With over 35 years of experience, she possesses expertise across multiple corporate verticals, including Order Processing, Planning, Government Liaison, Accounts, Dispatch, Commercial Operations, and Recovery.
Indira Rajput
Director
Incosteam International Pvt. Ltd.
Interviewer: What inspired you to pursue a career in the industrial sector?
Indira Rajput: When I was 24, I had the opportunity to explore various career paths, but I chose the industrial sector for two key reasons. First, I was driven by a strong desire to excel in a dynamic and challenging environment. I always wanted to be part of an industry that constantly evolves, offering new learning experiences and opportunities for growth.
Second, I aspired to gain in-depth knowledge and establish myself in a traditionally male-dominated field. Engineering companies, in particular, are often led by men, and I was determined to carve out my space, earn respect, and contribute meaningfully.
Beyond these motivations, my entrepreneurial journey has been fueled by a deep passion for breaking societal barriers. The industry presents challenges, but I saw them as opportunities to drive change and redefine norms.
Interviewer: You have always been part of the hardcore industrial industry. Can you share a memorable experience or challenge you faced?
Indira Rajput: Women in such industries are often underrepresented and must put in extra effort to prove their capabilities and earn respect. Overcoming these biases was one of my earliest challenges.
Another significant hurdle was handling critical job roles. In my previous company, where I worked for nearly 30 years, I managed seven to eight key departments, including Order Processing, Sales, Planning, Commercial Operations, Dispatches, and Government Liaison. Each role came with its own complexities, but they provided invaluable learning experiences and shaped my professional growth.
Work-life balance was another major challenge. Long working hours, coupled with responsibilities at home, required constant effort, especially as I come from a traditional family. Managing both professional and personal commitments was demanding but essential.
Finally, as a founding member at INOS, I faced the challenge of building a business from the ground up. Establishing a presence in the international market required taking strategic risks, making critical decisions, and navigating financial and operational pressures. The journey has been tough but deeply rewarding.
Interviewer: What challenges and opportunities do you see emerging from increased digitalisation and automation within industrial marketing?
Indira Rajput: With the rise of automation and digitalization in the industrial sector, several challenges must be addressed. One of the most significant is skill upgradation, as adapting to rapidly evolving technologies requires continuous learning and upskilling. Teams must be trained in new tools such as artificial intelligence and data analytics to remain competitive. Workforce transition is another challenge, as employees may struggle to adapt to advanced automation. Addressing job redundancies and ensuring proper re-skilling is essential to maintaining an efficient workforce.
Additionally, cybersecurity threats are becoming more prevalent as operations become increasingly digital. Protecting sensitive data and securing systems against cyberattacks is now a priority. The initial investment in automation and security measures also presents a financial challenge, as industrial companies traditionally did not require such significant capital allocation for digital infrastructure. Furthermore, integrating new technologies with existing systems can be complex, requiring both workforce training and strategic implementation.
However, the benefits of digitalization far outweigh these challenges. Automation enhances efficiency by streamlining processes, reducing manual intervention, and significantly improving turnaround times while cutting costs. It also facilitates better decision-making, as readily available data enables more precise planning and forecasting. Ultimately, embracing digital transformation empowers industries to operate more effectively, remain competitive, and seize new growth opportunities.
Interviewer: How can companies create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for women?
Indira Rajput: With my 25 years of industry experience, including my time at Forbes Marshall. I’ve seen closely how it makes a difference to the potential and raising confidence in women.
Strong leadership and well-defined policies play a crucial role in fostering gender diversity within organizations. Leaders must actively support inclusivity, setting the tone for the entire company. Clear anti-discrimination policies are essential, as I’ve witnessed in my corporate experience. Women should feel safe, respected, and given equal opportunities for leadership roles and promotions through a transparent and fair process. Additionally, flexible work arrangements, including adaptable schedules, can greatly support women in balancing professional and personal responsibilities.
Talent development is another key factor. Having strong mentors can be a game-changer—I know firsthand how valuable guidance can be, especially when navigating challenges. Organizations should invest in leadership training and skill development programs tailored to women’s needs, incorporating insights gathered through industry events and internal initiatives.
