Swati Garg, Global Division Unit Manager

 I was born and raised in a small town to a family with modest means in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. My ventures outdoors were limited to my school, besides some evening playtime. My first encounter with the real outside world happened when I represented my school and State in my favourite game of table tennis. My parents, especially my mother always encouraged me not to limit my aspirations based on stereotypes – and engineering was one of them. I was the first female from my community and town to choose this field and to leave home for higher education. 

I began exploring aviation planning and engineering before the privatisation of airports in India and had the opportunity to work with policymakers and influencers, who were a great source of inspiration. With the privatisation of Indian airports becoming a reality, opportunities multiplied and there was no turning back. 

I joined Ramboll at a time when it was moving in a focussed manner towards creating a truly international organisation. Initially, I joined Ramboll’s Engineering Centre and had the opportunity to interact with colleagues from across the globe from diverse ethnicities. I subsequently took on the role of leading the aviation team in India as part of the aviation spearhead.

I believe that, as proactive consultants, we need to start our engagement with clients before they realise that they need us. Shaping a sustainable society is a collaborative effort. Maintaining transparency and open deliberations with clients is something I value the most and is critical for the long-term engagement and success of a project.

Ramboll’s truly global structure has given me wings to fly and explore the open sky.