Worklife Balance is Key for Sustained Productivity & Happiness: Mallika B

30 March 2024

From Coimbatore’s bustling streets to ELGi Equipments Limited’s dynamic corridors, Mallika B’s journey is a narrative of passion, dedication, and vision. With a robust academic foundation in multiple engineering disciplines, her fascination with instrumentation engineering propelled her into manufacturing, where she found her true calling. At ELGi, she honed her expertise, became a stalwart advocate for work-life balance and championed the cause of gender equality in leadership positions. Her aspiration is driven by a profound desire to contribute to strengthening India’s manufacturing sector.

With a rich history spanning nearly 64 years, Elgi Equipments Limited has emerged as a global leader, dedicated to delivering compressed air solutions that not only meet the diverse needs of various industries but do so with an eye towards sustainability and efficiency. The company’s commitment to research and development has led to the creation of a wide array of compressed air solutions, each designed to address the specific requirements of different industry applications, from automotive to food and beverage, and beyond. Guided by the belief in pursuing dreams and striving to be “Always better,” Mallika’s story is reflection of ELGi’s global dedication to quality and excellence for their customers.

As the Quality Manager at ELGi Equipments Limited, Mallika has devoted 19 years to ensuring that every product meets the highest standards of measurement accuracy and variation reduction. Her journey reflects ELGi’s commitment to fostering a positive work culture and work-life balance, enabling employees like her to reach their fullest potential. With a passion for her field that has only grown in this rapidly evolving industry, Mallika has had the privilege of working alongside domain experts and a supportive team, each day filled with new learning and experiences.

Passion for Instrumentation Engineering

Mallika B’s narrative begins in the industrious city of Coimbatore, affectionately termed the “Manchester of South India,” a place where the hum of textile mills was the backdrop of her childhood. Raised in a joint family environment that valued discipline and collaboration, Mallika’s early life was marked by active involvement in the National Cadet Corps and athletics, laying the foundation for her relentless pursuit of excellence and teamwork. Her academic journey, enriched by a diploma in Instrumentation Engineering, a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, and a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electronics from the prestigious Coimbatore Institute of Technology, steered her towards a career that marries innovation with precision.

Mallika reminisces, “My passion for exploring cutting-edge measurement technologies was ignited by my background in instrumentation engineering, guiding me towards a fulfilling career in engineering.” Entering the engineering realm presented Mallika with her initial set of professional challenges. The narrow scope of measurement she was first trained in demanded a rapid acclimatization to the broader and more complex aspects of metrology. She embarked on a journey of mastering various technical facets, from machinery operation and process optimization to a deep understanding of international standards and troubleshooting techniques. “The learning curve was steep, but my resolve was firmer,” Mallika states, reflecting on her early career’s hurdles.

Her formula for overcoming these challenges was simple yet effective—setting precise goals, actively seeking expert advice, engaging in specialized training programs, and adapting with unwavering persistence. This proactive approach was not just about career advancement; it was a testament to her dedication to continuous improvement and learning. “Every challenge was an opportunity to grow, to enhance my skills, and to further cement my place in the engineering field,” she remarks, encapsulating her journey from a curious child in Coimbatore to a seasoned engineer, continually pushing the boundaries of quality and innovation in her work.

Ensuring Highest Quality Standards for ELGi Globally

In 2005, Mallika B embarked on an exciting journey with ELGi Equipments Limited, drawn to the company’s vibrant work culture, unwavering commitment to excellence, and the promise of professional growth. “Joining ELGi was a decision inspired by its positive atmosphere and the endless opportunities it offered for career advancement,” Mallika shares, reflecting on her initial attraction to the company. Over the years, ELGi has not only lived up to but exceeded her expectations, offering her a platform for continuous learning, mentorship, and career development that has profoundly enriched her professional journey.

As the Manager in the Quality department, Mallika plays a crucial role in ensuring the measurement accuracy, reliability, and consistency across ELGi’s manufacturing processes. “The heart of my job is to guarantee that our products meet the highest standards of quality and compliance,” she explains, highlighting the significance of her work. The path, however, is laden with challenges, from keeping abreast of technological advancements to managing uncertainties and measurement risks. Mallika’s approach to these hurdles is strategic and multifaceted, involving continuous improvement initiatives, the adoption of robust QMS frameworks, and a keen focus on customer feedback to ensure alignment with their expectations.

Mallika distills her experiences at ELGi into three invaluable lessons. “First and foremost, having a solid foundational knowledge and continuously seeking ways to improve our processes is key. It’s about striving for efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness,” she asserts, emphasizing the importance of in-depth expertise and continuous enhancement. The journey also taught her the significance of embracing technological advancements, a strategy pivotal for boosting productivity and maintaining a competitive edge. “Investing in the latest technology has been a game-changer for us,” Mallika observes.

The third lesson Mallika highlights is the development of interpersonal skills. “Cultivating behaviour skills such as motivating my team, active listening, and appreciating their contributions has been instrumental in enhancing collaboration and fostering a growth mindset,” she notes. These lessons have not only shaped her career but have also contributed to building a stronger, more cohesive team at ELGi.

