Ratna Bhardwaj
My passion has always been process improvement, building strong teams, and running a business. With my master's in economics, which is so math-related and statistical, I knew I could do something in problem-solving and process improvement, so operations was the best field I could choose, and I'm so proud of it. My main area of expertise is definitely my leadership style and my focus towards problem-solving, improving processes, and standardizing. On a daily basis, I work to make sure we are hitting our goals for the day and for the site, ensuring my leaders and associates feel supported. I develop strategies and plan a month ahead for our volume goals and site goals, while working with the safety team to ensure everyone at the workplace is being safe. I handle both everyday operations and long-term operations goals. I have led multiple projects at Amazon and my current company where I have turned around whole sites. In one project I led, I saved about $100K in cost savings. I recently got certified as Black Belt Six Sigma, which adds to my professional achievements alongside my two master's degrees. As an immigrant working in this field, I bring a unique perspective, and every day I am motivated by my family's support and expectations, as well as the opportunity to be part of a country that is so welcoming.
• Black Belt Six Sigma
• Bachelor's in Business Administration from MSU
• India
• Master's in International Relations Management from Vistula University
• Poland
• Master's in Applied Economics from Western Kentucky University
• Economics club at Western Kentucky University
• Non-governmental organizations in India
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of strong values, resilience, and the responsibility I carry as an immigrant.
Growing up, I always had a deep sense of accountability—not just for myself, but for my family and the opportunities I’ve been given. My parents’ belief in me, along with their expectations, became a source of motivation rather than pressure. It pushed me to show up every day with purpose and consistency.
I’ve also built my career on integrity, honesty, and a strong work ethic. Those values have helped me earn trust, navigate challenges, and continue growing in fast-paced environments.
Most importantly, I see success as a journey of continuous improvement. I’m always learning, adapting, and pushing myself to be better—not just professionally, but as a person and a leader.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of career advice I’ve ever received is to focus on building a strong foundation of values, because skills can be learned, but your character is what truly defines your leadership.
That advice stayed with me. Throughout my career, I’ve prioritized integrity, honesty, and accountability in everything I do. It’s helped me make tough decisions, build trust with my teams, and stay grounded even in high-pressure environments.
I’ve also learned that growth doesn’t come from always feeling ready—it comes from stepping into challenges, being open to learning, and trusting yourself to figure things out along the way.
That combination of strong values and continuous learning has really shaped the leader I am today, and it’s something I carry with me every day.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My biggest advice to young women entering this industry is to trust your voice and not underestimate the value you bring to the table.
Operations can be fast-paced and, at times, male-dominated, but your perspective, your leadership style, and your approach to problem-solving are your strengths—never something you need to change to fit in. Speak up, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to take ownership early in your career.
Also, don’t wait until you feel ‘fully ready’ to take on bigger challenges—growth comes from stepping into uncomfortable situations and learning along the way.
Most importantly, stay grounded in your values. When you lead with integrity, confidence, and empathy, you not only grow yourself but also create space for others to succeed.
There is absolutely a place for you in this industry—and you belong at every table you walk into
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and also opportunities—in my field is operating in an extremely fast-paced environment where there’s a constant balance between speed and quality.
In operations, the pressure to move faster is always there, but true leadership lies in ensuring that productivity never comes at the cost of quality. For me, the real focus is on building systems and processes that allow both to coexist, rather than treating them as trade-offs.
At the same time, there’s a human element that’s just as critical. I’m not only responsible for driving operational performance, but also for creating a positive and supportive experience for my associates. Balancing business goals with people development is both the challenge and the opportunity—it’s what turns good operations into great, sustainable ones.
I see this space as an opportunity to continuously innovate, lead with empathy, and create environments where both performance and people can thrive together
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
At the core of both my professional and personal life are integrity and honesty. These aren’t just values I believe in—they’re principles I actively live by every day.
I’ve learned that when you lead with honesty—whether with your team, your leaders, or yourself—you build trust, and that trust becomes the foundation for everything meaningful. Integrity, to me, is about doing the right thing even when it’s not the easiest choice.
As an immigrant and a leader, these values have shaped how I show up, how I build relationships, and how I grow. They’ve guided me through challenges, helped me stay grounded, and continue to push me to become better every day.
I truly believe that when your values are strong, success doesn’t just follow—it becomes sustainable and meaningful.