Shirin’s career began on the bustling frontlines of the development sector, where every day offered a lesson in social impact and every interaction revealed the potential of grassroots change. Immersed in diverse communities, she saw resilience bloom despite limited resources, shifting priorities, and complex societal needs. These formative years taught her that real progress flourishes when growth is inclusive and opportunities are shared equitably.
Fuelled by curiosity, Shirin ventured beyond the familiar terrain of social work and stepped boldly into corporate India. Her journey commenced in a leading iron and steel company—a world where the ideals of community empowerment scaled up to forge industrial transformation. Here, she learned to navigate operational intricacies and champion stewardship on a grand scale.
Driven by an appetite for reinvention, she found herself thriving in the fast lanes of an FMCG giant, then pivoted to the agile, uncharted ground of a start-up, where persistence defined every success. Now, in the dynamic automobile sector, she weaves together the threads of sustainability, innovation, and stakeholder collaboration gathered through every chapter.
At each crossroads, fresh lessons awaited—teaching her adaptability, fortitude, and the courage to grow beyond comfort. This tapestry of experiences continues to fuel her belief: meaningful impact belongs to those willing to journey into the unknown.
Location: Hosur (Tamil Nadu)
Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirin-kujur-716578/
Q. Tell us about your School and College before you came to IIFM. How was your experience there? And how did IIFM happen?
A. Growing up as the daughter of a bureaucrat, my childhood was a tapestry of journeys across India, each new city and school unveiling a fresh slice of the country’s rich cultural mosaic. These constant moves nurtured my adaptability and curiosity, setting the stage for a lifelong love of learning and discovery. Completing my graduation from a prestigious Delhi University college was more than an academic milestone—it was a transformative time where I honed my independence and embraced challenges head-on.
It was during this vibrant phase that I began exploring diverse career paths, seeking a place where passion and purpose intersect. Amid this quest, I discovered the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal, and applied, igniting the next exciting chapter of my journey. This decision fused my academic foundation with a compelling vision, propelling me toward a future of purposeful leadership.
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM so far?
A. Since graduating from IIFM, my career has been about applying practical skills to real-world business challenges. The multidisciplinary training helped me understand how to improve operations while creating value. I’ve worked across the development sector and corporate India, including the automobile industry, where I focused on driving efficiency, innovation, and growth. Each role taught me the importance of adapting to market needs and finding solutions that deliver both short-term results and long-term benefits. It’s been a journey of continuous learning and applying what works to build stronger, more resilient businesses.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us
A. Some key milestones in my journey include furthering my knowledge by pursuing an M.Sc. in London, which broadened my perspective and equipped me with advanced skills. My first corporate role with JUSCO gave me valuable insights into organizational dynamics and operational management. Taking on the challenge of working in a start-up environment taught me agility, resourcefulness, and the importance of innovation. A significant milestone was leading the establishment of a dedicated sustainability department, where I integrated business strategy with responsible practices, creating frameworks that fostered both growth and accountability. These experiences collectively shaped my practical approach to leadership and value creation.
Q. How has been your experience in your current Organization? What all areas have you been working here?
A. My experience at the current organization has been a powerful journey of hands-on leadership and meaningful impact. Steering the company’s ESG strategy and climate action roadmap has been both a challenge and an opportunity to embed responsible business practices into everyday operations. I’ve taken on diverse areas—from optimizing carbon and water management to pioneering circular economy initiatives and enhancing ESG reporting for greater transparency. Collaborating across teams and regions has broadened my perspective and sharpened my ability to align sustainability goals with business growth.
Q. What is the most satisfying part in your career?
A. The most satisfying part of my career has been seeing the tangible impact of aligning responsible practices with business goals. Whether it’s driving initiatives that reduce resource use, improving transparency through robust reporting, or fostering collaborations that lead to innovation, knowing these efforts contribute to both business success and positive community outcomes gives me a deep sense of fulfillment. I take pride in leading change that builds long-term value while navigating complex challenges, and in mentoring others to embrace purposeful leadership. That blend of impact, growth, and legacy is what continues to motivate me every day
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. The learning at IIFM laid a strong foundation in blending technical knowledge with management skills, which has been instrumental throughout my career. It taught me to approach challenges holistically.
Q. Who (or what) are the biggest influences or drivers in your careers? What would be your advice to freshers and IIFM graduates who are looking to choose similar sectors/roles.
A. The biggest influences in my career have been my parents, who taught me to embrace challenges and gave me the strength to step beyond my comfort zones. Their unwavering support laid the foundation for my resilience and drive to seize new opportunities. Coupled with early experiences in the development sector and guidance from my mentors, these influences have shaped my curiosity and adaptability throughout my journey.
