Women in Print: Priyata Raghavan

How did you enter the printing industry?
I joined Sai Packaging 10 years ago. I was earlier working with an FMCG major and the company was going through some critical changes.

Did you have any mentors along the way?
My father has been my mentor in this journey.

What’s your forte?
I look after the northern operations and corporate finance.

How do you begin your day? What is your daily routine?
I come to work two to three times a week and spend the rest of the time with my family.

Do you interact with print production supervisors? If yes, how frequently? What do you normally discuss?
I usually interact with each operator on the floor. I like to discuss quality and system related issues, also their concerns on machine health and feedback on particular runs etc.

Do you have any sales strategy? Anything in particular to motivate your sales and marketing team.
We are most recently working on developing better interpersonal skills within the organisation, to make the workplace more pleasant for each one coming in.

Your corporate philosophy?
We strongly believe in sharing growth and rewards within the organisation, and also with the community around, which is why we take up special initiatives from time to time.

Do you feel women shy away from taking lead in this kind of industry? If yes, your views.
It is natural in a male-dominated terrain. It is an intensive process with erratic work hours. But this is changing, and I see many more women coming into the business now.

What are the main challenges for a printer in India?
The primary concern is the inability to pass on the cost hike to the ultimate consumer leading to an extremely competitive landscape.

Are you involved with a trade printing association?
We are corporate members of the Delhi Printers Association and others.

What are your aspirations for your press by 2020?
We are looking to be among the top leading packaging solutions provider in the country, in this decade.

What do you like about this industry and your profession?
It allows for creative expression. Especially packaging is the face of most brands which we are integral in building.

(This Feature first appeared in the February 2014 issue of Print Bulletin)