CEO Insights Magazine

As per some of the recent industry reports, firms headed by female CFOs tend to demonstrate an effective and elevated performance in comparison to the firms with lower gender diversity. Taking a few of the case studies in reference, it has been recently concluded and accepted by the industry aficionados that most of the firms with a woman as their CFOs witnessed approximately six percent rise in cost-effectiveness and eight percent higher stock returns. Consistently maintaining a commendable track record since the beginning of her professional journey, Kavita Choubisa Ojha has molded herself into one of the most impeccable and phenomenal Chief Finance Officers in the country. Learnings from the challenging assignments early in her career helped Kavita to build a strong foundation which also gave her the confidence to step out and lead a team of experienced people. Management, optimum utilization of available resourcesand strong professional ethics along with patience to handle the tough situations are the factors which improved and supported her career journey.

Below is an excerpt of Kavita’s exclusive interview with CEO Insights.

Define the exceptionality of Pradeep Metals as an organization and its position in the market? How do you assist Pradeep Metals in achieving its business objectives?
The organization, Pradeep Metals is a renowned organization residing in the top position across the forging industry owing to its due quality excellence and experienced technocrats from the last 38 years. The team works as a family to attain a common objective of delivering quality products to our customers under the leadership of our CMD.

Our organization has earned the trust of the customers due to on time supplies and excellent quality. It is the result of consistent efforts done for building a strong mechanism to produce the desired output in time. As finance is one of the most important aspects of this chain, with proper financial management and better cost control, the organization is on the track of success with improved financial performance. As the finance lead, I have a crucial role in making my company achieve financial stability by simultaneously ensuring higher returns.

What are the key challenges you have been currently witnessing in the post-Covid market? How would you describe your role in tackling those challenges?
It is true that the market and the industry both suffered a setback due to COVID-19. The market dynamics before and after COVID-19 have drastically changed. As we are still in the COVID-19 period, the stability of the market is quite uncertain in many aspects. The primary challenge for the organization is to have continuity in operations. With limited resources, meeting delivery schedules and customer satisfaction is a major hurdle that we have successfully overcome in this tough time. As a finance lead my role is to maintain the system of cost control, optimization of resources and on-time availability of funds. Reporting the management, my detailed analysis of financial targets and presenting a clear road map helps the organization in taking the right decisions.

Share some of the milestones of your professional career that have affected you positively as an individual and as a CFO?
I believe in the ‘Better than yesterday’ rule. If you compete with yourself then only you can become a better version of yourself. When I look behind, I get a lot of satisfaction from my learning and from my journey so far. Becoming best in a single field is a lot easier than becoming good in almost every field and that has been my motto all these years. Whether as an indivi

dual or as a professional it is very important to have the support of your family and the people around you. To strike a perfect balance between different roles is a challenging task and when you see it is working, it gives inner satis faction.

Going forward, what are the major changes in market behavior that you anticipate and how do you prepare your self?
From here the market challenges and competitions are likely to increase as resources will be limited. Last year taught us how to survive in adverse situations and now it is time to come out strong and showcase a sturdier growth trajectory. We have challenges and as a team, we can overcome them. Now is the time to convert these challenges into opportunities of this current era.

Highlight some of your unique skills and qualities that helped you reach where you are today and what is your success mantra?
I always prefer to maintain calmness under compressed situations. Managing the resources optimally and clearcommunication are the key skills that have helped me a lot in my journey so far. Every time situations won’t be favorable but with your time and resource management ability, you can convert them into opportunities.

Kavita Choubisa Ojha, Group CFO, Pradeep Metals
After completing her Chartered Accountant course with M. Com in the year 2012, Kavita joined as a Finance Head in Gujarat Technocasting to commence her professional career. Her dedication and career-centric approach paved the path for her and she is currently positioned as the Group CFO of Pradeep Metals. She believes in the mantra of ‘Be Busy and Be Easy’ and this has made things easy for her.

Hobbies: Reading, cooking and spending time with family.
Favorite Cuisine: Home made Indian food gives me satisfaction.
Favorite Book: The Goal by Eliyahu M Goldratt.
Favorite Travel Destination: Historical destinations preferably Rajasthan.