In today's dynamic landscape, women leaders are scaling unprecedented heights, carving their path to success with unparalleled resilience and determination. As the realm of manufacturing witnesses a transformative shift, Zeena Philip emerges as a beacon of excellence, embodying the essence of visionary leadership. With a career spanning nearly three decades, Zeena's journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to growth and innovation. From her formative years guided by esteemed mentors to her current role as COO at Rossell Techsys, Zeena epitomizes the spirit of relentless pursuit, constantly pushing boundaries and defying stereotypes. Her story is one of triumph over adversity, a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief in shaping destinies.

Let’s hear more from her in this one-on-one interaction.

Having spearheaded leadership positions in diverse industries such as Healthcare, IT & Telecom, what are the ways you find these experiences beneficial in your leadership as a COO currently?

Leading teams across diverse industries has given me a wealth of skills and insights that I now bring to my role as COO. In my current capacity, where strategic acumen, coupled with realistic and achievable tactical measures, adaptability, and seamless cross-functional collaboration are crucial, these diverse experiences serve as invaluable assets. While each industry boasts its distinct innovations and best practices, I've discovered that the fundamental principles, such as driving operational efficiency, and relentlessly pursuing continuous improvement remain universal pillars of success and are essential to profitability.

How do you ensure the company’s strategic goals are realized successfully?

Achieving the company's strategic goals requires teamwork that begins with nurturing a culture of shared ownership, commitment, and accountability. Transparent communication and honesty serve as foundational pillars as we implement and execute plans and to meet the objectives. Consistent monitoring of progress with open channels for timely support, where needed, is key to staying on course. Additionally, ongoing investment in the enhancement of our team members' skills and capabilities is crucial. By aligning the team’s purpose with the company’s strategy, we harness the strength of collaboration to adapt to the evolving needs of our customers and stakeholders.

How do you guide employees to meet the company’s goals and how do you measure their progress?

As COO, guiding employees to meet the company's goals

involves addressing multiple challenges. Firstly, the strategic vision is broken down into clear, actionable objectives, aligned with the capabilities and responsibilities of each department. These objectives are not only specific and measurable but also realistic and time-bound, providing a roadmap for quantitative and qualitative accomplishments. It is essential to review progress, drive a culture centered on metrics and make timely course corrections. This process ensures continuous improvement over time. This is emphasized on a regular basis. Plans evolve, circumstances change, obstacles arise, and priorities shift; thus, periodic reassessment of plans and goals is vital. Frequent reviews- weekly, monthly, quarterly, serve as checkpoints to measure achievements against set goals. By continuously monitoring and making informed course corrections, momentum is sustained, ensuring staying on track towards realizing the company’s goals.

By Aligning The Team’s Purpose with Company’s Startegy we Harness The Strength of Collaboration to Adapt to The Evolving Needs Of Our Customers & Stakeholders

The work environment and responsibilities that a COO carries to make a business vision successful tends to cause a high degree of stress. How do you strike the right balance and what is your success mantra?

To stay balanced amid all the responsibilities and stress that come with being a COO, I see my work as my passion instead of seeing it as just stress. When you're driven by passion for what you do, the challenges become opportunities for growth, not burdens. I firmly believe that consistent effort and unwavering determination are the keys to success. Failure is not an option; setbacks are merely steppingstones on the path to achievement. With each obstacle and setback, my resolve to succeed only grows stronger, bringing me closer to my goals.

What are the kinds of future aspirations you look forward to accomplishing, going forward?

Looking ahead, I'm excited about the endless possibilities for growth. Rossell Techsys is set for significant achievements, especially within the Aerospace & Defense industry. It's an opportunity for me to capitalize on my experience and contribute to Rossell's future initiatives. I foresee playing a key role in its global growth through both organic and inorganic expansion, strategic partnerships, and technological advancement, all aimed at enhancing value for its stakeholders.

Zeena Philip, COO, Rossell Techsys

Zeena Philip holds 30+ years' experience in supply chain and manufacturing across Healthcare, IT, and Telecom, notably at GE Healthcare for 18 years. She also led operations at GE's Bangalore site with 700 employees. With Electronics & Communication Engineering background, Zeena advocates for execution excellence, quality, and team empowerment, particularly for women. Additionally, she enjoys travelling and visiting places with her family.