It took about centuries of endurance and efforts for women to gain recognition for their knowledge and skills. After years of working like Trojans, women have established themselves in the Board Rooms. Today women have made a mark in many areas, and we must mention the outsourcing industry in UAE, traditionally a male domain is now seeing more and more women take charge. We are witnessing big conglomerates having women manage their sales and operations; however, there is still a long way to go. Even with this welcoming gesture, it takes huge amounts of perseverance, grit, determination, and passion to grab top roles in the industry. The esteemed Regional Head - Sales & Operations at AMS International - Satnam Grover is one such inspirational, passionate and successful woman who currently outshines as an amazing leader in the UAE.

The impressive story of this industry maven takes us through a ride where she showcases the importance of being an open-minded learner and putting the employees first. The valuable nuggets from her showcase the need for teamwork. Her capacity for creating a human-first culture, getting to know each other, and reaching employees on a personal level while effectively managing the complexities of the company's operations is truly inspirational.

Women Entrepreneur India engages in an exclusive conversation with Satnam to deduce more about her journey.

Give A Brief On Your Background And Your Entry Into The Outsourcing Industry.

My career started as a hotelier with Le Meridien in New Delhi, India. When I moved to the UAE, most of the hotels were looking for European or Arabic-speaking people, and I was neither. Fortunately, I received an opportunity to work with Dulsco. Working in various appellations and learning several business aspects, I spent 12 years with the company and made my foray into the outsourcing industry. It looks like a simple business of supplying manpower but it has its own complexities. However, it's an exciting industry as it gives you an opportunity to create many jobs and as a result positively impact many people, their lives, and their families. I realized my passion for the industry when I left Dulsco and joined Deutsche Bank. I worked with the bank for two years but started feeling that I was not enjoying myself and was missing something. That's when the AMS offer came my way and I came back to do what I love. Outsourcing is my turf. So, I have been associated with the outsourcing industry for 15 years now, creating more job opportunities and supporting ethical recruitment.

Elucidate Some Aspects About Ams International And Your Current Role With The Company

AMS is an HR Services provider with products that include Recruitment, Staffing, HR Consultancy, Sales Personnel Management, and Payroll Solutions. It believes that in today's hi-tech world the needs of any company can change swiftly. It has therefore ensured inbuilt upgrade flexibility that allows it to add new services when needed.

Headquartered in Dubai, AMS International has been operating in the region for the last three decades. The company has a strong presence in the entire MENA region with offices in Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. While AMS reigns supreme in white-collar manpower supply, we now plan to extend our Blue Collar reach as well. As a global brand, putting people first is our number one priority. Our effective leadership ensures that a strategy is in place whereby the people employed by the company are aware of what the corporate goals are and what is required to achieve them. 

In my current role, I am accountable for managing and growing the company's business across the GCC (UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan & Saudi Arabia) by ensuring client retention and acquiring new clients.

Tell Us About Your Family And What Keeps You Going Forward In Life.

My parents have been very encouraging, motivating, and progressive. However, coming from a traditional family, working was never an option. The choice was to get married and settle down. But life had other plans in place, and I started working while I was still with them in India.

Growing up, I have always seen my parents work very diligently and really hard, and that work ethic is deeply ingrained in me. Perhaps that's the reason I go all out and give my best to the job on hand. After I got married, my husband has been my pillar of strength and has always stood by me through all ups and downs both personally and professionally. He is equally passionate about his work and that inspires me. A man of few words, his support and sound advice have always motivated me to move forward. My kids too are very encouraging and understand the routine of work pressures and ease it out for us by giving a very different perspective to a situation. Also, I am deeply influenced by the teachings of Guru Nanak. I live by the saying "Kirat Karo, Naam Jappo, Wannd Chhako'' - Work hard and honestly, always remember God, share with the needy.

What Attributes Have Helped To Attain Professional Success? What Is Your Guiding Leadership Personality?

I am a team player; leaders are nothing without their team. I love taking my team along with me, encouraging them, and giving them direction. My leadership is not about task delegation but about providing proper direction and allowing space to do it. I do not micromanage. The team needs to first feel at home, they need to belong. We cannot expect anyone to deliver without giving them both space and time.

“Satnam is driven by the need of empowering, employing and helping people”

Very important is also understanding of ground operations, product knowledge, and providing transparency in all your dealings. It has to be a win-win situation for all involved.

I believe that my utmost strength is relationship management. Communicating well and staying in touch are important. Most of the learnings happen through this. My morning routine is to talk to a lot of people to get industry information and what's happening around me.

What Were Some Of The Most Significant Professional Milestones That You Have Achieved So Far?

I am very grateful for having given such fantastic opportunities to deliver. Being one of the first women in the company to help grow businesses in all-male bastions gives me a sense of accomplishment. What's heartening is that the industry opened its doors to women and I had a part to play in it. I was one of the first to head a business with workforce strength of 6000. I have dealt with personalities coming from different parts of the world. It has been a one-of-a-kind and rewarding experience in this industry.

Satnam Grover, Regional Head - Sales & Operations Of Ams International

With Client Engagement & Relationship Management at the core, Satnam is offering over 21+ years of experience in Sales, Business Development, Key Account Management, Business Operations, Manpower Planning & Budgeting, and Staffing Solutions. Satnam is a highly methodical and analytical sales and business development professional with extensive experience working in fast-paced environments that demand strong organizational, leadership, and interpersonal skills. She is driven by the need of empowering people and I excel in managing large teams.

Wise Words:

Today there's a plethora of opportunities for young people just starting out in their careers. They have options, so my advice would be to grab those opportunities, pick the right options. There is no shortcut to success and the only way to achieve something is by working for it. Just do it by putting your heart and soul into your work, give it your best. Most importantly, be nice in your dealings with people, be kind and courteous and always remember none of us can exist as an island.