In the dynamic landscape of Facility Management Business, Dr. Suma Velekat emerged as a prominent figure, serving as the CEO of Azzurro Facilities Management. Her impactful leadership has played a pivotal role in elevating the stature of this leading integrated facilities management company in the UAE.
In this interview, we delve into the extraordinary trajectory of Azzurro, spanning three decades under her astute leadership, transformative evolution, pioneering initiatives, commitment to sustainability, outlook in the industry, valuable leadership insights, and forthcoming expansion plans.
The Advent Of This Journey
We started the session by asking, “Can you begin by sharing insights into your professional career path?”
Suma shared, “I embarked on this journey in 1993, spearheading a venture with a modest team of seven. The symbiotic growth of both myself and the company has unfolded into an extraordinary odyssey. The remarkable strides I’ve made owe much to the unwavering support of the dedicated team that has been my backbone throughout this transformative expedition. Our purview welcomed novel experiences and a spectrum of diverse talents.
With unyielding diligence and steadfast commitment, we embarked on diversification across multiple sectors, propelling ourselves to the vanguard of the industry. And today, we stand triumphant at this juncture of accomplishment as a leading facility management company in the region.”
Encouraging Innovative Approaches
We were curious to learn about the approaches adopted by Suma Velekat to encourage innovation within her team. We asked, “How do you foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within your organization?”
She responded, “My guiding philosophy is centered around caring for my team and instigating positive change on their behalf. I and my team are committed to minimizing the use of harsh and unnecessary chemicals while exclusively collaborating with clients who align with her values. This approach has not only benefited our team but also contributes to lessening the environmental footprint of the Facilities Management Industry.”
Adaptability Amidst Adversities
Every journey is filled with inevitable challenges. To understand how Suma Velekat overcame all the hurdles and how it impacted her journey, we asked, “Reflecting on your journey, what have been the most formidable obstacles you’ve encountered, and how have these experiences shaped your approach to leadership?”
Dr. Suma Velekat shared, “As a female entrepreneur, surmounting barriers emerged as a particularly formidable challenge in my journey. Nevertheless, the UAE’s nurturing and inclusive environment served as fertile ground for my growth. Each obstacle encountered has proven to be a valuable lesson, underscoring the significance of perpetual learning and unwavering resilience.
I staunchly uphold the belief that hard work remains unparalleled, and through unwavering dedication, I have successfully surmounted these challenges. These experiences have profoundly shaped my leadership philosophy, instilling in me a deep sense of empathy, resilience, and a fervent commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment for my team.”
Ensuring A Competitive Edge
We were intrigued to learn how Suma Velekat’s company maintains a strong position in the market. So, we asked, “In the context of global competition, how has your company adapted its strategies to maintain a competitive edge?”
“We prioritize agility and innovation, tailoring our approach to meet evolving market demands. Sustainability is central to our strategy, with eco-friendly practices integrated across all operations. By embracing technology and data-driven insights, we streamline operations, boosting efficiency and staying at the forefront of advancements. This commitment not only enhances capabilities but also ensures high-quality services for our clients.
Additionally, we foster a culture of continuous learning, empowering our workforce to stay informed about industry trends. This proactive approach builds a skilled and adaptable team ready to tackle challenges in the dynamic global marketplace.” Suma replied.
Customer-Centric Approach
Prioritizing customer centricity and receiving customer feedback is paramount for offering top-notch experiences. We asked, “How significant has customer feedback been in influencing the development of your products and services?”
Elaborating on this aspect, Suma continued, “As a professional in the Facility Management industry, customer feedback has been instrumental in our continuous improvement and growth. Insights from customers allow us to fine-tune our approach to service delivery. By understanding their expectations and experiences, we adjust our strategies to ensure that the services we provide align closely with their needs.
By consistently placing the customer at the center of decision-making and service delivery, we have enhanced our ability to meet and exceed their expectations. Analyzing challenges highlighted by customers allows us to develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and the ability to navigate complex situations more effectively.”
Ethical Business Operations
We further asked, “Can you elaborate on your approach to corporate responsibility and ethical business practices in your operations?”
Dr. Suma Velekat shared, “Our commitment to making a positive impact goes beyond our core business operations and extends to society, the environment, and our stakeholders. At Azzurro, community engagement is a cornerstone of our values. We actively participate in various initiatives, such as tree-planting programs and blood donation camps.
We believe in giving back and contributing to the well-being of the areas where we operate. The strategies we have followed to practice ethical business in our operations uphold a strong moral code within the organization and encourage employees to act with integrity in their roles.”
Current Offerings
Eager to learn more about the services offered by Suma Velekat and her upcoming projects, we inquired, “Could you tell us more about your services or products and if you have any upcoming plans regarding them?”
“Our expertise allows us to provide clients with seamlessly integrated and total facilities management services including Hard FM Services, Soft FM Services, Pest Control Services, Water Tank Cleaning and Specialized System Management. Beyond service provision, we take pride in producing our eco-friendly chemicals. This commitment underscores our dedication to delivering facilities management services in a manner that is both cost-effective and sustainable.
The company is currently exploring prospects in multiple vibrant markets, emphasizing its ambition to extend its footprint and impact. These expansion endeavors align with Azzurro’s vision of achieving global leadership in integrated facilities management.”
Words Of Wisdom For Beginners, we asked Dr. Suma Velekat
Addressing the beginners, we asked, “What advice would you offer to newcomers entering the same industry?”
Dr. Suma Velekat concluded, “Embrace a mindset open to novel approaches and innovative strategies. Actively listen, comprehend, and genuinely care about your work. Take the time to study and analyze the culture, processes, and people, enabling you to formulate a well-informed, long-term plan for success.
Facility management is a dynamic field, constantly evolving to meet daily demands. Embrace the ever-changing nature of the industry and stay current with the latest best practices. Approach each day as an opportunity to learn and adapt. Recognize that experience is a valuable teacher not found in textbooks; therefore, seek guidance and insights from your experienced counterparts. Most importantly have fun while at it with your team.”
Follow Dr. Suma Velekat on LinkedIn.
Find Azzurro Facilities Management on LinkedIn and visit their website https://azzurrofm.com/
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