Dharashree Panda: A changemaker leading the narrative in sustainability

With the world becoming more conscious of long-term environmental priorities, there has been a focused shift towards sustainability, both at an individual and industrial level. With that, there has also been an evident growth in voices propagating the cause of sustainability as a preeminent concern, with several women driving the narrative and emerging as effective leaders across the sector.

Impactful leadership is critical in shaping the trajectory and measures an organisation deploys. India can boast of women leaders at key organisations' helm, leading several critical social and industrial initiatives. 

Panda's journey in the field of sustainability began in 2008 when concepts of environmental consciousness and Environment, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) were still taking shape. Since then, she has worked with many organisations and honed her expertise in business sustainability in areas of climate change, circularity, renewable energy, energy efficiency, responsible sourcing, science-based targets, ESG reporting and financing, climate-tech and worker community development in complex supply chains.

Having joined the Flipkart Group in 2020, Dharashree has been instrumental in aligning the organisation's ESG strategy with global best practices and the Indian government's Net Zero vision. By setting the foundations of good ESG practices, Dharashree played a key role in Flipkart's net zero emissions target as the 'North Star' to streamline the organisation's environmental practices. Together with her team, she has educated the organisation and advocated for consistent ESG policies and cross-functional programmes, including the transition to renewable energy and electric vehicles and the elimination of single-use plastic in the supply chain. She has also been a strong advocate for a regenerative future. She has brought together the Group's policy on protecting Ancient and Endangered Forests and innovative programs like the Flipkart Celebration Tree to support consumers who want to contribute to climate change adaptation. Flipkart also recently introduced Flipkart Green, a one-stop destination for conscious shoppers. Panda plays an important role in bringing the shopping experience for a sustainable lifestyle change towards globally certified products to fruition.

As environmental consciousness is on an incline worldwide, organisations need to actively take steps to keep the best interests of consumers and the community to create a loop of action towards change, and Panda's leadership exemplifies that. Her inspiring journey has led her to emerge as a role model for women, especially in the sustainability ecosystem. By catalysing growth for a field as novel and niche as sustainability in the corporate sector, a space recently garnering the attention and traction it deserves, her contributions at Flipkart have helped align the company's efforts towards climate action.

Encouraging women to embrace their passion, be it in sustainability or otherwise, Panda has a message for all aspiring leaders this International Women's Day: "Explore and find your passion as it is never too late to start working towards what drives you. If that passion is sustainability – the world needs you, and I would encourage every young planeteer to connect, collaborate and learn. As a professional field, sustainability is a cross-functional community wherein one can build connections that provide opportunities for growth and mentorship while being a changemaker. What is most important is to have the courage to take that first step towards the future you want for yourself and the generations to come.

"My advice to anyone looking to impact the world positively is to start small and be mindful and consistent rather than trying to tackle everything at once and possibly getting overwhelmed. Focus on taking incremental steps that will contribute to the larger goal. Over time, these small actions will add up and become a way of life.

"I was able to embark on the journey to where I am currently by being open to questioning generational practices that have gotten us here and consistently learning more about the ever-evolving space of sustainability. As a changemaker, enabling a safe space where everyone can make meaningful changes that benefit the planet and communities around us is important. We can create a more sustainable future with time and effort."