Megha Kurup, Vice President of APAC Human Resources at Mouser Electronics, is a dynamic and accomplished leader who has significantly impacted the entrepreneurial world. Her distinguished career spans multiple sectors, including finance, healthcare, and technology. As a visionary leader, Megha has skillfully navigated complex business challenges and consistently delivered outstanding results.
Her drive for innovation and dedication to excellence have garnered numerous accolades, establishing her as a trailblazer in her field. With her exceptional expertise and steadfast determination, Megha Kurup has become a top industry figure. CIO Women Magazine proudly recognizes her as one of the Most Successful Businesswomen of 2023.
From Trust to Triumph
Growing up during the IT Boom of the 1990s, Megha was expected to follow a career in Information Technology, as many in her family did. Although she initially pursued an IT degree from Mumbai University, she discovered her true calling in Human Resources (HR).
Inspired by her father’s career in HR, Megha Kurup immersed herself in the field, devouring HR magazines, manuals, and books. Her knack for connecting with people and understanding their needs led her to complete a Master’s degree in HR from Mumbai University, marking a pivotal moment in her career.
Her dual expertise in IT and HR proved invaluable, enabling her to grasp the intricacies of technology companies. Megha 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 affairs, legal issues, and employee development.
In 2015, Megha joined Mouser Electronics as an HR Manager for the India branch. Her exceptional work ethic and leadership quickly propelled her to oversee HR operations for the Asia region. Promoted to Director of APAC HR in 2018, Megha also served as Director of India operations before focusing on expanding Mouser’s workforce to support its impressive growth.
With nine years at Mouser, Megha Kurup has transformed her career and risen to the international HR arena. Her promotion to Asia-Pacific HR Vice President in 2022 marks a significant career milestone. Megha’s passion for HR and unwavering commitment to her role have made her a key asset to the organization.
Getting to Know Megha Kurup
Megha Kurup’s life embodies the power of pursuing one’s dreams. Her unwavering determination and relentless hard work have crafted a truly remarkable journey. If her story were a book, it might be titled “Living Dreams,” reflecting her deep belief in her own capabilities and her resilient spirit.
Megha has always been steadfast in her pursuit of her goals, never allowing obstacles to hold her back. Her resilience has allowed her to tackle challenges and emerge even stronger. Centered on her passions and an unyielding commitment, Megha’s approach to life serves as a beacon of inspiration for anyone striving for greatness.
Driving Transformation through Technology
Mouser Electronics, headquartered in Texas, USA, is a leading global distributor of electronic components. A subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, owned by Warren Buffett, Mouser Electronics operates in 27 countries and has been a prominent industry name for over 50 years.
The company excels in delivering top-notch service, facilitating the procurement of advanced technologies from more than 1,200 leading manufacturers. With a global presence and local offices, Mouser is dedicated to serving its customers and supporting engineers and buyers with efficiency and excellence. This commitment to growth and quality has established Mouser as a trusted entity in the electronic components sector.
In India, Mouser has two offices: the primary one in Bangalore, located at the Esquire Centre on MG Road, which is the largest facility outside of Texas, and a newer office in Pune at the ICC Tech Park on Senapati Bapat Road. Since entering the Indian market in 2010 with just three team members, Mouser has grown rapidly, now employing approximately 1,000 people. Over the past eight years, the team has earned a solid reputation and received numerous accolades for their performance.
Mouser India’s operations are guided by a robust leadership team, including Vijay Ingale (Vice President – India Operations), Clinton Jose (Global Resource Centre Vice President), and Victor Coelho (Internet Business Delivery Vice President). The entire India operations are overseen by Mr. Raju Shah (Senior Vice President & India Operations Head), based at the corporate office in Texas.
India boasts a wealth of highly qualified professionals who are passionate about technology and innovation. Mouser strategically supports key business operations in the region, EMEA, and global services. Committed to exceptional customer service, Mouser offers an extensive range of products and technical resources to assist engineers and buyers throughout the design and purchasing processes. The company and its employees leverage technology to drive progress and stay ahead of future developments.
