Women Who Lead: Jeevana Kalakuntla: A Journey of Resilience, Responsibility and Impact – Woman’s era Magazine
Jeevana Kalakuntla’s journey is a compelling story of purpose, resilience, and quiet determination. As the AVP – CSR & Sustainability at Sumadhura Group, she has spent over a decade shaping initiatives that integrate environmental responsibility with meaningful community development. Coming from a small town in Telangana, her path into leadership was guided not by privilege but by conviction—the belief that financial independence, self-respect, and purposeful work are essential pillars of a woman’s identity.
Over the years, Jeevana has played a pivotal role in embedding sustainability and social responsibility into the organisational ethos of Sumadhura Group. From navigating the complexities of a traditionally male-dominated sector to championing initiatives that create long-term environmental and social impact, her journey reflects both strategic leadership and deeply rooted values. In this conversation, she reflects on the experiences that shaped her outlook, the lessons she has learnt along the way, and her message for young women determined to carve their own path with courage and conviction.
1. On Women’s Day, we celebrate journeys as much as achievements. Looking back, what early experiences shaped the woman and leader you are today?
I grew up in a time when women’s participation in the workforce was limited, and most depended entirely on their fathers or husbands for financial support. Witnessing this shaped my outlook on independence and self-worth. Running a modest home-based business, my mother demonstrated resilience that deeply influenced me. I realized early that a career is never just about earning—it is about claiming dignity, building confidence, and earning recognition on your own terms. I began my professional journey before marriage, driven by purpose. Hailing from a small town in Telangana, I believe that where you come from does not limit what you can achieve; it is resilience, determination, and the ability to seize opportunities that define success. Financial independence mattered, but self-respect and identity mattered more.
2.Sustainability and CSR are purpose-driven domains. What inspired you to dedicate your professional life to impact-led work?
I aspired to become a medical professional, but limited guidance and financial constraints redirected my journey. Rather than viewing it as a setback, I chose to transform it into an opportunity. I pursued post-graduation in Environmental Studies and began my career with the Telangana Municipal Department, where I gained grassroots exposure to sustainability. When I joined Sumadhura and the vision of establishing the Sumadhura Foundation—its CSR wing and driving sustainability as a core function took shape, I embraced the responsibility with conviction. To me, sustainability and social responsibility are inseparable, and this purpose-driven path continues to inspire and fulfill me every day.
3. You have been associated with Sumadhura Group’s sustainability and CSR initiatives for over a decade. How has your journey within the organisation evolved over the years both professionally and personally?
When I joined Sumadhura in its formative years, I found a leadership team open to purposeful innovation, with a grounded, forward-thinking mindset that fostered a culture of trust and possibility—a culture that continues to define the company’s DNA till today. Their encouragement empowered me to introduce structured sustainability and CSR frameworks aligned with the company’s long-term vision. As Sumadhura grew across Bengaluru and Hyderabad in its scale and operations, my role evolved from hands-on execution to spearheading the group’s strategic, impact-focused future-forward initiatives, while championing its human-centric vision. Along the way, I grew not only as a professional but also as a purpose-driven individual. What started as a career opportunity evolved into a shared vision, making Sumadhura more than a workplace—it became a mission I am proud to lead, creating meaningful and lasting impact.
4. In a sector like real estate, which has traditionally been male-dominated, what challenges did you face, and how did you navigate them with confidence?
Working in the male-dominated real estate sector, particularly while managing MOEFCC and PCB clearances, was never easy. The environment often demanded assertiveness, yet I chose to rely on humility, preparation, and consistency. I believe that respect is earned through dedication and clarity of work, not authority. Over time, patience and perseverance transformed challenges into recognition for me. One principle I firmly uphold is treating everyone with equal respect—whether an office assistant or a senior officer because true dignity is never defined by designation. This approach has enabled me to navigate challenges, collaborate effectively, and lead with confidence and grace.
