In a world where machines’ rhythms often drown out women’s voices, Manisha Prasher has spent nearly three decades defying norms and creating her resonance—one that now echoes across global manufacturing, infrastructure, and energy corridors. Today, she leads as the Global BU Manager of Quality s Six Sigma—Infrastructure and Energy at Bechtel Corporation, a global engineering and construction powerhouse.
With over 28 years of experience in semiconductors, electronics, solar, infrastructure, and energy sectors, Manisha Prasher has evolved into a leader in Quality, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement. Today, she holds a prestigious role as Global BU Manager of Quality C Six Sigma—Infrastructure and Energy at Bechtel Corporation, a world-leading engineering and construction giant. Yet, her journey began with a bold decision that many questioned, but she never doubted.
Manisha’s story didn’t begin in boardrooms or bustling metro rail project sites—it started in the quiet encouragement of a home where integrity and equality were lived values. Born into a family where her “mechanical engineer” father believed in her dreams as much as his own, Manisha found her first role model at home.
“Fathers, of daughters play a critical role in empowering them in taking the leap of faith,” she recalls. He taught her that – a woman’s life is more challenging due to societal biases and stereotypes however change begins within us. Choose the path less traversed thus opening the gates for others to follow. The journey thus becomes courageous, exciting and fulfilling.
Physics of Purpose
Armed with a postgraduate degree in Physics from Miranda House, Delhi University, Manisha’s journey into manufacturing was not typical—and certainly not expected. At a time when women with such academic backgrounds were encouraged to pursue teaching, research, or civil services, she chose the unconventional manufacturing shop floor.
“It was rare for women, especially from my background in postgrad physics, to join the manufacturing industry back then,” she says. “Everyone around me had different plans for my future. But I wanted to make my destiny into something that bought immense learning opportunities, the ability to be innovative and the possibilities to create and build things that impact daily lives of people.”
Her decision wasn’t without resistance. In one of her early interviews with a prominent Indian manufacturing firm, she was turned away—not for her lack of qualifications, but for being a woman. “They told me, ‘We’re not willing to experiment. Most operators on the shop floor are men, and having a woman supervisor won’t work.’ They didn’t select me.”
Despite such discouragements, Manisha found her footing in the semiconductor industry. “I knew I have to break shackles and not let societal norms limit my potential”. I am ever grateful to my first employer who was willing to experiment, embrace diversity and inclusion when the term was not even being discussed in corporate boardrooms.
At Continental Device, Flextronics, and Moser Baer, she began shaping her career and strengthening her resolve. In the world of semiconductor and solar photovoltaic manufacturing, she honed her technical and managerial skills.
Growing with Grit: Inspiration at Every Step
Manisha credits her first boss for being a professional role model who placed trust in her abilities when the industry wasn’t yet ready to do so. “When someone believes in you, you don’t want to disappoint them. My first boss taught me accountability—the foundation of leadership.”
According to Manisha role models are key, but inspiration can come from any person. You just need a learning attitude and observation ability. In the absence of women role models very close to her reality, she shares, “I have been also inspired by the women around me, my mother and grandmother. Their courage, their emotional stability, their care and resilience. On a lighter note, even their working tirelessly without recognition or compensation. It was unparalleled, their ability to multitask and manage everything to perfection offered a learning opportunity”
Most of all – inspiration and support come from a partner in life who you feel comfortable with in sharing your vulnerabilities. Who embraces your feelings, thoughts, establishes deeper connections that can help build your self-confidence, keep you persistent and resilient. It’s a key to self-care and mental well-being. Life will pull you down and you need to bounce back and start again. You alone can’t master that strength it comes from them. I am thankful that life blessed me with friends and family who made my journey easy.
Leading People, Beyond Machines
She believes one of Manisha’s most outstanding achievements is leading diverse teams to deliver excellence and growth both professional and personal. She has managed teams of 300 to 500 in the semiconductor and renewable energy sectors and learned that people, unlike machines, need a personalized approach. “Machines followed fixed processes. However, people have fears, emotions, seek motivation and recognition. Understanding behavior coaching and bringing synergy within teams to a common goal is a skill I’ve developed over time.”
Her most significant career shift came when she moved from the precision-focused world of semiconductors to the mega-scale engineering and construction industry.
Today, she leads global quality systems for Bechtel’s massive infrastructure and energy projects. “Semiconductors are in microns and mils —tiny and intricate. Now, I work on projects to build refineries, airports, and metro rails- large and yet intricate. It’s a completely different scale. But the fundamentals of quality and people management remain the same and keep me going. Learning each day even now”
Balancing Life: A Personal Triumph
Behind the professional milestones is a woman who values her family and personal life just as much as her career. Work-life balance, she admits, doesn’t come quickly—it must be learned and managed over time. “Technology has made it both easier and harder. It helps us stay connected but makes it harder to disconnect. That’s why learning to prioritize is key as time waits for none.” Manisha believes pursuing one’s dreams and meeting one’s aspirations should not come at the cost of the dreams and aspirations of those whose lives relate to yours. Could be your family or friends. The joy and cheer of success is incomplete without them.
Looking ahead, Manisha hopes to inspire more young women to pursue careers based on passion, not passing trends. “Choose a career path that motivates you intrinsically, that will keep you self-driven and ever engaged. Extrinsic motivators are not sustainable”.
Her message to young girls is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and quiet strength. “Be driven by respect and compassion for all, gather believers and win over non-believers through understanding and not confrontation. Believe in the fact that it’s a journey of togetherness and not a rat race – gathering support, making a team, makes it a lot easier and fulfilling”. She also believes that women in leadership positions must give back by way of encouraging, empowering and supporting the next gen. An active role is a responsibility and a duty.
And to the women already in leadership, she offers a gentle but firm reminder, “We must support each other. Those who’ve made it this far should play a more active role in empowering others.”