With a focus on attracting top talent, Mouser stays aligned with global innovations, supporting global sales operations, technical support, marketing, and product content development. Over half of the company’s revenue comes from Internet sales, managed by a dedicated IT team that ensures continuous operational uptime. Mouser Electronics seeks individuals who excel in speed, accuracy, and efficiency, solidifying its position as one of the top 10 global distributors.
Adapting to Modern Demands
In the wake of the pandemic, there has been a significant rise in startups and innovative business ventures aimed at meeting growing consumer demands. Megha Kurup notes, “The increase in luxury services has transformed what was once considered a luxury into a necessity for consumers. This shift has provided new entrepreneurs with opportunities to make their mark in the market.”
India, known for its strong service sector, has seen this trend further solidify its market presence. However, sustaining these businesses comes with its own set of challenges. The shortage of skilled entrepreneurs highlights the urgent need for a robust economic infrastructure to support this energetic and strategic talent pool.
While unemployment remains a concern, there is hope that India will undergo a creative transformation as more young people turn to entrepreneurship. With the right support and infrastructure, the country could experience a substantial boost in its entrepreneurial ecosystem, leading to economic growth and prosperity.
Navigating Challenges
“Facing work challenges is part of the journey. Overcoming them contributes to my professional growth, and I have no complaints!”
When Megha Kurup joined Mouser nine years ago, her attraction to the company was largely due to its affiliation with Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, a brand she admired and trusted. Today, she still feels a strong sense of pride and confidence in her decision, seeing the values and principles of the Berkshire Hathaway Family of Companies reflected in Mouser’s operations.
Megha highlights that one of Mouser’s standout features is its leadership team, which has been crucial to the company’s success. She holds Mr. Glenn Smith, Mouser’s President and CEO, in high regard, especially as he recently celebrated his 50th work anniversary with the company.
According to Megha, what sets Mouser apart is its unique management style. Despite the difficulties of hiring new talent during the global pandemic, Mouser has continued to attract and retain qualified employees, and Megha takes pride in being part of such a dynamic and innovative organization.
Exceptional Leadership
Megha Kurup’s leadership is distinguished by her remarkable ability to inspire and motivate her team to achieve their goals. Her approach focuses on fostering a positive and collaborative work environment where each team member feels valued and supported. Megha is adept at empowering her team, encouraging them to embrace new challenges and enhance their skills.
A standout feature of Megha’s leadership is her exceptional communication skills. She listens attentively and takes the time to understand her team’s perspectives and concerns. This enables her to provide clear and effective guidance, ensuring that everyone remains aligned and focused on shared objectives.
Megha Kurup also excels in cultivating a culture of innovation and creativity. She motivates her team to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to complex problems. By establishing a safe and supportive atmosphere for experimentation and risk-taking, Megha has driven considerable growth and success in her organizations.
A crucial piece of advice that has profoundly influenced her leadership is the value of having a mentor. The guidance from her mentor, Mr. Raju Shah, has been instrumental in shaping her leadership style and personality. His mentorship has proven to be more valuable than her formal management education.
Success Speaks
In 2022, Mouser achieved a remarkable milestone by surpassing $4 billion in revenue, reflecting its strong brand reputation and the trust of its customers. Specializing in the swift introduction of cutting-edge products and technologies, Mouser delivers millions of components on time, boasting a 5-Sigma rating.
With its headquarters in Texas, Mouser Electronics has established a robust global presence with 27 support locations worldwide. The company offers top-notch customer service and ships to over 650,000 customers across more than 223 countries and territories. As an award-winning distributor, Mouser focuses on rapid 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 features over 6.8 million products from more than 1,200 manufacturers. Recognized with numerous awards, including being named Global High Service Distributor for nine years, Mouser solidifies its position as a leader in electronic component distribution.
Word of the Wise
If you have doubts, question your limits!
The journey of becoming your own boss is undoubtedly thrilling. Beyond thorough research, it’s crucial to introspect and evaluate your personal readiness and situation.