Sneh Pandey
Manager of HR and Administration, Clean Air’s SBU
Johnson Matthey
Sneh Pandey, Manager of HR and Administration for Clean Air’s SBU at Johnson Matthey, has built a career dedicated to aligning people and business strategies. As the eldest daughter from Northern India, she was the first in her family to pursue higher education, breaking barriers and redefining expectations along the way. Her journey into human resources stemmed from her passion for connecting with people and driving meaningful change within organizations.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth: Leaving the familiarity of home for higher education was daunting, but Sneh quickly learned that stepping outside of her comfort zone was necessary for growth. Her initial aspiration was to become a doctor, but she pivoted to management at her father’s encouragement. At first, she struggled with the shift, unsure of her place in the field. Over time, she realized that her true passion lay in people development, a realization that ultimately shaped her career trajectory.
Lessons in Leadership: Early in her career at an automotive OEM, Sneh quickly realized that theoretical knowledge from school did not always translate into practical workplace challenges. She adopted two key strategies: observing more and speaking less, and securing early buy-in from decision-makers. By listening first, asking thoughtful questions, and positioning her ideas strategically, she gained credibility and trust within her team. Overcoming the challenge of having a soft voice, she learned to assert herself through confidence and preparation.
Leading with Empathy and Strategy: Within just two years, Sneh found herself leading an HR function with over 1,000 indirect reports and four direct reports. She navigated a unionized environment with seasoned professionals who were initially skeptical of her leadership. By valuing their expertise, fostering trust, and maintaining a collaborative approach, she was able to bridge generational gaps and create a productive work environment. She believes in the power of deep listening—going beyond active listening to truly understand people’s needs and motivations.
Challenging the Status Quo: As a senior leader, Sneh developed the Shameless Pitch Method to advocate for ideas and drive meaningful change. In a traditionally male-dominated industry, she challenged biases by hiring more women in manufacturing roles, pushing for gender diversity in leadership, and proving that women could succeed in any function. Convincing both leadership and the families of female employees required direct communication, real-world examples, and persistence in shifting mindsets.
Championing Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging: Sneh has been a strong advocate for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DIB) throughout her career. She recognized unconscious biases in the workplace and took intentional steps to create opportunities for women in non-traditional roles. She also acknowledges the importance of mental well-being and professional support, emphasizing the need for a trusted support system and an inclusive environment where individuals can bring their true selves to work.
Advice for Women in Chemicals: For those navigating their careers, Sneh encourages embracing every experience as a learning opportunity. Her advice is to dare to dream big, be prepared for opportunities, and accept failure as part of the journey. She believes in agility, passion, and the power of belief—reminding us all that setbacks are just bends in the road, not the end of the journey. Through resilience and determination, she has proven that leadership is about more than titles—it’s about impact.
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