A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE BREAKING CEILINGS AND ‘BUILDING SKYLINES’…
There were times when people considered hard hats and blueprints as men’s domains. Now, women leaders are making their presence felt in the world of structural design consultancy. And don’t just think that they are making their presence in the room, but they are confidently leading major projects while making critical decisions. They are literally shaping the skylines for the future ahead. Well, the project management in this field is no easy task to handle, as it has several crunching complex calculations to deal with.
Moreover, women as leaders have to supervise massive infrastructure projects, which is basically getting out of their comfort zones. After observing how phenomenal they are steering the success in this leadership arena, we are truly appreciative of how women are not just fitting into old molds but breaking them! This special narrative is dedicated to the woman leader featured here, who blends her technical prowess with creative vision, turning challenges into opportunities and cementing her name as an influential name in the structural designing industry.
Sunila Shende is the Associate Director of STRUDCOM CONSULTANTS Pvt. Ltd. Her leadership deserves applause not just for being in charge, but for transforming the whole organization’s workspaces by bringing fresh perspective to the table. Her story speaks of challenging stereotypes while fostering innovation at every level of the company.
What inspired her to take this leadership role?
Sunila explained that she was always passionate about problem-solving while dreaming of a more inclusive space for women in the construction industry. The challenges of structural design and project execution always attracted her, which inspired her to pursue leadership roles in the industry.
“From the beginning of my career, I was drawn to the challenges of structural design and project execution. However, I soon realized that technical expertise alone wasn’t enough—effective leadership was essential to bring ideas to life, manage teams effectively, and ensure projects were completed successfully. I continue to inspire others by staying committed to my work, uplifting those around me, and showing that with the right mindset, anything is possible,” said the leading lady.
Getting success in the ‘male-dominated’ industry
Needless to say, the civil engineering industry is a highly male-dominated space where women’s inclusion is significantly less. Hence, the most evident challenge for women leaders in the industry is to earn respect in an environment where one is judged based on consistent performance, confidence, and proving one’s worth through results rather than words.
“In project coordination meetings, I have often been the only woman in the room. Over time, I learned that knowledge, strategic thinking, and effective communication are the keys to commanding respect, regardless of gender. While these challenges were tough, they made me more resilient, strategic, and focused. Each obstacle I faced reinforced my belief that one can prove himself or herself with skill, planning, and persistence and not by gender,” enunciated the woman leader.
About Strudcom Consultants
Sunila sheds light on Strudcom Consultants profile, which isn’t just about following blueprints but all about rewriting them. Specializing in everything from reinforced concrete design and structural steel engineering to seismic retrofitting and peer reviews, they don’t just build structures; they build trust. And, what makes them different from the crowd? It’s their secret sauce—a mix of innovative structural solutions, laser-sharp precision, and a relentless, client-first mindset.
With decades of experience under our (tool) belts, the company has mastered the art of blending technical brilliance with real-world practicality. Their designs aren’t just rock-solid—they’re costeffective, efficient, and tailored to withstand the test of time. They know how to thrive under pressure, solving the toughest challenges with strategic planning and a meticulous touch.
On Being Selected for the ‘Nari Shakti’ Edition
“Being chosen for the ‘Nari Shakti’ edition? It’s more than an honor—it’s a statement,” Sunila remarked with a proud smile. “In an industry where women are still few and far between, this recognition isn’t just about me. It symbolizes the rise of women in construction and structural engineering, spaces that were once considered ‘off-limits.’” Her journey stands as proof that with perseverance, passion, and a pinch of multitasking magic, women will break barriers regardless of the situation they are in.
The Feminine Edge: How Women Bring a Fresh Take on Leadership
Sunila Shende shared her viewpoint of women’s edge in making a difference in the business world. She says, “Women don’t just lead—they elevate. Their leadership styles are often infused with empathy, collaboration, and a knack for creating inclusive environments where teams feel valued and heard. This emotional intelligence isn’t just about being “nice”—it’s about driving productivity, smoothing out conflicts, and building resilient, motivated teams.”
But there’s more. Women juggle personal and professional worlds with a level of strategic thinking that could give any CEO a run for their money. “Balancing both worlds sharpens your ability to anticipate challenges and tackle them head-on,” she explains. “It’s like being a project manager of life—planning, pivoting, and problem-solving on the fly.”
Work-Life Balance? More Like a Well-Oiled Machine
“For me, balance isn’t about doing it all perfectly. It’s about doing what matters most, really well,” she laughs. Her secret? Breaking big tasks into bite-sized wins and trusting her team to handle the heavy lifting when needed. Coming to the personal front, handling the tasks at home, it’s all about quality over quantity. “Even short, meaningful moments with family can recharge you for the next big project. It’s not about clocking hours—it’s about making them count.”
Her advice for women trying to find that elusive balance is to prioritize, plan, and embrace flexibility. Perfection is a myth, but managing responsibilities with grace is totally achievable by anyone.
Women-Driven Innovation: Why It’s a Game Changer
Today, women-led businesses are not just making it to the top but flipping the innovation script. Emotional intelligence is their tool for this excellent capability. Women know how to ensure their team’s well-being. But beyond that, women are creating inclusive workplaces where diverse perspectives drive creativity and fuel out-of-the-box thinking. “We’re not just solving problems—we’re reimagining how businesses operate,” she says. Empathy-driven leadership is what she feels has become the new benchmark of success, leaving behind rigid hierarchies in favor of collaboration and innovation.
Leaving a Legacy: More Than Just Buildings
We asked her how she wishes to be remembered. To this, she responded, “I want to be remembered for more than just the projects I’ve led,” she reflects. “I want to be known as someone who turned challenges into opportunities and inspired others to dream beyond limits.” Indeed, Sunila’s legacy is one of resilience, courage, and impact, proving that leadership is not confined by the boundaries of gender but goes beyond vision and determination.
Words of Wisdom for Future Trailblazers
“Believe in yourself and your abilities. Don’t let gender define you. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Set the example for future generations.”
