Meet Nandini Sankara

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nandini Sankara a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nandini, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Throughout my career, navigating male-dominated industries has required a strategic approach grounded in confidence, embracing my unique perspective, and cultivating resilience. Joining Suburban Propane, an esteemed company with nearly a century of history, as a brand leader presented a significant opportunity to reimagine and revitalize our brand while honoring its legacy. This journey demanded not only innovation in marketing strategies but also the ability to gain acceptance and support from stakeholders across various levels of the organization.

Cultivating confidence has been key to my success. Believing in my abilities and the value I bring allowed me to assert my ideas and garner buy-in from key stakeholders, despite the challenges in shifting established perceptions and practices. For instance, at Suburban Propane, I led initiatives that elevated our brand beyond traditional associations, such as demonstrating the versatility of propane as a clean energy source and integrating philanthropy into our business practices through our SuburbanCares platform.

Embracing my difference as a woman in executive leadership has been crucial. I take pride in being the first female person of color appointed to the executive officer ranks at Suburban Propane. I’m also passionate about advocating for diversity and inclusion within the broader energy industry through my involvement with industry groups like the World LPG Association (WLPGA) where I champion initiatives like WINLPG (Women in LPG Leadership). By promoting diverse perspectives and identities, I strive to foster a more inclusive industry culture that values innovation and creativity.

Accountability and resilience are equally essential traits. Holding myself accountable for driving results while fostering a culture of trust and responsibility among my team has been instrumental. This approach simultaneously enhances team cohesion and showcases my leadership and management capabilities. Collaborating closely with stakeholders across the organization, I’ve been entrusted with significant responsibilities, which I leverage to empower my team and drive collective success.

In navigating global roles at companies like Sealed Air, resilience helped me overcome cultural barriers and build strong relationships with local stakeholders, paving the way for successful outcomes. This ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain focus on long-term goals is essential in sustaining momentum and achieving impactful results in dynamic and challenging environments.

My journey as a woman in multiple primarily male-dominated industries has been guided by self-belief, embracing my unique perspective, fostering accountability, and maintaining resilience. These qualities define my approach to leadership and contribute to creating a more inclusive and innovative industry landscape where diverse voices are celebrated and empowered.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

First and foremost I am a storyteller. A great story is the cornerstone of any brand. Currently, I work with Suburban Propane, a storied and respected company dedicated to delivering reliable and sustainable energy solutions to communities nationwide. One of the most exciting aspects of my job is the opportunity to reimagine and invigorate a nearly century-old brand, making it relevant for today’s times while preserving its rich heritage and ethos.

At Suburban Propane, we pride ourselves on our commitment to sustainability, community, and innovation. A meaningful part of my role involves spearheading our philanthropic platform, SuburbanCares, which has allowed us to give back to our local communities. This initiative relies on the support and enthusiasm of our 3,000+ employees, making it an integral part of our DNA.

What’s particularly special about my work is the blend of creativity and impact. Whether it’s educating consumers about the versatility of propane as a clean energy source or leading high-profile campaigns, every project is an opportunity to make a tangible difference. For example, I have had the privilege of leading our partnership with the American Red Cross, enhancing our brand’s visibility and reputation through impactful collaborations.

Looking ahead, we are excited about several new initiatives and expansions. We are continually exploring innovative solutions to meet the evolving energy needs of our customers, and our team is dedicated to driving forward our commitment to a greener, more sustainable future. As we celebrate our 96th anniversary, we are also expanding our digital marketing efforts, utilizing social media and data modeling to reach and engage with a broader audience.
In essence, my journey has been about harnessing the power of storytelling, teamwork, and determination to create a positive impact. I am honored to work with a team that shares this vision and to lead initiatives that reflect our values and aspirations.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities have been particularly impactful in my journey: courage, a team-first mentality, and resilience.

1. Courage:
Impact: Courage has been instrumental in helping me make bold decisions and stand by my convictions. Whether it was saying “yes” to new opportunities or “no” to maintain integrity, courage has guided my path. During my global product management days, being the only woman in the room, I had to navigate business scenarios that directly impacted the bottom line. My ability to assert myself and stand by my decisions was crucial.
Advice: For those early in their journey, develop courage by stepping out of your comfort zone. Embrace challenges and view failures as learning opportunities.

2. Team-First Mentality:
Impact: I strongly believe that a team can make or break any endeavor. Working together towards a common goal has been key to my success. Establishing Suburban Propane’s philanthropic platform, SuburbanCares, relied heavily on the support and enthusiasm of our 3,000+ employees. This collective effort has made it an award-winning endeavor.
We over Me: Cultivate a team-first mentality by actively collaborating with others and valuing their contributions. Build strong relationships with your colleagues and foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. Remember that success is often a collective achievement.

3. Tenacity:
Impact: Tenacity has allowed me to overcome obstacles and persist through challenges. This quality has been crucial in navigating cultural and gender biases, especially in a male-dominated industry. My tenacity has helped me maintain focus and move towards my goals, no matter the difficulties.
Advice: Build tenacity by developing a positive mindset. The word “no” is a redirection, not a rejection Learn to view setbacks as temporary and keep your long-term goals in sight. Seek feedback, learn from your experiences, and stay adaptable. Surround yourself with supportive mentors and peers who can provide guidance and encouragement.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

One book that has played a significant role in my development is “The World is Flat” by Thomas Friedman. This book provides a comprehensive analysis of globalization and how it has transformed the world into a more interconnected and interdependent place. A few of the most valuable and impactful nuggets of wisdom from the book include:

1. Globalization 3.0: Friedman describes the three phases of globalization, with the current phase, Globalization 3.0, being driven by individuals rather than companies or countries. This insight highlights the power of individuals in shaping the global economy and underscores the importance of personal initiative and innovation in today’s world.

2. The Ten Flatteners: The book outlines ten forces that have flattened the world, such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, the rise of the internet, and the workflow revolution. Understanding these forces helps to grasp the underlying factors that have contributed to the interconnectedness of the global economy and the rapid pace of change.

3. The Triple Convergence: Friedman explains how the convergence of new players, new ways of doing business, and new markets has created unprecedented opportunities and challenges. This concept emphasizes the need to adapt and stay agile in a constantly evolving global landscape.

4. The Importance of Education and Lifelong Learning: One of the key takeaways from the book is the critical role of education in preparing individuals to thrive in a flat world. Continuous learning and the ability to adapt to new technologies and ways of working are essential for success.

5. The Quiet Crisis: Friedman warns of a “quiet crisis” in America, referring to the potential decline in the country’s competitiveness if it fails to invest in education, infrastructure, and innovation. This serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive measures to maintain and enhance a nation’s economic standing.

“The World is Flat” has provided me with a deeper understanding of the forces shaping our world and the importance of staying informed, adaptable, and proactive in a rapidly changing global environment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.suburbanpropane.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nandinisankara/

Image Credits

SuburbanPropane