Madhumathi groomed for family business

Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA

Becoming a successful merchant in a male dominated area needs unlimited display of courage, determination, endurance and commitment. The grooming from the tender age by her father has proved invaluable for Madhumathi Nadarajah who is at the helm of M Muthiahpillai and Company (Pvt) Ltd and AM AM PEE and Company for the past eight years. The tremendous strides that these companies have made under her reign speak volumes of her abilities and she provides inspiration for young generation to follow.

She was interviewed by Daily News Business.

Excerpts of the interview.

Q. How do you describe your line of Business?

A. Ours is a conventional family owned company spanning three generations of 'Business People' involved in trading. To this day we carry on our businesses under the name of its pioneer the late M Muthiahpillai ( M Muthiahpillai & Company and AM AM PEE & Company Trades) my grandfather.

The products we deal in are predominantly coir and coir based industrial and household products. However, our aim is to cater to the customers' requirements and preferences.

As such we have in the recent past expanded our product range to plastic and steel based household consumables.

To add value to our products we have embraced the use of recycled products and have assisted in initiating projects with the goal of producing environment friendly, competitively priced goods. In essence, we promote local and foreign suppliers by providing them with a platform to display and market their products. Further, we act as a facilitator, creating a link between the retailer and end user.

Q. How do you manage time to handle your personal life?

A. As a family-owned enterprise, I have the fullest support of my father. I run the company as I would my own family. We are all brothers and sisters working towards a mutually beneficial goal.

As such, my father and my staff are my "support structure". I have delegated responsibilities according to each individual's strengths and have awarded them ownership of their duties. In addition, I note down my work plan for the day and week and prioritize them accordingly.

As a rule, I try my best not to postpone that which needs to be done today. Time management is essential. As such, I enjoy the luxury of pursuing my aspirations

of being a ballroom dance student.

Q. What motivated you to venture into business?

A. Being the eldest of two girls, I was groomed from a very young age to enter the field of business. However soon after my college education from the United States, I was given an opportunity to venture into the Corporate cadre of a multinational firm, for a short stint of four years. Sales and marketing was the field of choice. The experience gained gave me the strength and conviction of not fearing to start from "ground zero".

The knowledge gave me the skills which earned eventual acceptance by my peers. It made me realize at an early age that women could be pioneers and be successful in their endeavour.

Apart from my family upbringing the corporate exposure gave me the right motivation to enter the "male-dominant" business arena of Pettah.

Q. What are your goals?

A. My goal is to create a forum for manufacturers especially those from the cottage industry a "one-stop-shop" to display and market their products. To develop the brand name M Muthiahpillai as the company you can trust to carry and promote the products of your labour.

To give equal opportunity to those who endeavour to either trade in or promote these goods to the end-user. A company the end-user and retailer can rely on to supply quality products at the right price and at the right time.

Q. How do you face the challenges of competition?

A. I welcome competition. I along with my staff consider challenges as an opportunity to further our knowledge and conquer our shortfalls. If we are not faced with competition we become complacent and our duties become monotonous. We need challenges in our day to day activities to keep improving on and developing on our skills and methodologies.

Q. What example do you provide others?

A. Even though I hail from a business oriented family background and was armed with a Bachelor of Science Degree in International Business and Business Administration from the Wisconsin University, Superior, USA, I was pushed forth to begin my work experience as a humble trainee sales representative. Today, I am proud to declare that I had the courage and conviction to perform duties ranging from promoting my basket of goods to supermarkets to mom-and-pop shops, to dusting counters and putting up posters, to driving the delivery lorry in the absence of the driver.

It made me understand the mindset of the lowest strata to the executive. One should never be afraid to venture out, to go beyond one's comfort-zone. Be positive and consider your task as an opportunity and embrace it. However, it is important to be mindful that as women we need to uphold our integrity and self restraint at all times.

Make time for yourself. Give your mind and body time and the means through a sport or a hobby to rejuvenate itself. Take a few minutes at the end of your day to access your day's activities.

Q. What is your specialty?

A. The business atmosphere in Pettah is very conventional. As I instruct, I too learn to think outside the boundaries of norm. I have opened the channels of communication and feedback by both staff and supplier are made compulsory.

Each staff member is given a platform to perform. Individual targets are set together and structured rewards systems put in operation. I strive to inspire both my suppliers and staff members to take ownership of their individual responsibilities and the business as a whole.

We are winners when we work as a team.

Q. What are your achievements in business?

A. Along with the support of my family, today I stand amongst the leaders and pioneers of the old-school trading community. I have endured the scepticism and reservation brought on by them. My staff is well trained in the attributes of courtesy and customer relations. We strive toward being set apart from the conservative trader by investing in and developing suppliers to produce specific goods exclusively for our supply. I have further developed systems of checks and balances to monitor and evaluate our overall performance. We aim to optimize on every business opportunity.

Q. What is your message to society?

A. Arm yourself with the right attitude, seek knowledge and inculcate self discipline. Set out your goals, write them down and prioritize them. The best way of achieving them will come from within. You are your best critique. Remember your family is your most loyal cheerleaders, lean on them. Be mindful of your time, once spent can never be retrieved. Don't be afraid to dream, they are the stepping stones to reality.