Looking around the modern world, we can find that women have left no area untouched when it comes to holding leadership chairs. From corporate to politics, 21st-century women can be found everywhere, displaying a statement to the world that they are second to none. They have always proved their mettle by shining in the not-so-glamorous industries. And the manufacturing industry is a classic example of that. The manufacturing world which is perceived to be ruled by men has also started witnessing great women in the Board Rooms. Indeed, there are very few women in the sector, but they never fail to bring something different to the table and stand as an inspiration. Among such praiseworthy personalities in the sector, Dr. Bindu Sathyajith is a name we can never miss.

She has been recognized and respected as an inspiring leader, perfect strategist, and decision-maker with immense knowledge of Composite Technology; in fact, a doctorate holder in the subject. To honor Bindu as one of the top leaders in manufacturing (Pigment Paste for the Composite Industry), Women Entrepreneur India engages in an exclusive conversation with her.

Take us through your early journey and the prior industry experience that you bring to the table.

Hired from the campus during my UG degree, my career began with Taj Group of Hotels as a sales executive. Parallelly, I did my PG along with my work; specializing in economics. After a year of multifaceted exposure with Taj, I realised that the hotel industry was not my cup of tea. Despite getting good training (an experience that shaped my professional personality), I decided not to continue in the hotel's segment but use the experience elsewhere. I founded multiple ventures after that; right from a C&F agency to an online store that sells gifts & cakes – when Amazon was not available in India. It gave me immense happiness. And now, I am in the chemical manufacturing segment with Polycolors international.

How did you foray into the pigments manufacturing space, despite being an economics graduate?

While we were focused on our business in India, one of our agents in Dubai was running a pigment business. While my husband & I were on a vacation to Dubai, he told us that there is some technical issue with a pro with a pigment paste. Out of curiosity, we wanted to solve the issue and I began contacting professors at the university. After coming to India, I had a deep discussion with Cochin University and used their lab to analyse with all technical support. We figure out that the ingredient used was specific to the pain industry and didn’t suit the fiber-glass industry. While things worked well after replacing the raw material, I was asked about opening a new unit in India. At that point, I wasn't too keen as this was completely new to me. But we proceeded to launch only a sales department here in India. As time passed, the team grew and it was time for the organization to grow as well with a new manufacturing unit. I had no idea about the business and the partnership dissolved due to several problems such as undervaluation and more.

At that point, I realized that it is important to have deep knowledge of every aspect of the business. I began learning all the technical, marketing, and financial aspects from scratch. I pursued my PhD and used the time of business slowdown to improve my knowledge about the market and products. In 2022, I did an executive programme from IIM with 100 per cent sponsorship. I launched a power laundry unit which is now spearheaded by my son. We are going to be entering into the b2c sector as well.

"Our clients prefer our products because of their excellent durability and reliability apart from the cost-competitive reasonable pricing"

Tell us about Polycolors International. What is the underlying idea behind the firm and some of its most unique features?

We are a Kochi-based manufacturing house engaged in the production as well as trading of Pigment Paste used in the composite industry. Our materials range also includes Sparkling pigments for FRP, Solid Industry, Synthetic tiles and other synthetic stones. While we only make seven basic colours, we have been able to match over 2500 colours while relying only on manual matching and not computerized work to provide authentic & perfect work in terms of precise colour consistently – which is our primary USP. Also, we don’t insist on Hundreds of Kgs as minimum quantity and do smaller quantities as well.

Since its inception, we have been striving to ensure research and innovation for progress. While not focusing much on the export market right now, we have ensured to position ourselves as the third-largest international standard pigment manufacturer in India. Further, we are expanding our portfolio by pioneering glittering pigment paste in the market and also growing in terms of turnover.

Tell us about your initiative to lend a helping hand to other aspiring leaders. What message/advice do you have for youngsters and business leaders?

I want to share every bit of my experience and knowledge – be it hardships or success. Having this at the core, I started up an NGO called Eunatti foundation. While economically empowering women & youngsters, we have almost reached out to 1000 of them. I mentor & handhold almost around 80 women entrepreneurs across India.

The message from my side is that a leader should understand which task is important. Unimportant tasks doesn’t deserve your time and energy; understanding this will definitely come with experience. Moreover, you should be a role model and positive energy to your team because what is reflecting on us will reflect on others too. Also, money is time and time is money and thus everyone needs to attain the freedom of money by using our time effectively.

Dr. Bindu Sathyajith, Managing Director,  Polycolors International

Started her career at the age of 19 with The Taj Group of Hotels and became an entrepreneur – running her own chemical unit that manufactures Pigment Paste and an Industrial Laundry Unit in Kerala. She is also working for the welfare of women and children through Eunnathi Foundation.