Leaders

With increased demand for high-performance, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions, the automotive sector requires agility and excellence at every level. In this regard, operations aligned with global standards, ensuring efficiency, scalability, and long-term value creation positions any organization as a reliable and profitable industry player, capable of meeting evolving market demands with precision and agility.

With a sharp focus on innovation and dedication to operational excellence, Khushboo Soni is a strategic thinker & leader who thrives in dynamic environments. As Director (Auto Parts) at Shram Engineering Works, she consistently delivers value by aligning technical capabilities with business goals, enabling growth and process optimization.

Her work spans across transformative projects that require both analytical depth and a keen understanding of user experience-qualities that make her a trusted advisor and solution driven professional.

As a young woman navigating through the male-dominated automotive and infrastructure industry, Khushboo leans on lessons learnt from her father, Vijay Soni, who founded Shram Engineering Works along with his college friend turned business partner, Rajiv Puri.

Take us through your educational journey. How did your alma mater, VIT, influence your growth as a professional?

Early on, I transitioned between schools to find balance between academics and overall development. Once I found it, I thrived building lasting friendships and clarity about my goals.

I was clear about pursuing computer science and went on to study it at Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT). I enjoyed the curriculum and also secured the campus placement. VIT offered me space to grow through leadership, faculty interactions, and hands-on learning.

The multicultural environment helped me build connections across regions and backgrounds, gave me a deeper understanding of people and helped me build cultural awareness. This continues to shape how I approach business and relationships today, preparing me for the realities of the professional world.

Take us through your experience and learnings as a data engineer at Shell.

My career took shape when I got placed at Shell, where I ended up in data engineering, a field that has proven vital across every industry I have worked in. Working at Shell gave me a toolkit I still use to this day to enhance operational efficiency and strategic clarity in the automotive world.

I have been fortunate to work with mentors who genuinely cared about my growth. The connections I made at Shell continue to shape who I am as a leader and collaborator. At Shell, I gained the blueprint to navigate corporate life, from networking effectively to managing ambition with balance.

What led you to come on board Shram Engineering Works?

Stepping into my family business, Shram Engineering Works was not premeditated, but as I immersed myself, I uncovered its two distinct verticals, auto parts manufacturing focused on quality engineering, and infrastructure projects tied to high-profile development projects. Each side offers unique value, one in legacy, the other in performance.

Quality and trusted client relations drive our work. The core vision stems from our founding team and the company will always continue to run with a vision aligned with theirs. My primary focus is on evolving this MSME into a more well-structured, growth-oriented organization. To achieve this, I have to be multi-directionally available whether it be compliances, operations, accounting, finances & growth with strong business development & client-relationship management.

What different hats do you wear and challenges you encounter in your role at Shram Engineering Works?

Personally, I entered the business with enthusiasm, but I quickly learnt that this role came with a lot of responsibilities. Running an MSME often means wearing every hat at once. You are constantly adapting to gaps, or addressing a disrupted delivery, supply chain, to compliance to finance, you have to oversee all.

Operational excellence is key, but what truly drives long-term success is how you treat people. The real challenge lies in being seen not just as a vendor, but as a partner striving for growth, while juggling countless responsibilities. I have learnt that relationships often outweigh tasks, and balancing humility with efficiency is essential for sustainable growth.

Being a woman in a male-dominated industry also comes with its own set of challenges. There is a clear bias toward senior male counterparts, and many stakeholders struggle to accept new faces in decision-making roles. Over time I have learnt and earned to hold my ground and when authority is delegated to me, I make sure that the discussion concludes with me.

How do you successfully navigate through the challenges?

Early on I faced my share of resistance where I would question my father’s approach, wondering why I was being pushed into challenging situations without his immediate support. He would let me handle meetings and situations on my own. It ultimately helped me develop a strong sense of self-reliance. And today, I understand the depth of that lesson.

Eventually, in this fast-paced world of business, where decisions often need to be made in the blink of an eye, having the right partner by your side can make all the difference. For me, that anchor comes in the form of Anurag Puri, my business partner and a source of grounded wisdom.

Along the way I have been fortunate to meet collaborations who treat me as equal, and that makes all the difference. One learns to navigate bias when faced with it. I recently had a moment where I understood that assertiveness does not have to be aggressive. It can be clear, respectful, and still effective.

Looking back at your journey, what has been your guiding leadership philosophy? What is your ‘success mantra’?

I believe loyalty shapes how businesses grow and is the cornerstone of any successful organizations. When leaders are loyal to their workforce, and vice versa, it builds a strong foundation for long-term growth. Of course, business outcomes matter, but sustainability cannot come at the cost of your value.

Much of my leadership style and decision-making is influenced by how my father raised me, especially in the business world. Over time circumstances and situations have taught me to assess challenges, act decisively, navigate complex situations and grow from experience.

Khushboo Soni, Director (Auto Parts), Shram Engineering Works

Khushboo Soni offers comprehensive and strategic approach to edge case scenarios and system resilience. Khushboo Soni is driven with passion for making systems more efficient and scalable. She brings a results-driven approach to leadership, prioritizing team empowerment, client success, and long-term innovation. Her proficiency in various data-management tools and their application to her routine reporting system makes her stand out from the rest, enabling efficient decision-making backed by data. With a balanced and disciplined mindset to managing personal and professional commitments, Khushboo remains deeply focused to deliver effective and future-ready resolutions to meet industry demands.