“Empowering Winds of Change: Lata Vasisht’s Journey from Adversity to Innovation with Aadhya Airtek”

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Lata Vasisht, a woman of remarkable tenacity and vision, stands at the helm of Aadhya Airtek, an innovative green lean startup specializing in industrial fans. Her journey from a carefree and cheerful childhood to poverty-stricken teenhood to becoming a trailblazing entrepreneur is a testament to her resilience and determination. Known as Sree Latha D R in her early life, Lata has always been a multifaceted personality—a passionate singer, a dedicated corporate trainer, and a relentless entrepreneur. With two decades of experience spanning corporate and academia, she has set herself on a mission to empower 1,000 women entrepreneurs in the next five years.

Under her leadership, Aadhya Airtek has not only navigated the turbulent waters of the COVID-19 pandemic but has also emerged as a beacon of innovation and sustainability in the industrial fan market. Lata's personal mantra, "Explore, Experience, Evolve," resonates deeply with her professional ethos, driving her to constantly push the boundaries of what is possible. In this exclusive interview, Lata Vasisht shares her inspiring story, the challenges she faced, the innovations she spearheaded, and her vision for the future of Aadhya Airtek and women's entrepreneurship.

Join us as we delve into the life and mind of this extraordinary woman, exploring how her passion, perseverance, and profound commitment to making a difference continue to shape her journey and inspire many others.

Can you tell us about your early life and what inspired you to become an entrepreneur?

I am a girl who has seen both sides of the coin. During my childhood, I experienced the best part of life. I was the richest one in school when I joined, and I became the poorest by the time I finished college. My father gave away all that he had to his siblings, and I wasn't able to finish my education. My last formal education was in the 10th grade. I had to work and pay my own fees to study after that. After 12th, I had to do something to get a job, and my father suggested shorthand and typing. He trained me to be life-ready. I went on to complete my diploma studies in Shorthand and Typing, a vocational training program from RVTI-W, now known as NCVT, Bengaluru.

I got married to my neighbour when I turned 25. My husband, Mahesh Vasisht, supported me to study further. I did a distance BA from KSOU and worked at RNSIT College as the personal assistant to the Director and Principal. I have to thank Dr. H.N. Shiva Shankar and Dr. M.K. Venkatesha for encouraging and motivating me to take up an MBA and study further. In my PGCET, I got a good rank and secured a seat in the same college where I was working. Whatever little I am today, the entire credit goes to RNSIT. Then I did an M.Phil, from Bharathiyar University, Chennai, and now I am doing a Ph.D. on the Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Leadership Effectiveness at the same university.

By the time I finished my MBA, my husband had started his business of servicing domestic appliances. We then started HVAC projects and became known for taking on challenging projects. When COVID-19 hit, we took a calculated risk of manufacturing industrial fans through Aadhya Airtek, launching on October 1st, 2020.

How did your academic background, with an MBA, M.Phil. and PhD, shape your career path?

My academic journey has been a cornerstone in shaping my career. During my PhD studies, I had to present papers at various conferences. During one of these conferences in Singapore, I saw industrial fans being used extensively. Upon returning to India, I noticed that these fans were not as common here. Coincidentally, one of my customers wanted these fans. I tied up with a manufacturer, but the fans were heavy at 200 Kg. and the roof structures in India, especially MSMEs were able to hold much weight. So, we did R&D and developed a fan that weighs only 100 kilos. We reduced the weight by half, as well as the price and noise. From 5-6 lakhs, we brought the cost down to 1.75 lakhs. Isn't that a great help to the industry?

My MBA equipped me with the skills to manage and grow a business effectively. The M.Phil. and Ph.D. program helped me delve deeper into research, which was crucial for our R&D efforts at Aadhya Airtek. The PhD program, focusing on emotional intelligence and leadership effectiveness, has also been particularly beneficial in leading a diverse team and understanding the nuances of managing human resources in a high-tech manufacturing environment.

What motivated you to find Aadhya Airtek, and what was the initial vision for the company?

The motivation to find Aadhya Airtek stemmed from a combination of necessity and vision. Initially, we had only one type of fan based on induction motors, which made noise because of the gearbox. Slowly, as we approach our fourth anniversary in October, we have fans with PMS Motors and BLDC Motors that do not make noise as they are gearless. In Karnataka, we are the first movers and the only company manufacturing these fans. We plan to open branches across India.

Our initial vision was to address the gap in the market for efficient and affordable industrial fans. We wanted to create a product that not only met the needs of our customers but also set new standards in the industry. We aimed to reduce the dependency on expensive imported products and offer a high-quality, cost-effective alternative. Over time, this vision expanded to include a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, making Aadhya Airtek a pioneer in green and lean manufacturing.

Aadhya Airtek and Its Innovations

Can you elaborate on what makes Aadhya Airtek an innovative green lean startup?

We started with a trial-and-error method. As it was during COVID, I wasn't sure about the business, but we still started. Initially, we started with fans made using lightweight aluminium so that the initial torque consumption is less, making it energy efficient. Once it started working, I thought, why not make it sustainable? We made fans with wood, but they were too heavy. So, we began working on manufacturing with WPC (wood and plastic composite). WPC is in the pilot phase and will soon be launched. Next up, we are coming up with a new solution where on one hand the heat air from the atmosphere will be removed and on the other, fresh, cool air will be let in and distributed.

Our approach to innovation is rooted in continuous improvement and sustainability. We strive to create products that not only perform exceptionally well but also have a minimal environmental impact. By reducing the weight and energy consumption of our fans, we are able to offer a product that is both cost-effective and eco-friendly. This aligns with our vision of being a green lean startup.

