An Inspiring Journey with Shilpa Chauhan, Chief Marketing Officer & Head of Business Development – Retail, AluK India
On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of women who are redefining industries and breaking barriers. One such leader is Shilpa Chauhan, Chief Marketing Officer & Head of Business Development – Retail at AluK India. As the first woman employee at AluK India, she has not only carved her own path but also paved the way for many more women to join and thrive in the building materials industry.
Shilpa shares her journey, challenges, achievements, and advice for aspiring women leaders in this conversation.
Q1: Can you start by telling us a bit about your journey and how you became a leader in your field at AluK?
Shilpa Chauhan: My journey at AluK India has been both exciting and challenging. When I joined, I was the first woman in the company, which meant I had a dual responsibility—not just to excel in my role but also to open doors for more women to join. Today, I’m proud to see many women working across different departments, from marketing and sales to technical and finance.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to lead key initiatives, including the expansion of the AluK Home Experience Center network, which has grown from 1 to 21 showrooms in just 18 months and is on track to reach 30 soon. This role required extensive travel, market understanding, and strong customer relationships, which have been instrumental in shaping my leadership journey.
Q2: What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced as a woman in your industry, and how did you overcome them?
Shilpa Chauhan: The building materials industry has traditionally been male-dominated, with women mostly in HR, marketing, and sales roles. When I started, I had to work harder to prove my credibility in technical and business development discussions. I made sure my work spoke for itself—delivering results, building relationships, and showing that women can thrive in any role.
One of the biggest challenges was extensive travel across different regions, meeting customers, and convincing them to invest in the AluK Home Experience Centers. It required persistence and a deep understanding of their needs. Overcoming these challenges has been fulfilling, especially as I see the industry evolving to be more inclusive.
Q3: How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life, especially considering the demands of leadership?
Shilpa Chauhan: Work-life balance is one of the toughest challenges, especially when travel is a significant part of your job. There are times when work takes precedence, and other times when personal life requires attention. What keeps me going is my passion for what I do—I genuinely enjoy my work, which makes the challenges easier to handle.
I’ve learned that balance is not about perfection but about making conscious choices. Prioritization, setting boundaries, and ensuring I take time for myself and my family when needed are key to maintaining equilibrium.
Q4: What initiatives or projects are you most proud of in your career?
Shilpa Chauhan: My biggest achievement at AluK has been the growth of the AluK Home Experience Center network. When we started, the concept was new, and convincing customers to invest in these centers required a strategic approach. Today, seeing it expand across India is incredibly rewarding.
Beyond this, I take pride in being part of a cultural shift—bringing more women into AluK India and the industry at large. When I joined, I was the only woman, but today, we have talented women in multiple departments. That transformation is something I deeply cherish.
Q5: What advice would you give to young women aspiring to become leaders in their fields?
Shilpa Chauhan: My advice is simple—take initiative, take risks, and believe in yourself. No one will hand leadership to you; you have to earn it by stepping up and proving your capabilities.
Most importantly, enjoy what you do. Passion makes a huge difference. If you truly love your work, you will naturally find ways to overcome challenges. And don’t be afraid to break stereotypes. If you have the confidence that you can achieve something, you definitely will!
Q6: How can we accelerate more action in our industry to bring more women into leadership roles?
Shilpa Chauhan: We need to create structured opportunities for women across all areas of the industry, not just in traditional roles. Companies must actively encourage women in technical, operational, and leadership positions by offering mentorship programs, leadership training, and career growth paths.
Moreover, we must change the perception that this industry isn’t suited for women. The more women we see in leadership roles, the more it will inspire the next generation to step forward with confidence.
Q7: Lastly, what does International Women’s Day mean to you?
Shilpa Chauhan: International Women’s Day is a celebration of resilience, progress, and the incredible potential of women. For me, it is a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much more we can achieve.
Every woman breaking barriers today is making it easier for the next generation. My hope is that we reach a stage where we no longer need a special day to recognize women—because equality and opportunities will be the norm.
At AluK India, we are proud to have strong leaders like Shilpa Chauhan, whose journey is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and passion. Her story is an inspiration for women across industries to step up, take charge, and redefine leadership.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s continue to champion diversity, empower more women, and build a future where leadership has no gender boundaries.
