CEO Insights Magazine

In the dynamic world of business, visionary leaders are steering their companies toward success. Embodying innovation, determination, and ethical practices, these leaders inspire their teams to overcome challenges and achieve greatness. Their ability to adapt to changing landscapes, drive growth, and foster a positive work culture makes them true trailblazers. As they shape the future, their leadership serves as a guiding light for aspiring entrepreneurs, propelling businesses to new heights of excellence. Ghani Lalwani, the Chief Operating Officer at Poonam Roller Flour Mills, stands as an exemplar of visionary leadership with over two decades of industry expertise. Under his astute guidance and the mentorship of his father, Poonam Roller Flour Mills has reached new heights of accomplishment. Embodying the core values of innovation, determination, and ethical practices, Ghani Lalwani inspires his teams to surmount challenges and achieve greatness. His modern and technology-driven approach to day-to-day operations has not only optimized internal processes but also unlocked the doors to the global market, propelling the business to international acclaim. In an exclusive interaction with CEO Insights Asia, Ghani Lalwani elucidates more about his professional journey and the unique traits of Poonam Roller Flour Mills.

Brief us about your professional journey and your professional background.

I started my journey back in 2002 after graduating at Poonam Roller Flour Mills. At that time, we had a capacity of approximately 120 tonnes per day. Over the years, we have been steadily building our business, and today we are operating at a capacity of 1500 tonnes per day. Soon, we are aiming to  reach close to 1600 tons per day. We are proud to have prestigious clients such as Parle, ITC, Britannia, Nestle, and Kellogg's, among others.

Could you elaborate on your daily roles and responsibilities at the company? How does your involvement contribute to the company's success?

As the CEO & COO of the company and one of the directors, my leadership approach emphasizes leading by example. Clear and consistent communication is maintained at all levels. We empower and delegate responsibilities to all team members, ensuring they understand the vision, strategy, and goals. Timely decision-making is crucial, and we encourage a continuous learning approach. I focus on building a strong team in each department to achieve our desired results. Motivation and recognition play a significant role at all levels, and we emphasize ethical behavior throughout the organization.

What challenges have you faced throughout your professional journey, and how did you overcome them?

One of the significant challenges we faced in the wheat flour milling sector is adapting to government  regulations and compliance changes over time. To overcome these challenges, we embraced the changes and adopted technological advancements to meet the regulatory requirements successfully.

Can you share your leadership mantra and how you drive the workforce?

Setting clear goals is essential for us. We break down monthly targets into weekly goals and incentivize the team for achieving these targets. Regular motivation and engagement through social and cultural events are part of our approach. We prioritize the overall well-being of our employees to ensure we get the best out of them.

Considering you have been in this sector for more than two decades, could you share some key milestones achieved in your career and the growth of the company since its inception?

Our journey has been remarkable. We have grown multifold since our inception and created a prominent name for ourselves in the industry. Our recent facility set up in Baroda is one of India's finest and largest. Though I cannot take credit entirely, it has certainly been a milestone for me personally as well. Significantly, we have garnered the Company of the Year Award from Industry Outlook. We are proud to be ranked among the top 10 companies in India and receive this prestigious recognition. It motivates us to continue our pursuit of excellence and reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality products and services.

What are your future plans for yourself and the company in the next one to five years?

In the short term, our goal is to maximize the potential of our new facility in the next one to two years. Looking ahead, we envision Poonam Roller Flour Mills to reach a capacity of around 2000 tons per day within the next five years. Additionally, we aim to grow our turnover from the current 600 crores to approximately 1500 crores.

What message would you like to convey to aspiring entrepreneurs in the country?

My message to aspiring entrepreneurs is to maintain a strong work ethic and work diligently with 100 percent dedication. Working smartly is equally crucial as working hard. Combine these elements, and you will undoubtedly achieve success.

Ghani Lalwani, COO, Poonam Roller Flour Mills

Ghani Lalwani is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Poonam Roller Flour Mills, a visionary leader with over two decades of industry expertise. Under his astute guidance and innovative approach, the company has achieved remarkable growth, becoming a prominent name in the flour milling industry. With a focus on clear communication, empowerment, and ethical practices, Ghani inspires his teams to overcome challenges and strive for excellence. His commitment to continuous learning and adaptability has opened doors to the global market, propelling the business to international recognition.