| | MARCH 202319Cross-functionality has played an important role in creating an equal and comfortable space for people of all ages, regions, and gendersthe entire world was going through a turbulent period due to the COVID pandemic. But I take pride in the fact that GPIites never felt insecure, even during the most uncertain of times. Owing to their trust in the organization and the surety of security, our workforce is confident. We have empowered people to become decision makers and take risks. Of course, there have been a few failures, but that never stops our people from learning from mistakes, trying again and excelling. Our people have faith in their organization and that makes all the difference.You are known for adopting innovative solutions for business challenges. When it comes to GPI workforce, how does innovation come in to play?I have a keen interest in automation, data sciences, robotics ­ anything tech. I believe that their adoption and implementation can only be successful if our people are aligned with the vision of making us technology leaders in our industry. Hence, we support tech-based upskilling of our employees which will help them throughout their professional journey, in GPI and beyond.Furthermore, I believe collaboration is the catalyst to innovation. Working in silos limits our capabilities. When we work together, we explore our potential to its fullest. We are re-inventing the core of our business by digitalization of our supply chain processes by introducing LEAP. The program, built on the o9 platform, has transformed our integrated business planning from demand forecasting to despatch planning. A key requirement for the success of this initiative was cross-functionality between supply chain, sales and distribution, marketing, manufacturing, finance, commercial, IT and analytics teams. Sanchay, another initiative at GPI, aimed at building efficiencies and cost optimization encourages multi-department collaboration. With different units working together, we have identified ways to improve savings while increasing productivity and outcomes. Both LEAP and Sanchay have delivered great results, not just in quantitative terms, but qualitative as well. Our people not just have confidence in the organization and the senior management, but owing to more inter-departmental transparency and collaboration, they have improved inter-function and inter-personal trust and camaraderie.Running a business of this scale requires time and energy. How do you find the time to stay connected with the employees?A4. I come from a background of operations,and I like being a hands-on CEO. For me, decisions for the company and its people cannot be made while sitting at a desk. I ensure that I am present and approachable for every employee. With my open-door policy, in the same day, I find myself brainstorming a new product with the R&D team and discussing movie options for the next movie day at the office. It keeps me refreshed and on my toes. But I like to connect with my colleagues beyond work as well. Hence, every fortnight, I invite a few of them and over a cup of coffee where we chat about our families, holiday plans, sports games,or new recipes we tried. Our people call it Coffee with CEO. It is my way of letting my hair down and knowing GPIites better. I also see a marked difference in employees' demeanour and confidence levels right after my first one-on-one interaction with them, and they feel more comfortable and aligned with the company. Diversity, Equality, and Inclusivity have become a focus area for organizations around the world. What is GPI doing for DEI?A5. GPI operates in several states in India. We also have an eclectic mix of boomers, Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z in our workforce. While we have colleagues who are being recognized for thirty and forty years of service to the company, we also have new talents who bring in a fresh perspective. In such a set-up, it is essential that everyone feels heard and respected. This culture cannot be enforced, it is cultivated through our people practices. Cross-functionality has played an important role in creating an equal and comfortable space for people of all ages, regions, and genders. It has encouraged cross-functional learning. By being
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