What do you do for Hitachi Energy, and how long have you been with the company?
As Hub Operations Manager, I work passionately towards the growth and success of Business Unit Grid Automation at Hitachi Energy, India. I bring exciting and diverse professional experience across Process Automation, Services, Project Management, Operation Excellence, and Supply Chain Management.
The key driving factors in my career are a customer-centric approach, people engagement, and delivering results in challenging and dynamic environments.
I have been working with Hitachi Energy for the past six months.
Since working for Hitachi Energy, what have been your best learnings, and how do you apply them in your daily personal and professional life?
I feel blessed with the key mantra we follow at Hitachi Energy, i.e., “Safety, Integrity, and Quality is our license to operate.”
These three things have changed me not only professionally but also in the personal aspects of my life. It has brought a sense of belonging and diversification to my contributions to humanity.
What does it mean for a woman to be “in power,” and how has this definition evolved?
Women in power means including and accepting women’s viewpoints and making an effort to raise the status of women through education, awareness, literacy, and training in various aspects of life.
The perception that “women need to take care of the home while men go out to work” has changed at the right time, where we realize that women’s involvement ensures the sustainable development of society and, in turn, the nation. There are women who proudly hold leadership positions in government and business, globally.
Women in power means including and accepting women’s viewpoints and making an effort to raise the status of women through education, awareness, literacy, and training in various aspects of life.
Can you discuss any systemic or societal barriers that women in leadership roles still face today? Despite the progress made in recent years, female leaders still face unique challenges in the workplace that can hinder their professional growth and advancement. This includes gender bias and stereotyping at the workplace, balancing work and family responsibilities, navigating workplace politics, and breaking the glass ceiling.
How can organizations ensure women in leadership positions have genuine influence and decision-making power?
Organizations must invite women into conversations and ensure their presence is known and their voices heard in the boardroom as executives. It is crucial for organizations to acknowledge that women bring fresh perspectives and collaboration to the table. Companies must also support work-life balance and provide mentorship and training designed with women in mind. These programs will allow women to take the lead in shaping their careers.
How can men contribute to and support the empowerment of women in leadership roles?
Men can play a vital role in amplifying women’s voices by actively supporting mentorship and sponsorship programs for women. By championing an inclusive work environment and advocating for networking opportunities designed to empower women, men contribute to advancing gender equality and equity in the workplace.
Can you share examples of policies or initiatives, either globally or regionally, that have positively impacted the empowerment of women in positions of influence?
Through various maternity return plans, we encourage women to return to work post-maternity. This has instilled confidence in many women who feel lost and insecure. I have seen many women professionals whose careers we have shaped after their maternity returns.
We also encourage diversity and inclusion in all of our senior-level positions, which is why we find various leadership roles successfully managed by women.
What advice can you share with women who are interested in applying for a job in the energy industry?
At Hitachi Energy, we believe in the four fundamental pillars connecting people: Purpose, People, Potential, and Performance. Business leadership at Hitachi Energy promotes teamwork, cultivates a sense of inclusiveness, motivates, inspires trust, and provides purpose and direction.
Inclusion and diversity are not just buzzwords but real commitments in my workplace; they are part of the fundamental and foundational principles that shape our work environment and culture. The diverse culture is instrumental in enhancing our organization’s success and creating added value for our business partners and customers, leading to exceptional outcomes.