by ABFRLadmin | October 9, 2020
We at ABFRL present stories excerpted from our internal newsletter In Touch, where we celebrate our people and their contributions.
Eminent Achiever Award winner Hermina Sikka believes that continuous learning is necessary to adapt to demanding surroundings and succeed. On her journey from a Management Trainee to Operations Manager at Pantaloons, she walks us through her growth path at ABFRL.
Can you describe your journey in ABFRL?
My journey in Pantaloons started as a Management Trainee in the year 2008. I moved to store marketing and followed through as a regional marketing lead. I led several stores and currently, I am working in the HO-Operations team for six years. With over 11 years in this Organization, not only have I grown as a professional but also as an individual. In the past few years, Ive made good friends and met charismatic leaders who are committed to excellence. The key take away for me has been Learn, Unlearn and Relearn .
You have been ranked as a high-performer consistently, what is your recipe for success?
I believe in doing quality work, meeting deadlines and being reliable. My recipe for success includes motivation and dedication towards my team, Organization, and profession. As a good team player, one has to be adaptive to demanding surroundings and roles. Who is your role model and why? My role model is my Dad. He has inspired me with his never give up and always ready to learn attitude. He emerged as a winner at all times of adversities. Be at his workplace or personal life, he has been the most reliable and the one person whom I can approach for guidance or assistance of any sort.
What is the one thing that you love most about your job?
I like the autonomy I have, because my boss allows me to innovate and appreciates the work I do. Everyone in the organisation shares the same vision and is dedicated to the mission.
According to you, how is ABFRL different from its peers?
The opportunity to work across various departments, right from the support functions to front-end sales has been a huge learning experience right from the word go. True to our values, speed and seamlessness is now embedded in our DNA. Integrity, hard work and passion gets recognized in the Organization. Cross-functional teams are always ready to help and coordinate for any assignment. Seniors are approachable and share their experiences to help others grow. In addition to all this, ABFRL also helps in maintaining my work-life balance by allowing the flexibility to work from home when I need it. I am now geared up to take up any new challenge.
How do you strike a work-life balance?
Through the week, my complete focus is on the tasks at hand. My weekends though are completely dedicated to my family. I love spending time with my child. I also enjoy doodling, painting and listening to music, which helps me unwind.
My Three Greatest Achievements
Get to know me better
Name: Hermina Sikka
Designation: Manager, HO Operations
Joined on: Aug 8, 2008
Birthday: 14th March
Hometown: Kolkata
Alma Mater: Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management (IISWBM)
Favorite movie: The Pursuit of Happyness
Dream holiday destination: Bodo, Norway, to view the Northern Lights
Indranil Majumder, Deputy General Manager, Pantaloons Operations
Hermina is a rare balance of both front-end and back-end operations. She has been a part of the day-to-day store operations and now in her current role she is instrumental in rolling out water-tight processes with utmost simplicity. She has a great connect with people and hence always able to communicate effectively with her peers across departments. She is a reliable resource and ready to take up more responsibilities.
