Despite Shipping & Logistics sectors being the backbone of the Indian economy, there are numerous challenges the sector faces which requires technology-backed business models to solve them. Freightwalla, with its technology-backed platform, solves these challenges while offering an end-to-end digitally-enabled logistics solution. With the use of a cloud based software solutions, the company is dedicated to streamlining the shipping process and digitally enable Small and Medium enterprises of India. Khushboo Tiwary, the Business Head - Growth and Strategy of freightwalla Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) offerings, Strategic Initiative Alliances and ensuring that they meet the needs of the business and its customers. This involves leading the design and execution of go-to-market, pricing, and overall business strategies for SaaS business and collaborating with teams across the organisation and external stakeholders to understand customer's need. With her extensive industry experience Khushboo Tiwary is well-positioned to drive the continued growth and success of Freightwalla.
What are some important features about your expertise as a business professional you want us to highlight through the article?
I am a part of the leadership team. My expertise includes the ability to build an entire unit from scratch, the comfort I have working with ambiguity, problem-solving skills, and a more hands-on approach. In terms of technical abilities, I excel at sales, marketing, and financial management. My USPs are stakeholder management, communication, and negotiation.
Take us through the prior industry experience that you bring to the table. Also, throw some light on your primary areas of expertise as a leader.
I have worked in a diverse range of industries over the course of my nearly 14 years of profession, but the ones that stand out include BFSI, Fintech, retail, FMCG, consumer tech, and media. During these 14 years, I worked across several geographies such as the United Kingdom, USA, Egypt, APAC, and the Middle East. I began as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Products analyst and moved to consulting. My main areas of expertise include digital transformation, go-to-market strategy, product strategy, and product marketing I also progressed up the corporate ladder, eventually moving into business development roles. In addition to my professional work, I have a strong enthusiasm for travel and food; you could even call me a foodie. Recently, I have co-founded a cloud kitchen to provide authentic and healthful Indian food from all across the nation.
Introduce us to Frieghtwalla. Throw some light on the role that you play within the organization.
With the use of a digital solution that is AI-driven, simple to use, and intuitive, Freightwalla empowers importers and exporters. It facilitates collaboration and visibility amongst cross-border and local stakeholders involved in the import-export process. Through an automated internal supply chain process, the platform improves transparency, efficiency and increases profitability. It offers a cloud platform to simplify cross-border logistics, and digitally transform the logistic industry. We collaborate with more than 60 shipping lines, more than 1000 clients, and more than 1000 ports. We have received several awards; the most recent was the 'Deloitte India Technology Fast 50, 2022,' in which we ranked 17th overall. We also won supply chain digital's top ten APAC logistic firm award. I'm a part of the strategy group's leadership team. I oversee SaaS and Strategic Initiatives. I report directly to the Group CEO. I created a new capability and built the entire vertical from the ground up, which necessitates me to wear numerous hats. I therefore lead all aspects of business strategy, including sales, marketing and product strategy and handle, fundraising activities, investor relationships, and finding new business prospects through partnerships and alliances – like CEO of the business.
Tell us about some of the most critical challenges you have faced in your professional journey. What steps do you take to overcome the roadblocks that you encounter?
My challenges can be divided into two categories. One is the technological issues that the business encounters, which can be resolved by upskilling. The other category is related to culture and people, which calls for developing your soft skills. Here, teamwork and everything else play a role. Working across cultures presents challenges in terms of garnering public acceptability since those who are unfamiliar of you will have subconsciously biassed opinions about you. You must prove your ability to deliver a work in a specific circumstance. Working in a setting where you are the only female member of the team could be challenging at times. If so, we must adapt and not shy away from challenges. Ev-ery time I entered a new industry, it required acquiring new domain expertise. Communicating with impact with clients from varied background was also a little harder and requires agility in approach.
"My mantra is to never shy away to take up new challenges, i accept it with ease. The phrase, 'i don't get there by wishing for it or hoping for it, but by working for it,' motivates me"
Tell us about some of the most significant professional milestones you have achieved so far? What has been your success mantra?
In terms of academics, earning an MBA at IIM, Ahmedabad, was a significant accomplishment. In terms of employment, obtaining acceptability overseas among people from many cultures has been a professional milestone for me. It was a significant milestone in my career when, while working with Ambani Groups, I presented product strategy and planning to CEOs and Anmol Ambani himself in a boardroom. In addition, I had won numerous accolades for my work across various geographies. I recently joined the start-up, and getting the first few paid clients was another success. My mantra is to never shy away from taking up new challenges, I accept it with ease. The phrase, 'I don't get there by wishing for it or hoping for it, but by working for it,' motivates me.
What would your advice be to young women and girls who also aspire to become business leaders and entrepreneurs in the future?
We women are more empathic, compassionate and giving. We tend to often neglect our own needs while providing for and caring for others. Therefore, I firmly think that while we do have a responsbility to others, we also have a responsbility to take care of ourselves. To be successful business leaders and entrepreneurs, it’s crucial for us to make career decisions based on our interests and not what others want us to do. Respect and admire your individualism, never give up, accept challenges, and keep in mind that intent is to build a career and not just pursue a 9 to 5 job.
Khushboo Tiwary, SAAS Head, BTJ Logistics Pvt.Ltd
Khushboo Tiwary, the SaaS Head of FreightWalla, is responsible for overseeing the company's software-as-a-service offerings, Strategic Initiative Alliances and ensuring that they meet the needs of the business and its customers.
