‘We Must Have More Women Leaders in the Auto Sector:’ Anjali Rattan

The multi-faceted RattanIndia Enterprises, which operates in the areas of e-commerce and drones, and since June 2022, has taken complete ownership of leading e-motorcycle brand – Revolt Motors – is led by the dynamic Anjali Rattan – who is the chairperson of this New Delhi-headquartered company. Rattan, who is a first-generation entrepreneur, believes that women representation, particularly in roles beyond manufacturing, is sub-par in the automotive industry, and it is important to increase their participation across all tiers of an organisation, especially at the top level. Anjali Rattan, Chairperson, RattanIndia Enterprises shares her viewpoint in this interview.

What is your take on diversity in the automotive industry?

When it comes to diversity, while it is there in the automotive sector, it is mainly in manufacturing and at the shopfloor. There are very few women in areas such as R&D, and sales, among other white-collared roles. Therefore, we need to have women reaching the top level, and once that happens, it will automatically percolate down.

Companies in the automotive industry must aim for equal representation from either gender in the workforce. Having said that, just like how the government is doing excellent programmes in drones, they must introduce initiatives to skill women in technology, R&D, and sales in the automotive industry as well.

What is your vision for diversity at Revolt Motors?

I am a first-generation entrepreneur and it was not an easy journey to be where I am today. Hence, I want to inspire women to unleash their potential and scale heights in their careers. I believe women are naturally wired to be multi-taskers, and hence, my aim is to have more women across domains, across various levels in the organisation. At Revolt Motors, it is our endeavour to hire more women, and bring them into the workforce, be it at the entry- , mid-, or top-level roles.

Are women also emerging as customers of Revolt Motors?

Almost 10% of our customer base comprises women who hail from not just metros, but from Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns as well. Most of these women initially had scooters, and have now converted to using an electric motorcycle. When I speak with them, I get to learn that they like the design of the bike, as well as the convenience offered by the gearless nature of an electric motorcycle.

Moreover, the need to not visit the fuel station to refuel, as well as the elimination of cumbersome servicing needs in an electric two-wheeler, are other important attributes alluring women riders to our products.

What innovative return-to-work measures can be adopted to give women a second shot at their careers?

While we usually hire people for skills, one must hire for the right attitude - irrespective of the gender. Skills can be imparted with training. If a woman who has recently had kids is willing to work for some part of the day, she must be given a chance to revive her career.

At Revolt Motors, we are working on devising such womencentric roles that are flexible, and allow women to showcase their potential and excel in them. I will reiterate that women are naturally wired to multitask, and we are trying to tap into that instinct to bring more women to our company.

Are you passionate about automobiles?

I am an EV lover, and it is something that I bought seven years ago. While I am really passionate about Revolt, I am not an avid biker myself. I do ride our products, but that is primarily for feedback and product reviews to the team. Having said that, I am not scared anymore to ride an electric motorcycle, which is suitable even for women riders. Rather than being a biker, I am more passionate about launching new bikes, and getting to know my customers is something that piques my interest.