Leaders

Today, surprisingly, only a little is known about the role of women in construction and infrastructure. When asked to imagine a construction site, have we ever wondered about women directing the project? Sadly no. But history has put forth for some several brilliant female powers in building some excellent world class edifices in the past.

Despite challenges such as gender bias and the technical nature of the work, many women have carved out successful careers, proving that leadership in construction is not about physical strength but strategic vision, financial acumen, and an eye for detail.

One such trailblazer is Saroja Chandrashekaran, Managing Director of Subiksha Construction. While her spouse was employed in the insurance industry, she started her career as a financial manager at KPMG.

Their unforeseen entry into the building business was spurred by a personal initiative that revealed industry inefficiencies. Saroja, who lacked a formal building background, used her knowledge of finance to organise projects and hire the best experts to guarantee effectiveness and quality.

She established a reputation for creating well-thought-out, independent flats that accommodate modern life, concentrating on small-scale complexes in desirable city areas. Since joining the market in 2000–2001, Subiksha Construction has prospered via word-of- mouth, proving that enthusiasm, accuracy, and a dedication to quality are essential for real estate success for both men and women.

In a personal interview with us, Saroja shared with us her exciting journey and also her plans.

What motivated your shift from finance to real estate? How was the transition process?

Driven by a passion for creativity and the opportunity to develop properties that integrate modern and classic design principles, we were inspired to enter the real estate sector. We ensured that our apartments were spacious, private, and well-ventilated, enhanc-ing both functionality and comfort while harmo-nizing classic and modern architectural styles. We observed a disparity in the industry where smaller builders often struggled to maintain consistency and trust while larger developers dominated the mar-ket. Customers frequently questioned whether less-er-known companies could fulfill their promises.

Recognizing this challenge, we prioritized establishing reliability and trust, which became the foundation of our company. We have since developed a strong reputation for quality and customer satisfaction, which has enabled us to attract customers without the need for extensive marketing. Since we typically only undertake projects of 20 to 30 units, and most of our apartments are reserved during the pre-launch phase, which further reduces the necessity for intensive marketing campaigns.

Can you share your professional journey in real estate? As a seasoned developer and builder, what key strengths and expertise do you bring to the industry?

Our real estate strategy has been anchored in discipline and dedication. Despite various obstacles, honoring our commitments to clients has always been our top priority. We encountered a significant challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic when the bank funding our project failed, which put us in a precarious financial position. Despite the uncertainties and numerous opportunities to abandon the project, we remained committed to our buyers.

Our clients choose us not only because of our brand but also because they trust us to deliver, often based on word-of-mouth referrals. Acknowledging this responsibility, we proactively addressed the financial difficulties and absorbed additional costs to ensure the project's completion. Through perseverance and unwavering dedication, we successfully delivered the flats to every buyer, thereby reinforcing our reputation as a reliable and honest company.

As Managing Director of Subiksha Construction, what are your main responsibilities? How do you oversee large projects while ensuring alignment with the company’s vision?

As Managing Director of Subiksha Construction, my main responsibilities include overseeing large projects and ensuring they align with the company’s vision. At Subiksha Construction, my husband and I have clearly defined roles. I manage management, administration, and marketing, while he is in charge of project conception and implementation.

Since 2016, regulatory reforms such as GST and RERA have greatly impacted our business, especially in Karnataka, where compliance regulations have evolved but are frequently unclear. One significant change was RERA's requirement to promote only the carpet area, as buyers are used to extremely built-up measurements.

This necessitated informing clients while maintaining transparency on project specifics and costs. Despite these challenges, we have adapted to regulatory changes while preserving effective project management and strategic expansion.

Reflecting on your career, what do you see as your most significant milestones? What core values and principles have shaped your leadership and decision-making?

Reflecting on my career, I consider proactively educating clients about the difference between recorded carpet area and actual square footage to ensure compliance with RERA rules as one of my most significant milestones. Providing this information in paper mailers and brochures ensured clarity and confidence while maintaining transparency.

Discipline has been the core value and secret to our success, whether in terms of quality, on-time delivery, or keeping our word. Upholding discipline in all facets of our operations has been our industry success slogan and guiding concept.

How do you see innovation, sustainability, and buyer preferences shaping India's real estate future?

The real estate market is constantly evolving as tastes change. Currently, we are observing an increasing demand for plots, villas, and senior residences, while interest in apartments appears to be decreasing. In response to these shifting preferences, we intend to expand our business into elder homes and plotted developments.

Additionally, we plan to establish property and facility management as a separate business sector, leveraging our existing expertise in managing our own buildings and those of our clients.

Saroja Chandrashekaran, Managing Director, Subkisha Construction

A respected figure in the field who is pas-sionate about quality, innovation, and cus-tomer satisfaction, Saroja Chandrashe-karan has a proven track record of delivering well-designed and functional living spaces. Her disciplined approach, commitment to excellence, and ability to navigate industry challenges have been key to her success.