Introducing Suman Nachiket Donde, the dynamic Senior Manager of Facility Admin & Purchase (New Infrastructure Developments) at Phillips Machine Tools Private Limited, a subsidiary of Phillips Corporation. Hailing from the vibrant city of Navi Mumbai, Suman is a force of nature in her field. With a rich experience of over 20 years woven from threads of administration, operations, facility management, and more, Suman’s career is a kaleidoscope of dedication, innovation, and leadership. From Navi Mumbai, her story is one of dedication, skill, and a continuous strive for excellence.
At the heart of Suman Donde’s journey is a relentless drive for excellence, a commitment to strategic planning, and an innate ability to lead her team through the complexities of the manufacturing world. Suman’s mantra is growth, operational excellence, and enhanced employee engagement. Her eyes are always on the horizon, seeking new challenges and opportunities to leverage her vast expertise for organisational growth. Her toolkit? A robust skill set that includes administrative writing, process management, organizational analysis, and an uncanny ability to solve problems before they even arise.
With a keen focus on customer service, supply management, and cost control, Suman ensures that every cog in the Phillips Machine Tools machine runs as smoothly as the precision equipment they supply. Education has been a cornerstone of Suman’s journey. A BCom graduate who’s currently pursuing an MBA from Manipal University, she’s also mastered the digital realm, diving deep into Microsoft Dynamics365. This blend of traditional education and cutting-edge technology exemplifies Suman’s approach to her career: ever-learning, ever-evolving.
But there’s another layer to Suman’s professional identity. Beyond her official role, she’s a digital warrior for Phillips Machine Tools. With a passion for communication, she bridges the gap between the company and its vast audience, ensuring that every message, update, and innovation Phillips brings to the table is shared far and wide, from India to the international stage. As we unfold the story of Suman Donde, we invite you to step into her world. A world where challenges are met with solutions, where growth is a constant pursuit, and where the digital and physical realms of manufacturing converge.
Suman Donde’s story begins in the heart of a traditional, service-oriented, middle-class family deeply rooted in the ethos of hard work and community. Growing up in a bustling joint family that included not just her immediate family but extended relatives as well, she was immersed in a culture of collective living and shared responsibilities from a young age. This foundation laid the groundwork for the resilient and adaptive individual she would become. Her family’s history with the Ordnance Factory, where her father, grandfather, and great-grandfather dedicated their careers, instilled in her a sense of duty and service. However, the shift came with her father’s transition to the private sector, marking the beginning of a challenging period for the Donde family. Suman recalls the hardships faced when the company her father worked for shut down due to labor disputes, thrusting the family into financial uncertainty during a time of nationwide economic disruptions from the 70s through the 90s.
The resilience of her family, particularly her father’s pivot to driving an auto-rickshaw, symbolizes the adaptability and perseverance that would come to define Suman’s own path. Completing her 10th standard in 1993 amidst financial strain, Suman faced a crossroads regarding her further education. With the family’s economic standing precarious, she took it upon herself to contribute financially. Suman balanced her education with earning, taking on tutoring roles for young students. This period not only helped her finance her own education up to completing her BCom in 1998 but also ingrained in her invaluable life lessons. The lack of financial support, a challenge too familiar to many in India, taught her about the importance of self-reliance, the value of mentorship, and the strength found in community support.
Starting Out: The Foundation of Learning
“My first job was with an exhibition company, where I worked as an office assistant. It was my introduction to the professional world, and I was fortunate to have good support from the company’s head. I saw how people worked tirelessly, day and night, setting up massive infrastructures for exhibitions. That experience was my first step into understanding the complexities of business operations,” Suman recalls. Driven by her innate desire to learn and evolve, Suman transitioned from her role in the exhibition sector to explore her interest in accounting. “After gaining some office assistant experience, I decided to focus on accounting, a field I knew I had an affinity for. This led me to my next role at HR Cotton Textile Mills, a Haryana-based cotton manufacturing company,” she shares. Despite the company no longer operating in Mumbai, her time there added another layer to her burgeoning skill set. “It was mainly bookkeeping, but as a fresher, every bit of learning was invaluable. It was about laying the groundwork for what was to come,” Suman states.
