Women powering Cummins | Kamna Sama

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

Post my engineering in computer science, I started learning hardware and computer assembly, which were typically pursued as male jobs. My professional career started with TCS Global Manufacturing (TCS), where I worked for more than 18 years, first in their Corporate IT – Data Center Operations and Global Enterprise Applications. Followed with working in the IT Quality and Compliance function for a global Pharma customer leading a service delivery team of more than 1,400 associates. It was an eventful journey in my career from learning a new skill and winning a multi-million-dollar deal to the execution of engagement on the managed service model. Further ahead, I was within the Technology Consulting Practice group and participated in various thought leadership initiatives, creating industry-specific solutions, participating in sessions with Market Analysts (Gartner, Forrester, IDC) and being a public speaker at partner events. At TCS, I was fortunate to set up Consulting Practice. As the Practice Director, I envisaged the “startup-to-scale” model – vision and charter definition, service offering, revenue sales targets and mentored a pipeline of technology executives in a globally diverse workforce, while encouraging an inclusive work culture. As a strategy leader, I formed a transformation strategy with a "purpose led digital" approach for global manufacturing customers. I was the youngest female global leader heading strategy, operations, and consulting services within the group. Few flagship digital transformations executed for manufacturing were on the digital areas of IIOT, analytics, cloud, mobility, user experience, and IT consulting.
 
Recently, I have joined Cummins as the IT Director for the Engine and Components segments. I am responsible for driving innovations and IT strategies on programs and projects for the business IT applications, and business segments including Tata Cummins Pvt Ltd JV.

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

Philosophically, at the core I have been a ‘listener and solution provider" – listening to the voice of customers, team needs and building relationships across teams to deliver game-changing solutions and outcomes.

I strongly feel the key attributes that have helped me climb up the ladder include making bold decisions, commitment and passion, goal-orientation, strategic viewpoint, openness to change, agility to learn, empathetic approach towards stakeholders, solution partner outlook, customer-first mindset, and the desire to innovate.

How far have you succeeded in challenging the stereotypes?

Throughout my professional journey, I have always managed to break the biases - worked in male-dominated industries, was the youngest female leader at TCS Global Manufacturing, was the only female Global Leader in my domain, building high performing diverse talent. I am a “lead by example" mentor for women aspiring for leadership roles and finally making bold career moves during critical phases in their personal life. 

At Cummins, there is impetus to create an inclusive environment for women leaders and provide a generous parental leave policy and industry-leading support for nursing mothers. I am glad to play multiple roles in my life as a wife, mother, and female leader; and hope more young ladies will consider a career in manufacturing IT.

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

The impact of COVID-19 on women’s mental health was immense with anxiety and depression affecting their capability to perform caregiving roles, making it more stressful. A high percentage of male workers had completely lost their jobs due to the pandemic, making many women the sole earners for their families. Without house help support, working women across the globe were challenged to take care of work commitments and manage children’s upbringing (online education), along with spouse and family support .

Many self-employed women completely shut down their businesses due to economic instability during the pandemic, and had to change the course of their flourishing careers. This overall increased health hazards for women and made them susceptible to the pandemic.

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

Do what you feel is right, with conviction and passion. Challenge your limits, don’t have self-doubt, and embrace your female qualities as an asset. Be confident about your subject area and hold the ground. Work-life is good but give time to yourself. Do indulge with things that make you happy as you deserve it.