Women powering Cummins | Neha Mishra

Could you tell us something about your professional achievements and career progression?  

I lead the Corporate Shared Services and Capability Building Group at the Cummins Technical Center India (CTCI). I am basically a Control Systems Engineer. It has been a long journey of control design and validation of digital autopilot for launch vehicles to engine controls. I have one patent and a couple of papers to my credit. I have developed many capabilities in the system modelling and controls including – virtual dyno, vehicle, genset for India region in Cummins, model predictive control for the microgrid electrical, and electromagnetic system simulation capabilities in Eaton and the SMC controls for upper atmospheric stages of launch vehicles in Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

What are the attributes that helped you to reach where you are in your career?

Inquisitiveness. Keep asking questions and learn in the process. Cummins is an excellent organization that is inclusive and provides a plethora of options to explore. Technical skills and a systematic approach to problem-solving are important for any success in the technical domain.

How far have you succeeded in challenging the stereotypes?

Being the first female engineer of the family, studying in Delhi, then starting a career in the southernmost tip of the country, while hailing from a small quiet town – Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh (MP) was my first step of breaking the personal stereotype. 

Stereotypes of women’s careers to be tied to their spouse – we have succeeded in leading an independent and satisfying journey so far, though with a lot of hard work. In my previous organization, I was siloed when my spouse resigned, as they assumed that I would too. I stayed there for a considerable amount of time to prove the point that we are independent beings and don’t come as a family pack!

The stereotype of women being natural managers and hence there is no effort. I had to call out that leading a group is a skill and that must be appreciated alike, without shunning an accomplishment, crediting to the gender. 

The stereotype of personal milestones in women’s journey – quite often, it is assumed that women are not ambitious post-maternity leave as they are settling in. There is nothing like settling in, managing on the personal front is new but the job existed, even earlier. We need to remove the biases and be fair in our evaluation process. I could get two of my promotions immediately after I resumed office. In Cummins, we have promoted a team member, while she was on leave. 

In both essential and digital functions, women suffered the repercussions of the economic and social effects of the pandemic. Your comments.

The pandemic impacted everyone , and women were no exception. The job loss of self or their spouse had an impact on the life which was seemingly normal so far. Working from home, while working for home was an effort. The blurring of the boundaries took a toll but like always, we have learned, and things are getting to an equilibrium. 

What’s the message you want to send to young working women?

My message to young women is – just be. There is a reason we are hired and selected for a role. There is no need to work harder to be like someone else. Everyone has their journey and likewise, everyone has a unique role to play in the organization. Just be and speak your mind and more importantly, speak for yourself, as no one else will or can be you.