My advice to IIFM freshers and graduates is simple yet practical: focus on building a broad set of skills that cut across different disciplines, stay open to change, and always aim to deliver real, measurable results. Success comes from balancing business objectives with hands-on problem-solving. Be ready to adapt, learn continuously, and find ways to make a tangible impact in whatever role you take on. This mindset will help you navigate complex challenges and contribute meaningfully in your career.
Q. How did you decide to go for higher studies post IIFM? And how was the experience?
A. My decision to pursue higher studies after IIFM was influenced by a mentor who encouraged me to seize the opportunity to expand my horizons. Looking back, I believe it was one of the best decisions I made. My academic experience in the UK broadened my perspective, helped me build lasting friendships, and significantly enhanced my strategic thinking and analytical skills. It exposed me to diverse ideas, rigorous research, and international best practices, all of which enriched my approach and strengthened my ability to navigate complex, cross-sectoral challenges effectively.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. Some of my fondest memories at IIFM are the late-night conversations and collaborative preparation for presentations that brought us closer as a cohort. I also cherish the simple joys like walking down to Madhuban for delicious kachoris and the Sunday morning ritual of breakfast at the Indian Coffee House in New Market. These moments created a vibrant community spirit and made my time at IIFM truly unforgettable.
Q. In hindsight, what was the biggest contribution or take away from IIFM that you think played a critical role in shaping you as an individual or professional?
A. The critical takeaway from IIFM that shaped me both personally and professionally was its unique blend of rigorous academic training and real-world application. The multi-disciplinary curriculum challenged me to integrate technical knowledge with management principles, fostering a holistic approach to problem-solving.
Q. The best buddies / seniors /faculty at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share?
A. Some of my fondest connections from IIFM are the friendships I built with my batchmates, especially since we were a small, close-knit group. I also cherished the guidance and camaraderie of seniors like Archana Sharma and Sudin, as well as the energy and enthusiasm of juniors including Rahul Sharma, Ashish Tirkey, and Kulranjan Kujur.
Q. As an alumni, what’s your advice to freshers or those are joining IIFM to get best out of the 2 years there?
A. My advice to freshers joining IIFM is to fully embrace the learning journey—not just academically but through every experience the institute offers. Build strong relationships with your peers, seniors, and faculty; this network will be invaluable throughout your career. Stay curious and open-minded, actively engage in discussions, and take advantage of opportunities like field visits and projects to apply theory in real-world contexts. Manage your time effectively to balance studies, extracurricular activities, and personal growth.
Q. What would be your advise for recent graduates who look for changing their sector after working for couple of years?
A. Approach the transition with a clear strategy and openness to learning. Start by identifying transferable skills and experiences that can add value in the new sector. Invest time in understanding the industry dynamics, challenges, and key players through research, networking, and possibly short courses. Be prepared to start with a learning mindset, even if it means stepping into a role slightly different from your previous one. Seek mentorship and build relationships within the new sector to gain insights and opportunities. Most importantly, remain adaptable and patient—changing sectors can be challenging but also incredibly rewarding in broadening your skills and perspectives.
Q. What was your typical day at the work? And how does it look like while you are on a break?
A. A typical workday for me involves a blend of strategic planning, stakeholder meetings, and project management. I spend much of the day collaborating across departments to drive initiatives focused on ESG strategy, resource management, and reporting. When on a break, my day takes a refreshing shift—often traveling to the jungles of India to capture the country’s rich biodiversity through my camera or exploring new places with friends.
Q. Favourite Books, movies, authors?
A. Old Hindi movies of Amitabh Bachchan
Q. IIFM is driven by alumni’s passion and commitments towards its goal. How would you like to contribute to IIFM or IIFM alumni, students? Your engagement with IIFM Placement or OT/SI?
A. Although I am currently able to support internships by facilitating 5–6-month projects for students, I am not directly involved in OT/SI placements. However, I am keen to contribute by mentoring students, sharing industry insights, and actively exploring avenues to strengthen the relationship between IIFM alumni, students, and the corporate sector. This engagement can foster mutual growth and help bridge the gap between academic learning and practical industry experience.
Q. What do you think is different at IIFM now vs when you studied there? When was the last time you visited IIFM?
A. IIFM has changed and evolved compared to when I studied there. The institute has expanded its academic programs, embraced newer technologies, and strengthened industry links, making it more dynamic and responsive to emerging challenges. Last I visited IIFM was around 12-15 years back!
Q. Any suggestions on who you want to get profiled/interviewed here?
A. Rahul Sharma (ReNew), Kulranjan Kujur (Freelancer)