ARRIVAL LOUNGE
“I WEAR MANY HATS!”
Lolita Chakravarti works for DB Schenker, a global Logistics Company as the Director of PMO for the Global Transformation Office.
By SHIPRA CHAUDHURY
Lolita Chakravarti describes herself as a proud working mother of two kids, a Canadian who values freedom of speech and choice, and an Indian who loves all things desi – from Bollywood to a plethora of Indian cuisine.
“I believe in diversity, equity, and inclusion. I believe in keeping an open mind to learning something new every day, be it about cultures around the world or new work-related issues,” she says. “Above all, I believe in respecting oneself and all others around me and not taking anything for granted. I believe in karma. I believe in paying it forward unconditionally.”
Chakravarti has been a results-driven leader with 20 years’ extensive experience in managing and implementing complex projects while collaborating with multiple cross functional teams that improve operating efficiencies, productivity gains, cost control and customer satisfaction. Armed with an honours degree in Industrial Engineering, majoring in Information Systems from UofT, she works for DB Schenker – a global Logistics Company as the Director of PMO for the Global Transformation Office.
“I have worked for DB Schenker in Canada, the US, Latin America, and globally for the past 18 years. In my current role, I have direct reports from Ukraine, Romania, Nepal and India. I am privileged to work with colleagues from around the world on over 100 strategic projects, in 45 countries and across four continents.”
Born into a Catholic family in Mangalore, India, she was raised in Dubai.
“As a middle child – I have an elder and a younger brother – I liked to keep up with my brothers,” she says. “I was involved in cultural and sports programs at Indian High School and gained an appreciation for Bharatnatyam at a very young age. Learning the dance form for over eight years taught me to value the hard work, commitment, and finesse involved in the tapestry of Indian culture.”
After completing her 12th grade, she enrolled in the Industrial Engineering program at Wichita State University (WSU), USA. But as soon as her parents received acceptance as immigrants to Canada, she got herself transferred to the University of Toronto.
Her parents, like most immigrants, struggled with their first jobs in Canada.
“My mum lived through cancer, a heart attack and anxiety. She is a pillar of strength that shows me that no matter what life throws at you it is what you make of it that is more important – your mind is a powerful tool, determining whether you are having a good day or bad.”
She also spoke about the 92-year-old lady in her life – her grandmother. “My grandmother continues to keep herself fit by engaging in daily activities and takes nothing for granted. Whenever I am tired I draw my energy and strength from her. Family is very important to me.”
While at UofT she met her second pillar of strength, her husband, who appreciated and supported her unconditionally.
“Your life is in your hands, you always have a choice on how you choose to live it.”
“After graduating in 2001, I obtained a full-time job at Hudson’s Bay Company in the Process and Engineering Services department. My role was focused on the logistics arm of the company. We were a group of mostly industrial engineers looking for cost efficiency in process, systems and technology. Thus started my love for logistics.”
It was challenging managing work and home fronts after the birth of her children, but keeping connected to both kept her sane, she says.
“While our kids were young, I volunteered as a Girl Guides leader, performed at Indian cultural events, and supported our kids in their soccer development through Ontario Player Development League (OPDL). My husband continued to support our kids while balancing increasing work responsibilities by being a Scouts Canada leader and involved in soccer communities. Both my kids are into soccer and excelling in their university and school athletic teams.
“Canada is a beautiful country with a lot of opportunities. Starting out as an immigrant in the initial years was not easy for my parents, but with hard work and determination, anything is possible. If you have an attitude of growth and openness, there are many opportunities to get involved. In fact, your life is in your hands, you always have a choice on how you choose to live it. You can complain, sit on the side lines and wait for things to happen and they may never be to your satisfaction. Or you can choose to make the best of what is given and do it with honesty and with your whole heart.
“I wear many different hats – a daughter, a sister, a professional engineer, a wife, a daughter-in-law, a sister-in-law, a mother, a friend, a volunteer, a believer in a higher power or God, a Canadian, a desi!”
• If you’d like to share the story of your arrival in Canada, please write to desinews@rogers.com or call 416-695-4357.