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Simin Askari
Simin Askari

Simin Askari

Senior Vice President- Corporate Human Resources

Apollo International

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My Introduction
After completing my MBA, I started my career with HCL. The job was into
hardcore sales, which gave me my first exposure with handling different
customer expectations and attending to client issues. My next career
move was with The Times of India (TOI). Here again, while I was
responsible for many new initiatives like the Shopping Time and Business
Times pages, it was my interpersonal skills that were responsible for
my success. My next move was into an entrepreneurial venture, which
achieved success thresholds - from seed stage to market leadership. Here
I introduced various HR systems in the organization thus improving
overall profitability of the company. After spending 10 years into this
venture, I started becoming restless for I now wanted a bigger canvas to
paint a larger picture! Then Apollo happened. This group gave me the
opportunity to handle the entire HR department for all its divisions,
domestic as well as international. I am responsible for the human
capital development of the group right from induction to exit..i.e. the
entire employee life cycle.
Role I Play in My Company
Apollo International Limited was set up in 1994 to lead the
diversification forays of the Apollo Group into new business
opportunities worldwide. The flagship company of this group, Apollo
Tyres, is one of the largest manufacturers of Tyres in India. The group
business areas include international trade in tyres, tubes, flaps,
production and export of quality leather garments and goods; and newer
exciting areas like; logistics and digitalization of cinema theaters
across the world. The company has diverse operations in more than 60
countries spanning across Africa, Middle East, South East Asia, Europe
and USA.I head HR for all divisions of Apollo International Limited,
located across the globe.
Making the Right Career Move During the Journey
From starting my career into sales and marketing, I found my true
calling in HR and consciously molded myself into a seasoned HR
professional. Another important career move was to come back into the
corporate world after having successfully run a business enterprise.
My Personal Leadership Vision.
To inspire enthusiasm, belief, commitment and excitement in not just my
team, but across the company.. to challenge people to outdo themselves.
The Challenges Faced Being a Woman
The only time when I faced a challenge due to my gender was when I had
to deal with factory workers in North India. It was difficult for the
typical male worker to take orders from a woman and it took me quite a
while to be finally accepted by them. But once that was established, all
else was quite easy!
Ways to Maintain a Healthy Work-life Balance
I have a great support system at home. My children are now quite
independent - I have a 17 year old son and a 14 year old daughter and my
husband is very supportive. Needless to say, the maid is an integral
part of the family!
Ways of Doing Things Differently if Given a Chance to Start from Scratch
I really dont think I would do anything differently. I feel I have
evolved and am now better equipped to handle HR than if I would have
started my career into this function.
“Women leaders are a driving force for powering business” Explain
Women as such are very dedicated and hard working. If you give a task to
a girl or woman, there are chances that she would achieve it with more
precision and perseverance than her male counterpart. My team has both
men and women and I dont find the women lacking in any respect, whether
it is domain knowledge or dedication. But I feel we dont have too many
women leaders. Its an established fact that wherever there is a woman
leader in the board of a company; those companies are certainly doing
well.
Learning Process During my Career Days and Achievement Gained.
There is learning happening at every step. I always feel there is so
much to learn and imbibe from. I have met many people who feel that they
are now experts and dont need to learn any more. But, I dont feel like
that. I am happy to listen to others, absorb from their experiences and
grow further as an individual. I feel this is what has always
contributed towards my success.
Couple of Years from Now
I am happiest when I am an essential part of the company..in the next
couple of years I want to do the best I can and have the satisfaction of
knowing that I am making a difference.
Career Accomplishment that I am proud of
I have been honored by the Global HRD Congress with the " Women Super
Achiever" award. I have also been recognized as one of the most powerful
HR professional of India. These recognitions by my peers are certainly
valuable but I think my biggest achievement is my motivated teams and my
relationship with my people. They know I always have their best
interests in mind and I know they will always do their best to work
towards the organizations goals.
Advice/ suggestions
Women tend to overlook their career after a certain period. My advice to
the women employees is that they should stop doing that. There would be
many instances in life where pursuing a career may seem less relevant,
but a little perseverance is all that is required to overcome these
difficulties. Women have the capabilities to reach the top echelons in
an organization and nothing should be able to stop them from attaining
that golden position.
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