Saranya Subramanian - Merlin Automation Solutions

“Strong support networks are essential for career success, allowing individuals to focus on their professional goals.”
Saranya Subramanian - Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Merlin Automation Solutions.

During the early stages of my career, I worked for small-scale companies, where I honed both my technical and managerial skills.

Hailing from a humble village background, I pursued my B.E. in Mechanical Engineering at Trichy, Tamil Nadu. Driven by my career aspirations, I enrolled in an Advanced Manufacturing course at PSG College. This course, conducted on weekends, required a weekly commute of 250km. Despite the distance, I was committed to attending, as it provided invaluable knowledge and eventually led to my first part-time job while still studying for my B.E.

That initial job gave me insights into navigating workplace dynamics, interacting with peers and supervisors, and understanding the nuances of professional conduct. Upon graduating, the experience gained from this part-time position greatly facilitated my transition into full-time employment.

During the early stages of my career, I worked for small-scale companies, where I had the opportunity to take on diverse roles such as project engineering, customer relations, and project cost management. This multifaceted experience honed both my technical and managerial skills.

A turning point in my career came when I was offered training in Robotics in the United States, marking the beginning of my career in this field.

Despite my early aspirations for entrepreneurship, my initial attempt to start a company was halted due to a lack of experience and mentorship. However, fueled by my entrepreneurial spirit, I persevered and, after accumulating over 20 years of experience, joined forces with seasoned business partners, Mr. Fareed and Mr. Praveen Reddy, who not only became our sole investor but also provided invaluable mentorship.

In 2021, this collaboration culminated in the establishment of Merlin Automation Solutions Pvt Ltd. As someone who thrives on challenges and embraces risks, having like-minded partners and colleagues has allowed us the freedom to pursue disruptive innovations and explore new avenues in our industry. At Merlin Automation, we are deeply committed to introducing automation within the Construction and Renewable sectors.

With the invaluable support of mentors, well-wishers, and technical experts, our aim has always been to pioneer niche advancements that benefit society and showcase India's technological progress.

One such ground-breaking technology on which we are focused is 3D Printing in Construction. While still emerging, this technology holds immense promise for revolutionizing the industry once it reaches maturity. As it evolves and execution teams become proficient in its application, we anticipate significant improvements in key parameters such as time, cost, and quality. Compared to conventional methods, 3D printing simplifies the process of constructing dream structures, requiring less effort.

Leading companies like L&T are at the forefront of adopting this technology in India, conducting experiments for commercial application. Our current capabilities include machines capable of constructing G+2 structures, with a strategic focus on developing multi-storey printers to overcome limitations and enable vertical expansion of structures.

Gender equality must begin within the confines of the household.

Despite the numerous policies implemented by various companies to promote gender equality, I firmly believe that it should originate from within one's own home. Women should perceive themselves as equal to men in terms of intellect, determination, and decision-making prowess. They should be willing to tackle challenging tasks and exert the necessary effort to achieve results, without complaining. By demonstrating these qualities, women can alter the perceptions of their male colleagues.

To genuinely promote gender equality and reshape perceptions, women should prioritize delivering results and the processes required to achieve them over fixating on obstacles and challenges. While extensive work and travel may be viewed as signs of dedication for men, ultimately, it is the results that hold the most significance. Therefore, if achieving results necessitates extensive work or travel, individuals—regardless of gender—should be prepared to undertake such actions and deliver the desired outcomes. Ultimately, outcomes are what hold weight within any organization.

Balancing home and work responsibilities poses a significant challenge, especially during the formative years of one's career when laying the groundwork.

I vividly recall the daunting task of managing home affairs with the limited hours available amidst a demanding work schedule of 10 to 12 hours a day. This challenge is further compounded for those with children, as societal scrutiny intensifies when seeking assistance from domestic helpers, parents, or one's spouse. Women often find themselves unfairly judged by society, labelled as irresponsible mothers, wives, daughters, and daughters-in-law. Every aspect of their appearance and behavior, from clothing and hairstyle to demeanor and footwear, comes under relentless scrutiny.

Marriage brings with it societal expectations of full-time homemaking, accompanied by a continuous reminder of the qualities deemed essential for a "good woman." While not all women experience this pressure firsthand, the majority face such judgments on a daily basis. However, I've come to recognize that these judgments persist, seemingly unyielding. Yet, as women, we possess the power to confront these perceptions positively, using them as motivation to pursue our career and personal aspirations.

Career advancement not only instils a sense of positivity and accomplishment but also offers financial freedom, reinforcing the significance of progress on both fronts.

The equitable distribution of domestic responsibilities among men undoubtedly holds the potential to empower women in pursuing their career aspirations.

It's imperative to conscientiously prioritize our activities, both on a personal and professional level, recognizing the importance of both aspects in our lives. Seeking support from individuals who champion our endeavors or outsourcing domestic tasks can alleviate some of the burdens.

However, the prevailing societal perceptions regarding the attributes of an ideal woman, coupled with the inadequate focus on women's education in rural areas, instils fear of societal judgment, thereby thwarting the realization of women's unfulfilled dreams. Even in instances where the life partner is educated, there often exists a reluctance to share domestic duties.

Nonetheless, there exist enlightened men who comprehend the significance of genuine equality and recognize women's full potential in decision-making, multitasking, critical thinking, and managerial prowess. These men willingly assume domestic responsibilities without reservation.

Acknowledging the inherent equality of both men and women, with their unique attributes and capabilities, is essential. Each individual should afford the other space to flourish in their respective domains. One crucial step towards fostering genuine equality is the promotion of reservations, which can provide opportunities for many reserved women who harbor apprehensions about societal judgments.

The support network comprising family, friends, and domestic helpers plays a pivotal role in a woman's career advancement.

Initially, as a single professional, I underestimated the significance of assistance from immediate family, extended relatives, and hired help. However, upon marriage, the challenge of balancing familial responsibilities with professional commitments became glaringly apparent. Fortunately, my husband, Mr. Subramanian, employed at CISCO, wholeheartedly volunteered to shoulder a substantial portion of the household duties, even working into the night to fulfill his professional obligations. When we were blessed with a special needs child, both our parents stepped in to provide unwavering support in caring for our children in my absence.

Navigating a demanding profession that often necessitates frequent travel would have been insurmountable without the unwavering support of my family and domestic helpers. The emotional backing provided by loved ones proves invaluable during moments of absence, such as missing significant life events or family functions. Their presence ensures that important milestones are not overlooked, and their understanding and encouragement serve as pillars of strength during challenging times.

Your destiny lies in your own hands, not in the hands of others.

Drawing from my own professional journey, I've gleaned a significant lesson that I wish to impart to emerging women professionals: perseverance is key. Despite encountering obstacles, it's crucial to remain steadfast and continue progressing. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the foundational principles relevant to your profession. Place emphasis on outcomes rather than fixating on challenges; concentrate on achieving results and the processes involved in attaining them.

While societal change may not be immediate or drastic, it's imperative to navigate through its complexities and stay committed to achieving your goals. Regardless of the form in which roadblocks manifest, maintain unwavering focus on your aspirations.