Born and raised in Chennai’s cultural hub, Nandini Balasubramaniam’s early academic pursuits were far removed from the world of technology and engineering. Initially following a path laid out by familial expectations, she found herself ensconced in a public sector job that offered little in the way of challenge or personal fulfilment. However, beneath this conventional exterior lay a restless spirit yearning for entrepreneurship and innovation. Inspired by her neighbor and mentor, she ventured into the electronics manufacturing sector with Tescom, embarking on a steep learning curve that would see her transition from a silent observer to a key architect of the company’s expansion.
Meet Nandini Balasubramanian, the Director at Tescom Private Limited, an Electronic Manufacturing Service provider based in Bengaluru, India’s tech hub. With a keen focus on Industrial and Medical Electronics and PCB Assembly, Tescom is renowned for its innovation and quality in the bustling Electronics City. Nandini’s academic journey is as impressive as her professional one, boasting double postgraduate credentials. She obtained her first Masters in Art from the prestigious Madras Christian College in 1991. Her initial foray into the professional world was with the public sector, where she served the United India Insurance Company. However, the calling for something more resonant with her aspirations led her down the entrepreneurial path.
After a reflective 11 years in insurance, Nandini founded Spice N Nice Kitchen. This venture garnered ISO certification and made a name for itself by catering delectable and quality food to corporates around Bangalore. Her stint as a business owner was challenging and fulfilling, carving her path to further success. She joined Tescom as a Commercial Manager for the first time in October 2009, and in her relentless pursuit of growth and learning, she expanded her horizons, achieving an MBA from the Alliance Business Academy in 2013.
Courage for Passion & Indomitable Spirit
Born and raised in Chennai, Nandini was deeply immersed in English literature and the arts, far removed from the worlds of technology and science that she would later navigate. Initially conforming to her family’s expectations, she embarked on a career in the public sector, deemed suitable and secure for a woman at the time. However, the lack of challenge and the monotonous routine soon fueled Nandini’s desire for something more fulfilling. Despite the well-intentioned wishes of her family, she yearned to carve her own path and to build something of her own. Seizing the first opportunity to step into entrepreneurship, Nandini embarked on a journey that was as secretive as it was ambitious. She would leave home under the guise of going to her public sector job, only to devote her days to her entrepreneurial venture.
The revelation of her dual life came to light in a dramatic turn of events, marked by a letter from her public sector employer about her prolonged absence, threatening the termination of her position. This moment of truth sparked a tumultuous period at home, challenging Nandini to defend her choices and to articulate her passion for her venture. Reflecting on this critical period, Nandini comments, “It was a big drama at home, but it was essential for me to follow my heart and passion. Convincing my family was tough, but it was a step I needed to take to pursue what I truly loved.” This decisive move away from the public sector and towards her own business, albeit initially non-electronic, set the stage for a career that would eventually lead her to the helm of Tescom, bridging her journey from arts to electronics with courage and an indomitable spirit.
Quality First: ISO Certified Spice N Nice Kitchen
Nandini’s entrepreneurial spirit first took flight in 2003 with the launch of her food industry business in Bangalore. Diving into culinary services, she focused on catering to the city’s corporate giants, providing them with quality meals. Nandini’s ambition drove her to establish a large-scale kitchen distinguished by its adherence to the highest quality standards. In a pioneering move for the time, she sought and achieved ISO certification for her kitchen, marking a first in the food industry. This certification, typically pursued by manufacturing units for quality assurance, underscored her commitment to excellence and innovation.
The business flourished under her leadership, with orders flooding in, thanks in part to the fully mechanized processes she implemented. Nandini ventured to Coimbatore to design custom food processing gadgets, further enhancing the efficiency and uniqueness of her operation. Her ventures placed her at the forefront of Bangalore’s food industry, setting new standards for quality and mechanization. However, after several successful years, Nandini decided to sell her food business to a Canadian group and enter to the electronics industry. This transition was inspired by her neighbor and close friend, the founder of Tescom, who also served as her mentor in the world of entrepreneurship.
Under his guidance, Nandini embarked on a new journey in the electronics sector, bringing her diverse experiences and a wealth of knowledge acquired from her previous venture. Reflecting on this significant shift, Nandini remarks, “The decision to move from the food industry to electronics was driven by my desire to explore new challenges and learn from someone who had already paved their way in entrepreneurship. My mentor’s support was instrumental in this transition, marking a new chapter in my entrepreneurial journey with Tescom.”
Learning as a Silent Follower & Observer
Nandini’s foray into the electronics industry, a field where she initially had zero knowledge, coincided with the growth of this sector in India around 2010. Recognising the potential for growth similar to what she had achieved in the food industry, Nandini and her team envisioned bringing their dedicated 24/7 work ethic to the electronics sector. Under the mentorship of Balasubramani Vellaisamy, Nandini embarked on a journey of learning and adaptation. She started as a silent observer, accompanying her mentor to customer meetings and absorbing the nuances of the business through observation and hands-on assistance.
Over a span of four years, Nandini diligently learned the ropes of the electronics manufacturing business. By 2014, she had gained a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s dynamics and began tackling challenges independently. This period marked the expansion of Tescom, from a single manufacturing unit to several branches and manufacturing units located in Electronics City, Bangalore, as well as in Hosur and Chennai. Nandini reflects on her growth, “My initial years in the electronics industry were about silently observing and learning from my mentor, Balasubramani. I had no background in electronics, but I was determined to understand and contribute to this sector. This relentless pursuit of knowledge and the willingness helped me to embrace new challenges.”
