Career is more than a timeline; it is a journey of strength, resilience, change and growth. Some journeys progress step-by-step, and others are memorable as they break new ground, open a new door, and bring people to believe in themselves. There is more to such a journey than hard work because there is the strength to face the challenges ahead with optimism and the capability to use stumbling blocks as stepping stones.
Purnima Parkhi is one of these stories, and her career and life exemplify that it is indeed possible to fight your way in despite the barriers and to build a legacy of leadership and technical prowess as well as a mentor.
From Academia to Early Industry Milestones
Born with a keen sense of curiosity and a strong inclination toward science, Purnima pursued her academic foundation at the University Department of Chemical Technology (UDCT, now ICT Mumbai), one of India’s most prestigious institutions. Her research in polymer blends, which involved deep exploration into spectroscopy and thermal techniques, gave her a strong grounding in analytical and instrumentation science.
Beyond the technical training, this phase ingrained in her the discipline of rigorous research, structured problem-solving and an appreciation for detail, qualities that would later become hallmarks of her career.
Upon graduation, Purnima stepped into the professional world with Lab India Instruments Pvt. Ltd., Thane, in 1992, a distributor of PerkinElmer instruments. At a time when women in instrumentation were few and far between, she entered the industry with quiet confidence, ready to prove her spirit.
By 1998, when PerkinElmer established its direct operations in India, she seamlessly transitioned to the multinational company, taking on roles that spanned Technical Specialist, Product Manager, and beyond. For nearly a decade, she thrived in various positions, honing her technical expertise and building the foundations of a career that would see her grow into a respected figure in the industry.
Building a Multifaceted Career
From 2007 onward, Purnima’s career became vibrant across diverse global organisations. She expanded her professional horizons by working with CAMO Software, Emerson Process Management, and Agilent Technologies, where she notably served as the All-India Product Manager for the Spectroscopy Division following Agilent’s investment in Varian. Each role she undertook was not just a job; it was an opportunity to learn, adapt, and contribute to the advancement of science and business alike.
In 2018 and 2019, she embraced marketing leadership roles at Nimkartek Testing and Anchrom, experiences that widened her view on customer engagement, branding, and market strategy. This journey topped in her impactful tenure at Mettler Toledo, where, as Senior Manager in the AutoChem division, she led a team of technical experts, supporting both global operations and the Indian sales team. Currently she is working with H.E.L India as a Lead-Applications and Market Development. Here, she immersed herself in emerging fields such as parallel chemistry and reaction calorimetry, once again showing her ability to mature with the times and remain at the cutting edge of technology.
Throughout these roles, one truth stayed constant, i.e., Purnima’s work was never just about fulfilling responsibilities. It was about bringing people together, bridging gaps between technical precision and business needs, and creating sustainable growth.
Leadership with Depth, Not Title
What makes Purnima unique is her perspective on leadership. She sees herself not as a “People’s Leader” in the conventional sense, but as a Subject Matter Leader, someone who leads through expertise, vision, and integrity.
Her leadership journey has always revolved around product-line strategy: placing products in diverse markets, enabling sales teams to succeed, and ensuring that customers derive genuine value. For her, leadership is not about hierarchy but about influence, about showing others what is possible through dedication and knowledge.
Memorable milestones along the way remind her of the joy of perseverance: her first customer demonstration, her first independent work trip outside Maharashtra, the confidence built through working countless training sessions, and the satisfaction of being recognised for her contribution when her team crossed their annual global target in 2006.
Equally significant was the story of an order in South India, a deal that had already been declared lost. Through persistence, positivity, and a refusal to accept closure, she reopened discussions and finally secured the order. Such moments, though small in scale compared to long-term achievements, hold profound meaning for her; they represent soundness, creativity, and faith in possibilities.
Values that Define a Career
For Purnima, success has never been measured merely in numbers or titles. Instead, it is grounded in values. At the heart of her philosophy lies a positive attitude, a compass that has helped her guide uncertainties, transitions, and challenges.
Her strength has been tested time and again: entering a male-dominated field, shifting across multinational organisations with diverse cultures, and balancing high-pressure roles with personal responsibilities. Yet, through each phase, her adaptability, integrity, and collaborative spirit have stood firm.
She treasures the relationships she has built with sales teams, service teams, managers, and colleagues across the world. She also acknowledges the invaluable guidance of her mentors from the industry, including Mr. Anil Nimkar, Mr. Shriram Bhalerao, Mr. Shrikant Bapat, Mr. Vijay Bibikar, Mr. Virendra Upadhye, Dr. Jain, Mr Dhiren Wagle , Mrs Smita Tillu, Mr. Neeraj Sharma, Late Mr. Shibaji Choudhury, and Mr. Rajeev Kumria, Entire Sales and service teams whose encouragement and support played a significant role in shaping her professional journey.
