Khushboo R. Kotadia
Executive Electrical
SAC, Bharuch, DCM Shriram Ltd.
Early in my career, I was fortunate to take on independent roles and collaborate with diverse cross- functional teams, regularly engaging with contractual partners. This experience not only deepened my understanding of functional dynamics but also honed my management skills. Exposure to various CAPEX projects provided me the opportunity to troubleshoot problems, contributing significantly to my professional growth.
In today's professional landscape, however, women still confront unfair stigmas, especially in on-site industry roles. Starting my career as the sole woman in my department posed initial challenges. The hurdles women face not only impedes professional advancement but also instil self-doubt. Despite this, driven by a passion for professional growth, I endeavoured to challenge stereotypes and restore the rightful recognition of women in the industry. Embracing inclusivity is crucial for collective success.
Amid doubts and stigmas, my journey at DCM Shriram has transformed me into a resilient individual, capable of making impactful changes and informed decisions with the guidance of my superiors.
Recognizing the importance of supporting other women entering the industry, my advice to young aspirational women is to be resilient. Although obstacles may be draining at times, perseverance is key. Don't hesitate to speak up with ideas and opinions—your voice is just as vital as anyone else’s in the room. Cheers to breaking barriers and fostering a more inclusive workplace.
Trupti Joshi
Assistant Manager
EHS, SAC Jhagadia
My journey began as a Graduate Engineer Trainee in a pesticide company, where prevailing stereotypes deemed males fit for industry roles and females suitable for consulting. I took it as a challenge, vowing to not only crack the interview but also sustain myself as an experienced Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) professional.
Amid scepticism, I completed 7+ years in the industrial EHS domain. Transitioning from college to professional life felt like starting from scratch, with everything new—the environment, work, people, and management.
For me, the key challenge in creating an inclusive safety and health culture lies in people engagement. The continuous cycle of seeing, doing, and teaching, monitored by metrics, is crucial. Today, women in EHS wield more power, and teamwork, employee engagement, and an inclusive mind set ensure a healthy workforce.
What I love about my job is the multifaceted responsibility, encompassing technical, legal, and social aspects. Navigating modifications, updating processes, adhering to government regulations, and fostering discussions with project teams and officials for environmental compliance are exciting challenges. The role also aligns with the current ESG trend—Environment, Social, and Governance—offering opportunities for personal, professional, and financial growth.
Being an engineer, to me, means finding solutions, not just technical but also process improvements for a better future. The evolving landscape of EHS, marked by increased female participation, diversity, and inclusion, is promising.
I live by the principle of 'Give Respect, Take Respect.' Respect is fundamental for effective teamwork and achieving shared objectives. My advice to aspiring women: Engage others, seek advice, motivate peers, and coach staff for personal and organizational success. Ultimately, when everyone is included, everyone wins!"
Pooja Madan
DGM Accounts & Finance
Fenesta
Pooja Madan remembers, as a bright-eyed young student in 2005, the time that DCM Shriram Ltd. held CA campus interviews. There were four rounds to get through, and the topic chosen for the GD round was interesting, though a little unusual, to ask a group of aspiring CAs: ‘Should People Watch Daily Soaps?’ Those days ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ was topping the charts. In her entire subgroup of 30-40 people Pooja was the only one who spoke in favor of the topic, and though the answer seemed unconventional, she was selected for speaking her mind. DCM Shriram valued this characteristic in her and she found herself shortlisted to join the company.
Pooja was dating when she left Delhi for an extensive induction at Kota, Bharuch, and the sugar factories. She found it all very fascinating, but in the era of Nokia phones, no WhatsApp, and very expensive outgoing calls she missed her beau in Delhi. Thankfully the relationship survived the challenges of distance and communication and Pooja married in 2007. When she first became pregnant, she found some colleagues in the office contemplating and commenting on her future career path post-maternity leave. Many questioned the policy of maternity leave, especially paid maternity leave. Then there were disturbing rumors and gossip.
Much to Pooja’s relief, her reporting manager and the senior management were cut from a different cloth, and she found support in them. Finance and accounts has largely been a male dominated area, which has a few occasional downsides. For example, while everyone has family obligations and health issues, if a woman needs to leave the office early, she becomes the talk of the town. Somehow this does not happen with male colleagues, even if they have the same family and health obligations. Pooja believes that women should not be timid in the face of biases and stereotypes. “After all,” she says, “we are strong, independent women who should never shy away from traveling, taking up new challenges and learning. We should not give anyone the opportunity to show us in a bad light.”
Pooja’s second pregnancy was different. By then she was more mature and the company culture had greatly evolved in that short time. She had also proved her worth, showing everyone that a six month break could not hamper her capabilities. It also helped that her reporting manager had charted a clear and well-defined work path for Pooja. With that clarity, she rejoined work, and within a year she was promoted. Pooja believed the onus was upon her to prove herself, and doubled down at work to make up for the missing months. This time she found support from all corners.
A strong advocate of growth, Pooja appreciates the numerous initiatives DCM Shriram has with a focus on learning and development for its employees. She encourages women to take full advantage of the training, mentoring sessions, the IDPs, books and conversations, and the open door culture, to firmly set themselves on a stronger career path. And in the midst of all these things, both personally and professionally, Pooja believes that women should always support other women, “Because real queens fix each others’ crowns.”