There's no denying the shift in perceptions about the compatibility of women with technology. As companies realize the benefits of gender diversity in fostering innovation, Indian women have been more influential in the field of manufacturing over the last few years. Women are increasingly choosing engineering as a professional path, and India is witnessing a large number of manufacturing sector leaders emerging. It's no longer surprising to see women working in the automobile and associated manufacturing business, from the factory floor to management. Sivasankari TP, the Managing Director of EMF Innovations, is one such rising leader who is creating a significant influence in the Indian manufacturing industry.

As a computer science undergraduate at Thirumalai Engineering College in 2006, Sivasankari went on to get a master's degree in technology management at Sathyabama University in 2010. Sivasankari started her professional career as a professor and has since worked in a variety of industries, including electric vehicle and component manufacturing, where she has earned expertise in operations and human resource management.

Exclusively interacting with Women Entrepreneur magazine, Sivasankari discussed her diverse career experience and her impact-making goals as the MD of EMF Innovations.

Give us a brief overview of EMF Innovations.

EMF Innovations was created in 2016 as a clean tech company. Preparatory work on electric two-wheeler motors and controls preceded the actual work. When we did our research, we learned that much of what goes into motors and other important components is expensive, is heavily dependent on tedious mining procedures for procuring the key part which is Magnet, requires import procedures management, and results in considerable financial losses. We therefore developed Switch Reluctance Motors as a result of our expertise in magnet-less motors. In fact, EMF was one of the first in the country to introduce a new product line based on this strategy.

Take us through the prior industry experience. What are some key business lessons that you have learned through your prior industry experience that are still a part of your approach to leadership?

After completing my Master of Technology (M Tech) degree in Information Technology, I started work as a professor at a university. Eventually I had to quit my job to take care of my young daughter. During this period I began to get involved in our family business, which is dealing in silk sarees. Afterwards, I worked for a while in the metal art sector, designing artistically crafted metal windows and other home interior décor, but the company became unviable as a result of GST and demonetization effects. ThenI went on to start my own business in the herbal hair treatment line, which showed promise and profitability initially, but then the pandemic hit and with Covid, the number of customers plummeted, spelling the end of that line. In 2019 when the opportunity arose, I joined EMF Innovations as MD, where one of my responsibilities was directing the setting up and administration of the Neelambur, Coimbatore DC Motor & Controller manufacturing plant. Having prior work experience in a range of sectors made it easier for me to efficiently manage my team as well as deal with different client demands.

One of the lessons I learned through all my work experience is that, although most companies prefer to hire highly-skilled specialists, I would rather place my bets on individuals with a positive attitude who can be trained to meet business goals. When I look for new employees, I look for people who are enthusiastic about their work and willing to put in the time and effort necessary to succeed. This makes it easy for me to maintain a positive work atmosphere and keep my employees happy and engaged. As part of our larger vision, we select individuals from rural areas or underprivileged backgrounds who show potential to become specialists, and bring them on board to be trained for leadership roles. With large corporations' failure to recognize the potential of these individuals, we are happy to provide them with the opportunity to pursue a totally new profession for radical personal enhancement from their existing circumstances.

Another socially relevant step we have taken at EMF Innovations under my supervision is to employ more women. A majority of our workforce is made up of women, and we train them to be at par with the men. I believe no achievement is impossible for women. Our production shifts will soon be entirely controlled by female personnel; we are working towards this objective and expect to accomplish it shortly.

What are some of the most challenging aspects of your role as the MD? How do you overcome them?

Given that we are one of the first companies in India to produce magnet-less motors, attracting suppliers has proved to be extremely difficult. It was tough to convince them to join us, invest in our tooling, and operate for us. Our expansion has now altered this circumstance compared to when we first began.

Although Coimbatore is well-known as a center for induction-based motor manufacture, which is what we were doing at the time, finding and training skilled personnel remained a concern as we grew. As a result, we began hiring and training individuals from rural areas to meet our company's demands.

“One of my goals is to have an entire Shift run only by our female employees, we are working towards that purpose and intend to accomplish it shortly.”

Obtaining government assistance for our R&D activities and manufacturing tooling and investment support is difficult, but we are working on that as well. In the next few years, we may be able to gain support since our solutions are emerging technology products that need continual investment.

How has the manufacturing industry evolved over the past few years, especially since Covid 19? How do you keep yourself well aligned with the periodic evolutions occurring in your respective industry?

An organization that is entirely reliant on the utilization of electricity was formerly referred to as a "power giant." The controller, which we used to think of as the "driver," is now the major source of information about the motor. Lithium-ion battery-powered electric automobiles are helping to influence the automotive industry's future. Bluetooth, Google Maps, and a host of other technological capabilities will be included in the core, which will be powered by electronics. It is anticipated that as a result, the automotive industry would become less dependent on external sources of power and much more reliant on the driver.

As a successful business leader, what would your advice be to young women and girls aspiring to become business leaders and entrepreneurs in the future?

Working hard and being self-disciplined is more essential than college degrees in my opinion, for success in life. Conscientiousness, determination, and persistence are the most important behaviors for everyone, and cultivating these qualities will lead to success in any endeavor.

Sivasankari T P, MD, EMF Innovations

A seasoned Operations & HR Manager, Sivasankari has worked in a variety of industries, including the manufacture of electric vehicles and their components. Since Sivasankari has worked in many different sectors, she is well-versed in a wide range of segments including customer service and team-building, as well as recruiting and training.