Biography of Gazal Kalra: Co-founder of Rivigo & Nuuk-Indian Entrepreneur
Biography of Gazal Kalra:
Gazal Kalra is the co-founder of Rivigo, a tech-driven
logistics startup that is revolutionizing the large and traditionally
unorganized logistics industry in India. Her vision for Rivigo is driven by the
core idea of ensuring that every truck driver gets to return home regularly, coupled
with a mission to "Make logistics human." This approach has not only
improved the working conditions for truck drivers but also generated
significant job opportunities in rural areas across India.
From Military Roots to Inspirational Figures
Gazal Kalra’s early life in Mhow, Indore district, Madhya
Pradesh, was shaped by her background in a military family originally from
Haryana. Growing up, she was exposed to stories of challenges faced by women,
which fueled her desire for stronger female role models. Her search for
inspiration was answered later in life when she encountered the stories of
Kalpana Chawla, the Indo-American astronaut, and the Phogat sisters, who are
renowned wrestlers from Haryana.
A Trailblazing Upbringing
Gazal was raised with the conviction that she could achieve
what others deemed impossible. Growing up as a tomboy and the eldest sibling,
she naturally took on more responsibilities around the house. This early
experience fostered a mindset of breaking norms and striving to do things
differently. Her upbringing instilled in her a resilience and determination to
challenge expectations and forge her own path.
Foundational Education and Early Expertise
Gazal’s academic journey began at the Indian Institute of
Technology, Delhi (IIT-Delhi), where she earned her Bachelor of Technology
(B.Tech.) degree from 2003 to 2007. This prestigious institution provided her
with a solid technical foundation and problem-solving skills, essential for her
future ventures. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued advanced
degrees to further broaden her expertise.
Advanced Studies and Strategic Insights
From 2011 to 2014, Gazal attended Harvard Kennedy School,
earning a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA). Her focus was on Business
& Government, innovation policies, and impact investing, with coursework
that included policy analysis, public-private partnerships, and adaptive
leadership. Concurrently, she earned her MBA from Stanford University Graduate
School of Business, concentrating on Entrepreneurship, Managing Growing
Enterprises, and Design Thinking. These programs equipped her with a strategic
and entrepreneurial mindset, crucial for her future business endeavors.
Diverse Professional Experience
Gazal’s career spans various impactful roles. She was a
consultant at CGAP/World Bank, a Chief of Staff at the Public Health Foundation
of India, and worked with McKinsey & Company. Her early career involved
significant contributions in public health and parliamentary initiatives,
showcasing her versatility and commitment to impactful work.
Biography of Gazal Kalra: Co-founder of Rivigo & Nuuk-Indian Entrepreneur/ Investor/Startup/Success story of Gazal Kalra/ Rivigo & Nuuk story
Founding Rivigo and Impact
After completing her studies, she joined forces with Deepak
Garg of Rivigo, stepping into the complex and challenging world of logistics.
This move marked the beginning of her journey to revolutionize an industry where
few women had tread before.
Before her current roles, Gazal co-founded Rivigo in August
2014, a tech-led logistics startup that revolutionized the Indian logistics
sector with its relay trucking model. Rivigo’s approach significantly improved
speed and reliability in logistics, addressing the truck driver shortage and
enhancing supply chain efficiency.
Confronting Industry Norms
Entering the logistics sector presented Gazal with a unique
set of challenges. Often, she found herself as the only woman in trucking
circles, where her presence was questioned. The lack of female role models in
the industry became glaringly evident. Despite this, Gazal remained undaunted
by these stereotypes and focused on proving her capabilities through tangible
actions rather than getting caught up in discussions about the barriers she
faced.
Leading by Example
Gazal’s approach to changing perceptions within the
logistics sector was hands-on and personal. She dedicated time to interacting
with truckers at their warehouses, building relationships and understanding
their perspectives. This engagement helped her gain respect and form meaningful
connections, showing that her commitment to the industry went beyond mere
professional obligations.
Humility and Growth
For Gazal, humility is a cornerstone of success. She places
equal importance on acknowledging failures as she does on celebrating
achievements. To her, failures are indicators of areas that need improvement
and opportunities to refine her approach. She believes that true creation comes
from a place of fearlessness and the willingness to start anew, maintaining a
grounded perspective on her accomplishments.
