“The perseverance, fearless spirit, and drive, coupled with empathy, leadership, and communication skills that women naturally possess, will surely enable young women leaders to continue breaking barriers and thrive in their endeavours.”
Living close to where you work is a great happiness hack! However, let’s get practical; indeed, minimising your commute time may sound all good and well in theory, but in practice it is seldom that easy. Just wondering how much you let your commute influence whether to stay or leave a job. I’m not so much thinking about the length of the commute but also how you commute, whether the journey itself is pleasant/safe or not, and if that’s something you take in consideration when job hunting! Kavitha Ramachandragowda, is an entrepreneur who delved deeper into this topic, and leveraged the power of technology to revolutionize employee
transportation. A seasoned technology professional, Kavitha currently serves as the co-founder and executive director at Routematic, India’s leading Fleet Service and Transport Automation Software provider. She aims to set a benchmark for excellence in employee transportation and continue to innovate in ways that enhance the daily commute experience, ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
Ques. Tell us a little about your venture and your journey. How long ago did you start up? What has been your motivation and what do you aim to achieve?
Ans. Routematic is a leading technology-driven urban mobility solution for daily office commute, focused on providing efficient and sustainable transportation solutions, serving in 21 cities for 200+ corporations across India with innovative technology and a comprehensive transport management system. Our venture started in the year 2013, with a vision to revolutionize employee transportation. At Routematic, we aim to set a benchmark for excellence in employee transportation and continue to innovate in ways that enhance the daily commute experience, ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Today, I can proudly say that Routematic has grown into a leading player in technology backed fleet services in India, with over 200 corporate clients across the country.
Having been in the tech industry for over 17 years, my journey as a woman co-founder at Routematic has been both challenging and transformative. Throughout my career, I’ve taken on diverse roles, spanning software development, operations, finance & HR. This multifaceted experience has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the industry and the ability to drive our business forward. My journey underlines the importance of resilience, strategic thinking and effective communication in leadership. I take immense pride in contributing to positive change and remain dedicated to inspiring the next generation of leaders. And my motivation stems from a deep desire to create innovative solutions that address real-world problems, particularly in a sector that impacts the daily lives of countless employees. Being a woman myself, I am personally motivated more to provide a safe, secure and hassle-free transportation service for thousands of women employees across India, and thereby contribute positively towards empowering women in the workforce.
Ques. How easy or tough has it been for you, as a woman entrepreneur, to set up and promote your business?
Ans. Navigating the tech and transportation sectors as a woman entrepreneur has not been without its challenges. Gender bias and stereotypes are prevalent in this male-dominated industry. To overcome these hurdles, I have consistently delivered high-quality work, built a supportive network, and honed my negotiation skills. Open communication about priorities has helped me manage work-life balance pressures, while advocating for inclusivity has driven positive change within the industry. Despite stereotypes, showcasing inclusive leadership styles has been key to my success.
Ques. How do you balance your professional and personal life?
Ans. Balancing the demands of the fast-paced tech industry with personal responsibilities requires effective time management, setting clear boundaries, and delegating tasks. Embracing technology and prioritizing self-care are also essential. I’m fortunate to have a supportive family and colleagues who understand the challenges I face and have been a constant pillar of support in my life.
Ques. Could you share some strategies or initiatives that organizations can implement to foster an inclusive workplace culture that encourages and supports the participation of women?
Ans. According to a report by ILO, 52% of Indian women are keen to work in order to support their families, but they encounter several challenges such as lack of safe transportation and connectivity, balancing work and home, gender biases and lack of growth opportunities at work. As such, I believe it is imperative for businesses to establish and foster a suitable culture that can make the team feel empowered to truly tread the path to success. So, my suggestions would be as follows –
> Establish a culture of inclusivity and diversity.
> Ensure that women feel valued and appreciated.
> Empower women to pursue success.
> Provide mentorship and support networks.
> Promote open communication and feedback.
> Implement flexible work policies to support work-life balance.
> Recognize and address any gender biases in the workplace.
Ques. Do you have any tips for women entrepreneurs who are starting their journey?
Ans. The technology landscape in our country is witnessing a powerful transformation as women carve their path, proving that brilliance, determination, and ambition knows no gender. My advice to aspiring female leaders is to believe in your capabilities and grab the boundless opportunities ahead. Establish clear limits, assign tasks strategically, give importance to both personal and professional well-being, and make sure you have a robust support network around you. The perseverance, fearless spirit, and drive, coupled with empathy, leadership, and communication skills that women naturally possess, will surely enable young women leaders to continue breaking barriers and thrive in their endeavours, leaving a lasting mark in the field of technology and innovation.
Avtar Madan
Poonam Sinha
Ruby Sinha
