On the event of Worldwide Girls’s Day, a dialogue hosted by ET Auto introduced collectively 4 influential girls leaders from the automotive and know-how industries, every of whom is redefining boundaries and breaking new floor of their respective fields.
The audio system — Rucha Nanavati (Chief Digital Transformation Officer at Mahindra & Mahindra), Padmaja A R (Govt VP at Bosch International Software program Applied sciences & CTO of Bosch Mobility Enterprise Sector India), Angelin Mary GP (Car Software program, Daimler Truck Innovation Centre India), and Shweta Jahagirdar (Head – Software program Outlined Autos, Tata Motors Industrial Car Enterprise Unit) — mentioned how girls professionals are usually not solely overcoming societal challenges but in addition shaping the way forward for automotive know-how.
Breaking the glass ceiling in a male-dominated trade
Every of the panelists has spent over 20 years within the automotive and tech sectors, navigating the hurdles of a historically male-dominated trade. Their private tales replicate resilience, persistence, and the fixed pursuit of excellence, regardless of the biases they confronted early of their careers.
Shweta Jahagirdar highlighted her personal journey, saying, “In a area like automotive, which has lengthy been dominated by males, breaking boundaries, staying curious, and continuously studying has been my basis. It’s about extra than simply pushing boundaries in tech — it’s about establishing your house in an trade that’s not all the time welcoming.”
For Rucha Nanavati, the problem was not nearly profession development however about balancing private {and professional} life. “Converse up, that’s the way you break boundaries,” she shared. “Be a lifelong learner, notably within the tech house, however don’t overlook to remain human. Our trade is quick evolving, however we should all the time keep in mind the human ingredient behind know-how.”
The panelists echoed the significance of persistence, studying, and confidence in overcoming societal expectations and biases. “Persistence is vital,” stated Padmaja A R. “Be agency, be decisive, and implement your studying.”
Significance of range in innovation
The panellists highlighted the crucial function that girls play in driving each technological innovation and societal change inside the automotive trade. Their numerous views are reshaping the design and growth of autos, making certain that merchandise are constructed for a extra numerous, world client base.
“Technological progress in automotive is pushed by a various set of views,” Padmaja defined. “At Bosch, we’re specializing in AI/ML, data-driven options, and the way forward for mobility, and the contribution of numerous minds — together with girls — is central to this evolution.”
Angelin Mary GP added, “Generally, innocence and curiosity may help you method issues otherwise. Don’t let biases or preconceptions maintain you again. Hold centered in your objectives.”
The deal with range isn’t nearly bringing extra girls into the workforce but in addition about putting them in management positions the place they will make impactful choices. The panellists agreed that elevated feminine illustration in management roles will unlock higher potential for innovation and create extra inclusive merchandise and options.
Know-how developments reshaping mobility
Girls professionals within the automotive sector are on the forefront of the technological revolution. The rise of software-defined autos, AI/ML purposes, electrification, and autonomous driving — all applied sciences which are reshaping how we take into consideration transportation.
“The automotive trade is changing into more and more software-driven,” defined Shweta Jahagirdar. “We’re centered on linked autos, AI, and enhancing the consumer expertise. These improvements require recent views, and ladies deliver these numerous viewpoints to the desk.”
Nanavati mentioned the corporate’s deal with electrical autos, stressing the significance of technological advances in sustainability. “Our world-class electrical autos are a direct response to the shifting priorities of customers who demand greener, smarter options.”
The panel additionally touched on the numerous function AI/ML is taking part in in future developments. From driverless vehicles to enhanced in-vehicle experiences, these applied sciences promise to revolutionise the sector. “AI is reworking how we construct and function autos,” Padmaja A R stated.
Balancing work-life calls for
Whereas technological innovation took centre stage, the panellists additionally mentioned the customarily missed problem of work-life steadiness, notably for ladies in tech and automotive sectors. Balancing a demanding profession with household duties is usually a problem, however the panel agreed that assist techniques, prioritisation, and steady communication are key.
Shweta Jahagirdar shared insights into her method: “Maternity and household duties are an integral a part of the work-life equation. The secret’s to have a assist system, to prioritise what issues most, and to be okay with compromise when vital.”
Additionally they pressured the significance of searching for mentorship and assist from each women and men within the office. “It is essential to search out sponsors and mentors who will again you, particularly when taking up management roles,” added Angelin Mary GP. “Having assist round you is what lets you push boundaries each personally and professionally.”
The long run
The panellists concluded by advocating for a future the place extra girls occupy management positions within the automotive and tech industries. Whereas strides have been made, there’s nonetheless a necessity for additional illustration, notably in decision-making roles. The advantages of extra girls in management roles embrace higher decision-making, numerous concepts, and a broader understanding of client wants.
As Padmaja A R summed up, “Don’t restrict your self. Be agency, decisive, and keep dedicated to your imaginative and prescient. Girls in management roles aren’t simply shaping know-how — they’re shaping the way forward for society.”
