Banoo Jakkirriaah, Engineering Manager, Caterpillar India Private Ltd.

Can you delve into your experiences in the business world and discuss how you arrived at your current role?

I was lucky to have been born to parents who believed in the value of education. Despite familial and societal pressures, they ensured all their three kids graduated as engineers/doctors. I started my first job with a minimal salary to financially support my family. Beyond finishing regular work at the office and at home, I would regularly spend time on a rented computer, (limited resources so could not afford to buy one) to enhance my programming skills.

Sleepless nights and hard work did its magic, and I got selected to work for a Tier-1 automotive company in the product development department. Progressing to the next level was really challenging, but I continued to learn and execute all the technologies, processes, and projects and it was a great moment when I was recognised as the best programmer!

Later I ventured into bigger and better projects with subsequent companies. During that time, I was a mother of two toddlers and had to cover a long distance to reach the office. There were some sleepless nights again but, this time with two fast asleep toddlers in the lap. However, as with any other demanding work, it paid off well when I became an integral part of a major technology launch. Now, with almost 22 years in the automotive industry, I would still not think twice if asked to climb on a tractor, JCB, or a car, work in the proto shop, or stand in a production line for the benefit of the project.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the manufacturing industry?

Having been predominantly in the R&D division, I was supporting manufacturing.

What methods do you employ to stay abreast of industry trends and continually enhance your skill set?

·         Networking – being part of conferences and connecting with industry leaders

·         Collaborative learning – new technology or process from peers, team members and Gen Z, the millennials, and

·         Listening – technical videos/podcasts.

Have you faced any specific challenges as a woman in your industry, and how did you navigate them?

There were multiple instances; one such instance was the introduction of next gen technology in the off-highway industry. This required a lot of background work which involved competitive study, acceptance by customers, benchmarking the features, redesigning of the mechanical electronic architecture of the vehicle, etc. But the challenge was to get conviction and acceptance from internal stakeholders, which was difficult to adapt in a mechanical vehicle.

Sometimes even I used to think that no one believed in my capability, but I paused and reflected and understood that it was due to lack of knowledge. The same was overcome by sharing knowledge through audio visuals, data and facts, and making every one understand the value proposition and disruption it can bring in the off-highway industry, which later had a buy-in across the organisation.

How do you promote gender diversity and inclusion in your workplace?

At my workplace, I ensure that there are equal opportunities given. I also represent the Society of Women Engineers and work towards empowering women at my workplace.

I cannot share much as it is part of confidential practices followed at the workplace.

What role do ongoing learning and professional developments play in your career journey?

I started my career as a Software Engineer, moved on to various roles in the automotive industry in the R&D division. My role demanded knowledge of programming, servicing, manufacturing and leadership. To be sustainable in the industry and manage the versatile needs, ongoing learning and upskilling are must. I strongly believe if you want to break the glass ceiling, and then keep yourself up to date in all areas of the working domain, which may even push you to move out of your comfort zone. Every exposure is a learning experience.

How do you see the industry evolving in the next few years, and how are you preparing for those changes?

All OEMs are focussing on emerging and disruptive technologies like Connected Solutions, Electric and Autonomous Vehicles, the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning. These technologies are going to bring a lot of changes in the entire ecosystem, including infrastructure. These technologies go hand in hand; we need to be mindful in applying these effectively. It is very important for all of us working on this to have end-to-end knowledge from customer insights, R&D, Dealers, Regulations, etc., to deliver the right product in the market which can delight customers, organisations and government bodies. I engage myself by self-learning from online sources, attending conferences, connecting with industry friends, networking, etc., and apply those concepts at the workplace too.

What are the strengths or perspectives you perceive as unique to women in leadership positions?

Resilience & Perseverance – For all choices of challenges you make an untold dream can be a reality. Challenges are going to persist, but get going. Bouncing back and never giving up will helps us climb the leadership ladder.

If you were to offer guidance to other women aspiring to leadership roles or entrepreneurship, what advice would you provide?

Believe in the self, learn & unlearn, work hard, win your battles through internal strength.

How would you describe your life in 3 words?

Confident. Humble. Aspirational.

What would you write on your own fortune cookie?

Follow what calls you with grit, but never let go of your dream!

Banoo Jakkirriaah, an Engineering Manager at Caterpillar India Private Ltd. She holds a B.E. Electrical & Electronics degree and has significant contributions in areas including Next Gen Connected Solutions for Passenger cars and Affordable technology in Farming. Mrs Banoo also served as a Head of Advance Technologies - Farm Division - Project Manager, Team lead - AIPL (a JV with Continental & Ashok Leyland).

Mrs Banoo feels herself lucky to have been born to parents who believed in the value of education. She began her first job at a minimal salary to financially support her family and contribute to her mother’s failing health. Beyond finishing her regular work at the office and home, Mrs Banoo would regularly spend time on a rented computer to hone her programming skills.

In 2013, as a manager in an Indian OEM, a mother of two toddlers, had to cover a long distance to reach the office. She headed a team full of GETs, who were working on next-generation technologies. Mrs Banoo stood out as a professional in the space of engineering machines and technologies and took up the opportunity as a woman leader in Caterpillar under the Engineering domain.

Mrs Banoo holds several recognitions including Global Ambassador in the Society of Women Engineers '22 and being featured in SAE – Mobility Engineering March 2021 edition. She has been conferred with Disruptive Tech & Innovation awards by Kamikaze. Mrs Banoo is a member of the International Women Forum. She has also served as a Mentor and Jury for the 1000 Women Leaders Program initiative by Jombay.

Mrs Banoo is a strong believer of the phrase "Always aim high, work hard with discipline, and care deeply about what you believe in. And, when you stumble, keep faith. And, when you’re knocked down, get right back up with a smile & positivity."

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