From working in a non-profit organization to heading the Business Development vertical of a leading manufacturing company, Jessica’s journey is inspiring to many. Jessica D'Cunha of Edicon Pneumatic believes that a woman’s strength lies in her individuality and versatility. She proved with her own achievement that empowering women rather than a view of women as a liability makes the right choice for any organization.
” Speak up and be brave are words I now live by. I’ve slowly gained the confidence to believe that what I have to say has value, that I bring a fresh perspective to the room and that makes all the difference,” pronounced Jessca D' Cunha on her journey as a 'Womanufacturer.'
Starting her career at an organization where less than 20% of employees were women, Jessica realized the lack of equal opportunity for women and the importance of self-motivation to succeed. But she persisted and succeeded, having spent over four years in the manufacturing industry, and be in a position today to head Business Development in both the domestic and
export markets for her organization.
“A woman can play the same role in the industry as a man can, moreover, I firmly believe in the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workforce. Women’s inclusion brings diversity in thought & this directly correlates with the profitability of a business,” opened up Jessica about a woman’s role in manufacturing.
She further adds, “Female champions and Ambassadors play a crucial role in making society understand women’s indispensable role in manufacturing. Beyond government policies and industries, society’s mindset about women’s participation in manufacturing should be amended from an elementary stage – at home, schools and colleges.”
Driving the Long-Standing passion
After graduating in International Business Management from the University of East Anglia, UK, and a diploma in Business Administration from the University of Exeter, UK, Jessica found her interest in manufacturing while interning with leading organizations such as Godrej and
Edicon in the Sales and Marketing verticals.
“I interned at companies within the manufacturing space, this gave me the right exposure within the industry. Working with industries gave me a long-lasting passion for manufacturing and, I see myself working here for the long run,” said Jessica of her initial journey.
Prior to her work in the industry, Jessica served as the Manager of the National Development Team at Teach for India, a not-for-profit organization building a movement of leaders who will eliminate educational inequity in India. “Working with Teach for India was a rewarding experience that taught me many skills in leadership, relationship-building and networking”.
Importance of Self-motivation
“Women are heavily underrepresented in manufacturing, especially in our country – where only 12 % of the manufacturing sector is female. Belonging to that statistic, I had a seat at the table but did not feel quite as empowered to share my point of view. Entering a manufacturing company where less than 20% of the team consists of women, was a different experience as compared to my former role in Education where gender ratios were completely reversed. With a lack of female role models, I decided to take on that role myself. “Speak up and be brave” are words I now live by. I’ve slowly gained the confidence to believe that what I have to say has value, that I bring a fresh perspective to the room and that makes all the difference” she added on the importance of self-motivation for women leaders in the industry.
Transiting into the manufacturing industries from a non-profit organization, Jessica is now serving as the Business Development lead at Edicon Pneumatic Tool Company. Edicon is nearing its 4th decade in business, providing innovative and trusted pneumatic tool solutions to the infrastructure & construction industries. Heading the team for four years in the export business, she has recently started leading the domestic business development operations of the company as well.
“Handling customer relationships in domestic market and the export segment require different skillset for the difference in the nature of the two markets. It was challenging but achievable. I believe that if women can inspire themselves on their own, they can achieve a lot of success and inspire other women not only within their specific organization but for the whole community,” she adds further.
Engaging & Spreading Awareness for Future
“Today’s business challenges need to be resolved with a diverse, multifaceted approach. We need to attract more female talent to the field. We need to shift pre-conceived mindsets & stereotypes regarding women working in this field. We can do this through engagement and spreading awareness. Here’s where Female champions or ambassadors can play an important role in improving perceptions. We must build the future pipeline of talent through engagement by shedding light on women who have paved the way.”
“There are some good government policies in place regarding women empowerment but I think the implementation of these policies leaves a lot to be desired for. Changing mindsets are what we need to really battle with,” Jessica said on how women empowerment should be taken on. “As a female leader, I endeavor to recruit exceptional female talent to our workforce,” she concludes on strengthening the role of women in the industry.
