Give us a bit of background about yourself and your company.
The Monsher group is India’s premier fire and security company with a legacy and stability that dates back over 45 years. Over these years, Monsher having started from humble beginnings has become a preferred manufacturer, systems integrator and after sales provider for the biggest and most valuable facilities around the country.
I started the Monsher products division 20 years ago. With an education background in arts and creativity I deep dived in to management, sales & operations and serviced our all-India clients via setting up offices and warehouses in major metro cities of India.
Where does your interest in entrepreneurship come from – how did you start?
My interest in entrepreneurship started very early in life while I was still in school and my inspiration was my dad who was running a successful family business and I was inspired to either join him or start a set up on my own. I had a strong drive and was also dedicated to learning about various aspects in business. This dream came to being a reality 20 years later when I established the Products company for Monsher.
Give us insights into the major offerings of the company. And, how does the company support people with its offerings and services?
Monsher is unique as a company as We are a one stop shop for all the Fire & security needs unlike any other company in India. Starting from installation of fire systems to supplying quality certified products and undertaking maintenance contracts of the systems, we do it all under one roof. Hence the customer does not have to appoint different companies and We handle all the fire and security needs for a project from the start to finish.
What makes your company stand out in the market?
The quality and variety of projects we undertake defines us. We are one of the very few preferred companies which have kept and are still keeping prestigious & landmark projects across India safe from Fire.
How do women feel in the male-dominated industry? Have you experienced a different attitude because of gender?
There are Societal expectations and beliefs about women’s leadership abilities.
Women working in male dominated industries face higher stress and anxiety as compared to women working in other fields.
Achievements made by women are often discounted in male-dominated industries. I have been lucky not to have face many such challenges due to gender bias but I have had to adjust my behaviors to align more with masculine traits as a coping tactic.
Who are your clients? How do you keep your clients happy and satisfied?
Our clientele consists of various verticals starting from Airports, Pharma companies, Retail & hospitality projects, Residential and corporate projects, SRA, IT/ ITES, Education institutes, Warehouses and Factories, Various Industrial projects and Metro projects. I believe optimal service and being accessible to your clients makes them value you the most.
Though the statistics of women entrepreneurs in India are rising, yet a woman’s ambitions are often doubted in our society. Is it difficult for women to start a business in India?
The only thing harder than being an entrepreneur is being a female entrepreneur. Despite all the blood, sweat, and tears that get poured into a start-up by its founder, statistics indicate that women entrepreneurs still start their companies with 50% percent less capital than their male counterparts. This needs to change, not only because I believe in gender parity, but because I know that what’s good for female entrepreneurs is good for the global economy. But slowly things are changing and more & more women are becoming successful entrepreneurs and this is a positive sign.
How do you achieve a balance between your personal and professional life
I have come to achieve balance in personal & professional life by prioritising my physical & mental health first. Spending time with family and friends, religious or spiritual activity, self-care, including nutrition, exercise, and a supportive spouse or partner serve as key factors in balancing work and life. In addition, it is important to control the workload, find a meaning in work, and settle limits as well as learn to use administrative support systems adequately.
List the awards and milestones won by the company.
The awards won by us are:
Forbes India- Jan 2023
Economic time & Femina- Promising women leaders of India
Asia one- Black swan award for Woman empowerment
CEO magazine- Women Entrepreneur of the year
Business View- Company of the year 2021-22
Lubrizol Woman of Vision award
As a source of inspiration for many, what would your advice be for female entrepreneurs, who are planning to enter in the business world?
I would advise the female entrepreneurs to Have a clear vision, Embrace the opportunities to grow, Invest in Financial knowledge, adopt a learning attitude, adapt to change and flexibility, and keep reviewing short- & long-term goals and pathways to reach the same.