For her, collaboration is not just a requirement of the job; it is a joy, a way of creating value together while uplifting one another.
Staying Relevant in a Changing World
One of Purnima’s greatest strengths is her commitment to continuous learning. She never allowed herself to be confined to a single technical niche. From polymer blends to analytical instrumentation, from spectroscopy to process instruments, from parallel chemistry to battery safety, her expertise has always expanded in breadth and depth.
Equally important is her focus on relationships and networks. She encourages strong professional ties not only within her organisations but also across the competitive landscape, recognising that knowledge-sharing and industry insights come from diverse connections.
Her ability to adapt to generational shifts is another strength. She acknowledges the challenges of working with younger professionals who often bring different communication styles and expectations. Yet, instead of resisting change, she embraces it, listening, mentoring, and blending her experience with their fresh perspectives to create innovative solutions.
Recognitions that Reflect a Legacy
Every recognition Purnima has received is not merely a testament to her professional achievements but also a reflection of her journey marked by perseverance, integrity, and excellence. Among her most cherished milestones was being honoured in 2006 as a “Top Performer” in the PerkinElmer Global Organisation.
In 2024, she was named “Inspiring Women Leader in Corporate” at the Women of Substance Network & Awards under the platform of She Inspire Magazine. A special felicitation at ICT by Vice-Chancellor of ICT, Prof Aniruddha Pandit followed this achievement as a proud alumnus.
The same year, she was awarded “Best Woman Performer in Business Services” at the 5th International Inspirational Women Awards (IIWA) by the GISR Foundation. She was also recognised as “Mumbai’s Woman Leader” by the World Women Leadership Congress.
Together, these accolades do more than celebrate her accomplishments; they position her as a trailblazer for women in science and business, inspiring others to believe in their own capabilities and to lead with resilience and realism.
The Human Side of Success
Behind every professional milestone lies a personal commitment to balance. For Purnima, success has always been about setting priorities and boundaries, ensuring that work does not overshadow her responsibilities at home.
She consciously invests time in her family, friends, and self-care, understanding that a strong personal life fuels professional excellence. Equally, Purnima acknowledges that her journey has been successful only because of the unwavering support of her parents and her brother, Mr. Mandar Parkhi, whose encouragement has been a constant source of strength for her.
She firmly believes that sincerity and genuineness at the workplace often lead to reciprocal support during personal challenges. This belief has been reinforced through her own experiences across multiple organisations, where empathy and respect have played crucial roles in sustaining balance.
Advice to Aspiring Women Leaders
When asked what message she would give to aspiring women, Purnima emphasises the importance of self-belief and courage. She encourages women to believe in their capabilities, even when others may doubt them, and to build deep expertise in their chosen fields while also finding the confidence to speak up, take risks, and own their decisions.
She highlights the value of surrounding oneself with uplifting networks, mentors, and colleagues who inspire growth and resilience.
Above all, Purnima stresses the need to stay rooted in one’s values, as they serve as a guiding light through both challenges and triumphs. Her journey is a living example that true success does not come from the absence of obstacles but from the ability to transform those very obstacles into meaningful stepping stones.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Sharing and Growth
As she looks forward, Purnima’s vision is clear: to continue giving her best to her work, her colleagues, and her organisation. She aspires to share her learnings generously, mentor the next generation, and create an environment where growth is collective. For her, the workplace is not merely a site of professional duties; it is a second home, a place where joy, collaboration, and innovation can flourish together.
Her goals are not defined by titles or positions but by impact: supporting the growth of others, contributing to organisational success, and leaving behind a legacy of authenticity and inspiration.
Carving a Lasting Impact
The story of Purnima Parkhi is not just a professional biography; it is an ode to resilience, adaptability, and the transformative power of a positive mindset. From her academic roots in polymer science to becoming a respected leader in global instrumentation and chemistry, she has exemplified what it means to thrive in changing environments while staying true to one’s values.
In every role, every challenge, and every recognition, Purnima has demonstrated that leadership is not about authority but about influence, collaboration, and integrity. Her journey continues to inspire countless professionals, particularly women who aspire to carve their own paths in industries that often demand courage and resilience.
As she steps into the future, one thing is certain: her story will remain a guiding light for many, a reminder that with passion, perseverance, and positivity, no dream is too distant, and no challenge is insurmountable.
