It was the biggest day of her life. After completing her Executive MBA from Doon University with a topmost score, Anuradha Doval walked on the stage and halted in front of the Indian President, Mrs Draupadi Murmu, who was smiling, to receive her gold medal from the hands of India’s first citizen. As Anuradha received her gold medal from Mrs Murmu, the entire auditorium erupted into tremendous applause. All the photographers were busy flashing their cameras to capture the paramount moment of Anuradha’s exceptional career and professional life.
In those flashes of all the cameras, Anuradha’s own mind flashed her journey back in front of her eyes like a film put on fast-forward mode. Her journey into entrepreneurship began in Nepal, where she initially served as a Brand Manager for Coca-Cola. From there, Anuradha transitioned to a Marketing Manager role at Tuborg and Carlsberg, a company known for its iconic beer brands. Her career trajectory shifted significantly just before the tragic assassination of the king in Nepal, prompting her return to India. It was in this environment of change and uncertainty that Anuradha decided to venture into manufacturing. The inspiration to start New Gen Packaging Private Limited – a Pilfer Proof Closures and Tamper Proof Closures manufacturing company specializing in non-refillable caps for the liquor industry, came from her deep understanding of the market and the demands for secure packaging solutions.
Redefining the Business Success Norms
At her company, Anuradha, the Director and her team cater to both the Indian and Nepalese markets, and over time, their reputation for producing “luxury” liquor caps akin to the esteemed Burberry brand has cemented their position as a leader in the industry. Their collaboration with Harv 81 Group, a European giant in corks and labels, marks a significant milestone in their journey, allowing them to bring premium products like natural corks and innovative label solutions to the Indian subcontinent.
Although the audience in the auditorium could only guess or might come to know in the future, after reading about her and her story, Anuradha knew that there had always been a deep-rooted guiding philosophy behind her and her company’s tremendous success. It revolves around excellence and innovation in manufacturing. They’ve established themselves as a trusted partner to Radico Khaitan Ltd., a leading player in the liquor industry. Their commitment is reflected in the distinctive caps they produce, such as the Royal Ranthambore and Magic Moment Dazzle caps, which have set a new benchmark in the industry. The uniqueness and quality of their products stem from a blend of creativity, precision engineering, and willingness to push boundaries—attributes that are deeply embedded in her company’s culture and drive their success.
A Committed Innovator of the Evolutionary Times
Anuradha also knew that, like past and present, the dynamic business landscape is ever-evolving. Remaining adaptable in such times requires a commitment to constant innovation. They could achieve this because of their focus on creating new concepts and designs for their caps, ensuring the company’s clients enjoy a competitive edge in the marketplace. It filled her with immense pride that her team is dedicated to understanding emerging market trends and consumer preferences, enabling them to swiftly adapt their offerings and maintain their leadership position.
Finally, as she received her award and took back her place in the auditorium amidst the curious, excited, and enchanted gazes of her admirers, well-wishers, and team, Anuradha knew in her heart that she deserved this success because she earned it with her unique approach to leadership, which has been the driving force behind her company’s emergence as the leader in the market.
Today, she says that her leadership has been responsible for her emergence as Women World India’s topmost of the ‘Inspiring Women Personalities to Watch in 2024.’ Defining it, Anuradha says, “Leadership is about vision and teamwork. I prioritize hard work, dedication, and continual learning, as evidenced by my Executive MBA from Doon University and the subsequent recognition with the Gold Medal from the President of India, Mrs Droupadi Murmu.”
In the second biggest crowning achievement of her life, Anuradha has been chosen to be featured in the FLO Compendium of 100 Successful Women Entrepreneurs in the MSME sector in Year 2020. This initiative is a collaboration between FLO and the Ministry of MSME. The e-unveiling of this significant publication was conducted by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister for MSME, Road Transport & Highways, and Shipping, on May 2, 2020. Among the two women entrepreneurs selected from Uttarakhand, Anuradha stands out. She also received an appreciation letter from Shri Satpal Maharaj, the Cabinet Minister.
Electrifying Ethos of an Empress
Building a team that shares this ethos is paramount. Collaborating with a European giant like Harv 81 and ensuring her team is aligned and motivated are critical to their success, she adds. “Fostering a strong sense of purpose and motivating my team to strive for excellence has been a cornerstone of our achievements.”
