Pralubdha Sahu: Breaking Barriers and Thriving in a Challenging Industry
For Pralubdha Sahu, success isn't a singular event, but a journey paved with small steps and meaningful milestones. A dedication to mentorship and commitment to personal well-being defines her approach to her professional and personal life. As a trailblazer in the FM industry, Pralubdha embodies a celebration of strength, resilience, and the pursuit of one's best self.
She defines professional success as achieving "small wins," particularly when working towards strategic goals. Beyond her own achievements, she finds fulfillment in mentoring her team. She believes that their success is a reflection of her leadership, and actively works to guide and support their growth.
I'm passionate about mentoring my team and empowering them to achieve their goals. It's incredibly rewarding to witness their growth.
When asked about her proudest accomplishment, Pralubdha recalls winning the "Most Dynamic Young Professional" award when she worked at an Indian multinational technology company and values the recognition she has received at Sodexo. These moments are powerful reminders of her capabilities and inspire her to continue striving for excellence.
Thriving in a Challenging Industry
Working in the Energy & Resources segment - a field primarily dominated by men - Pralubdha has learned to establish her voice with rationale and careful listening. As part of Sodexo’s global Sales Academy training program, Pralubdha has honed her ability to navigate sales cultures and drive impactful business conversations.
A woman in sales, she navigates conversations thoughtfully, ensuring active listening and that her perspectives are heard well. She acknowledges the positive impact of having strong leaders at Sodexo who listen and support.
Pralubdha hopes to make a lasting impact on the FM industry by focusing on technical services and sustainability. In her experience, clients are prioritizing sustainable supply chains and the creation of local jobs.
We should focus more on the technical services like operation and maintenance of the fuel retail outlets, plant assets or solar panels.
She believes that by embracing innovation and prioritizing sustainability, the FM industry can create a more positive and responsible future.
Looking ahead, she envisions a leadership role at the boardroom level, where she can influence strategy and drive meaningful change.
On a personal level, Pralubdha balances her demanding career with a dedication to her family, especially her eight-year-old son. Based in the East, Pralubdha appreciates the freedom and work-life balance Sodexo offers, which enables her to excel in her career while staying in tune with her personal commitments. Despite her busy schedule, she prioritizes spending quality time with her family, creating memories and fostering a strong connection.
The demanding nature of her job requires her to travel frequently and navigate different environments.
Even though I travel to remote sites, I do not have to double think about my safety. Measures such as no night travel and access to company cabs when commuting to extremely remote locations are just some of the examples of ensuring safety.
Hers is a story of the power of perseverance, self-care, and a commitment to lifting others. Looking ahead, she aspires to lead a segment or business development function, a career milestone that fuels her ambition. However, her "new mantra for success" underscores the importance of mental well-being:
Whatever you do, you should be happy mentally, and that should be driving you.