Lipika joined Rollcon Technofab in 2011 at just 18, driven by a desire for independence, not ambition. In a society where women were rarely encouraged to work, she chose a nearby company to avoid resistance – Rollcon. What started as a practical choice evolved into a remarkable journey. Today, she leads procurement, playing a vital role in the company’s growth.
Interviewer: You started your journey with Rollcon Technofab at the age of 18 – what inspired you to step into this industry so early in life?
Lipika: Financial independence was critical to me, even at that young age. I came from a background where women weren’t often encouraged to work or stand on their own feet, but I was determined to change that for myself. I wanted to earn, to stand tall, and to be self-reliant.
I chose the job closest to home to avoid too much resistance from my family, and that company happened to be Rollcon Technofab. At that time, I didn’t even know what a company’s departments were, or what exactly the industry did. I started as an Accounts Executive, helping with bookkeeping, filing, and coordination. It was a humble start, but one that gave me room to grow. It was a small team – just three of us, including our MD – working out of a 10×10 rented room in a basement, and everyone multitasked.
What made the difference was the culture at Rollcon. Our MD, Mr. Rajiv Dhawan, saw potential in me and gave me the space to learn. That early trust became the foundation of my journey – from Accounts to Sales to Procurement and now Leadership.
Interviewer: What inspired you to continue in the industrial and boiler manufacturing space, and how has your journey evolved over the years?
Lipika: I didn’t plan on joining the industrial sector – it was more of a practical choice than a passionate one at the beginning. But over time, I grew fascinated with how projects come together: how things are built, how different departments run, and how even the smallest role makes a big difference.
My growth was gradual but constant. After Accounts, I moved into Sales and Billing. That taught me the needs and timelines of projects and clients. Then I was given the chance to move to the opposite end – Procurement – which became my core domain from 2018 onwards. Understanding materials, managing vendors, and delivering under pressure became second nature.
Interviewer: How has your role at Rollcon changed over time? What were some key turning points and milestones?
Lipika: Everything changed once I started understanding how each department connects to the bigger picture. Starting with billing and documentation, I moved on to Sales, which exposed me to client expectations and project flow.
But the major turning point was being trusted with Procurement. From 2018 onward, I was handling end-to-end purchases for major projects – materials, fabrication, vendor evaluation, negotiations, delivery, and coordination. Today, I lead a team of 5–7 people who manage inspection and dispatch along with me.
Some cherished milestones for me:
- Delivering major project dispatches on tight schedules
- Building a reliable vendor network across India and abroad
- Creating systems to track and streamline inspections
- Being entrusted with leading a core technical department as a woman
Interviewer: What challenges have you faced as a woman in this field, and how did you overcome them?
Lipika: One big challenge was gaining credibility. In meetings, especially in technical discussions, people would assume I didn’t know enough. And I didn’t, at first. But I never let that hold me back.
I stayed curious, asked questions, listened, learned, and made sure that every task I took on was completed with accuracy and accountability. Over time, my results started doing the talking – timely deliveries, vendor trust, and smooth coordination.
Managing a team was also a learning curve. I had no background in leadership, but I learned through experience. I also had the support of my boss and team, which made it easier to find my voice and authority.
Interviewer: You’ve spoken about your professional evolution. How have you evolved personally through this journey?
Lipika: When I started, I was unsure, quiet, and still figuring out how the professional world worked. Over the years, I’ve become more confident, clear-headed, and independent in both my decisions and mindset. I learned patience, clarity in communication, and how to handle diverse personalities. My work taught me resilience and the importance of consistency.
During this time, I also chose to complete my B.Com through distance learning while working full-time. It was tough, but I wanted to grow in both directions, professionally and academically. By the time I graduated, I already had experience navigating real-world challenges as well as financial stability – something that many fresh graduates didn’t have.
My family played a huge part in keeping me grounded. My mother was always supportive. My father was more worried about the long hours and stress-he hoped I would shift to something safer, like HR. But I was determined to push myself.
I got married in 2015, four years after I joined Rollcon. My husband and his family have been incredibly supportive. They have always supported me in my professional journey. In Rollcon’s early days, there were times when a vendor would be working over a weekend to meet urgent timelines. Instead of asking the team to join, I would go myself to oversee things.
Interviewer: How do you see the role of women evolving in the industrial and energy sectors over the next decade?
Lipika: The shift is already happening. More women are entering roles in operations, engineering, procurement, and even site-based execution. It’s no longer about being confined to HR or admin roles.
With greater inclusivity, better safety, and the rise of automation, the barriers for women are lowering. I believe mentorship and early exposure are going to be game changers. Over the next decade, we’ll see more women leading plants, projects, and processes.
Women bring structure, empathy, and a different kind of leadership – one that balances detail and discipline tempered with empathy. The industry needs that now more than ever.
Interviewer: What advice would you give young women entering technical or industrial careers?
Lipika: Don’t wait to be “ready.” Just start. The rest will follow.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Be curious – Ask questions, take notes, don’t worry about sounding inexperienced.
- Believe in yourself – Especially when others don’t.
- Find mentors – Their guidance can change your life.
- Be consistent – Effort counts more than talent alone.
- Own your journey – Whether you’re a fresher, a mother returning to work, or someone switching fields, your story is valid.
Many women feel what I felt-overwhelmed, underqualified, unsure. I want to tell them: It’s okay to not know everything. Degrees don’t define us. Career breaks are also learning periods. What matters is you. The real magic lies in believing that you can learn, grow, and succeed on your terms.
Interviewer: What’s the way ahead for you at Rollcon?
Lipika: I see myself continuing this journey with deeper involvement in Rollcon’s strategic growth. I want to take on more leadership responsibility – building systems, mentoring younger team members, and streamlining procurement with foresight, not just urgency.
I’m fortunate to be part of the core leadership team. Now, I want to give back, especially to women. To young girls who are just starting, and to older women considering a comeback. I want them to know that their life experiences, not just degrees, are what shape success.
We can all be what we choose to be. That’s something I learned at Rollcon, and something I hope to pass on to others.
