Mentorship transforms obstacles into opportunities and prepares women for leadership

For International Women’s Day special conversation with Vaishali Umredkar, Editor of Semiconductor For You, Chhavi Bajpai, IT Leader – Plq factory and Project management solutions, STMicroelectronics India and  Director of ST Foundation- India reflects on her leadership journey in the semiconductor industry. She shares insights on global teamwork, embracing risks, the importance of mentorship, and how technology and initiatives like the ST Foundation are empowering young girls to pursue opportunities in STEM.

As a product lifecycle head at STMicroelectronics, one of the world’s leading semiconductor companies, what has your leadership journey been like, and what key experiences have shaped your approach over the years?

As a product lifecycle development team head at STMicroelectronics, one of the world’s leading semiconductor companies, my leadership journey has been a blend of exciting challenges and rewarding opportunities. Implementing a major PLM programme at a business-driven organization like STMicroelectronics demanded precision and innovation at every step. One of the most defining moments for me was managing a team distributed across ten cities worldwide. Coordinating such a large and diverse group required much more than technical expertise—it called for a strong “One Team” mentality as coined by my boss. By fostering a mission-based unity, I was able to transform individual experts into a cohesive unit, which laid the foundation for successfully navigating the many complexities of the semiconductor industry.

In fast-evolving sectors like semiconductors and software systems, what skills or mindset shifts do women professionals need today to stay future-ready?

In sectors like semiconductors and software systems that evolve rapidly, women professionals need a mindset that’s both positive and proactive. My advice is simple: don’t overthink it—just take action! The industry thrives on people willing to embrace both small and big risks. Women should use their initiative and confidence to seize opportunities for growth, rather than getting caught up in over-analysis. If something can help you progress, go for it without hesitation.

From your perspective, what role do mentorship and sponsorship play in accelerating women’s growth into strategic and decision-making roles?

Mentorship and sponsorship are pivotal in accelerating women’s advancement into strategic and decision-making roles. A mentor acts like an escalator, helping to elevate your career by sharing not only their successes but also their challenges. Through their real-world guidance, mentors offer a roadmap of realistic expectations and encourage viewing obstacles as opportunities for a brighter future. They can also be a trusted friend in the workplace, motivating you to step into leadership and decision-making roles.

Looking back at your own journey, is there a defining moment or lesson that strengthened your confidence as a leader?

Reflecting on my own journey, a defining lesson that strengthened my confidence as a leader came in 2005, when I realized that to lead complex global projects, I needed to adopt the mindset of a ‘Global Citizen’ rather than just an ‘Indian woman at work’. Embracing cultural diversity and creative problem-solving methods made achieving excellence much easier. My international experiences taught me that, no matter how difficult the situation, strong core values and a cohesive team can help you overcome anything. I now believe that the only limits we face are those we place on ourselves.

Through your work with the ST Foundation in India, how do you see technology creating meaningful social impact, especially for young girls aspiring to enter STEM fields?

Through my work with the ST Foundation in India, I’ve seen technology become a powerful bridge for creating meaningful social impact, especially for young girls aspiring to enter STEM fields. Significant social change requires combining a genuine heart with practical solutions. The ST Foundation is committed to providing equal access through technology—whether it’s a desktop computer or a tablet. When a teenage girl first receives a tablet, it might seem like just a toy, but as she explores the tailored applications we provide, it quickly becomes her gateway to new possibilities. We devote ample time to help them overcome any fear of technology, transforming practice sessions into enjoyable experiences. This shift from feeling intimidated to feeling empowered is inspiring. Young girls are incredibly adaptable, and we see them become digitally savvy within weeks, often gaining the confidence to pursue higher education or specialized employment programs.