Balancing Compassion with Tough Decisions
Gazal’s compassionate nature does not prevent her from
making difficult decisions when necessary. She is aware that societal judgments
often label leaders as either "too tough" or "too soft,"
but she prioritizes fairness over popularity. Her focus is on being fair and
just in her decisions, understanding that true leadership involves making tough
choices even if they are not always well-received.
A Focus on Authenticity
Gazal’s drive is deeply rooted in her belief that excellence
is a daily commitment. She rejects the notion of shortcuts and pretense,
advocating instead for hard work and authenticity. She understands that while
pretense may offer temporary gains, it is genuine authenticity that fosters
long-term success and sustains personal and professional integrity.
The Pursuit of Excellence
Gazal’s journey is a testament to her commitment to
excellence and authenticity. Her story reflects a relentless pursuit of high
standards, grounded in a realistic approach to both successes and setbacks. By
embracing challenges and maintaining a focus on real achievements, Gazal
continues to set a powerful example for aspiring leaders in any field.
World Economic Forum and Advisory Roles
Gazal is also actively involved with the World Economic
Forum as part of the Task Force on Zero Emission Mobility for India and
Indonesia. This role involves crafting recommendations on the clean mobility
transition, including electrification and infrastructure improvements.
Additionally, she serves as an advisor at BlueAtom Advisors and Switch Labs,
where she helps startups and large enterprises navigate clean energy and
zero-emission freight transitions.
Building Nuuk: A New Venture
Gazal Kalra, co-founder of Rivigo, is now channeling her
entrepreneurial spirit into a new venture, Nuuk. Launched in December 2022,
Nuuk is set to disrupt a large market with innovative solutions coming directly
to consumers. Gazal’s focus at Nuuk is to build something transformative that
challenges existing norms and creates significant impact.
Recognition and Achievements
Gazal's impactful work at Rivigo has earned her notable
accolades. In 2019, Business Today recognized her as one of the ‘Most Powerful
Women in Business in India.’ Additionally, she was included in Forbes' 40 Under
40 list, highlighting her as one of India’s brightest young business minds. Her
achievements are further underscored by her selection as a Fulbright Fellow in
2011
Commitment to Social Impact
Gazal’s work is characterized by her commitment to creating
scalable and purpose-driven businesses. At Rivigo, her focus on improving the
quality of experience for users while generating positive social impact
reflects her dedication to not only advancing technology but also making a
meaningful difference in the lives of people in India.
Role Models and Personal Drive
The achievements of Kalpana Chawla and the Phogat sisters
provided Gazal with the role models she had long sought. These figures
represented strength and success, inspiring her to pursue her own goals with
vigor. Their impact on Gazal’s life underscores her determination to be a
positive force in her field, driving her to make meaningful contributions and
be a role model herself for others in her community and beyond.
A High-Stakes Approach to Leadership
Gazal Kalra approaches her role with the intensity of a
high-stakes game, where every decision matters. She describes her daily work as
“playing the last ball,” emphasizing the need to consistently deliver
outstanding results. For Gazal, building an organization is akin to nurturing a
child, requiring both deep affection and effective delegation. Her leadership
style is characterized by a balance between personal investment and the
strategic distribution of responsibilities.
Balancing Affection and Delegation
Gazal believes that successfully leading an organization
involves finding a heartfelt connection to one's work while also ensuring that
responsibilities are effectively delegated. This balance is crucial to her
approach, reflecting her view that emotional investment in the organization
must be coupled with practical management strategies. Her philosophy
underscores the importance of connecting deeply with one's work while also
empowering others to contribute effectively.
Timeline for Gazal Kalra’s life:
1985: Born in Mhow, Indore district, Madhya Pradesh, India.
2003 – 2007: Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Engineering
from IIT-Delhi.
2011 – 2014: Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) from
Harvard Kennedy School; MBA from Stanford University.
2014 – 2015: Co-founded Rivigo, introducing the relay
trucking model to revolutionize logistics in India.
2019: Recognized by Business Today as one of the ‘Most
Powerful Women in Business in India.’
2022: Launched Nuuk, a new venture aiming to disrupt the
consumer market with innovative solutions.
