“Don’t be fearful of anything. Just be yourself,” says Pavana Jain, CEO & Co-Founder, SHIFTMobility. “Women have to believe in themselves. They must have a voice and should use it wisely,” she says.
Give words to your vision, source of motivation and inspiration. “Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure … than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.” —Theodore Roosevelt I believe in every word of the above quote. From childhood, I was always fascinated by advances in cognitive systems. As co-founders, Arvind and I recognized that a massive shift was underway in the automotive industry and saw an opportunity to fundamentally change the current business models that was too big to miss. As providers of the industry’s only All-In-One Platform, we not only connect cars and their service details to everyone involved in the food chain, we are leading the way by supplying the tools necessary to keep pace with the rapid changes brought on by mobility, connected cars, and the autonomous car innovation wave.
What challenges you have faced so far? We would like to have your brief story. As CEO of a startup, I believe in surrounding myself with the best game changers: inventors, investors, advisors, employees, and customers – who all share the same vision. This, however, is easier said than done. There will always be skeptics and non-believers. As a leader, I want to ensure most of them are part of our journey.
What milestones you have achieved in this journey and what more you aspire for? SHIFTMobility was established in 2013. Since then we have had an exciting journey. Both personal and business growth has been tremendous, and makes me wonder what we could accomplish if only we could use those sleeping hours!
What you feel about the state of women in India? How you think it can be better? I have lived in United States for 20+ years now, so I am not the right person to comment on the current state of women in India. In the business world, however, I am encouraged by the number of women CEO’s in India, more so than in many other countries.
Would you like to play a role in women empowerment? If yes, how? I believe that empowered women can help bring about a better community and country. I would like to be part of the initiatives that empower young women and teenagers, specifically. We must empower them to dream. We must let them choose their own path. We must always be there for them. It must begin there.
