Gayathri Rajasekar, one of the youngest women to oversee factory operations, serves as the Assistant Manager of Engineering Research at Indfrag Biosciences, based in Bangalore. From the onset of her career at Indfrag, she has been instrumental in enhancing manufacturing processes, with her technical acumen serving as her steadfast ally through various professional challenges. A leader since her school days, Gayathri credits her family and educational background as pivotal forces in molding her professional journey.
In July 2022, Gayathri Rajasekar’s voice echoed for the first time in a hall filled with industry professionals at the Womanufacturing 2022 event organised by Machine Maker. As she spoke, her narrative transcended her rural village origins, reaching the hearts of many. Standing alone amidst the male-dominated corridors of Indfrag Biosciences Private Limited, she found an unwavering pillar of support in her mentor and Chairman of the company, Philip Samuel. Facing each hurdle head-on, she shared how her trials became the bedrock of her growth, earning a standing ovation from an audience moved by her resilience and courage.
Fast forward two years and the Project Engineer is now the Assistant Manager of Engineering Research at the same company. Her journey began with an impressive first-class distinction in BTech in Chemical Engineering from Adhiyamaan College of Education, Hosur. With a steadfast spirit and a determination forged from overcoming the odds, Gayathri is not just a name within her company but a symbol of enduring strength and leadership in the engineering field.
Celebration of Youthful Ambition and Nurtured Freedom
Raised in the verdant outskirts of Hosur, Gayathri Rajasekar, a spirited 24-year-old, credits her progressive upbringing as the cornerstone of her independent spirit. The only child to a teacher mother and a welding technologist father, she grew up in an environment that not only respected her thoughts but also encouraged autonomous decision-making. “Even when I was little, like in second or third grade, my parents allowed me the freedom to make my own choices. They stood by me, ready to catch me if I stumbled,” Gayathri shares. Her parents’ belief in learning through experience meant that even if she ventured into uncharted territories, they trusted her judgement.
Diligence was woven into the fabric of her life from a young age. Unlike peers drawn to the transient allure of movies, Gayathri immersed herself in academics, consistently ranking among the top five in her class. “I found solace in the intricacies of innovation, in the potential of what could be,” she reflects, reminiscing about her school days. College was a transformative experience for Gayathri. The ability to make decisions without trepidation translated into a robust self-assurance. “I felt truly independent, capable of steering my life’s direction—except, of course, in financial matters. As students, we don’t have our own income, but the skills and confidence my parents fostered prepared me to build a secure future.”
The unwavering support from her family laid a robust foundation for Gayathri to blossom into the independent woman she is today. Despite being an only child—and the natural protective instincts that could entail—her parents gifted her the latitude to understand the world and embrace risks. “My parents have always believed in me,” Gayathri states with gratitude in her voice. “They’ve given me the greatest gift: trust in my abilities and the freedom to carve my path.”
Navigating through the rigorous demands of her role as the factory head at Indfrag Biosciences, Gayathri stands resilient amidst personal tribulations that have recently shadowed her life. The sudden health deterioration of her father, who is battling decompensated heart failure, has cast a somber hue over her family dynamics. “It’s been a challenging time,” Gayathri confides. “Just this February, we faced a severe scare with my father’s health, and the doctors have been frank about the severity of his condition.”
Thrust into the mantle of responsibility at a tender age, Gayathri has had to mature rapidly, juggling the intricacies of managing one of the leading biotech facility in the country with the emotional heft of a family in distress. “At 24, to be positioned as the head of the factory and to be the backbone for my parents—it’s a role I take on with determination,” she explains, her fortitude unmistakable. The weight of her responsibilities extends beyond the professional sphere, reaching into the intimate corners of family life where she stands as a pillar of support for her aging parents. “I find myself accountable for every decision, every outcome—good or bad—both within the walls of my home and the factory,” she states.
