Leaders

In a world where leadership is increasingly defined by empathy, intelligence, and adaptability, women continue to rise as powerful forces in shaping the future of corporate life. Their presence is not merely symbolic, it is transformational. And in the complex, highstakes realm of corporate governance, women company secretaries are beginning to command the space they long deserved. Among them stands Leela Bisht-Gupta, a name that reflects not just professional excellence but a journey defined by resilience, purpose, and growth.

Armed with a CS, LLB, and M.Com, Leela’s path has been anything but conventional. After interning at a mid-sized firm, she faced the uncertainty many young professionals do, which is ‘Would she find her place in a listed company?’ Against the odds, her very first role was as Company Secretary and Compliance Officer at a BSE and NSElisted firm, a dream for many, realized early. Just as she began to find her footing, the pandemic struck, testing her adaptability and resolve.

Now with Aarvi Encon Ltd. since April 2021, Leela has become an integral force in strengthening the company's legal and compliance framework. Her work earned national recognition when she helped secure the Second Runner-Up position at the CSR Journal Excellence Awards 2021. Beyond boardrooms and regulatory frameworks, Leela balances life as a wife, mother to a two-year-old daughter, and a woman driven by both ambition and purpose. Her story is still unfolding, but already it is one that inspires. Let’s hear more from her.

Take us through your academic journey and tell us what inspired you to pursue the path of Company Secretaryship.

In 2011, I graduated with 73 percent marks while working as a Front Desk Officer in a pharmaceutical company at the age of 20. Eager to grow professionally, I was encouraged by my supportive manager and colleagues to pursue higher studies. This led me to complete my Master’s degree, but I wanted more, a professional qualification.

After exploring options like CA and CMA, I found that Company Secretaryship aligned best with my interests. A conversation with my friend, Mayur Dumasia, inspired me to pursue this path. His belief in me gave me the courage to start, even though I was beginning later than most.

During my CS preparation, Prof. Jinesh Shah’s guidance helped me tackle difficult concepts. I also pursued LLB alongside CS, completing both. My internship at GMJ & Associates, with mentors like Mahesh Soni, bridged theory with practice, while my parents’ unwavering support strengthened my resolve.

Walk us through your professional journey as a Company Secretary. What have been the core areas of expertise you have cultivated over the years in the corporate landscape?

The role of a Company Secretary comes with immense responsibility, as it requires being a trusted advisor on legal compliance and aligning business strategies with evolving regulatory frameworks. Stakeholders, including directors, shareholders, bankers, and investors, depend on a CS for decisions that hold legal authority. After earning my qualification, I was determined to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical experience.

Over the years, I have developed expertise in corporate governance and compliance management, advising boards on SEBI and Companies Act regulations, while organizing critical meetings efficiently. I’ve handled regulatory filings, insider trading protocols, statutory disclosures, and legal compliance with frameworks like FEMA. My experience includes managing stock exchange filings, secretarial audits, and collaborating with bodies like SEBI, NSE, and BSE.

I have also contributed to mergers, demerger, acquisitions, share buybacks, and ESOP structuring. As the role of a CS has evolved into that of a strategic advisor, I strive to uphold these responsibilities with integrity, insight, and a commitment to sustainable business practices.

Can you tell us more about Aarvi Encon? What are the various roles and responsibilities you undertake as the Company Secretary and Compliance Officer at the company?

Aarvi Encon, founded in 1987, is a leading provider of engineering and manpower outsourcing services, serving multiple industries globally. Headquartered in Mumbai, the company operates in countries like Kuwait, Oman, UAE, Qatar, and the UK. With a workforce of over 6,000 employees, Aarvi Encon caters to sectors such as Oil & Gas, Power, Petrochemicals, Automobiles, and Renewable Energy, partnering with major clients like Larsen & Toubro, Reliance Industries, and Hindustan Petroleum.

Under the leadership of Virendra Sanghavi and Jaydev Sanghavi, Aarvi Encon promotes a supportive work culture with an open-door policy. The company also focuses on corporate social responsibility, with initiatives in healthcare, environmental sustainability, and women and child welfare, including partnerships with Saifee Hospital, Sankalptaru Foundation, and Shree Kasturba Stri Vikasgruh.

As the Company Secretary and Compliance Officer, I manage corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and strategic advisory, ensuring transparency and integrity in all operations. My role includes advising the Board, managing investor relations, and overseeing legal documentation and listing compliance.

Additionally, I serve as the Chairperson of the POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Committee at Aarvi Encon. In this capacity, I conduct training programs for our employees, raising awareness and ensuring that we foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace for all.

How is the business landscape in India evolving? What measures do you take to stay aligned with the changing industry trends and regulations?

In today’s fast-paced world, staying updated with these technologies is crucial for businesses to enhance efficiency, decision-making, and compliance management. With digital platforms providing solutions to complex problems, mastering these tools is essential. To stay relevant, continuous learning is key. Embracing new technologies, regulatory changes, and industry innovations is necessary to remain at the forefront of professional growth and business evolution.

Reflecting on your career, what would you consider your most important milestones? What is your approach to success?

I don’t consider myself fully successful yet, each achievement only drives me to aim for greater heights. My success mantra is simple, “Hard Work with Smart Work”. Achieving goals requires dedication and persistence, but it’s equally important to adapt and strategize according to market trends. I believe in goal-setting, where short-term goals serve as stepping stones to long-term success. For example, while pursuing my Master’s in 2013, I set a longterm goal of securing a top management role, achieving it in 2019 after earning my CS qualification. This journey reinforced my belief in perseverance and continuous learning.

Leela Bisht-Gupta, Company Secretary, Aarvi Encon

With a strong background in corporate governance and legal compliance, Leela Bisht- Gupta excels in guiding strategic decisions and ensuring regulatory adherence. A dedicated professional, she plays a pivotal role in managing investor relations and overseeing legal documentation at Aarvi Encon.