Dr Mohini Sudumbrekar has had a fascinating career journey marked by perseverance, determination, and the constant pursuit of excellence. From her humble beginnings in Nagpur to her current role as a training consultant, Mohini has always been driven to succeed. With diverse talents, including table tennis, singing, and dancing, Mohini has always been a high achiever. However, her most significant achievements have come in her professional life, where she has emerged as a leading expert in digital transformation and Industry 4.0.
We are proud to bring the fantastic story of an all-rounder personality from the Orange city of India, Nagpur, the girl from a Golden Era named Mohini, who was full of energy and talent. Dr Mohini Sudumbrekar is the Founder of Pune-based Future Skills Consultants, working in the field of Industry 4.0, IOT, Design Thinking, Data Science, Electric Vehicles, Machine Tools, Automation & Robotics, “FUTURE READY” Procurement 4.0, Maintenance 4.0, and many other advance technologies.
From her school days, she excelled in everything she put her mind to – be it academics, sports, or the arts. Her dedication and passion for excellence helped her become a state-level table tennis player, a talented singer and dancer, and a top-performing student. After completing her degree in 1980, Electrical Engineering from Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Mohini got an internship in the manufacturing field, where she learned the ropes of the machine tools industry.
Dr Mohini Sudumbrekar’s hard work and perseverance soon paid off. She landed prestigious jobs at companies like Cooper Engineering, Walchan Group, Perfect Machine tool automatics ltd, and Premier Ltd, where she honed her skills in designing and developing CNC machine tools and automation systems. Dr Mohini Sudumbrekar is a Master in Electrical Engineering, which she completed from the premier Indian institute College of Engineering Pune in 1994, now the COEP Technological University.
Importance of Being Industry-Ready Skillsets
Today, Mohini is a renowned training consultant in the industry, and her passion for teaching and mentoring has helped countless individuals succeed. Dr Mohini Sudumbrekar takes pride in the success of her students and team members. While working in the industry, Mohini realized that the education imparted in institutions needs to be complemented by several more skills to be ‘Industry ready’. The rapid pace of technological change required professionals to understand and get updated on the Future Skills needed for working on the shop floor right up to the top management. She also saw the need for soft skills development to complement technical skills, as people interaction, process knowledge and product specifications are critical factors in any manufacturing setup.
With a desire to help others succeed, Mohini became a training consultant in digital transformation and IoT. She started working with engineering institutions, playing a versatile role as a teacher and consultant to ensure industry contacts and updates. Her goal was to influence and empower her students, faculties, and team members in the industry by bringing out the best in them. After 40 years of experience in academia, industry, and international projects, Mohini’s focus on the need for training, development, and mentoring remained strong. She realized the need for skills development for students, faculties, and corporate professionals and chose to lead by example.
Neglecting Small Hurdles to Achieve Bigger Goals
Dr Mohini Sudumbrekar is a woman who has defied all odds to become a leader in the manufacturing industry. Her journey has been filled with numerous challenges, one she faced early in her career. Despite cracking the entrance exam, she recalls being refused an interview for campus recruitment simply because she was a woman. This incident deeply impacted her, and she was determined to fight against such discrimination.
Over the years, Dr Sudumbrekar worked tirelessly to prove her worth in the industry. She got an opportunity to work on a design project for the Horizontal CNC Machine, which gave her a technical and financial lead. Despite her successes, she found it ridiculous that women in the manufacturing industry were still mistreated. However, she was committed to doing things differently and refused to let these incidents hold her back from achieving her goals.
Throughout her career, Dr Sudumbrekar encountered people who were challenging to work with and those who supported her technically and towards her leadership contribution. She learned to navigate these challenges with grace and perseverance, never losing sight of her vision. As a woman in manufacturing, Dr Sudumbrekar faced unique challenges, but her determination and passion for the industry helped her to overcome them. She continues to be a trailblazer for women in the field, advocating for equal opportunities and fair treatment.
Unleashing Potential through Equal Opportunities and Mindset Shift
In pursuing gender equality in the workplace, Mohini suggested, companies must offer training courses and pay equal salaries to women. Women must be seen as engineers and not just female employees in their respective fields. However, it’s also essential for women to take responsibility and make efforts towards their success. “Firstly, believe in yourself and your abilities. Develop a positive and growth-oriented mindset that empowers you to overcome any obstacles that come your way”, shares Dr Mohini Sudumbrekar.
Dr Mohini Sudumbrekar further states that one should have a clear and ambitious goal that motivates one to strive towards excellence. “Thirdly, prioritize continual self-development through learning and acquiring new skills. Fourthly, commit to working hard and giving your best every day. Lastly, maintain a positive attitude and conviction in your abilities, as these are crucial for success”, concluded Dr Mohini Sudumbrekar.
Mohini’s journey in the manufacturing industry has been a roller coaster ride full of ups and downs. She faced several challenges and obstacles due to gender but did not let that hold her back. Mohini’s unwavering commitment to her goals, continual self-development, and hard work have enabled her to carve a niche for herself in the industry. She has inspired many aspiring women who wish to make their mark in the male-dominated manufacturing field. Mohini’s story reminds that with the right attitude, determination, and hard work, anyone can achieve their dreams, regardless of gender or any other perceived limitation.
