As Vice President of APAC Human Resources at Mouser Electronics, Megha Kurup has made a significant mark on the business world with her dynamic and accomplished leadership. Her illustrious career, which spans diverse sectors like finance, healthcare, and technology, showcases her ability to navigate complex business challenges and consistently achieve remarkable results. Recognized as a visionary, Megha’s commitment to innovation and excellence has earned her numerous accolades, establishing her as a trailblazer in her field. CIO Women Magazine proudly acknowledges her as one of the Most Successful Businesswomen of 2023.
From Aspiration to Achievement
Raised during the IT Boom of the 1990s, Megha was expected to follow in her family’s footsteps into Information Technology. Despite earning an IT degree from Mumbai University, she soon realized her true passion lay in Human Resources (HR). Inspired by her father’s career in HR, Megha delved deep into the field, immersing herself in HR literature and developing a strong understanding of people and their needs. She pursued a Master’s degree in HR from Mumbai University, a decision that proved pivotal in her career.
With her dual expertise in IT and HR, Megha gained a unique understanding of technology companies. She began her career as a Talent Acquisition Specialist at MindCraft, where she honed her skills in stakeholder alignment and goal-setting. She then advanced through roles at SNC Lavalin Inc, Captronics, Webb India, and Starcom Inc, gaining extensive experience in HR, legal issues, and employee development.
Joining Mouser Electronics in 2015 as an HR Manager for the India branch, Megha’s exceptional leadership quickly earned her greater responsibilities, eventually leading to her promotion to Director of APAC HR in 2018 and Asia-Pacific HR Vice President in 2022. Her dedication to HR and her role in expanding Mouser’s workforce have made her an invaluable asset to the company.
A Glimpse into Megha Kurup’s Journey
Megha Kurup’s life is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s dreams with determination and hard work. Her journey is one of resilience and unwavering commitment, turning challenges into opportunities. If her story were a book, it might be titled “Living Dreams,” reflecting her belief in her abilities and her resilient spirit. Megha’s approach to life, centered on her passions and an unyielding commitment, serves as a source of inspiration for anyone aiming for greatness.
Driving Change with Technology
Mouser Electronics, based in Texas, USA, is a leading global distributor of electronic components and a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, owned by Warren Buffett. With operations in 27 countries, Mouser has been a prominent name in the industry for over 50 years, known for its excellence in delivering advanced technologies from over 1,200 leading manufacturers. The company’s global reach and commitment to quality have made it a trusted entity in the electronic components sector.
In India, Mouser has two offices, with the main one in Bangalore, the largest facility outside Texas, and another in Pune. Since entering the Indian market in 2010 with just three employees, Mouser has grown rapidly, now employing around 1,000 people. The Indian team has earned a solid reputation for their performance, receiving numerous accolades over the past eight years.
India, with its wealth of highly skilled professionals passionate about technology and innovation, is a strategic hub for Mouser’s business operations. The company supports key operations in the region, EMEA, and global services, with a strong focus on exceptional customer service. Mouser offers a vast range of products and technical resources to assist engineers and buyers, using technology to drive progress and stay ahead of future developments.
Mouser remains committed to attracting top talent, aligning with global innovations, and supporting various global operations, including sales, technical support, marketing, and product content development. With over half of its revenue coming from Internet sales, Mouser’s dedicated IT team ensures continuous operational efficiency, reinforcing its position as one of the top 10 global distributors.
Meeting Modern Challenges
The pandemic has spurred a significant rise in startups and innovative ventures to meet increasing consumer demands. Megha Kurup observes that the surge in luxury services has shifted consumer expectations, transforming luxuries into necessities and creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs to make their mark.
India, with its robust service sector, has seen this trend strengthen its market presence. However, sustaining these businesses presents challenges, particularly the shortage of skilled entrepreneurs, highlighting the need for a strong economic infrastructure to support this talent pool. Despite concerns about unemployment, there is optimism that India will undergo a creative transformation as more young people embrace entrepreneurship. With the right support, the country could see substantial growth in its entrepreneurial ecosystem, leading to economic prosperity.
Navigating Challenges
“Encountering challenges at work is just part of the process. Overcoming them is key to my professional development, and I have no complaints!”
When Megha joined Mouser nine years ago, she was drawn to the company primarily because of its connection to Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, a brand she deeply respected and trusted. Even today, she takes immense pride in her choice, recognizing the values and principles of the Berkshire Hathaway family reflected in Mouser’s operations.
Megha emphasizes that one of Mouser’s most significant assets is its leadership team, which has played a pivotal role in the company’s success. She holds Mr. Glenn Smith, Mouser’s President and CEO, in high esteem, particularly as he recently marked his 50th work anniversary with the company.
According to Megha, what makes Mouser unique is its distinctive management style. Despite the challenges of recruiting new talent during the global pandemic, Mouser has continued to attract and retain skilled employees, and Megha is proud to be part of such a dynamic and forward-thinking organization.
Exceptional Leadership
Megha Kurup’s leadership is characterized by her exceptional ability to inspire and motivate her team to achieve their objectives. Her approach emphasizes creating a positive and collaborative work environment where every team member feels appreciated and supported. Megha is skilled at empowering her team, encouraging them to take on new challenges and develop their skills.
A key aspect of Megha’s leadership is her outstanding communication skills. She listens carefully and takes the time to understand her team’s perspectives and concerns, enabling her to provide clear and effective direction, ensuring that everyone stays aligned and focused on common goals.
Megha also excels in fostering a culture of innovation and creativity. She encourages her team to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions to complex problems. By creating a safe and supportive environment for experimentation and risk-taking, Megha has driven significant growth and success within her organizations.
A vital piece of advice that has profoundly influenced her leadership is the importance of having a mentor. The guidance from her mentor, Mr. Raju Shah, has been crucial in shaping her leadership style and personality, proving to be more valuable than her formal management education.
Success Speaks
In 2022, Mouser reached a significant milestone by surpassing $4 billion in revenue, a testament to its strong brand reputation and the trust of its customers. Specializing in the rapid introduction of cutting-edge products and technologies, Mouser delivers millions of components on time, maintaining a 5-Sigma rating.
Based in Texas, Mouser Electronics has built a strong global presence with 27 support locations worldwide. The company provides excellent customer service and ships to over 650,000 customers across more than 223 countries and territories. As an award-winning distributor, Mouser focuses on fast New Product Introductions from its manufacturing partners for electronic design engineers and buyers.
Mouser.com, the global distributor’s website, operates in multiple languages and currencies and offers over 6.8 million products from more than 1,200 manufacturers. Having received numerous awards, including being named Global High Service Distributor for nine years, Mouser reinforces its position as a leader in electronic component distribution.
Word of the Wise
If you have doubts, question your limits!
The journey to becoming your own boss is undoubtedly exciting. Beyond thorough research, it’s essential to introspect and assess your personal readiness and situation.
