CEO Insights India

In the contemporary landscape, an increasing number of young individuals are opting to forge their own paths, rather than embracing traditional family enterprises. A poignant article by the Economic Times in 2018 delved into the reasons behind the diminishing allure of family businesses for the new generation of entrepreneurs. Amidst this backdrop, Khushboo Singhvi Dugar, realized the need for her to join her family business. She is at the helm of Duwrap under the esteemed banner of Dugar Polymers, recognizing the imperative of integrating sustainable practices and digitalization to propel Duwrap to the forefront of the packaging domain.

Equipped with a robust academic foundation, Khushboo holds a bachelor's degree in business management and a master's degree in science and management from Singapore. Her pivotal contributions span across the realms of marketing, branding, institutional sales, and pioneering innovations in product development, driving Duwrap's expansion. CEO Insights had the privilege of engaging in an exclusive dialogue with her to glean deeper insights.

Elaborate on your experiences at Singapore Management University (SMU).
Reminiscing my tenure at Singapore Management University (SMU), I am privileged to extol the institution's emphasis on experiential learning juxta-posed with academic rigor. Faculty members, possessing not only scholarly acumen but also rich industry experience, fostered an environment conducive to holistic skill development. I recollect about engaging in practice-based courses that equipped me

with tangible negotiation skills, instrumental in navigating real world business scenarios.

Beyond academia, SMU provided avenues for extracurricular pursuits, enabling students to delve into diverse interests. I seized the opportunity to establish a startup club, catalyzing exposure to Singapore's vibrant startup ecosystem through immersive experiences. These formative encounters broadened my perspective on the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship.

What’s your best piece of advice for young people of today?
I would like to underscore the significance of embracing ambiguity and embarking on exploratory journeys, advocating for courage in charting one's own trajectory. My own journey, transitioning from an initial inclination towards interior design to ultimately embracing the realm of business, proves the ethos of audacious exploration.

Tell us about your company and your role as president?
Dugar Polymers specializes in manufacturing plastic sheets, pipes, and rods. A recent milestone entailed the acquisition of a factory in Gujarat dedicated to manufacturing aluminum foil and containers for food packaging, emblematic of Duwrap's commitment to sustainable, ecofriendly, and premium quality packaging solutions.

In my capacity as president, I assume a catalytic role in fostering innovation and upholding stringent quality benchmarks. Central to Duwrap's ethos is a relentless pursuit of excellence coupled with a steadfast commitment to sustainability. Our aspiration is to emerge as a front runner in single-use packaging, leveraging mono materials like Aluminum to minimize environmental impact.

Describe your leadership approach and the methodologies to guide the team?

My approach to leadership transcends conventional paradigms, as I believe in fostering a collaborative ethos within my team, characterized by open communication and mutual respect. Instead of dictating directives, I prefer to adopt a laissez faire approach, empowering each team member to harness their unique expertise and initiative in steering our company forward. I firmly believe that this approach not only boosts individual confidence and productivity but also cultivates a sense of ownership and responsibility among team members, leading to greater overall success.

What goals have you set for yourself and how do you plan to achieve them?
Looking ahead, I envision a trajectory underscored by innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility. Strategic alliances with global entities are poised to augment our market penetration, while our initiatives aimed at corporate social responsibility will amplify our societal impact. This commitment and responsibility is not just a strategic choice but a fundamental part of our identity and vision for the future. By continuing to prioritize these values, I believe we can not only achieve our business goals but also contribute positively to the world around us.

Khushboo Singhvi Dugar, President, Duwrap
Khushboo has a multifaceted persona, characterized by a penchant for creativity and a zest for life, and exemplifies the spirit of contemporary leadership; poised to navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape. Her overarching goal is to advance sustainability and foster innovation, placing paramount importance on the well-being of all her stakeholders, including consumers, employees, and the broader community. Khushboo is motivated by the desire to carry the business legacy forward and make a positive impact on the world. In her free time, she enjoys painting, dancing, and singing, has a particular love for fantasy fiction books, and enjoys Mexican cuisine.