Suman’s career trajectory is characterized by her willingness to embrace change and her commitment to continuous learning. “Each job switch brought new experiences. From tally and accounting to diving into the complexities of import and export at an IATA company, my resume is a mosaic of varied experiences. But why? Because I’ve always kept myself in learning mode,” she explains. Her philosophy is simple yet profound: “Nobody stops you from learning. It’s up to you to keep that willingness to learn alive, to grasp what’s happening around you.”
Starting as a commercial assistant in 2011, Suman has navigated through various roles, eventually rising to the position of Senior Project Manager for infrastructure, embodying the spirit of continuous evolution and adaptability. “My journey within Phillips has been nothing short of transformative. From handling commercial responsibilities to leading administrative and facility management tasks, each role has offered me a unique set of challenges and learning opportunities,” Suman reflects. A distinctive feature of Phillips’ culture is the Competency Development Dialogue (CDD), a performance appraisal system that Suman credits for much of her personal and professional development. “Unlike the traditional KRA and KPI models, CDD, introduced by our Chairman Alan Phillips, is a more engaging and interactive method of performance evaluation that happens every three months. It’s not just about setting objectives but about providing the support and training needed to achieve them,” she explains, highlighting the supportive nature of the company’s leadership.
Suman’s role in the commercial team involves the initial evaluation of nondisclosure agreements and conducting due diligence on potential manufacturing partners. “Each inquiry is an opportunity to learn something new, to understand the intricacies of what we distribute and how it impacts the industry,” she says, showcasing the importance of being thorough and diligent in her work. “Working closely with Terrence Miranda and Shubra Miranda for almost six to seven years has been one of the highlights of my career at Phillips,” Suman fondly recalls. “They’re mentors who have created a nurturing environment that feels more like a family than a workplace. This familial approach to leadership has been instrumental in my growth and development within the company. They have always been accessible, guiding me through challenges and celebrating my successes as if they were their own. It’s rare to find leaders who invest so personally in their team’s growth, and I consider myself fortunate to have been under their mentorship. Their belief in treating employees like family members has fostered a strong sense of belonging and loyalty, not just towards them but towards the entire organization.”
Her story is also one of inspiration, not just within the confines of her professional life but extending into her personal life, where she encourages her son towards pursuing engineering. “I’ve seen the impact of technical knowledge first-hand, especially in the post-COVID world. Pushing my son towards engineering was about showing him the potential for social impact, for contributing to our nation and beyond,” she shares, proud of the decision and the direction her son has taken. Suman’s narrative intertwines the professional with the personal, showcasing her belief in the power of technical knowledge and its essential role in societal progress. “While I may not have a technical background, my journey has taught me that everyone, regardless of their field, has something valuable to contribute. Leadership, skill, and determination are just as critical in driving innovation and success,” she asserts, reinforcing the idea that excellence in the manufacturing industry, or any field for that matter, is not just the domain of those with technical expertise but also those who lead, manage, and inspire.
“After completing my BCom, further education seemed like a distant dream. But here I am, pursuing a Masters in Business Administration through Manipal University. Just the other day, after finishing my last exam, I realized how close I am to achieving another milestone in my academic journey. By the end of this year, I will hold a Masters degree in Business Administration,” Suman shares with a sense of pride and anticipation for the future. Her aspirations extend beyond climbing the corporate ladder; Suman harbors dreams of entrepreneurship. “I envision a future where I can channel my experience and knowledge into building something of my own, possibly alongside my son. It’s about setting ambitious goals, dreaming big, and striving for excellence. Ambition should always soar high,” she muses, reflecting on the importance of setting lofty goals and the drive needed to pursue them.
Suman also emphasizes the power of voice and self-expression as critical tools for personal and professional development. “Speaking up is crucial. My boss often points out my willingness to express my thoughts openly. It’s about making your ideas and concerns heard. Keeping silent helps no one, and speaking out is the first step toward understanding whether your ideas have merit or need reevaluation,” she explains. In her narrative, Suman encourages everyone to not limit themselves or succumb to self-doubt. “Please, don’t ever stop yourself or get discouraged. Stand out, speak up, and make your voice heard. It’s only by expressing ourselves that we can navigate through the challenges and opportunities that life throws our way,” she advises.
Behind every successful person, there’s often a support system that plays a crucial role in their journey, providing encouragement and strength during challenging times. For Suman Donde, this unwavering support comes from her husband, who has been her cornerstone throughout her career and personal life. “Whenever I face discomfort or feel overwhelmed, my husband is the first person I turn to. He’s not just a listener; he’s my sounding board for everything. It’s funny how he points out that I tend to offload my pressures onto him, seeking solace in his calmness,” Suman shares with a smile. This intimate glimpse into her personal life highlights the importance of having a partner who not only listens but also actively supports and participates in finding solutions to challenges.
