The Challenges of a Thriving Young Leader in Sustainable Construction
Kavya Allaparthi, CEO, Milroc, 0
Being a second-generation entrepreneur has its own complex challenges. One of the pioneers of sustainable construction, Goa-based Milroc Good Earth Developers boasts a legacy of three decades. Given that sustainable construction only adds to the complexity of challenges, Kavya Allaparthi, the young CEO of Milroc, is showcasing exemplary leadership skills that complement the legacy of the company founded by her father and reputed industrialist, A. D. Prasad (Chairman). An alumnus of the University of Melbourne, Kavya is an ambassador of sustainable construction that designs not only a beautiful lifestyle and residence but also enables the life and environment around it to flourish. She joins us for an exclusive interview to discuss her academic journey and professional beginning, her challenges as a young women leader, and her future.
What was your inspiration for choosing a career in sustainability?
Over our 40-year tenure in the industry, sustainable development has always been a fundamental value in the family. While it is increasingly becoming a focal point for many today, sustainability has been an intrinsic part of my upbringing. My father instilled an appreciation for nature in me. I still remember his proud eyes while sharing how many trees he planted in his projects and how he successfully maintained them. Experiencing those developments by walking amidst those lush green demonstrated the seamless blend of nature and urban spaces, leaving a lasting impression on me.
Furthermore, something that always inspired me was my father’s straightforward approach—quietly making a difference and feeling content with the achievements without the need to advertise ourselves as sustainable developers. Our focus has always been on doing the best we can in the industry and making a significant impact in the most responsible way. Hence, sustainability, for us, is more than just a buzzword—it is about making meaningful contributions to the environment, a value ingrained in me from a young age.
How did your academic journey help in nurturing this innate passion for sustainability?
I pursued my master's in management in Australia from the University of Melbourne, which proved to be more of a personal development journey than an academic one. It was my first time away from home. I had to navigate numerous challenges, such as finding my own accommodation without actually knowing anyone. This experience, along with meeting like-minded individuals and people with completely different perspectives, took me through a journey that required a lot of adapting and surviving.
This journey significantly shaped my beliefs and pushed me out of my comfort zone, which I surprisingly enjoyed, as it led to growth and learning. Despite being one of the youngest in my course, surrounded by individuals with engineering backgrounds and extensive work experience, I found their insights greatly helpful, impacting my current decision-making processes.
My time in Melbourne was particularly enriching, not only academically but also personally. I got an opportunity to get coached in tennis, which allowed me to experience the supportive community and the benefits of a collaborative approach. Building strong interpersonal relationships and understanding their long-term impact on growth was immensely fulfilling. This journey continues to influence my decisions and actions.
It isn't easy to be taken seriously right after college. What challenges did you face as a young woman leader in the sustainable construction industry?
Initially, entering an industry traditionally dominated by men was quite intimidating. People often don’t take you seriously until they see that you are really in it. My father's guidance played a pivotal role in my journey, as he ensured I was thrown into the deep end of things where I had to learn from my mistakes and create my own experiences. This hands-on experience was invaluable, as it taught me that there are no hard and fast rules
in this industry—learning through experience is crucial.
Over time, I built my insights and understanding of construction, learning how to communicate effectively with others. As I gained more knowledge and showed commitment, people began to trust and relate to what I said, recognizing the effort I put in. It was a significant learning experience, filled with moments of self-doubt, as some people initially believed I was too young to uphold the legacy handed to me.
The industry is constantly evolving, and adapting to these changes has been a continuous process of learning and unlearning. Now, five years into my career, I realize that time, combined with the support of knowledgeable individuals around me, has been instrumental in my growth. While there is still a long way to go, I am confident that overcoming these challenges through organic learning has been effective.
I believe that more women should join the industry, as there is nothing that anyone cannot achieve.
Did you face any conflicts between your modern academic learnings and the prevailing thought process of the workforce?
My academic experience in Melbourne was predominantly theoretical, but working in the real world required a significant amount of on-the-spot improvisation, even though the foundational principles remained the same. India's work environment is notably different from other countries, so I had to adapt and learn through firsthand experiences. This allowed people to recognize my understanding and competence.
While the basics remain constant, the practical application involves effective communication, especially with laborers and contractors who possess extensive hands-on knowledge in their respective areas. It's a reciprocal learning process, as they provide insights that one might not be aware of, making them invaluable teachers from the ground up.
This journey has been enriching, emphasizing the importance of being open to learning and adapting. As long as you maintain a willingness to learn, there are abundant opportunities available.
