Leaders

Established in 2011, the Indian Institute of Management Tiruchirappalli (IIM Trichy) is one of India’s premier business schools. Located in Tamil Nadu, the institute is widely recognized for its academic rigor, state-of-the-art campus, and focus on developing impactful, ethically responsible leaders.

The alumni network of IIM Trichy stands as a testament to this mission. Spread globally across consulting, finance, energy, and technology sectors, its graduates are known for their resilience and analytical prowess. Many have risen to notable leadership positions or successfully transitioned into entrepreneurship, actively shaping industrial growth and mentoring future batches.

A prominent example of this accomplished alumni community is Lakshmi Arun Kumaar. An MBA graduate from IIM Trichy, Lakshmi earned her degree while balancing a demanding professional career, a testament to her commitment to continuous learning.

Today, she is the founding Director of Onrgy Services Private Limited, a performance-based outsourcing and energy-services company centered on efficiency and sustainability.

Lakshmi’s journey is one of extraordinary persever­ance. Growing up in an orthodox family of eight siblings where survival was a daily challenge, she began working at the age of nine, selling her mother's homemade food. At eighteen, she moved to Delhi in search of opportunity, eventually finding her footing at the Confederation of In­dian Industry (CII).

Her career progressed through founda­tional roles at the CII Secretariat in Chennai, followed by leadership positions at Dalkia India and GSH Group, be­fore she went on to establish Onrgy.

Under her leadership, Onrgy has grown into a ₹157-crore enterprise employing 3,500 people. Driven by a core philosophy of adaptability, tolerance, and sheer willpower, Lakshmi exemplifies the resilient spirit of IIM Trichy’s alumni, serving as an inspiring model for the next generation of women entrepreneurs. Let’s hear from her.

What inspired your transition from corporate leadership to becoming a founding member and Director of Onrgy Services?

My move into entrepreneurship was largely driven by personal circumstances. When my spouse relocated to Singapore, I chose to remain in India with our children and ageing parents. Having spent years in the corporate world, I saw an opportunity to continue serving customers and colleagues who trusted us.

What began as a small venture to support that network gradually evolved into a thriving business. My goal was to deliver dependable services, create meaningful employment, and apply the experience I had gained over the years. Today, that vision has grown into a company with over 3,500 employees and strong customer relationships.

What is the core vision behind Onrgy Services, and how does it differ from traditional outsourcing providers?

My vision is to build one of India’s leading performance-based outsourcing companies, driven by efficiency, reliability, and measurable results. Unlike traditional providers that focus mainly on manpower deployment, we take responsibility for performance outcomes and efficiency improvements. I saw a gap between labour-intensive service models and expensive international performance contractors.

Onrgy bridges that gap by offering guaranteed outcomes, cost savings, and tangible environmental benefits at a practical cost. We structure contracts around measurable performance, helping customers reduce risk while improving operational efficiency. Our focus is not just on service delivery but on creating long-term value for our clients.

As Director, how do you drive business growth and operational excellence while keeping client value central?

I personally lead business growth alongside my leadership team, relying on strong relationships and customer referrals rather than a dedicated sales force. Our reputation has been our biggest growth driver. Operationally, I focus on building scalable systems, adopting technology, and maintaining process discipline through globally recognised certifications.

We have successfully expanded from 300 to 3,500 employees while keeping central overheads largely stable. I insist on regular performance reviews, customer reporting, and continuous improvement across all functions. More recently, I have focused on integrating AI and data-driven decision-making to enhance service quality, profitability, and overall customer value.

How do you see your services transforming the manufacturing sector, and what trends will shape the future?

I believe manufacturing is increasingly moving towards efficiency-driven and outcome-based service models. Rising energy costs, sustainability priorities, and the need for operational excellence are pushing companies to seek measurable performance improvements. Through our performance-based contracts, we help customers achieve significant cost savings, lower emissions, and better predictability in utility expenses.

Looking ahead, I see AI, machine learning, predictive analytics, and real-time monitoring transforming industrial outsourcing. These technologies will enable proactive maintenance, optimised energy consumption, and longer asset life. The future of industrial outsourcing lies in delivering smarter, measurable, and sustainable performance rather than simply providing labour.

What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals, particularly women?

My advice is simple: believe in your vision and stay persistent. It is never too late to start something meaningful. I encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to remain focused on their goals, embrace challenges, and adapt when circumstances change. Integrity is non-negotiable - never compromise on ethics or compliance for short-term gains. Over time, trust becomes your most valuable asset. I also believe strongly in putting people first.

Employees are the foundation of any successful organisation, and their loyalty is earned through support, respect, and opportunity. When you invest in your people, they become your greatest strength and help drive lasting success.

Lakshmi Arun Kumar, Founding Member & Director, Onrgy Services

Lakshmi Arun Kumar is the Founding Member and Director of Onrgy Services, a leading perfor­mance-based industrial outsourcing company. With extensive experience in operations, energy man­agement, and business leadership, she has built a ₹157-crore enterprise employing over 3,500 people. A WEConnect-certified entrepreneur, she is pas­sionate about efficiency, sustainability, and creating meaningful employment opportunities.