"Each woman’s success should be an inspiration to the others"
Sowmya Thukaram, Manager of Lab Consumables at Sartorius Bangalore
Sowmya Thukaram joined Sartorius after her studies in 2014. Today, she manages a team of microbiology and lab consumables experts in Product Development. Learn how a book inspired her career, how she developed from a scientist into a manager's role and why she thinks mutual support is essential.
This article is posted on Sartorius Blog.
Sowmya, you’ve been with Sartorius for a while already. Tell us a bit about your career path and your current role.
Exactly, I’ve been here for eight years. After graduating from Jain University in India with a Master’s Degree in Microbiology, I joined Sartorius in 2014 as a Junior Process Specialist, focusing on microbiology in downstream processing. After three years, I was promoted to a Scientist role and since 2020 I have been in management functions in Product Development – first, two years for Microbiology and now for Lab Consumables.
My team and I aim to simplify and accelerate our customers’ drug research and discovery. We work closely with global Product Development teams to continuously develop and upgrade our Lab Consumables and Microbiology products through qualification, validation, benchmarking, and shelf-life studies.
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Why did you pursue a career in STEM?
My passion for microbiology and its impact in the life sciences and in pharmaceuticals was sown in my teenage years with Prescott’s Microbiology book from my next-door neighbor. I was fascinated by microorganisms and their interactions with the human body and our environment. Discovering a new microorganism and calling it my baby drove me to be ahead of the curve. I love working in the laboratory and performing experiments. Successful outcomes bring me joy and failures strengthen me and help me think beyond the limits to develop solutions, just like the happy and sad parts of life.
What were some of your biggest challenges in building your career in the life sciences?
About ten years ago, IT and finance were booming industries. Parents and education experts highly recommended it for a career start. There was a perception that just getting a high salary after studying would make life easier. I was also told that STEM is boring and hard to pursue. However, my mother believed in me and supported my choice, because I was so passionate about learning, applying knowledge and exploring new discoveries that would benefit society. Making money shouldn’t be the main reason for a job. We should love what we do and give it our best - this will take us to the highest level. On our way it’s essential to continuously upgrade skills, expand knowledge, explore new creations and discoveries.
On our way it’s essential to continuously upgrade skills, expand knowledge, explore new creations and discoveries.
Sowmya Thukaram, Manager of Lab Consumables
Can you tell us who helps you grow?
Certainly. I’m grateful to have people who believe in me, tell me I’m valued and brighten my life. My manager, Noushin Delmdahl, is such a person in my career. She keeps on encouraging me to express my interest, enhance my skills and strengthen my focus.
What changed the game in your career?
There was a time when I had to choose between scientific or managerial paths. Although I enjoy experimenting with living cells in the lab, I could see space to grow my career by imparting knowledge and guiding people in the right direction. Being a scientist, I was used to stepping out of the comfort zone and learning new skills whenever necessary. Believing in my own strengths, I took the opportunity to fully demonstrate my qualifications and personality. One of the first things I learned after becoming a manager was to learn from my team members and take their feedback, which made them stronger and more confident in their work.
What is the importance of a work environment that embraces equity and how are you helping to cultivate this in your area?
When leading a team, equality becomes a sensible and essential factor. I am a believer in respecting diversity and embracing differences. Having a culturally diverse team, I ensure that these values are propagated among them. You don’t just want to achieve a balance, but also strengthen bonds and retain valuable employees.
I am a believer in respecting diversity and embracing differences. Having a culturally diverse team, I ensure that these values are propagated among them.
Sowmya Thukaram, Manager of Lab Consumables
To cultivate and spread awareness, I often share inspiring articles, videos, books, and learning platforms with my team or colleagues. Now I see an increasing openness to healthy discussions, thinking in an unbiased manner and making decisions in a fair way, which contributes again to the society we live in.
Let’s conclude: Where do you see society headed in terms of gender equality and what’s your call to action?
I feel like in today’s working world, male dominance and social stigmas are being addressed and are thus decreasing. Being confident, focused, patient, and skilled rather than showing insecurity is important for women and men alike. And finally, each woman’s success should be an inspiration to the others. We are strongest when we cheer each other on!