“The challenge wasn’t just about stepping into a new domain; it was about convincing others of our capabilities when I myself was on a steep learning curve regarding the technical aspects,” Nandini reflects on her early days at Tescom. It took Nandini about two to three years to grasp the intricacies of the electronics business fully. This learning phase, she believes, delayed her progress, suggesting that with prior technical knowledge, she might have accelerated Tescom’s growth. “Understanding the big picture of our business was only part of the journey. The lack of deep technical knowledge was a significant hurdle, especially in a business where knowing the entire process is crucial for moving forward,” she admits.
Nandini’s vision for Tescom needed to be more content with the status quo. Initially, the company operated comfortably within its means, accepting the business that came its way. However, Nandini harboured ambitions of expansion and broadening the company’s reach. This vision was driven by her big dreams for the company. These dreams are gradually materialising today with the support of the founder and her mentor, the company’s managing director. Their skill sets complemented each other perfectly. Balasubramani Vellaisamy, a technocrat focused on the technical aspects and quality of the business, while Nandini aimed for growth and elevating the company’s position within the industry. Her goal was to transition Tescom from the third layer of small companies doing modest numbers to the middle layer, and eventually to the top echelon of electronics manufacturing.
At Tescom, the responsibility of designing and decision-making lies heavily on the shoulders of the leadership, given its stature as a growing enterprise. “This business demanded that I dive deep into the technical side, a challenge that I embraced, thanks to the support and guidance from my mentor and the company’s founder,” says Nandini. Her determination to overcome this challenge was instrumental in her professional growth and, by extension, Tescom’s expansion.
Today, Tescom boasts a robust presence in the electronic manufacturing sector, with four manufacturing units across Bengaluru, Coimbatore, and Hosur, and an integration facility in Chennai. The company has diversified its operations to encompass design, development, quality assurance, manufacturing support, and solutions, aligning with global standards. Additionally, Tescom’s commitment to after-sales service and customer relationship management showcases its dedication to maintaining a global reach.
Nandini shares, “My dream has always been to elevate our company from the small tier to the middle layer and set our sights on reaching the top tier. Thanks to the collective effort, we are now positioned among the second layer of companies in the electronics manufacturing sector. While the journey to the top layer is still ahead of us, it’s a path we’re dedicated to following. It’s the power of dreaming big and working hard to realise those dreams.”
Technical Advancements Neutralize Gender Divide: Nandini Balasubramaniam
“Traditionally, the presence of women in manufacturing was deemed almost unfeasible, largely due to the physical demands associated with the job,” she explains. However, Nandini argues that such notions are rapidly becoming outdated, particularly with the advent of automation and the transition towards Industry 4.0. “The technological advancements have essentially neutralized the gender divide, making it an opportune moment for women to enter and excel in this field,” she asserts.
Addressing the cultural inertia that often hinders women’s participation in manufacturing, Nandini draws a compelling comparison to the agricultural sector. “In our villages, women are commonly seen working in the fields, performing tasks that are as physically demanding as any found in manufacturing. If women can excel in agriculture, there’s no reason they can’t do the same in manufacturing,” she reasons. Nandini sees the key to increasing women’s representation in manufacturing as twofold: cultural shifts within society and technological innovation within the industry itself. “The notion that manufacturing jobs are unsuitable for women due to their physical nature is quickly becoming obsolete. What we need is a cultural evolution that encourages women to pursue careers in manufacturing and a continued push towards automation that makes these roles more accessible,” she states.
By fostering an environment that welcomes technological advancements and challenges outdated societal norms, Nandini believes the manufacturing sector can become a more inclusive and equitable space for women. She explains, “It’s not just about lifting weights all day; it’s about how well one can manage and adapt to the changing landscape of manufacturing. With the right cultural and technological shifts, we can create a more diverse and dynamic workforce.”
Financial Independence is Crucial for Decision Making
Nandini articulates a compelling argument for the necessity of financial independence among women, particularly in the context of entrepreneurial ventures and decision-making within the manufacturing sector. “Financial independence,” she states, “is crucial for any woman to make informed and autonomous decisions.” Reflecting on her journey, Nandini credits her financial autonomy as the driving force behind her ability to make bold choices, whether deemed right or wrong by others. She holds a firm belief that even decisions that initially appear to be mistakes can lead to valuable learning experiences and, ultimately, more refined and effective decision-making.
Highlighting her departure from a secure public sector job to venture into the food industry and later into electronics manufacturing, Nandini reflects the empowerment and personal growth that stemmed from her entrepreneurial endeavors. “Though my family initially viewed my career shift as a poor decision, it granted me the independence and the capacity to shape my destiny,” she explains. Nandini’s message to aspiring women in manufacturing is one of encouragement and empowerment. She urges them to embrace challenges, asserting that the manufacturing industry is ripe with opportunities for those willing to pursue them. “The industry does not discriminate between men and women; it’s about who can make the better, more informed decisions,” she emphasizes.
She advocates for women to gain the confidence of their families and communities as a stepping stone towards entering and thriving in manufacturing. Nandini Balasubramaniam is confident that women possess the potential to make exceptional contributions to the sector, given their proven ability to make informed and astute decisions across various industries. “Success awaits those who dare to make their own choices,” Nandini concludes, calling on women to break free from societal constraints and to boldly pursue their aspirations in the manufacturing world.