Leading with Precision and Purpose: How Purti Found Her Calling in Manufacturing

She learned the business not from books but from the shop floor.

For Purti Gulati, Chief Manager – Credit Control (Sales) at Sterlite Electric, the world of manufacturing has always held a quiet magic. She defines manufacturing not as an industry but as a living breathing space. Because for her, it is where ideas take shape into something you can touch, measure, and be proud of.

What began as curiosity for how things are built has now become a purpose. Purti stands as an example of how women can thrive in manufacturing, by leading with precision, empathy, and a deep sense of ownership.

Her first role as a PCB Controller opened the door to the world of production. Watching components come together to form products that power homes and industries gave her a sense of pride she hadn’t felt before.

When the opportunity arose to take on additional responsibilities with the Overhead Conductors business, she took the leap. It meant learning fast, taking on new challenges, and dealing with customers and government departments in complex situations. Those tough negotiations and experiences tested her patience and confidence, but they also taught her how business truly works.

She often says that “cash is king.” For her, understanding the flow of money meant understanding how value is created. The role gave her a complete view of how every function connects to build the larger picture. Over time, she also learned to see beyond numbers, honing the skill of managing people, processes and relationships that drive timely decisions and overall growth. 

Mentorship played a crucial role in shaping her leadership skills. Guidance from the senior leadership played a big part in her growth, helping her develop a sharper perspective and make decisions with greater confidence. Even when her schedule left little time for formal courses, she never stopped learning. She is currently preparing to study strategy management to strengthen her leadership skills and broaden her view of business. My advice to young women who aspire to enter manufacturing is,

Come with an open mind. There’s no shortage of challenges here, but if you give your best, your work will always be seen.

Her first day on the shop floor remains a vivid memory. The energy, the precision, and the way everyone moved with shared purpose left a lasting impression. What she found most reassuring was the culture. There was no hierarchy that silenced ideas. Everyone worked as one team, and that inclusiveness gave her the courage to lead with conviction.

She recalls a standout moment in her career involving a long pending case that had remained unresolved for almost two years. Purti took it upon herself to fix it. She met officials, navigated language barriers, and handled every detail and stayed on it until the matter was closed. For her, this wasn’t just a financial win; it was proof that persistence and preparation can move mountains. 

Life at Sterlite Electric, she says, is a mixed bag where no two days are the same. The work can be demanding, but the support system makes it easier to navigate and grow. Flexible policies and understanding managers have helped her balance her responsibilities without feeling burdened. One moment she treasures deeply is when the company sent a congratulatory letter to her family, acknowledging her work. “It meant a lot,” she says. “It made my success feel shared.”

Purti believes her journey is still unfolding. She hopes to explore more strategic leadership roles.

Her story is a reminder that manufacturing isn’t just about machines or materials. It’s about people who build, adapt, and grow. For Purti, and many like her at Sterlite Electric, it’s about finding meaning in work that shapes the world around them.