Fostering Equal Leadership Opportunities

At the heart of ELGi’s ethos, as articulated by Mallika B, lies the conviction that a gender-neutral workplace — one that values, respects, and includes everyone irrespective of gender identity — is an ideal and practical necessity for fostering a genuinely welcoming and supportive environment. “We are committed to promoting a culture that recognises the strength in diversity and the importance of inclusivity,” Mallika elucidates, shedding light on the company’s efforts to maintain an open-minded environment, mentor all employees, and ensure equal leadership opportunities.

Central to Mallika’s approach to have an effective teamwork is the promotion of open, clear, and transparent communication within and across teams, ensuring that every member feels heard, valued, and understood. By encouraging cross-functional teamwork, Mallika leverages the diverse expertise within ELGi, fostering a culture of innovation and collective problem-solving. Aligning the team’s goals with customer needs, she maintains a sharp focus on delivering value and exceeding expectations, thereby reinforcing the company’s customer-centric ethos. Additionally, Mallika places a high priority on skill development, offering training and resources to equip her team with the necessary skills for their roles, ensuring that the team not only meets but surpasses their objectives.

Drawing on her extensive experience and leadership role, Mallika extends invaluable advice to women aspiring to leadership positions in the manufacturing sector. “Embrace your passion and believe in your capabilities. The journey to leadership involves continuous learning, strategic thinking, and cultivating emotional intelligence,” she advises. Mallika stresses the importance of building a strong professional network and staying updated with industry advancements, underscoring resilience and advocacy for gender equality as key to creating more opportunities for women in manufacturing.

Moreover, Mallika understands the importance of feedback in the continuous improvement process, actively seeking and acting upon it to refine processes and outcomes. She champions collaborative problem-solving, inviting team members to pool their knowledge and resources to tackle challenges effectively. Celebrating achievements forms a crucial part of Mallika’s strategy to boost morale and encourage continued excellence, while enhancing conflict resolution abilities ensures a harmonious and productive work environment. “By investing in skill development and soliciting feedback, we not only improve our processes but also empower each team member to contribute to their fullest potential,” she notes, emphasizing the significance of collaborative problem-solving and the celebration of achievements to boost morale.

Leverage your Talents & Unique Skills: Mallika B

As Mallika B continues to ascend in her career at ELGi, her goals stretch far beyond the confines of her current role, aiming at a comprehensive blend of personal and professional growth. In the ever-evolving landscape of the manufacturing industry, she places a strong emphasis on enhancing her skill set and knowledge base. “My ambition is to stay at the forefront of technological advancements and best practices within the industry,” Mallika comments, highlighting her commitment to skill and knowledge enhancement. This includes not only pursuing further qualifications but also actively participating in projects aimed at minimizing measurement variations and embracing digitization. She views continuous learning and hands-on experience with new technologies as pivotal to her development.

Leadership skill development stands as another cornerstone of Mallika’s aspirations. She understands the critical importance of honing decision-making and problem-solving abilities, along with fostering emotional intelligence and adaptability in a swiftly changing environment. “Strengthening my leadership skills is about more than just guiding my team; it’s about inspiring innovation and ensuring resilience,” Mallika reflects, explaining her approach to leadership. Innovation and flexibility are at the core of Mallika’s vision for the future. Adopting an innovative mindset allows her to lead adeptly through the industry’s rapid changes, ensuring that ELGi remains competitive and responsive to market dynamics. “Embracing change and fostering a culture of innovation are essential for navigating the industry’s challenges and seizing opportunities,” she explains.

Moreover, Mallika is a fervent advocate for diversity, gender equality, and cultural inclusion within the workplace. She plans to actively promote these values, ensuring that ELGi continues to be a place where every employee, regardless of their background, feels valued and has equal opportunities to succeed. “Championing diversity and equality is about fairness; and it’s about enriching our company culture and driving innovation through a multitude of perspectives,” Mallika states. Lastly, Mallika does not overlook the significance of work-life balance in her journey. She believes in the importance of maintaining a healthy equilibrium between her professional duties and personal life, dedicating time to self-care and nurturing relationships. “Achieving a work-life balance is crucial for sustained productivity and happiness, both in the workplace and at home,” she concludes.

As Mallika B navigates her journey at Elgi Equipments Limited, her story inspires many in the manufacturing industry. Her dedication to continuous personal and professional development, leadership, innovation, and advocacy for diversity and work-life balance encapsulates the essence of a forward-thinking leader. She says, “Embrace and leverage your unique skills, talents, and viewpoints. They are indispensable assets that can drive innovation and foster success within the manufacturing industry.” As we conclude Mallika’s story, it’s clear that her impact at ELGi and within the manufacturing sector extends far beyond her technical achievements. It’s her unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where innovation flourishes, diversity is celebrated, and balance is achieved, that truly sets her apart as a leader. Mallika B’s narrative is not just about the strides she has made in her career but also about the path she is paving for future generations in the manufacturing industry.