Kumud Goyal
business leader
Chemicals & Materials Space
Kumud Goyal, a prominent business leader with over 25 years of experience in the Chemicals and Materials industry, has a rich career spanning across Fortune 100 companies and small private firms. Her journey, marked by a strong foundation in chemical engineering and a passion for continuous learning, offers valuable insights into the industry and leadership.
From Engineering to Business Leadership: Kumudl's career began with her deep interest in engineering, influenced by her early exposure to chemical engineering. This passion led her to pursue a chemical engineering degree, followed by an MBA, which helped her transition into various commercial roles. Over time, she brought together her technical expertise and business acumen, taking on roles with P&L responsibility across different sectors. Her journey reflects the importance of pushing oneself out of comfort zones and being adaptable—a lesson she learned early on in high school when she was encouraged to embrace challenges and take center stage.
Navigating Different Business Environments: Kumudl's extensive experience in both large corporations and small private companies has given her a unique perspective on the industry. In small firms, she learned the importance of adaptability and hands-on involvement, benefiting from a straightforward organizational structure. On the other hand, her time in large corporations allowed her to delve deep into specific areas, mastering best practices ad leading by influence in complex, matrixed environments. This diversity of experience has broadened her knowledge and sharpened her ability to balance creativity with disciplined execution—a crucial skill for any business leader.
Developing Leadership Through Continuous Learning:Leadership, according to Kumud, is a journey of continuous improvement. She emphasizes the importance of setting high standards for oneself and striving to keep developing one’s capabilities. A key part of her leadership development has been welcoming feedback and embracing learning opportunities, even those that involve personal risk. Mentorship has played a significant role in her career, and she advocates for both receiving and offering guidance. Her belief in reverse mentoring highlights the value of learning from all levels within an organization.
Evolving Industry and the Role of Women: Kumud has witnessed significant changes in the chemicals and materials industry, particularly the increasing participation of women in engineering. However, she notes that progress must be made to ensure women do not feel isolated in male-dominated environments. She also stresses the importance of a strong company culture that empowers individuals and teams to drive results. Her international experience has further enriched her understanding of different business practices and cultural dynamics, reinforcing her belief in the need for adaptability and openness to diverse perspectives.
Advice for the Next Generation: For those entering the industry, especially women, Kumud offers sage advice: step outside your comfort zone and take on roles that involve personal risk. She encourages the Women in Chemical community to expand their horizons by gaining exposure to different business models and disciplines. Kumud also reminds professionals to focus strategically, carving out time to think big and learn from every experience.
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