Arti Vazirani’s career in logistics is a testament to the power of deliberate choices and a relentless pursuit of excellence, transforming challenges into opportunities.
Customer centricity should drive all business decisions
Arti Vazirani, Procurement Director, Bic Cello India, emphasises that impactful leadership in logistics hinges on a solid foundation of core values. “For me,” she asserts, “leadership means having the right set of values (honesty and integrity), passion for whatever you are doing, a high level of ownership, being bold and having a warrior spirit, having a clear vision, and the ability to listen to others and communicate Effectively.” She further underscores the importance of trust, focus, and authenticity, highlighting that true leadership emerges when one confidently occupies the driver’s seat.
The power of listening
Vazirani believes that success in logistics, a field demanding strategic acumen and collaborative prowess, is significantly amplified by refined listening skills. “Develop listening skills,” she advises. “We in India are poor listeners.” She advocates for fostering an environment where feedback is encouraged and genuinely received, enabling introspection and agile adaptation. “Equally important is to listen to the voice of your customers,” she adds, stressing that customer-centricity should drive all business decisions.
A deliberate journey
Vazirani’s career trajectory is a testament to purposeful evolution. Starting in pharmaceutical formulation development, she strategically transitioned to supply chain management, encompassing procurement, planning, manufacturing, and logistics, after pursuing her MBA. Her deliberate movement across diverse industries—chemical, pharmaceutical, FMCG, and e-commerce—have equipped her to lead supply chain operations for global organisations in India. This carefully planned journey has also emboldened her to make significant personal decisions, such as purchasing her first home and supporting her daughter’s higher education in the United States.
Data-driven solutions
In the realm of logistics, where problem-solving is paramount, Vazirani champions the synergy of data analysis and sound judgment. Confronted with the challenge of launching 30,000 SKUs in India without prior sales data, she devised an innovative solution. “I believe in the power of data and the power of judgement in scenarios where we do not have data,” she states. By leveraging sales data from similar markets like China and incorporating feedback from Indian distributors, she was able to make informed inventory decisions. This strategic approach enabled a successful launch within 90 days, surpassing initial sales estimates threefold within a year.
Leaving a lasting impact
Vazirani’s commitment to creating lasting organisational change is evident in her leadership of numerous technology implementations. “In multiple assignments, I have led technology implementations, and these have helped the organisations to be more compliant with the law and have standardised ways of working (especially in global organisations),” she explains. While acknowledging the challenges of change management and the costs associated with technology, she emphasises the enduring benefits of well-executed implementations, which streamline operations and enhance compliance.