Suman candidly admits her own shortcomings, “I realize that I’m not always the best at listening, a trait my husband compensates for with his incredible patience. He has an innate ability to wade through my concerns, offering solutions that often escape me in moments of stress.” This dynamic of mutual support and understanding underscores the balance that her husband brings to their relationship, enabling Suman to pursue her career and personal ambitions with confidence. The support extends beyond emotional reassurance, as Suman elaborates on her husband’s role in managing household duties, especially during critical times. “His flexibility and willingness to take on tasks, be it cooking or caring for our son during his crucial school years, have been a huge relief. During COVID, with our son in the 10th and then the 12th standard, he was the rock that kept our family steady, allowing me to concentrate fully on my professional responsibilities.”
WOMANUFACTURING: Transformative Journey of Manufacturing Sector
Suman Donde reflects on the evolving landscape of the manufacturing industry, highlighting the gradual dissolution of gender bias and the increasing respect and opportunities for women. “Manufacturing has traditionally been male-dominated, but the scenario is changing. Post-COVID, I’ve noticed a shift towards more inclusive practices where men and women work side by side, respected equally for their contributions,” she observes. Suman emphasizes the importance of giving everyone, regardless of gender, the chance to demonstrate their capabilities and innovate within the industry. “It’s not about gender; it’s about the value and ideas each individual brings to the table. The industry benefits from diverse perspectives driving towards a common goal,” she explains.
She shares her niece’s internship experience in architecture as evidence of this positive shift. “My niece’s experience, where her gender did not dictate her responsibilities or safety measures, reflects a broader change. Such environments are nurturing for young professionals and indicative of the industry’s evolving mindset,” Suman points out. This anecdote underlines the growing norm of equal treatment and opportunities, a change that Suman welcomes and encourages. Moreover, Suman speaks about the practices within her own family that challenge traditional gender roles, further illustrating her belief in equality. “In our home, tasks are not divided by gender. My son participates in all household chores. This approach is fundamental, teaching that responsibility and respect transcend gender,” she states. This personal policy mirrors her professional stance on gender equality, underscoring the importance of fostering an environment where everyone is valued equally, regardless of gender.
Addressing potential issues of disrespect or unfair treatment in manufacturing, particularly at the plant level, Suman advises focusing on the positives and tackling challenges head-on. “It’s about how you address and navigate through situations. Highlighting the good can often mitigate the bad, promoting a more inclusive and respectful workplace culture,” she suggests. Suman passionately advocates for equal training opportunities in the manufacturing sector, stressing the importance of skill development for women to level the playing field. “The industry must offer the same training to women as it does to men, without prejudging their capabilities based on gender. It’s essential for the growth of the sector and the empowerment of women,” she argues. Her call to action is clear: provide comprehensive training, including technical, communication, and leadership skills, to all employees, thereby fostering a more inclusive and skilled workforce.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Suman emphasizes the transformative power of training, not just for job performance but also for personal growth and confidence. “Training is crucial, not only for understanding the technical aspects of the job but also for developing the soft skills necessary for effective communication and leadership. It’s about building a well-rounded professional,” she notes. This holistic approach to employee development, she believes, can drive significant change in the industry, encouraging more women to pursue careers in manufacturing and technical fields.
Suman’s personal achievements, including the Brand Ambassador Award and the “Courage in the Line of Fire” award, highlight her commitment to continuous learning and excellence. “These awards are special to me because they recognize the hard work and dedication that went into critical projects like the implementation of Microsoft D365. It was a learning curve, but it taught me the value of patience and perseverance,” she shares. These experiences underscore her belief in the importance of embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.
Drawing on her journey, Suman is now focused on mentoring her colleagues, encouraging them to seek out new learning opportunities and to step beyond their comfort zones. “It’s about passing on the lessons I’ve learned, encouraging my team to explore their potential beyond their desk jobs. Every day is a chance to learn something new, to grow, and to contribute more significantly to our collective goals,” she concludes. Suman’s narrative serves as an inspiring call to action for the manufacturing industry to prioritize training and development for all employees, regardless of gender. Her story is of a transformative impact of education, perseverance, and the support of a progressive workplace culture on personal and professional growth.