The journey of a leader is never easy, and for women in male-dominated industries like manufacturing, it comes with unique challenges. Aishwarya Pavashe, the Chief Administrative Officer at Creintors Automation Solutions Pvt Ltd, has faced these challenges head-on. Her story is one of perseverance, learning, and growth.
A New Beginning: From HR to Leadership
Aishwarya started her career 12 years ago as an HR executive. Having completed her Bachelor of Arts and an MBA in HR and Finance, she took up her first job with a simple goal—to be employed after graduation. However, as she gained experience, she began to realize her true aspirations. “You only understand your dreams when you start working and face real-world situations,” she shares.
Coming from a small village, balancing family expectations and a corporate career was tough. But with strong support from her husband, family and the company, she pushed forward.
After spending about five years in HR, she was suddenly given a new responsibility outside her field of expertise as the Administrative Head. This role required her to handle HR, Accounts & Finance, IT, and Safety. It was an overwhelming change. “I was frustrated and told my management, ‘I can’t do this. I’m not capable,’” she recalls. The new role was unfamiliar, and she felt unprepared. At one point, she even considered stepping down.
However, her mentors believed in her potential. “My director told me, ‘Take this as a challenge, and you will overcome it.’” Encouraged by their support, she decided to step out of her comfort zone and embrace the new role.
Facing Challenges Head-On
The first month in her new position was difficult. She doubted herself, and the pressure was immense. The company was also going through financial difficulties, leading to delays in salaries and internal pressure. But instead of backing down, Aishwarya took charge.
She worked closely with her team to analyze the financial issues and discovered a major reason—one of their product tests was stuck due to technical problems. “Once we solved that issue, we were able to release the finances, and that gave me confidence,” she says.
This success was a turning point. It proved to her that she could handle challenges and find solutions. “When I finally did it, I thought, ‘Wow, I can do this too!”.
Breaking Gender Stereotypes in Manufacturing
Manufacturing has always been seen as a male-dominated industry, but Aishwarya never let gender define roles at work. When she was in HR, she made sure that job postings did not mention gender preferences. “For me, capability matters, not gender,” she states.
Today, about 10% of Creintors’ workforce consists of women, a number that has increased since she joined. She hopes to see this rise to 40-60% in the future. Aishwarya also acknowledges the societal expectation that women must manage household duties even when working. “I’m lucky that my husband supports me without any such mindset,” she adds.
She ensures that women at Creintors get equal opportunities while also advocating for workplace safety and flexibility. “If a woman has the skills, she should get the chance. It’s my responsibility to ensure her safety, but she has to prove her competence.”
Work, Culture, and Leadership
For Aishwarya, leadership is not just about work—it’s about balancing professional and personal values. She believes that while women are nurturers, they can also be disruptors who challenge unfair barriers. Her message to young women entering the workforce is clear: “Respect your culture, embrace opportunities, and never let self-doubt limit your potential.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Indian Manufacturing
Aishwarya is optimistic about the growth of the Indian manufacturing sector. She believes that Indian manufacturers need to improve their positioning in the global market. “Right now, we are like filtered water, but the global market is like mineral water. We need to position ourselves as a premium brand,” she explains.
Accelerating Action for Change
The theme for International Women’s Day 2025, #AccelerateAction, resonates deeply with Aishwarya’s leadership philosophy. She believes real change requires action, not just discussions. She has already taken steps in this direction by ensuring gender-neutral hiring and increasing the number of women in the workforce.
She also encourages engineering graduates, especially women, to stay in core industries rather than shifting to IT for convenience. “If they want to create real impact, they should contribute to their native places first. Change starts at home,” she says.
Aishwarya’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of support. From doubting her abilities to leading with confidence, she embodies the spirit of #AccelerateAction, inspiring more women to take charge in manufacturing and beyond.
