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So, where is home for you?
There is one thing common to a fulfilling life and the digitalization journey. They are both about learning. Learning from both successes and what are considered failures. Here is my humble attempt to share a part of my learning/life journey with you.
From Prague to Congleton
I work in Congleton, United Kingdom. It is a historic market town in southeast Cheshire, and part of the beautiful Cheshire Peak District. The town is famous for flowers, festivals, beers, bears, and of course, the Siemens factory! It has been about five months since I moved to the UK, and started my new position as a Service Portfolio Manager responsible for Digital Services. And yes, my life has turned upside down! But as the famous Sufi scholar and poet, Mevlana Jalal ad-Din Rumi once said “Do not worry that your life is turning upside down. How do you know the side you are used to is better than the one to come? “. So, with that being my mantra I packed my bags and bid farewell to my friends and life in Prague, Czech Republic.
I moved to Prague in September 2015 to study for my master’s in electrical power engineering, a good addition I thought to my bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering, which I got from Middle East Technical University in Ankara, Turkey. Fast-forward to my graduation, and two companies later, my path crossed with Siemens. I remember the day I went in to interview for the Product Manager position as if it were yesterday. I had managed to break my toe 3 days before the interview and walked in with a full cast and crutches. Needless to say, my hiring manager was surprised, and we had a good laugh about it. Even on that first day, I was amazed at how much time my manager took to get to know me, understand my expectations, and explain what Siemens offers. An excellent onboarding followed this by my predecessor and mentor, who ensured I understood all there was to know. Nothing was rushed, and no question was left unanswered.
I worked as a product manager for SINAMICS G variable frequency drives for three and a half years. I had a diverse portfolio, with topics ranging from hardware, software, UI, to IIoT and licensing strategy. As I look back now, it was very much like a university course in product management, a three-and-a-half-year long course, and I say that because not a day passed when I did not learn something new. During this time, I worked on topics related to culture and diversity within the business unit and was also the spokesperson of the MC potential network. Much like Prague, my work life was very dynamic and vibrant.
Practice makes perfect
I have had, what I think, is an interesting life. One of the reasons I say this is because I have had the privilege to grow up in a few different countries, in what would be considered a diverse environment. I am originally from Pakistan, was raised in Turkey, and lived in the Czech Republic for 7 years. It is only as an adult that I realize how wonderful it is to be able to call all these places home and carry elements from all these cultures with me. So, to add to this list, I decided to apply for the role of service portfolio manager at Congleton.
Life has a strange way of teaching you some lessons multiple times. Or that is what I felt when I found myself having to drive on the opposite side of the road. My first drive to the Congleton office was adventurous, to say the least. I kept repeating the following phrase at each turn: “righty widey, lefty narrow” which helped me remember to take a wide turn when turning right and a narrow one when turning left. It felt like a significant achievement to get to the office. But my day had only just started. On my first day, I got a tour of the factory and the offices. Although, I had visited the Congleton site before, this time I saw it from a fresh perspective. The perspective of one who will be part of this place and not just a visitor.
Siemens in Congleton
The Congleton factory manufactures more than 1.2 million controls and variable speed drives each year. What is more impressive is that the Siemens manufacturing facility in Congleton is set to achieve carbon neutrality 8 years early, having already increased output by over 1000% without changing its physical footprint or headcount. Siemens Congleton is also an excellent example of “thinking global and acting local”. We purchase energy from the local Congleton Hydro plant, we offer electric vehicle charging at lower prices, we participate in local fairs, and take initiatives to improve and support the local biodiversity.
It does not end there. We are like a big family, and one gets to experience the British friendliness, humor, and hospitality in full swing. Congleton has an inclusive, welcoming, and very caring culture. We have mental health support posters around the facility, and a prayer room. We also signed the Disability Confident Scheme in November 2020 which led the way for Siemens GB&I to achieve Disability Confident Employer level 2 accreditation Nov’22.
My new position provides me the space to think of creative ways to analyze data from connected assets out in the field. Connectivity may be one of the biggest hurdles keeping factories, warehouses, airports, etc., from utilizing data. However, connectivity is only the first step. Our main goal is to analyze the collected data correctly and transform it to consider the customer’s pain points and create a value add. We also aim to design the right dashboards according to the customer requirements to allow data transparency. To truly create value, we need to understand customer pains and propose innovative solutions to eliminate these pains. At Siemens Customer Services, we keep the customer at the center of our development journey.
Fostering a growth mindset and life-long learning
Going back to when I started with Siemens, one thing that had really amazed me was how everyone I met had been with Siemens for many years. It is only now that I understand that Siemens is more than an employer; it is a university. And just like a good university, it provides you the space and opportunities to learn new skills, explore new areas, push your limits, grow into your highest potential, and, when time comes, support others in achieving their highest potential.
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What a fabulous read Amna, love your enthusiasm and I’m sure you will expand even further on your future journeys. For now though, its great to have you in Congleton 😉
The saying “home is where the heart is” springs to mind as it certainly sounds like you have a love of engineering. I’m sure you have many more exciting journeys ahead of you within Siemens 🙂
Well done Amna👏
Enjoyed while reading your journey👍