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Advice / Career Paths / Career Stories

This Head of Software Says Successful Teamwork Should Give You an Adrenaline Rush

Beryl Lopez, the Head of Grid Software at Siemens India
Beryl Lopez, the Head of Grid Software at Siemens India.
| Courtesy of Siemens

Almost two decades into her tenure at Siemens, Beryl Lopez is just as excited to go to work as she was on her first day as a graduate trainee engineer in control center automation. “I can’t get enough of this organization,” Lopez says. “I feel like my exploration has only just begun. Siemens is a sea of opportunity.”

Throughout her 18 years at the global technology company, Lopez has held roles across different departments—manufacturing, corporate strategy, and human resources, to name a few—and worked at various locations, including the main headquarters in Germany.

“Being in the HQ—the epicenter of innovation and development—enhanced my knowledge to a level where I could independently lead and drive customer projects,” Lopez says.

Today, she’s the Head of Grid Software at Siemens India. “India is on the threshold of transformation and software is pivotal to growth,” she says. “My foundation built in the control center software business as well as my learnings and experiences in subsequent positions at Siemens provided me with the outlook and mindset necessary for my current role.”

Here, Lopez shares how she took control of her career, what she loves about Siemens’ India office, and the skills that have led to her success.

How did you know Siemens would be a good fit for you?

Siemens has always been a name to reckon with in the field of electrical engineering. As a young graduate engineer fresh out of college, I wanted a job that would allow a practical application of my academic learning. I also wanted to be part of an organization that touched lives because I am driven by technology that has people at the core. I had specialized in Computer Application in Power Systems in college and decided to make a career in this area. 

I decided to work with Siemens for the people-centric culture and excellence in innovation. It sounded like just the kind of place where I would love to work—and 18 years later, I’m still enjoying this journey.

How does your career path at Siemens exemplify the way the company encourages its employees to try new things?

The culture at Siemens is centered around learning and development, and we are encouraged to own and develop our career path. The organization provides the opportunity and ecosystem to enable you to step out of your comfort zone and grow. It also supports employees with coaching or mentoring by more senior colleagues, as well as development programs to guide us through transitions, thereby creating paths to success. We are also encouraged to learn technical skills as well as soft skills.

Learning from experience gives us the confidence to dive into newer topics. Sometimes it’s about bold choices and tough decisions. Clearly, my journey exemplifies the role Siemens has played.

How has working on different teams benefited you throughout your time at Siemens?

I have been fortunate to experience the adrenaline rush of successful teamwork. Our teams are enriched with the skills and competencies of multiple members, which leads to a fun-filled yet challenging and driven working environment with a lot of opportunity to learn and develop as an individual. Learning never stops for me.

What are you working on now that excites or inspires you?

India is one of the largest urban transformations. The need for strong infrastructure and an integrated software platform to manage, drive, and sustain is pivotal to grids. I am part of the 2,400 colleagues working on making the grids smarter and future proof for our customers.

We are empowering our customers to transform their industries and markets, helping them to transform the everyday for billions of people. I am inspired and proud to work for an organization that is at the forefront of innovation and brings the best breed of technology to better human lives.

What do you like best about the company culture in the India office?

At Siemens India, we have a culture of open communication, and we trust and empower our teams. Having led the Great Place to Work initiative for Siemens India during my time working in HR, I can vouch for the culture, which is based on trust, fairness, and open communication. We celebrate successes and learn from our failures. The work environment is conducive to growth, one where our views are heard and valued, ideas are acknowledged, and we are challenged to perform to our best potential. There is also a clear emphasis on health and safety of each and every employee, and the caring also extends to our families.

What skills have led to your success at Siemens?

I believe in the power of open communication and empowering people to share their thoughts. I effectively communicate across all levels, speak up for change, and challenge the status quo.

As an individual, I have always stepped out of my comfort zone to embrace new challenges. While dealing with business in volatile markets, I have learned to be persuasive and resilient.

What advice do you have for someone who wants to join your team at Siemens?

Be bold. Stay grounded. Dare to dream and speak up for change. Stay positive and believe in yourself.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?

There are no limits except those you put on yourself.”