The essence of the industry lies in bringing innovation and advancements to the niche one is working in. Thus, striking a balance between customer expectations and user experience is necessary. Anuradha says that in striking this balance, they focus on listening to their customers and understanding their needs while also being at the forefront of technological and design advancements. “Our products must not only meet but exceed customer expectations.” This means integrating user feedback into their development processes and investing in designs that elevate the user experience, providing added value that enhances brand loyalty.
Sustainability is also a critical component of our operational philosophy, states Anuradha. “Partnering with Harv 81 Group, we commit to eco-friendly manufacturing practices, utilizing sustainable materials like natural cork.” Their processes aim to minimize their carbon footprint and support environmental initiatives such as reforestation projects. “Operating with responsibility toward the environment ensures that we contribute positively to a sustainable future,” she adds.
Leading a Tech-Powered Team of Titans
Today, New Gen Packaging has emerged as one of India’s best enterprises, achieving remarkable success. Showcasing a transformative project, Anuradha says that it was their development of the Royal Ranthambore caps for Radico Khaitan. This project exemplified their approach to combining aesthetic design with intricate engineering, resulting in a product that was not only functionally superior but also elevated the brand’s image. “The success of this initiative reinforced our reputation for innovation and excellence within the industry,” she says with immense pride.
In the realm of business, technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency. Anuradha, too, believes in it. Thus, she says, “Technology is at the core of our operational strategy. We invest in cutting-edge equipment and software that streamline production processes and ensure precision.” Digital solutions allow them to monitor and analyze manufacturing data in real-time, optimizing efficiency and ensuring high quality in their final products. Additionally, leveraging technology helps them stay agile, adapt to market changes quickly, and better serve their clients’ needs.
Furthermore, for every successful organization, its workforce is the cornerstone of that success. That is why a creative, holistic environment of team growth and development becomes imperative, says Anuradha. “A culture of continuous growth and development is vital at our company. We prioritize professional development, offering training programs and opportunities for skill enhancement. By creating an environment where employees feel empowered to contribute innovative ideas and solve challenges, we support their growth and maintain high levels of engagement and satisfaction across our workforce.”
Conquering the Crisis
Thus, this culture helps the company, its leader, and the team to surmount every challenge they face, as challenges are inevitable. Anuradha recalls that one significant challenge was the immediate aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, supply chains were disrupted, and demand fluctuated unpredictably. “Our team’s resilience shone through as we quickly adapted our operations, ensuring safety while maintaining efficiency. We introduced remote work solutions where possible and leaned heavily on digital communication to keep the team aligned.” This adaptability allowed Anuradha and her team to emerge from the crisis stronger and more unified.
Further elaborating on that difficult time, she adds that navigating through the pandemic involved a multifaceted approach. “We prioritized the safety of our employees by implementing stringent health protocols and remote working arrangements where feasible.”
Simultaneously, they analyzed market trends and strategically adjusted their production and marketing strategies to address changing consumer needs. “This proactive stance ensured not only our survival but also set the stage for sustained growth post-pandemic,” claims Anuradha.
Embracing the Digital Dynamics
Today, every business goes beyond the physical realm, touching on aspects like digital transformation, constant consumer engagement, and virtual user experience. Anuradha ensures that her company embraces digital transformation by investing in e-commerce platforms that facilitate easy client engagement and streamlined product ordering processes. Additionally, they leverage digital marketing strategies to maintain constant engagement with their customers, ensuring they remain attuned to their evolving needs. Virtual user experience is enhanced through interactive online tools that allow customers to visualize and customize their orders, fostering a seamless client journey.
An Advice to Ace the Future
Businesses are a way to advance the Indian economy. Thus, Anuradha advises aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on innovation and quality. Understanding market needs and being adaptable is critical. “Building strong networks and partnerships, as demonstrated by our collaboration with Harv 81 Group, can provide valuable growth opportunities and insights.” Remaining committed to sustainable practices will also be integral due to increasing consumer awareness and the global shift toward eco-friendly solutions.
Looking ahead, Anuradha’s vision for New Gen Packaging is to expand its footprint within the premium packaging industry while maintaining its standards of excellence and innovation. She adds, “We aim to deepen our commitment to sustainability, continuing to set industry benchmarks,” before concluding, “By fostering an environment of creativity and collaboration, we strive to remain a leader in the industry, contributing significantly to India’s business ecosystem and aligning with global best practices.”
