Celebrating Kalyani Verma: BikeBiz’s 2024 Woman of the Year

This piece first appeared in the May edition of BikeBiz magazine – not subscribed? Get a free subscription.

From engineering to yoga, Kalyani Verma brings a unique perspective to the cycling industry. Discover how her dedication and drive earned her the 2024 BikeBiz Woman of the Year award.

Congratulations on winning the BikeBiz ‘Woman of the Year’ award! What was your initial reaction, and what does this recognition mean to you?

Thank you. I couldn’t believe it!!! The award means so much to me, to have been recognised in the industry and by so many people. I’m so touched someone at work nominated me and with such kind words – I still have no idea who it was, which makes it more special.

Were there any pivotal moments or experiences that led you to your role as Supplier Quality Engineer at Brompton?

Having taken 16 years away from industry, to raise my three children and build a yoga business on the side, returning to the corporate world marked a significant shift in my life. The whole prospect of applying for jobs and taking interviews felt daunting, coupled with a feeling of being unemployable. 

I embraced the challenges. What surprised me was that my previous engineering experience held relevance, and my life skills were applicable. I was fortunate enough to be given an opportunity to work at Brompton by a wonderful manager.

You mentioned that working at Brompton gave you the ‘cycling bug’. Was there a specific moment or experience at Brompton that sparked this interest?

All new starters go through an induction program at Brompton and part of this includes riding on their bikes. And I loved it!  I thought it was so fun and liberating. Brompton allow their employees to borrow a bike for their first three months. I took this up, and I used to park a few miles away from the office just so that I could cycle the remaining distance on my Brompton. 

This also meant I practised folding and unfolding my bike! My first longish ride was 13 miles with my work colleagues. We rode from Greenford to London Hyde Park along the canal and then folded our bikes and took the train home. This gave me the ‘cycling bug’ and I have since completed Palace to Palace (45 miles) and then Ride London (62 miles) cycling events.

Does your experience in space-enabled transformation at LAB287, influence your role at Brompton or have an impact on any other areas of your life?

I am a person who loves to experience and learn lots of things. I am a yoga teacher, a trained dancer, a degree holder, a mum, and an actor, to name a few. The opportunity at LAB287 came unexpectedly whilst I was supporting my husband with his own company. Having exposure to the space industry shows me that the impossible can be made possible. And these insights have given me the belief that every industry can be improved with imagination and creativity.

I’m also really proud of how my experience of yoga is benefiting my colleagues at Brompton. I run a daily morning stretch, which has gathered a bit of a following!

What projects or initiatives are you currently most excited about?

I have been working on Brompton’s latest G-Line bike – a versatile, multi-terrain, larger wheel, foldable bike. It’s been amazing being part of a project from start to end, being involved from the design stage right through to production. 

Just as exciting, I am trying to rally a group of Brompton employees to do this year’s London to Brighton bike ride. – all on our Bromptons, of course.

When you think of the cycling industry, are there any aspects that you feel could be more welcoming or inclusive to people from diverse cultural or ethnic backgrounds?

When I’m cycling, I often feel like I’m the only Asian woman on a bike. This does make me feel sad. I know of great groups, like The Cycle Sisters, that inspire Muslim women to cycle, and we need more groups like this to help promote inclusivity in cycling. This could also be better encouraged through images in media and advertising. 

A bike, in general, is primarily designed for a male. With my female colleagues at work, we have adjusted our bikes so that it suits our builds. For example, adjusting the reach of the brakes – I have quite small hands.  

In a recent post of yours, you mention the ‘tribe of cyclists’ you’ve found. How important do you think community is within the cycling world?

For me, it’s what makes cycling fun and joyful. A “tribe” helps you feel supported and that you can achieve anything. I remember in my Palace to Palace ride, how my two friends stayed with me the whole way, I couldn’t have done it without them. Thank you, Matt and Ian. Building from that was the group of friends who helped me train for Ride London. They encouraged me along, even though I did the actual ride on my own. Thank you, Sally, Sophie and Steph. I love cycling with my friends, feeling safe and enjoying the surroundings. It’s so important that we are there for each other.

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in STEM, particularly in engineering and manufacturing?

If you enjoy it, go for it! It’s a great subject with many transferable skills. It’s still a male-dominated industry, but a diverse perspective can make a big difference. My one personal advice is – be yourself.

How does your experience working at a well-known Global consumer goods company compare to working in the cycling industry? 

Brompton pride themselves on handmade bespoke manufacturing, which is different to mass-produced consumer goods. The bespoke nature of the bikes means there are many variations that can be made tailored to each customer. 

Do you like to separate the different parts of your life? Or does the Yogi, Mum, Engineer, podcast host, and actor influence what you do in one way or another?

I pride myself in being me – an outgoing, people person, who is positive, and a bit loud. Whether you know me through yoga, engineering, a family member or any other avenue – it’s the same me. I prefer to amalgamate all the different parts of my life.

What’s next? What are your future aspirations within the cycling industry and beyond?

As I said earlier, I love to experience lots of things, so who knows what I’ll be doing next? I do know I want to help people move well and feel great – whether that’s through bikes, yoga or something else.