What are the roles and responsibilities you handle today?
I started with one of our projects, Milroc Colina. This role provided me with firsthand experience and a deep understanding of sustainable development, including the workings of sewage treatment plants and water recycling processes. We recycle domestic water for gardening and efficiently utilize various mechanisms and machines. It was essential for me to grasp these concepts and explain them to our clients confidently. The first responsibility I handled was project sales. So, I focused on understanding clients' needs and preferences to help them make informed decisions.
Afterward, I moved on to our redevelopment project, one of the first cooperative societies to undergo redevelopment in Goa, which we recently handed over. This luxury residential project required me to oversee all departments, ensuring alignment with our objectives and timely completion. My responsibilities included navigating challenges and providing solutions.
I am grateful for the continuing support and patience of my team, who have helped me learn and grow. Currently, I oversee all departments to ensure cohesive operations and progress toward our goals.
What are your future plans for growth? Does that plan include hiring more women?
When it comes to growing our team, we don't categorize based on gender. Every industry can be intimidating at the start, but it ultimately depends on your aspirations and the support of those who believe in you. I encourage individuals to join the industry and explore its opportunities. Our teams are diverse and selected based on existing knowledge and the willingness to learn. It's not about knowing everything from the beginning but about the readiness to grow and collaborate. We believe in growing together rather than competition.
Regarding our company’s plans, we have several exciting projects in the pipeline, which are larger than what we've accomplished so far. We plan to diversify into new industries, emphasizing our commitment to growth and continuous learning.
Over time, I built my insights and understanding of construction, learning how to communicate effectively with others. As I gained more knowledge and showed commitment, people began to trust and relate to what I said, recognizing the effort I put in. It was a significant learning experience, filled with moments of self-doubt, as some people initially believed I was too young to uphold the legacy handed to me.
The industry is constantly evolving, and adapting to these changes has been a continuous process of learning and unlearning. Now, five years into my career, I realize that time, combined with the support of knowledgeable individuals around me, has been instrumental in my growth. While there is still a long way to go, I am confident that overcoming these challenges through organic learning has been effective.
I believe that more women should join the industry, as there is nothing that anyone cannot achieve.
It's not about knowing everything from the beginning but about the readiness to grow and collaborate.
Did you face any conflicts between your modern academic learnings and the prevailing thought process of the workforce?
My academic experience in Melbourne was predominantly theoretical, but working in the real world required a significant amount of on-the-spot improvisation, even though the foundational principles remained the same. India's work environment is notably different from other countries, so I had to adapt and learn through firsthand experiences. This allowed people to recognize my understanding and competence.
While the basics remain constant, the practical application involves effective communication, especially with laborers and contractors who possess extensive hands-on knowledge in their respective areas. It's a reciprocal learning process, as they provide insights that one might not be aware of, making them invaluable teachers from the ground up.
This journey has been enriching, emphasizing the importance of being open to learning and adapting. As long as you maintain a willingness to learn, there are abundant opportunities available.
What are the roles and responsibilities you handle today?
I started with one of our projects, Milroc Colina. This role provided me with firsthand experience and a deep understanding of sustainable development, including the workings of sewage treatment plants and water recycling processes. We recycle domestic water for gardening and efficiently utilize various mechanisms and machines. It was essential for me to grasp these concepts and explain them to our clients confidently. The first responsibility I handled was project sales. So, I focused on understanding clients' needs and preferences to help them make informed decisions.
Afterward, I moved on to our redevelopment project, one of the first cooperative societies to undergo redevelopment in Goa, which we recently handed over. This luxury residential project required me to oversee all departments, ensuring alignment with our objectives and timely completion. My responsibilities included navigating challenges and providing solutions.
I am grateful for the continuing support and patience of my team, who have helped me learn and grow. Currently, I oversee all departments to ensure cohesive operations and progress toward our goals.
What are your future plans for growth? Does that plan include hiring more women?
When it comes to growing our team, we don't categorize based on gender. Every industry can be intimidating at the start, but it ultimately depends on your aspirations and the support of those who believe in you. I encourage individuals to join the industry and explore its opportunities. Our teams are diverse and selected based on existing knowledge and the willingness to learn. It's not about knowing everything from the beginning but about the readiness to grow and collaborate. We believe in growing together rather than competition.
Regarding our company’s plans, we have several exciting projects in the pipeline, which are larger than what we've accomplished so far. We plan to diversify into new industries, emphasizing our commitment to growth and continuous learning.