Garima Mishra
From Air Force Precision to Leadership at Redington
Garima’s journey shows what happens when discipline, courage, and purpose meets possibilities!
What drew you to the armed forces?
I joined the Indian Air Force trying to live my father’s unfulfilled dream. It was a conscious choice rooted in having a sense of purpose and a desire to serve the nation. I was commissioned into a missile squadron and combat-support environment—roles where the stakes were extremely real. That experience shaped my mindset permanently.
Describe life in Indian Air Force
Very far removed from anything most people associate with normal life. I served in locations with no civilian infrastructure—no malls, no social life, sometimes not even stable communication or internet. You live with extremes: harsh weather, operational pressure, long periods away from family. But those conditions also teach you the deepest lessons in teamwork, trust, and resilience. Your unit becomes your family. Discipline becomes your anchor. Mission readiness becomes a way of life.
You’ve described your transition as “Boots to Bellies.” What did that shift involve?
It involved carrying the mindset of a soldier into a new arena. I exited the forces with pride, gratitude and a sense of accomplishment, and then entered the corporate world through the alcobev industry—an unfamiliar, space, with limited women representation in the industry. I eventually became the only woman leader in my business segment at the time. Leading distribution networks, expanding markets, and managing diverse on-ground teams required toughness I had learned in uniform. The environment changed, but the leadership fundamentals didn’t.
What was the biggest change you had to make in corporate leadership?
In the armed forces, clarity of command is absolute. In the corporate world, influence matters more. Learning to lead through alignment rather than command was a shift.
What surprised you positively about the corporate world?
The rhythm of performance. Every quarter feels like a new mission—the scoreboard resets to zero. Past success doesn’t guarantee future outcomes. Only preparation, focus and execution do. That cycle excites me. It keeps you grounded, hungry, and honest.
How has Redington shaped your leadership journey?
Redington gave me scale. I came in with corporate experience, but the pace, complexity, and ecosystem here pushed me to think bigger. My leaders gave me trust and space—to structure teams, take ownership, and lead authentically. The balance of continuous learning, accountability and support enabled my growth and impact at Redington.
Was there a moment when you felt you truly belonged at Redington?
Yes! During a phase of ambitious targets and market pressure, there was no panic—only alignment. Teams came together, conversations were solution-focused, and ownership was collective. I remember thinking: this feels familiar—calm under pressure, clear direction, team-first. When results followed, it felt like Mission Accomplished!
How do values from the military show up in your work today?
In discipline of planning, clarity of communication, accountability for outcomes, and standing by your team during tough phases. The scale may be different, but the mindset remains the same: prepare thoroughly, support your people, and aim higher every time. The spirit of “Touch the Sky with Glory” continues—just in a different uniform.
What does recognition as a veteran mean to you at Redington?
It means my past is not just acknowledged—it’s respected as a source of strength.
What does ‘Unlock Her Power’ mean to you?
It means leading without shrinking to fit expectations. As a woman, a veteran, and a leader, my power lies in owning my space fully. As I always say: Do not challenge yourself. Place a bet!
How has working at Redington helped you unlock your power—skills, confidence, or leadership?
Working at Redington, has evolved me to work in a value-driven environment. Redington’s culture of ownership, ethics, and scale, has pushed me to lead with both precision and integrity. This ecosystem has sharpened my strategic thinking, deepened my accountability, and given me an unmatched experience of strengthening while expanding the partner eco-system. Personally, I’ve learned balance—leading with strength and empathy. Being firm in direction, but human in approach. That balance is essential in today’s leadership landscape.