Higher the Position; Greater the Accountability: Gayathri Rajasekhar
“I’m just starting out, and there’s so much I’m unsure about,” she shares with an earnestness characteristic of a neophyte. “Am I on the right path? Am I making the right decisions?” These questions linger in her mind as she navigates the early stages of her career. Gayathri takes nothing for granted, diligently doing her homework, seeking guidance from seasoned professionals within her company. She expresses gratitude for the insights and advice from the stalwarts of Indfrag Biosciences—honorable Chairman and Founder Philip Samuel, Executive Director Fabian Samuel, and Factory Operations General Manager M Thangaraj. “Their inputs are invaluable, helping me steer clear of potential pitfalls,” she says, acknowledging the support system that buoys her up.
From the classrooms of Saint Mary Magdalene Matriculation School to the leadership corridors of Indfrag Biosciences, Gayathri journey is a narrative of evolving leadership and unwavering determination. “Being a leader is something I learned early on,” Gayathri recalls, her tenure as a class leader setting the foundation for her current role as a factory leader. Gayathri’s upbringing in Hosur was rooted in the principles of discipline and responsibility, instilled by her principal, the late Albert Vijay Kumar, a man she describes with reverence. This early exposure to leadership, coupled with her academic rigor and public speaking prowess, carved out her path to lead. It wasn’t just about securing top ranks or excelling in studies, it was about embodying the qualities of a leader both in spirit and action.
In a class of engineering students where only six were girls, Gayathri and her friend Aarthi stood apart. While many indulged in the lighter side of college life, Gayathri took the path less trodden, diving into workshops, anchoring events, and leading public speaking initiatives. Her voice carried weight, earning her accolades as an effective public speaker from esteemed clubs like Vasavi and Rotary. These accolades weren’t mere tokens but affirmations of her ability to influence and lead. Representative roles seemed to find Gayathri even when she wasn’t seeking them out officially. She may not have been the class representative in the traditional sense, but when it came to driving awareness or spearheading presentations, Gayathri was the go-to person. These roles were her proving ground, a prelude to her current responsibilities where the stakes are higher, and the audience, more vast.
Her pursuits in college were a preamble to her current leadership role in the factory. “Now, I’m still a learner,” she states humbly, acknowledging her role in the factory as an opportunity to grow. With the mentorship of cognitive leaders and a self-proclaimed best learner, she believes in the symbiotic relationship between learning and leading. “If you absorb effectively, your reflection as a leader becomes apparent,” Gayathri muses, emphasizing the importance of being open and receptive.
Gender Inclusiveness is Key for Balancing Work
“From those who supported me to those who chose to remain neutral or even those who opposed me, each person has been a teacher in their own right, shaping my approach to challenges and decision-making”, shares Gayathri. Her acknowledgment of the role men have played in her success is not just a reflection of personal gratitude but a broader truth about the ecosystem of support that women often navigate in their professional journeys. “The backbone of my success? It’s been the men who’ve stood by me, from my father to my mentors at Indfrag. This partnership across genders is the bedrock of true progress,” Gayathri reflects, underlining the importance of collaboration over competition.
Addressing the hurdles, Gayathri admits that the journey wasn’t devoid of moments of self-doubt and introspection. “There were times I questioned my decisions, wondered if I was on the right path. But it’s these moments that forged my resolve stronger,” she shares, highlighting the inner turmoil that often accompanies leadership roles, especially for women in industries traditionally dominated by men.
Gayathri’s belief in the power of a diverse and dedicated team shines through as she talks about her approach to leadership. “A leader’s strength lies in their team. Creating a space where everyone, irrespective of gender, can contribute their best, has been a key part of our success,” she states, showcasing her commitment to inclusivity and collective achievement. Echoing the sentiments of acceptance and resilience, Gayathri emphasizes, “Acceptance doesn’t signify resignation but readiness to face what comes next with a clear mind and a strong heart.”
Indfrag is a Floral Garden of Diversity
Gayathri showcases a remarkable transition from being one of the only two women in the core departments to witnessing a vibrant transformation where women constitute 40% of the workforce, turning the factory floors into a “floral garden” of diversity and empowerment. Gayathri reflects on this progress with pride, “Initially, it was just me and another colleague in the core departments. Now, seeing 25 women working alongside, in a company where the environment has become supportive and inclusive, feels like we’ve cultivated a garden of opportunities for women.”
