The PMI Thailand Chapter is honored to share the inspiring journey of Shabnam Ashrat Mehta, a visionary leader whose resilience, strategic mindset, and passion for continuous learning reflect the true essence of project management excellence.
A Trailblazer in Corporate Leadership
Shabnam Ashrat Mehta, PMP®, currently serves as Senior Vice President – Administration & External Affairs at the Aditya Birla Group – Thailand, overseeing a diverse portfolio that spans administration, communications, external affairs, and CSR. With over two decades of experience and academic credentials in Hotel Management, Arts, and a Master’s in Business Management, Shabnam brings both depth and versatility to her leadership role.
Her journey into structured project management began in 2009 in Mumbai, India, when she led a high-impact organizational initiative to digitize travel procurement for over 100,000 employees. Facing the complexity of enterprise-wide automation, policy reform, and large-scale change management, she realized that success required more than experience—it required a disciplined, strategic approach.
Embracing Project Management and the PMP® Certification
Motivated by this transformative experience, Shabnam set her sights on PMI’s globally recognized Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification. She committed herself to studying the PMBOK® Guide, sought mentorship from certified colleagues, and immersed herself in rigorous training sessions.
Yet, her PMP® journey was not without challenges. Just days before her scheduled exam in May 2017, Shabnam lost her mother-in-law after a long illness. Despite the emotional toll and added responsibilities, she demonstrated remarkable resolve, appearing for the exam on May 27 and earning her PMP® certification on the first attempt.
“Passing the exam amidst personal adversity was more than a milestone – it was a testament to the power of perseverance and purpose.”
Applying PMI Practices Across Borders
Since becoming certified, Shabnam has leveraged PMI standards across multi-country, cross-functional projects in Thailand. After relocating to Bangkok in 2018, she took on an expatriate leadership role at Aditya Birla Group’s Thailand Head Office, directly influencing organizational culture, project outcomes, and strategic initiatives.
Key projects include:
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Project ABG Travel Portal – Thailand (Aug 2021 – May 2022): Streamlining travel services through a localized digital solution.
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Head Office Renovation Project (Nov 2023 – Nov 2024): Enhancing employee experience and workplace branding.
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Multiple CSR and stakeholder engagement initiatives across 10 sites in Thailand.
Shabnam uses key PMI practices daily, from stakeholder engagement and risk management to communication and execution planning – turning strategy into structured action and vision into tangible results.
A Lifelong Learner and Industry Contributor
Beyond her executive role, Shabnam is committed to academic and professional development. She is currently pursuing doctoral studies in Management and actively contributes to thought leadership in her field.
Recent highlights include:
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Serving as Chief Editor for Contemporary Trends in Commerce, Management & Economics Vol. 2
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Speaking engagements at forums such as the HR Conclave at SGVU, Jaipur
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Editorial board membership for scholarly publications in Management and CSR
Empowering Others Through Project Management
For Shabnam, PMP® is not just a title- it’s a mindset.
“A goal without a plan is just a wish,” she says, quoting Antoine de Saint-Exupéry—a reminder that structured planning lies at the heart of transformation.
She actively encourages peers to pursue the PMP® credential, citing it as a powerful catalyst for both personal and professional growth. Her own recertification journey is a testament to her ongoing engagement with project management trends and global best practices.
Inspiration for the PMI Community
Shabnam Ashrat Mehta’s story is one of courage, adaptability, and vision. From leading complex change projects in India to shaping corporate strategy in Thailand, she exemplifies how project management can drive meaningful impact—across industries, geographies, and roles.
Share Your Story with Us
At PMI Thailand Chapter, we celebrate professionals like Paul Cook who exemplify the best of what project management can offer. If you have a story of growth, achievement, or transformation through PMI, we invite you to share it with us.
📩 Submit your story at info@pmithai.org and let your journey inspire others!
Together, let’s continue to learn, grow, and lead the way in project management.