HERricane Episode: Chandrakala Kari

In this episode of HERricane, discover how Chandrakala displayed an early interest in science which took her from her native land Inkollu, Andhra Pradesh to a prestigious institution like IIT Bombay. Take a peek into her world and see how she unlocks infinite potential, shaping the future of metals and mining.

0:00 – Introduction: Chandrakala Kari, Lead Scientist, ABSTCPL, focuses on transforming scientific knowledge into impact 
 

I am Chandra Kala. I transform knowledge of science into impact.

0:18 – Early Influences: Credits family and education for building confidence and resilience 
 

My teachers and parents are the foundations actually, and then my parents and sisters had given me strong confidence by making me participate in science competitions in and around my village. Also, my self-motivation later on has helped me to come from that small village to an esteemed organization like IIT Bombay. Academics has given me that enforcement to keep going in my journey.

0:49 – Overcoming Challenges: Emphasizes facing doubts and preparing for the worst 
 

While preparing for any challenge, any doubt should not hold us back or let us hold back. So I prepare always what is stopping me from doing what I would like to do. Also, I keep in mind what is the worst that can happen at the max. So I prepare for the worst and also keep asking for what is the best.

1:14 – Importance of Confidence: Highlights the need to be confident and communicate effectively 
 

One thing I believe, I even tell my team as well, is the confidence. If I am not confident of what I have done, how can I gain the confidence of senior leadership or the team? Because we need to implement a lot of big solutions projects around. I have to believe and I have to be more confident in what I have done. I have to exhibit that. That was what was lacking earlier. Although I was doing perfection at the time, communication to be that confident is what I have learned over the period.

1:46 – Focused Targets: Explains how focusing on key projects led to impactful results 
 

I have taken focused targets and two projects mainly instead of taking multiple assignments. So that helped me to give impactful results. That helped me to bridge the gap of my career break.

2:05 – Career Advice: Shares advice on learning, setting targets, and executing with passion 
 

Learn as much as possible in the initial career. Set clear and focused targets and be conscious of what perception we are creating around it. Demand what we require and also execute with passion whatever it is.

2:28 – Future Aspirations: Aims to create breakthroughs, secure patents, and collaborate with global organizations 
 

I could see myself creating a breakthrough for the businesses and the scientific community. I’m able to create my own patents, around five patents in my area of research, and also publish around 13 research papers. Going beyond, I need to be renowned in my own areas of expertise by taking collaborations with academia and with esteemed worldwide R&D organizations. 

Watch full video on YouTube: HERricane | Chandrakala Kari Empowers Women in Science
 

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