The shift towards inclusivity didn’t happen overnight but was a result of concerted efforts and visionary leadership. Gayathri credits the change to the supportive management and the appointment of a female HR, Mrs Nadhia, whose recruitment drive significantly increased the number of women in core engineering roles. “Nadia’s role in bringing about this change has been crucial. Her efforts, supported by our management, have made our factory a place where women can thrive,” Gayathri shares the collective effort of top management, Factory GM behind this transformation.
Transitioning to Indfrag Herbals, Gayathri finds the representation of women to be less as compared to Indfrag Biosciences, highlighting the ongoing need for promoting women’s participation across all sectors of the company. She remains hopeful and determined, “Currently, in Indfrag Herbals, the presence of women is limited. Yet, with the support from our General Manager in Operations, who has been instrumental in promoting women empowerment, I’m optimistic about replicating the success we’ve had at Biosciences. The management’s belief in women’s capabilities and the dedicated efforts to create a comfortable working platform for us have been key to our success,” she explains, emphasizing the critical role of an encouraging work environment in fostering women’s empowerment.
Build a Community within the Workplace
Gayathri opens up about the unwavering support she received from her company during a personally challenging time, illustrating the profound impact of compassionate leadership. “Our executive director assured me, ‘We are here to care for her.’ This assurance felt more substantial than any support I could have imagined, even more than what I would expect from a sibling,” Gayathri shares, emphasizing the unexpected level of care and support she experienced.
Gayathri’s narrative sheds light on the significance of a supportive work environment, especially for women navigating through personal and professional challenges. She stresses the importance of building a good community within the workplace, stating, “A solid community with management, colleagues, and executives is essential. It acts as a bridge, enabling us to manage both personal and professional spheres effectively.” This community support has not only helped Gayathri stabilize her personal life but also instilled in her the confidence to handle her responsibilities at work more efficiently.
Reflecting on her personal growth and the lessons learned, Gayathri acknowledges the role of her unique position in driving her to embrace challenges head-on. “I’m in a position where I have to act. I don’t have another option. This mindset of ‘I have to do’ pushes me to plan meticulously and embrace the reality of what’s possible and what’s not,” she elucidates, highlighting her journey from uncertainty to empowerment. Gayathri contrasts her experiences of dealing with personal versus professional responsibilities, pointing out the structured nature of the official protocols that help in maintaining order in professional settings. She muses on the distinction between personal and official lives, remarking, “At home, it’s different. You can’t organize personal life the way you can with work. However, it’s crucial to maintain a balance and not let one overwhelm the other.”
Successfull Teamwork Lies in Embracing Diversity
In her concluding thoughts, Gayathri Rajasekar delves into the essence of teamwork and the dynamic interplay of gender diversity in the workplace. Reflecting on her experiences, she highlights the significance of acceptance and the strength found in what she terms “irregular bonding” among team members, irrespective of their gender. “The bonding between men and women in a team can sometimes be more robust than a team comprising only of women,” she observes, emphasizing that the crux of successful teamwork lies in embracing diversity and leveraging it for collective growth.
Gayathri candidly addresses the challenges and learning curves she faced as the youngest member and one of the few women in her current role at Indfrag. “Navigating conversations and asserting oneself in a predominantly senior and male-dominated environment requires understanding and adapting to the nuances of ‘irregular bonding,'” she notes. She encourages accepting and learning from rejections and errors as they are integral to personal and professional development. Gayathri credits her progress to the mentors and colleagues who have supported her, acknowledging that their guidance has been pivotal in shaping her leadership style and approach to challenges.
Through her narrative, Gayathri champions the notion that acceptance of irregularities, whether in bonding or processes, can lead to regularization and improvement. She urges aspiring women professionals to embrace their journeys, inclusive of the obstacles, as they signify being on the correct path. “Acceptance of the wrong can illuminate the right actions to take, transforming irregularities into opportunities for regularization and organization,” she explains. Gayathri’s story celebrates the progress made towards gender diversity in the workplace and the ongoing need for communities within companies that support, mentor, and uplift every member, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable industry.
