Sonal Singh, Asst Manager Europe – Projects, Valmet India Pvt Ltd.

Can you take us through your professional journey and highlight key milestones that have shaped your career?

I started off my career post college with a company in the valve industry and then there was no looking back. I enjoyed the journey where I started off as an application engineer and now, handling Europe region – Projects. Its learning curve which shaped me from an introvert into a confident lady with the knowledge I gained from my mentor and challenges I faced while winning orders for my company. It's an exciting role and we have new challenges with more demanding roles.

Could you share a specific challenge you faced in your career and the strategies you employed to overcome it?

The challenges we face with every project in terms of customer requirements are very demanding and we have this collaboration with our R&D, logistics, documentation so that we deliver.

How do you stay updated on industry trends, and how do you incorporate this knowledge into your leadership role?

I follow the industry trends through news/social media/events/exhibitions, seminars, etc.

How do you stay updated on industry trends, and how do you incorporate this knowledge into your leadership role?

The industry updates help in strategising the product strategy and in deciding on the action required for the project accordingly.

In your opinion, what are the essential qualities of a successful leader, especially in a fast-paced and dynamic environment?

Learning never fades. So keep learning from the ideas youngsters bring to your table or from industry experts. Be humble to accept your mistakes and learn from them, and never repeat. Improvise with small increments and you can bring a balance to your work and life.

How do you promote diversity and inclusion within your organisation, and why is it important to you?

I am happy to be part of a company where equal opportunity is given based on merit. It is important both men and women are part of your team as it brings a different perspective of handling a project.

How do you prioritise your professional development, and what strategies do you use to continue learning and growing in your role?

I take various opportunities whenever they come from as they help me develop personally and professionally. I take a lead in the project and also be part of the HR/POSH/HSE committee/Training and Mentorship.

Who has been a significant mentor or role model for you, and how have they influenced your career?

I have always been lucky. I had seniors like Atul Sharma, Vinod Joshi and Shiv Kamath to name a few, who had been great mentors in each phase of my life and shaped me into the confident me that I am. The journey was a mix bag of some tough decisions and they helped me to believe in my capabilities and go beyond what I see. To analyse myself and be ready to take the challenge as they always believe that I would be able to achieve it. Not everything was a success, but I know I give my best to everything I do.

What advice do you have for women aspiring to enter the industry, become entrepreneurs or start their own businesses?

You will have a challenge/prejudiced thoughts/struggling with priorities but at the end believe you can do it. Just prioritise and stick to your commitment.

Can you share a strategy or habit that helps you maintain a healthy work-life balance?

Prioritise and learn to say ‘No’. Maintain a strict working schedule and not everything is urgent. You don't always need to give a prompt response, analyse before you respond. Value your family time and me time and put off your phone in do-not disturb mode 1 hour before you go to sleep.

How would you describe your life in 3 words?

Honesty. Humility. Values.

What would you write on your own fortune cookie?

‘Accept life as it comes but don't ever give up’.

Sonal Singh is an Assistant Manager Europe – Projects, Valmet India Pvt Ltd. She is a mechanical engineer who started her journey in the valve industry as an Application Engineer. A valve, even though a small component but a critical component of process function which caters to industries like Oil and Gas, Petrochemical, Chemical, Food and beverages to the latest technology like renewable industry.

 Ms Singh has more than 15 years of experience in the valve industry in handling bids or tenders/ chemical/ petrochemical projects from Government organisations, semi-government and private organisations. Her journey comprises working closely with EPC (Engineering Procurement and Construction) and providing them with solutions which help in running the plant smoothly. Ms Singh has bagged the Best Performance Award twice, in 2023 and 2016.

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