A positive workplace culture is equally important. Recognizing and celebrating women’s achievements publicly can be a powerful motivator, while HR departments can create dedicated spaces for women to share experiences and advice, fostering a sense of community and support.
Recruitment and retention strategies should also be inclusive, ensuring that job postings and hiring practices encourage women to apply. Once onboard, retaining talent requires active listening, regular feedback sessions, and structured career development programs. Women need to see a clear path for growth, knowing their advancement is a priority.
Ultimately, the true impact lies in the execution of these policies. Organizations that genuinely commit to these efforts not only build a more engaged workforce but also cultivate an innovative and forward-thinking company culture.
At INCOSTEAM INTERNATIONAL, we strongly believe in empowering women to lead across all segments of work—be it marketing, shop floor operations, or strategic planning. By fostering an inclusive environment, we aim to break stereotypes and create equal opportunities for women to excel and contribute meaningfully to every facet of the organization. Our vision is to inspire more women to step into leadership roles and drive innovation and success.
Interviewer: How can companies foster a more inclusive environment for women in engineering and manufacturing while also supporting young women entering the field?
Indira Rajput: My advice to women aspiring to build a career in engineering and manufacturing starts with one key principle—believe in yourself. Don’t let stereotypes limit your potential; the industry welcomes talent, and your creativity, leadership, and confidence will take you far.
Continuous learning is essential. Stay curious, keep upgrading your skills, and embrace new technologies to stay ahead. Challenges will arise, but facing them with resilience will only make you stronger. Finding a mentor or role model can be invaluable—learning from their experiences and insights will help you navigate your journey effectively.
Balancing professional and personal life is often challenging, but it’s crucial for long-term success. Many women step back from their careers due to this struggle, so finding that balance is key. Build a strong network, connect with like-minded women leaders, and most importantly, break barriers. Set an example, be a role model, and inspire the next generation of women in engineering and manufacturing.
Interviewer: How important is innovation in your role, and how do you foster creative thinking within your team?
Indira Rajput: Innovation, for me, has never been just a driver of success—it has been a core philosophy. Over the years, as we successfully launched two companies with patented products, it became clear that fostering a culture of innovation was essential for sustainability and growth.
Open communication plays a crucial role in this process. Creating a safe space where team members can freely share ideas—no matter how unconventional—ensures that innovation thrives. Providing continuous learning opportunities, whether for fresh talent from colleges or existing team members, keeps the spirit of innovation alive. Collaboration and brainstorming further fuel creative thinking, allowing diverse perspectives to shape new ideas.
Empowering decision-making is another key aspect. Every team member, even newcomers, has the autonomy to make decisions and implement changes, fostering a sense of ownership and confidence. Lastly, I view failure not as a setback but as a learning opportunity. Trial and error are part of innovation, and embracing them as stepping stones to success encourages risk-taking and continuous improvement.
Interviewer: What positive organizational changes and advancements do you foresee in the heat and steam industry over the next five years?
Indira Rajput: The heat and steam industry is on the brink of significant transformation, driven by digitalization, sustainability, and efficiency. The adoption of IoT and smart systems will revolutionize operations, enabling predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and automation, ultimately reducing downtime and optimizing energy usage. Sustainability will remain a key focus, with companies increasingly turning to renewable energy sources, carbon capture, and energy recovery systems to meet stringent environmental regulations.
Automation, including AI and robotics, will enhance production efficiency and accuracy while reshaping workforce requirements, emphasizing the need for tech-savvy professionals. As customer expectations evolve, the demand for customized heat and steam solutions will grow, encouraging companies to offer more tailored and responsive services. The rise of remote monitoring and control will further improve system reliability, allowing real-time adjustments and cost-effective operations.
Data-driven decision-making will play a crucial role, as big data analytics enable better forecasting, maintenance planning, and overall resource management. Meanwhile, companies will place greater emphasis on workforce development and diversity, fostering inclusive environments and investing in training programs to attract and retain skilled professionals. Additionally, collaboration across industry stakeholders, including governments and research institutions, will accelerate innovation and regulatory compliance.
Over the next five years, these advancements will create a more efficient, sustainable, and customer-focused industry, shaping the future of heat and steam solutions.