What are the key challenges you faced in the initial stages of Aadhya Airtek, and how did you overcome them?

The greatest challenge was COVID-19, which brought uncertainty to many businesses. Another significant challenge was creating awareness about our brand and the unique benefits of our product. In a market where the product was new and in the introductory phase, with foreign players leading, convincing customers to try an expensive new product was not easy.

We overcame these challenges by focusing on our USP and UVP along with providing exceptional customer service. We educated our customers about the benefits of our fans such as energy efficiency and reduced noise levels. We also offered customized solutions to meet their specific needs, which helped us, build a strong reputation. Additionally, we leveraged digital marketing and social media to reach a wider audience and create brand awareness.

What differentiates Aadhya Airtek’s industrial fans from those of other companies in the market?

In terms of airflow, our fans are the best because we custom-make them. When it comes to service and spare parts, we are available 24/7 for our customers. We visit the site, carefully inspect the place, and then provide a customized plan. Generally, industrial fans have five blades; we have manufactured fans with just three and two blades. We have fans with both continuous as well as intermittent airflow.

Our fans are designed to provide superior performance while being energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. The use of lightweight materials and patented blade design sets us apart from our competitors. Additionally, our commitment to customer service and customization ensures that our customers receive the best possible solution for their needs.

Can you share some success stories or significant milestones Aadhya Airtek has achieved since its inception?

Our product variety is vast, growing from one to thirty variants. All our designs are patented, which is a significant milestone. Our growth has been driven by word of mouth and repeat orders, which we consider a success story.

One of our significant milestones was the development of a fan that weighs only 100 kilos, reducing the weight by half. This innovation has had a significant impact on the industry, making our fans more accessible and affordable. We are recognised as the Top 10 Industrial Fan Manufacturers in India, 2023 by Industry Outlook.

What is your vision for Aadhya Airtek in the next five years?

Our immediate vision is to expand pan-India and in the next 5 years, we aim to go global. We are making every effort possible to establish a presence in every major city and become a household name in the industrial fan market. Additionally, we plan to continue our focus on innovation and sustainability, ensuring that our products remain at the forefront of the industry.

We also have plans to expand our product range to include new technologies and features. This includes the development of WPC fans and the incorporation of IoT features. We have already introduced remote-based and touch-based operations. Our goal is to provide our customers with the most advanced and efficient solutions available.

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

You are on a mission to empower 1000 women entrepreneurs in the next five years. Can you tell us more about this mission and why it is important to you?

The industry I am in is predominantly male. Initially, when I ventured out, I was often questioned and doubted, with people asking, “What do you know about fans?” Dealers and distributors are mostly men. I want to bring women into this industry, making them dealers and distributors and empowering them in every possible way. I also aim to hire more women to manufacture and install these fans.

Empowering women is not just about providing opportunities; it's about creating an environment where they can thrive. I believe that women have a unique perspective and can bring innovative ideas to the table. By empowering women entrepreneurs, we can drive economic growth and create a more inclusive industry.

What challenges do women entrepreneurs typically face, and how can they overcome them?

 It is a male-dominated industry. People often doubt me, subjecting me to viva sessions just to test my knowledge of the product specifications. Women need to break through these barriers by proving their competence and knowledge

 Women entrepreneurs often face challenges such as lack of access to capital, limited networking opportunities, and societal biases. To overcome these challenges, it's important to build a strong support network and seek out mentors who can provide guidance and advice. Additionally, women should leverage their unique strengths and perspectives to create innovative solutions and drive success.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to become entrepreneurs?

Don't give up. You may be close to the end of the tunnel, but many give up just when there‟s only 10% left. Thrive, don't just survive. Chase your dreams until they become a reality.

It's important to stay focused and resilient in the face of challenges. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in your vision and can provide guidance and encouragement. Take calculated risks and learn from your failures. Most importantly, believe in yourself and your ability to achieve your goals.

Personal Insights

What are some of your personal hobbies and interests outside of work, and how do they influence your professional life?

One of my passions is singing. I also practice Bharatanatyam, inspired by my younger daughter. Additionally, I am learning drawing and painting from my kids. These hobbies provide a creative outlet and help me maintain a balanced life.

My hobbies and interests outside of work help me stay grounded and provide a sense of balance. They allow me to express my creativity and unwind from the demands of running a business. This balance is essential for maintaining mental and emotional well-being, which in turn influences my professional life by helping me stay focused and motivated

.As a singer by passion, how do you balance your artistic interests with your professional responsibilities?

I don't believe in work-life balance. As Alain de Botton puts it, „There is no such thing as work-life balance. Everything worth fighting for unbalances your life‟. If there is something that we can try out instead, it is work-life integration. Both personal and professional life must coexist in harmony. Blend both worlds and make the best use of them. I keep my kids involved in our business. They have contributed right from designing the logo of our company to developing taglines to handling social media.

Secondly, when you are passionate about something, you find the time for it. Music has always been a part of my life, and it serves as a great stress reliever. I sing at family functions and upload videos on YouTube and social media, and I am also teaching the art to my children to carry on in the family.

Singing allows me to express my creativity and provides a necessary break from the rigorous demands of running a business. It helps me maintain a balanced life and keeps me grounded. The discipline required in music also translates to my professional life, where attention to detail and perseverance are crucial.

Lata Vasisht‟ 's journey from a carefree and cheerful childhood to poverty-stricken teenhood to becoming a pioneering entrepreneur is truly inspiring. Her resilience, innovation, and commitment to empowering others set a remarkable example. Through Aadhya Airtek, she is not only transforming the industrial fan industry but also paving the way for women entrepreneurs in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and social responsibility.

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