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Jyoti Gandhi, Partner and India Development Director based in Bengaluru

What inspired you to work within the engineering industry?

I happened to stumble into the construction engineering world 16 years ago and was surrounded by brilliant engineers who were technically phenomenal and self-driven. Over a period, I realised, that successful engineers often struggle with balancing technical expertise with communication and teamwork, navigating complex projects with tight deadlines, and staying current with evolving technologies and industry standards.  

There I found a purpose with possibility – to bridge the gap.

Working with highly technical, and intellectual engineers, I focused on strategic collaboration, international and local market positioning. I was actively working along with them in driving business excellence and client-centric strategies, improving operational efficiencies and cultivating learning and development, ensuring seamless project execution and building long-term relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

What’s your current role? And what type of roles did you work in previously? 

My current role involves catalysing growth and organisational excellence, aligning º£½ÇÊÓƵ’s global vision with local opportunities.

My career has always centred around people centric roles. I’ve held roles in business excellence, learning and development and quality management assurance – all focused on enabling individuals and teams to thrive and deliver impact. 

What are you looking forward to achieving at º£½ÇÊÓƵ? 

I aim to connect º£½ÇÊÓƵ’s global expertise with strategic collaboration and local opportunities – creating meaningful impact through innovation, inclusivity and excellence. Catalyst for Impact – connect global expertise.

What are you most proud of in your career?

I am proud of how I have built and leveraged business relationships with people-first approach to navigate and influence the construction industry – an industry always perceived as a ‘man’s world’.

People will always be people! The fundamental human characteristics and interactions remain constant across all sectors, regardless of the industry or field.

I started my career in the construction world as an Executive Assistant. By leveraging empathy, resilience and the ability to think differently, I overcame challenges, built lasting relationships and paved a path for myself. Regardless of ones starting point, my story is a testament to the power of people skills in driving success.

Thinking ahead to the future, what would you like your legacy to be within the engineering industry? 

I want to inspire more women to join and thrive in the Construction Engineering industry. There is space for them and its theirs to claim!

I would like them to see me as a living example, of what’s possible – someone who embraced the industry with purpose, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference using people-centric leadership.

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Aditi Kulkarni, Associate Director, Sustainability based in Mumbai

What inspired you to work within the engineering industry?  

From an early stage in my education and career, I was drawn to the intersection of science, technology, and societal impact. The engineering industry, particularly in the realm of sustainability, offered a unique platform to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time – climate change, resource management, and social equity.

I was inspired by the potential to drive tangible, positive change through innovative solutions and evidence-based strategies. What truly drew me in was the collaborative spirit of the industry and sustainability as a discipline – how diverse teams come together to engineer outcomes that are greater than the sum of their parts. The idea that, together, we engineer a better, more sustainable future for our children motivates me.

What’s your current role? And what type of roles did you work in previously? 

Currently, I serve as the Associate Director – Sustainability for º£½ÇÊÓƵ in India. I lead our sustainability services across the region, supporting clients in defining and delivering their sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategies.

My role involves guiding projects on integrated sustainable design for the built environment, carbon accounting including net zero carbon strategy and roadmap development, climate risk assessment, alignment for green financing, and sustainability disclosures, as well as helping organisations align with global standards and regulatory requirements.

My previous roles have spanned across leadership and consulting assignments in sustainability and climate change domains. Throughout, I’ve witnessed first-hand that meaningful progress happens when we craft solutions together, leveraging collective expertise for transformative impact.

I wish to inspire the next generation of engineers and leaders to approach the ‘new-normal’ challenges with empathy, inclusivity, creativity.

What are you looking forward to achieving at º£½ÇÊÓƵ?

At º£½ÇÊÓƵ, I am excited to further elevate the sustainability agenda for our clients and the industry at large. My goal is to help organisations transition to low-carbon, climate resilient and socially responsible models by leveraging our global expertise and local insights. I look forward to expanding our impact through innovative solutions, capacity building, and strategic partnerships.

Ultimately, I hope to contribute to shaping sustainable cities and businesses that are future-ready and aligned with international best practices. By working together, we can engineer solutions that leave a positive legacy for communities and the environment. 

What are you most proud of in your career? 

I am most proud of the tangible impact my work has had on advancing sustainability and climate action within organisations and communities. Whether it’s setting ambitious carbon reduction targets or designing projects that uplift communities, these successes are always the result of engineering together with passionate, multidisciplinary teams.

I also take pride in mentoring young professionals and fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration within my teams.

Thinking ahead to the future, what would you like your legacy to be within the engineering industry?

Looking ahead, I hope my legacy will be one of transformative, collaborative leadership. Demonstrating that together, we bring about systemic change and embed sustainability at the heart of our industry.

I also wish to inspire the next generation of engineers and leaders to approach the ‘new-normal’ challenges with empathy, inclusivity, creativity, with a strong sense of responsibility towards people and the planet.

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