Leaders

It is not very often that we hear of a girl hailing from a tiny hamlet in Uttar Pradesh who could not even pursue her desired higher education to reach the pinnacle of entrepreneurial success. But one such motivating journey is that of Jaya Arya, Director & CEO, Edutest Solutions. Although she was married young owing to societal norms, that didn't stop her from fulfilling her dreams. Building on the support provided by her family and especially her husband Jaya not only completed her BA in Psychology and a management course but is also leading India's foremost Paper-Pencil-Based Testing Solutions company. 

Jaya has been revolutionizing the way tests are administered and managed. She has over 11 years of expertise in the educational testing and confidential printing sector, and regularly executes large exams with high levels of reliability, quality, and security. She has been successful in providing clients with the correct blend of experience, guidance, execution, customer service, and a complete solution.

She lives by the principle of seizing the day. In an interview with women entrepreneur team, she quotes 'Everyday is the new day, make the best out of it'. Here are excerpts from the conversation.

Give Us A Brief Overview Of Edutest Solutions. What Are Some Important Features About Your Expertise As A Business Leader?

Edutest Solutions is a firm that conducts various forms of examinations all over India. We are the country's top player in terms of paper-pencil-based testing solutions. Our expertise has aided our customers in effectively delivering tests that assess the requisite abilities, knowledge, and attitude. We provide a perfect examination free of malpractices for deserving candidates and sure that each candidate is chosen solely on the basis of their abilities. We've also partnered with leading government organisations, educational institutions, boards, and universities.

Take Us Through Your Early Educational Journey And Prior Industry Experience. What Factors Brought You Into The Realm Of Business Management?

I am from a small town in the state of Uttar Pradesh. I was a very studious child, but I wanted to pursue higher education and some professional courses, but I couldn't because of my family and the small town that I lived in. I was married before I could understand what marriage meant. After my marriage, I completed my BA in Psychology at St. Xavier's College in Ahmedabad, but due to family responsibilities, I was unable to continue with higher education. I did, however, complete a management course.

I've always wanted to work and be independent. My husband was looking for another business line, and as we work with highly confidential information, I became the face of our company. Overseeing entire production and client management was my duty as I was excellent at managing & communicating with clients.

What are some of the most challenging aspects of your job and how do you overcome them?

We can't have internet in the confidential areas and won't allow mobile phones in the office because we work on very confidential information, so security of the information is the most challenging aspect. Retaining employees when they are not permitted to keep their phones is another challenge.

The information we possess is worth several lakhs, and mafia, politics, and other individuals get involved in attempting to have the information leaked. Therefore protecting the information is the most difficult task.

It is quite tough to maintain information safe and error-free, thus we must audit on a daily basis to avoid loopholes. We've devised a system which ensures that not a single piece of information escapes the press. We've implemented cutting-edge technology and putting my partners' ideas into action has helped us overcome these challenges.

“Every job has its own set of specification, therefore i take the time to learn about them and their challenges before proposing a solution”

Despite the numerous challenges, I am happy and satisfied whenever we successfully complete the exams. We recently conducted exams for 21 lakh students on a single day. The greater the challenges, the greater is the satisfaction.

How Do You Drive Growth Within The Organization? What Is Your Leadership Mantra?

I believe in customerism and give my customers my undivided attention. Every job has its own set of specification, therefore I take the time to learn about them and their challenges before proposing a solution. I offer them with different products and solutions. My clients are my top priority; no matter what scenario or troubles I'm having, I make sure that my clients aren't affected.

The effectiveness of my communication with my team and clients has led to my success. Even under pressure, I can work with complete mental and physical balance. I'm capable of solving any kind of problems under any circumstances.

We have a dedicated Research and Development team that stays up to date on the latest technologies and trends. We also attend a lot of conferences and the recent one was Rupa Fair in Germany. My husband and I, as well as the rest of my team, are all working on new technologies.

I involve my team in all of my successes, and they have become like family to me. Within a year of joining, I was able to double the company's turnover and in the following three years, my team and I were able to achieve a five-fold increase in turnover.

How Do You Balance Between Your Work And Home Life? What Are Some Activities That You Like To Give Time To? What Would You Advice Women Aspiring To Become Business Leaders?

I live in a joint family of four generations with various responsibilities to handle. Initially it was tough for me to strike a balance, but with the support of family, I was able to manage both my family and my work. My partner is a pillar of strength and a great support to me. I make a list of everything that has to be done in a day and complete it before the deadline.

Reading, writing, gardening, and travelling rejuvenates me. I believe in the Latin phrase 'Carpe Diem', i.e. Seize the Day; Every day is the new day, make the best out of it.

I would advise women to keep going, no matter how bad your day is. Work tirelessly without feeling the need for appreciation or recognition. Do what you love, not what's trendy, and understand why you want to work. Nothing will be able to stop you if you are SMART- Specific, Measurable, Accountable, Realistic, and Timely.