Alka Singh is the Director of DDS Shipping India Pvt Ltd, where she drives the company’s growth and expansion into new business verticals. With a hands-on leadership style, Alka oversees sales, operations, finance, and human resources, ensuring that all ongoing activities within the company run smoothly and efficiently. She played a pivotal role in establishing DDS in 2022, setting up its head office in Delhi and successfully expanding to Mumbai within a year. Through her strategic vision and relentless dedication, she led the company to surpass a turnover of ₹10 crore within just three years and expanded its office network to Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. Passionate about innovation and industry advancements, Alka is dedicated to shaping the future of logistics, continuously seeking ways to enhance operational efficiency and client satisfaction.
1. What are the key responsibilities of your role as a Director at DDS Shipping?
As the Co-Founder and Director of DDS Shipping, I lead the company’s expansion into new business verticals by developing key capabilities and effectively converting business opportunities into actionable leads. For instance, I successfully guided DDS Shipping through its expansion by securing IATA certification and establishing new office networks.
In addition to these responsibilities, I am actively engaged in overseeing and directing all aspects of sales, operations, finance, and human resources. Adopting a hands-on approach, I work closely with my team to ensure the seamless delivery of service support for both our contracted business and ad hoc deals.
2. How do you ensure operational excellence in a competitive industry like shipping?
With the advent of technology and the ever-increasing pace of modern life, I believe every industry is becoming more competitive. At DDS Shipping, our key competitive advantage is not price, but rather the delivery of excellent and seamless service. Serious players like DDS, who manage and connect multiple touchpoints along the supply chain, understand that our clients value “peace of mind” above all else. As a result, the most intensive area where our front-line teams dedicate most of their time and effort is in interfacing with multiple stakeholders across the value chain and ensuring seamless connectivity for each of our shipments. This allows us to provide step-by-step, real-time updates to our clients, ensuring they are informed and reassured at every stage. The true magic of operational excellence is achieved at the intersection of efficiency, collaboration, and innovation.
3. What motivates you to keep pushing forward during tough times?
No other experience can compare to the adrenaline rush, the euphoria, and the profound sense of satisfaction that comes from accomplishing one’s goals. I firmly believe that the key to realizing any dream lies in the mindset. A positive mindset is one that reframes challenges as opportunities, focuses on seeking solutions rather than dwelling on problems, and embraces perseverance and hard work is essential for success. Equally important, however, is taking the time to celebrate victories, both big and small. Recognizing these milestones fosters continued motivation and reinforces the journey toward achieving even greater accomplishments.
4. How do you stay updated with industry trends and innovations?
Attending events, conferences, and participating in trade shows allows me to engage with industry peers and gain firsthand, practical market insights that I can leverage in my daily business operations. Additionally, I regularly read reputable trade publications, such as The International Journal of Logistics Management, to stay informed about developments across the global supply chain. To remain at the forefront of industry trends and innovations, I also monitor advancements in other sectors, particularly the technology industry. I evaluate emerging models and cutting-edge innovations that have the potential to influence and drive transformation within our own industry.
5. What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to join the logistics industry?
Outstanding and sustained success in the logistics and supply chain industry is not solely dependent on years of experience. This is empowering for both young and seasoned professionals, as it allows for lateral and horizontal entry at virtually any stage and age. However, a key requirement for success is the ability to quickly grasp the industry’s foundational principles. From there, the path to success though not the only formula lies in acting, rolling up your sleeves, and focusing on delivering best-in-class service. There are no limits to growth, and I am proud to say that I am a living testament to this very truth.
6. What legacy do you hope to leave behind in your industry?
I believe it’s too early for me to focus on leaving behind a legacy in the industry. At this stage, my attention is firmly set on the future, and I am focused on pursuing my dreams with determination and clarity. I am continuously exploring pathways to transform these dreams into specific, actionable goals that drive both my personal growth and the success of the company. While my primary focus remains on building and expanding DDS Shipping, I am also deeply passionate about the potential to shape the future of the logistics and supply chain industry. I constantly seek new ways to innovate, streamline processes, and enhance the overall efficiency of operations. Theoretical contributions aside, I aspire to be at the forefront of the transformative changes in our sector, pushing boundaries, introducing new ideas, and leveraging technology to improve both industry practices and the customer experience. Ultimately, though it may be early, I envision myself making a lasting impact by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation an influence that extends beyond my own career and shapes the evolution of our industry for the better.
