized dismantling and recycling units, promoting responsible waste management practices. They have also implemented robust KYC procedures, ensuring transparency and financial inclusion within the sector.
Despite the challenges posed by a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, Radhika Kalia and her team have successfully navigated the complexities of India’s waste management sector. Their work exemplifies the potential for India to lead the way in circular economy initiatives, demonstrating a unique blend of innovation and adaptability.
Maintaining Integrity in a Chaotic World
Radhika’s journey has witnessed significant growth, evolving from a small, single-room office to a thriving organization with a substantial team. While this growth has been a source of immense pride, it has also presented challenges, particularly concerning trust and integrity.
Known for her unwavering faith in people, she has encountered instances where these expectations were not reciprocated. These experiences, while initially disheartening, have taught her valuable lessons about navigating interpersonal dynamics and maintaining her own integrity in a sometimes challenging environment.
Despite these setbacks, Radhika continues to believe in the inherent goodness of people and the power of collaborative effort. She thrives in dynamic and challenging environments, embracing the inherent “chaos” that characterizes the Indian landscape.
Resilience and Passion
Radhika deeply admires her mother, a talented artist and a woman of remarkable resilience. Despite facing challenges, including relocating to Noida and adapting to a new environment, her mother has consistently demonstrated an unwavering spirit and a strong work ethic.
As a young woman, Radhika Kalia’s mother pursued her passion for art, earning a living through fabric painting. Later in life, she embarked on a new chapter, pursuing a career in acting. At the age of 67, she proactively sought opportunities, participating in photoshoots and auditions.
Her determination has paid off, with appearances in numerous advertisements, films, and television shows. Even at 80, she remains active, diligently pursuing her acting career and maintaining a positive outlook.
Her mother serves as a constant source of inspiration, demonstrating the importance of perseverance, passion, and a positive attitude in achieving one’s goals.
Commitment on Sustainable Practices
RLG was established in May 2017 with a vision to contribute to a circular economy. The company focuses on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance, assisting producers and clients in adhering to environmental regulations pertaining to e-waste, plastic, tires, batteries, oil, and end-of-life of vehicles.
A key aspect of RLG’s operations is the aggregation and supply of high-quality materials to a network of recyclers and smelters across India. By ensuring the responsible handling and processing of waste materials, RLG contributes to sustainable waste management practices and minimizes environmental impact.
Navigating Evolving E-Waste Landscape
RLG specializes in environmental compliance, assisting clients with data management, auditing recycling facilities, and implementing deposit refund schemes. Recognizing the crucial role of government support in driving sustainable practices, RLG actively engages in public awareness campaigns, collaborating with state pollution control boards to educate stakeholders on waste management.
RLG operates across various domains, including e-waste, plastic, batteries, tires, and end-of-life vehicles. The company focuses on helping clients comply with evolving Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, while also addressing the entire product lifecycle, from post-consumer use to end-of-life management. This includes services such as returns management, refurbishment, and responsible recycling.
A key differentiator for RLG is its strong emphasis on process and data integrity. The company maintains robust documentation and a robust track-and-trace system, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the entire value chain. This commitment to process excellence is further reinforced by ISO 9001, ISO14001 and ISO 27001 certifications.
RLG’s enduring success can be attributed to its unwavering commitment to its mission, despite the evolving regulatory landscape and the inherent challenges of operating in the e-waste management sector.
Leadership Transition
As the founding head of RLG India, Radhika Kalia has played a pivotal role in building the organization from the ground up. Initially, she assumed a multifaceted role, overseeing various departments including HR, finance, operations, and business development.
While her extensive knowledge and experience have been instrumental in the company’s success, she recognizes the potential challenges of this deep involvement. As RLG expands and welcomes senior leadership, she is mindful of the need to empower her team and avoid inadvertently creating an environment where new hires feel overshadowed or intimidated by her comprehensive understanding of the business.
Radhika is actively working to navigate this transition, fostering a collaborative environment where new leaders can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives.
Strategic Initiatives
Radhika Kalia and her team are exploring new avenues for growth, including the expansion of their service offerings. Two key initiatives under development are the launch of “Vermilion,” a product specifically designed for medical bio-waste management in the US market, and the introduction of “Sustainability as a Services” (SaaS).
These new services reflect RLG’s commitment to providing comprehensive and innovative solutions for clients seeking to enhance their environmental sustainability.
The Cornerstone Success
Radhika considers her greatest achievement to be the successful upbringing of her daughter. Despite facing numerous challenges, she provided her daughter with the opportunities to excel, culminating in her daughter’s pursuit of a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with specialization in fluid Mechanics at the University of Waterloo in Canada.
Her journey exemplifies the power of resilience and determination. Having arrived in Delhi with limited resources, she built a successful career and established a comfortable life for herself and her daughter. This achievement underscores her ability to overcome obstacles and achieve her goals independently.
She attributes her success to a strong work ethic and a disciplined approach. These values, instilled in her by her mother, have guided her throughout her life, enabling her to consistently strive for excellence and achieve her aspirations.
Prioritising Employee Wellbeing
Radhika Kalia fosters a strong and positive work environment at RLG India. She maintains an open-door policy, encouraging open communication and accessibility for her team. The company prioritizes employee well-being with regular team activities and a focus on work-life balance.
While flexible work arrangements were initially implemented, they were subsequently adjusted to better suit the nature of the work, which involves significant documentation. She emphasizes the importance of discipline and a consistent work schedule, while also ensuring timely salary disbursements and comprehensive employee benefits packages.
A unique aspect of RLG’s employee benefits is the inclusion of health insurance coverage for parents, a feature not commonly found in most organizations. This demonstrates the company’s commitment to the well-being of its employees and their families.
Radhika’s Perspective on Personal Life
Radhika values a structured approach to life, both personally and professionally. While her demanding career has limited her ability to pursue personal hobbies like dance, she is now rekindling her passion for classical dance.
For aspiring business leaders, she emphasizes the importance of identifying and seizing opportunities. She believes that dedication, honesty, and a disciplined approach are crucial for achieving success.
5 Key Takeaways from Radhika Kalia’s Journey
- Strong values and resilience are crucial for success. Radhika’s upbringing, emphasizing discipline and ethical conduct, combined with her mother’s example of perseverance, instilled in her a strong work ethic and the ability to overcome challenges. These qualities have been fundamental to her career progression.
- Continuous learning and adaptability are essential in a changing world. Radhika’s career demonstrates the importance of embracing new experiences and adapting to different roles and industries. Her willingness to learn and grow, even transitioning from policy development to implementation, has been key to her success.
- Leadership involves more than just technical skills. Radhika emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership, fostering a positive work environment, and mentoring others. She believes in empowering her team and creating a culture of open communication and collaboration.
- Businesses have a responsibility to contribute to society. Radhika’s work in the circular economy demonstrates her commitment to sustainable practices and responsible waste management. She believes that businesses should play a role in addressing societal challenges and promoting ethical conduct.
- Balancing personal and professional life is important. Despite a demanding career, Radhika Kalia prioritizes her family and recognizes the importance of personal growth and well-being. She demonstrates that it is possible to achieve professional success while maintaining strong personal values and pursuing personal interests.
Company Overview –
