Professional Experience:
My career has been driven by a deep commitment to environmental sustainability, particularly in the field of waste management and the transition to a circular economy. With over ten years of experience, I have developed a diverse skill set encompassing program development, stakeholder engagement, strategic partnerships, fundraising, and communication. My experience spans hands-on project implementation, strategic planning, and advocacy, reflecting a holistic approach to driving positive change.
A pivotal experience in my career was leading the development and implementation of a waste management and recycling program at the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL). Working in this fragile ecosystem presented unique challenges, requiring a deep understanding of local contexts and community needs. I conducted comprehensive waste audits, designed and implemented campus-wide segregation systems, and delivered training programs for staff and residents. This experience instilled in me the importance of community engagement and the power of education in driving sustainable practices. Achieving 100% sustainable processing of collected recyclable waste through a partnership with Project TsangDa within six months underscored the impact of effective collaboration and program management.
My role as Strategic Alliances & Partnerships Manager at Karo Sambhav provided me with valuable experience in navigating the complexities of waste management at scale. I developed and executed the company's partnership strategy, focusing on building collaborations to enhance e-waste and plastic packaging waste recycling infrastructure. Working with bilateral organizations such as GIZ and UNDP, as well as government agencies across India, honed my ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders and drive impactful projects. Spearheading the "Demystifying EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility)" webinar series demonstrated my commitment to educating stakeholders and promoting industry best practices. Furthermore, collaborating with experts to launch pilot projects focused on resource efficiency and enhanced transparency across the value chain allowed me to contribute to innovative solutions with the potential for widespread impact.
As the Founder and Podcast Host of the "Circular Business Podcast," I have created a platform to explore circular business models and amplify the conversation around climate action. Through interviews with industry experts, thought leaders, and policymakers, I have gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in transitioning to a circular economy. This experience has also honed my communication and outreach skills, allowing me to effectively engage with a global audience on sustainability issues.
At Cummins India, as a Key Account Manager, I consistently achieved revenue and volume targets, demonstrating my ability to analyze business trends, forecast demand, and develop targeted sales strategies. I managed a portfolio generating $3.3 million in revenue in 2019, showcasing my ability to manage key accounts and drive business growth.
At Electromech Material Handling Systems, I developed techno-commercial proposals, secured contracts (including the company's first export order worth $1 million), and expanded the company's reach into new markets. These experiences instilled in me the importance of strategic thinking and a deep understanding of the sales and business development lifecycle – skills that have been invaluable in my subsequent work in the circular economy sector.