“I was the only lady working on the shop floor and their people were resistant to accept me because I was a female first of all, as they were not used to listening to females”, says Sonal. Shifting from academia to the manufacturing industry, Sonal found herself as the only woman on the shop floor—a space where her presence initially met resistance. Workers hesitated to take her seriously, but she let her knowledge speak for itself. With a strong academic background in electrical engineering, she confidently navigated technical discussions, proving that while they had hands-on experience, she brought deep theoretical expertise. Over time, this command over her subject made her not just respected but also approachable, especially to her junior male colleagues, who began seeking her guidance.
The Transition from Academics to Industry
Sonal’s professional journey began in academia. She completed her master’s in Engineering in Electronics but before that she was working as an Assistant Professor, teaching young minds. However, in 2016, she embraced a new challenge—stepping into the world of mechanical manufacturing and joining Raptech Engineering Private Limited. This transition was exciting for her, she says. From the structured environment of academia to the fast-paced, unpredictable world of business, the shift demanded resilience, adaptability, and an unyielding spirit.
She remembers- “I was not very much aware of the business processes but I was aware of the technical things. Like I understood mechanical engineering drawings. Even though my branch was electronics, it was easy for me to grasp all that. It was exciting”
Overcoming Hurdles in a Male-Dominated Industry
Manufacturing has traditionally been a male-dominated domain, and Sonal was quick to experience the challenges that came with being a woman in this space. She continues “The major challenge that I faced was before me, there was only one lady in the whole company that was working. We were around 90-95 people total and only one lady was working and she was my family only. She was my sister-in-law and she was into HR and payroll and all the activities. So she was not actually involved in technical things or involved in shop floor activities but I was more inclined to technical things”. Earning trust, asserting authority, and navigating through deep-seated biases were some of the early struggles. Many questioned whether she could make a real impact in an industry driven by engineering precision and operational efficiency.
Rather than being discouraged, Sonal saw these challenges as opportunities to prove herself. She leveraged her strong technical background and strategic mindset to drive change, ensuring her leadership was recognized for its merit and not restricted by gender biases. Shared the strategies she used to make herself approachable to male customers or workers- “Another major challenge that I faced was that people were resistant to accept me because I was a female first of all. Because they were not used to listening to females. So that was a thing that I faced a bit but then with the approach that I used which was convincing the younger ones about my views through knowledge. As I had a strong academic background in that area. Meaning I already had knowledge about people’s experiences and their issues. Making the journey smoother later on”.
Revolutionizing Operations Through Technology
One of Sonal’s most significant contributions to her company has been the implementation of IT and system-based improvements. Recognizing the inefficiencies of manual operations, she led a transformative shift towards automated, system-oriented processes. This not only improved productivity but also ensured precision and consistency which are the key aspects of a successful manufacturing unit. Her vision extended beyond just process optimization.
The Power of Mentorship and Leadership
Sonal attributes much of her growth and strength to the guidance of two key mentors—her business coach Manish Gupta and her spiritual guru Mahatria. Their teachings have helped her cultivate a growth-oriented mindset, focusing on continuous improvement, ethical leadership, and holistic development.
However, the most profound influence in her journey has been her husband, Deepak Borhade, who is the Director of the company. His strong belief in her abilities and his support in critical decision-making have been crucial in her success. Together, they form a formidable team, driving the organization to greater heights, “My role model is my husband, Deepak. He is the director of this company and I really get inspired from him. The way he works, the way he manages so many things, the way he has managed this company from its root to here. I joined the company later on but he started this company. He and his elder brother. So I admire both of them”.
#AccelerateAction: Paving the Path for Future Women Leaders
As we step into 2025, the theme of International Women’s Day—#AccelerateAction—resembles deeply with Sonal’s journey. Her story is not just about breaking barriers; it is about accelerating change, fostering inclusivity, and creating opportunities for more women in manufacturing.
Sonal believes that mentorship, skill-building, and an enabling work culture are key to empowering women in the industry. She actively advocates for initiatives that support women’s professional growth and encourages organizations to invest in diverse leadership.
Also suggests that do what you like, be it IT or manufacturing- “everybody should do what they like. If you follow your passion, you are going to excel. So don’t go into IT for money. Go into IT if you like it. If you really enjoy developing software, if you really like to do coding, if you really like to build software, or if you really like to build all those things, then go into it. If it’s not your passion, don’t go into it. You will get bored after a while”.
A Legacy of Transformation
From a professor to a pioneering leader in manufacturing, Sonal Deepak Borhade’s journey is a guide of inspiration. She has demonstrated that with determination, vision, and the right support system, women can excel in any industry—regardless of traditional biases.
Her story is not just her own; it is a call to action for every woman striving to make her mark in a male-dominated world. As she continues to drive transformation, Sonal is shaping a future where manufacturing is no longer seen as just a man’s world—but a space where talent, innovation, and leadership have no gender.