5. As the AVP of CSR & Sustainability, your work balances environmental responsibility with community upliftment. How do you stay anchored to purpose while managing organisational expectations and scale?
As the AVP of CSR & Sustainability, I balance environmental responsibility with community impact by staying firmly anchored to purpose. I approach every initiative with clarity—explaining its intent, addressing concerns transparently, and ensuring it aligns with business priorities and regulations. Success at scale comes from patience, consistent dialogue, and building trust across teams and stakeholders. By remaining flexible in execution without compromising core sustainability and CSR goals, I can translate vision into tangible outcomes. For me, purpose is the guiding compass; it ensures that even as projects grow in scale, every action creates meaningful, lasting impact for both the environment and the communities we serve.
6. What does leadership mean to you as a woman — is it about strength, empathy, resilience, collaboration, or something else entirely?
For me, true leadership is anchored in empathy, strengthened by resilience and quiet conviction. I believe women often bring humility, patience, and deep understanding to leadership, enabling decisions that balance people, purpose, and impact. I strive to view every situation through the lens of those I lead or serve, ensuring decisions are practical, sustainable, and consistent with long-term goals. Challenges are inevitable, but responding with clarity, purpose, and thoughtful strategy determines our resilience, progress, and the impact we create. Leadership, to me, is a purposeful responsibility: guiding with foresight, creating lasting impact, and inspiring trust through empathy and integrity.
7. Was there a defining moment in your career when you truly felt your work had made a meaningful difference?
A defining moment in my career came from a seemingly small decision that created lasting impact. On World Environment Day 2018, with the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution,” I proposed eliminating PET water bottles in our offices and for guests. Despite operational challenges, I believed change was possible. After exploring alternatives, we introduced glass refillable bottles, and with consistent implementation, it became part of our organizational culture. Today, when visitors notice and appreciate the initiative, it reinforces my conviction that purposeful, conscious actions—even small ones can drive meaningful environmental and cultural change, setting a precedent for long-term sustainability.
8. What advice would you give young girls who aspire to enter industries where women are still underrepresented?
My advice to young women is to step confidently into industries where they are underrepresented, embracing the unknown without fear. Such spaces offer unparalleled opportunities to learn, lead, and create meaningful change. The journey may be challenging, and acceptance may take time, but determination, resilience, and consistent effort break barriers and reshape perceptions. Further, being among the first to make an impact brings unmatched influence. With courage, vision, and commitment, women can not only succeed but also inspire lasting change, setting new standards and paving the way for others to follow.
9. For young professionals starting out today, what qualities do you believe matter more than titles — especially for women who want to create impact?
In leadership, qualities like resilience, clarity, and balance matter far more than titles. Women often juggle multiple roles, and navigating them with patience, professionalism, and intentionality builds lasting credibility. Sustainable impact comes from knowing when to pause, maintaining balance, and viewing personal responsibilities including motherhood as strengths rather than compromises. Transparent communication, strategic prioritization, and focused effort amplify effectiveness. True leadership is rooted in self-awareness and consistent action, creating enduring outcomes. By embracing balance and thoughtful decision-making, women can lead with strength, purpose, and influence—driving meaningful change that inspires others to follow.
10. Finally, what is your message this Women’s Day to women across generations who are striving to build careers, nurture families, and stay true to themselves?
Embrace every phase of life with confidence and purpose. Today, women across all age groups must invest continuously in themselves—fostering growth, resilience, and self-belief through professional upskilling, nurturing mental well-being, maintaining physical fitness, and strengthening emotional resilience. There will be moments when family or personal responsibilities take precedence, and stepping back consciously is a mark of strength, not compromise. Every woman must rise with renewed focus and purpose, stronger and more intentional. By cultivating balance, self-awareness, and empathy, women can lead with meaningful impact, inspire those around them, and fully realize their boundless potential. Every woman should recognize that by embracing growth, resilience, and intentionality, her potential becomes truly limitless.
