Team size: Six

How has the increasing consciousness of climate change and sustainability affected your company and the team’s priorities?

This has become one of the priorities in our company and my team as well. We at DCM Shriram take this very seriously and religiously. At every business review meeting, the steps taken towards sustainability and environmental protection are discussed at the top level, and targets are set for each business. For us, it is not an option, it is a necessity. The top management monitors the development on this front, and the targets are set. These are deliberated seriously at board and committee levels, so the tone is set at the top. We have voluntarily come out with Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) for the FY’22 though it was not mandatory for this year by SEBI. We also fill out a sustainability report. We also make it a point to get the BRSR assured as well. Each business has its own goal in sustainability, and it is the responsibility of the company’s head to meet those. Our team is also actively involved in ESG and sustainability efforts. We contribute to ensuring adequate disclosures, and the company is not exposed to any compliance risk.

How important is choosing to work with external lawyers who align with your company’s values? Are you likely to reconsider what firms you work with based on this?

We are very particular in keeping our values in every company act. At DCM Shriram, our core values and beliefs are rooted in our heritage and reflect our conviction to build a vibrant, growing and resilient organisation. Therefore, even for hiring external lawyers, we ensure that the firm aligns with or understands the company’s values before they start working with us. We take pride in our values and expect the same spirit from our consultants and vendors. For us, values are the lifeline of the organisation. We make it a point that each employee lives on these values and demonstrates these in day-to-day work and actions. Whenever any external party respect our values system and understand that we prefer working with them again.

What is a cause, business or otherwise, you are passionate about and why?

I am passionate about golf and travelling. I am an avid golfer and make it a point to be on the course at least twice a week unless I travel. Even while travelling, I try to find an opportunity to play golf and explore new courses in various parts of the globe. Also, I like to enjoy short vacations whenever I get a chance. These two things make me disconnect from the daily work stress and give me an excellent opportunity for networking and making new friends. I feel each one of us must have one passion. Travelling provides a different perspective on life, and golf makes you an actual human. If you want to know a person’s real character, meet them at a golf course.