Beyond The Blend – Breaking Barriers and Driving Change

Beyond The Blend – Breaking Barriers and Driving Change

An Insightful Conversation with Sanya of Strategic Reliability Solutions

The lubricants industry, while essential to keeping the machinery of our world moving, has often been viewed as traditional and resistant to change. Yet, within this dynamic space, individuals like Sanya are pushing boundaries, fostering inclusivity, and driving innovation. In a candid episode of the Beyond The Blend podcast, Sanya, founder of Strategic Reliability Solutions, shared a remarkable journey—one of resilience, entrepreneurship, and a relentless drive to break barriers.

Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry

Sanya’s path to success has been marked by a series of challenges that were tackled with determination and tenacity. Entering the lubricants industry with a background in electrical and computer engineering, Sanya faced skepticism purely due to being young and female. Despite being told these factors were disadvantages, they were turned into strengths.

The first role with Shell Lubricants came from a forward-thinking leader who recognized potential beyond stereotypes. Entering rooms filled with male engineers, Sanya often had to prove competence before being engaged in meaningful discussions. In response, the approach was one of being over-prepared and confident in expertise.

“Breaking barriers so that others can enter” is how Sanya describes the mission. For Sanya, representation matters. Future generations should see someone who looks like them succeeding in engineering and know that success is possible for them too.

Drive, Tenacity, and Resilience

Sanya’s story is a testament to showing up consistently and pushing forward, no matter the obstacles. Whether obtaining the highest ICML certification (MLE) before publishing a first book or founding a company, Sanya exemplifies persistence.

The mantra is simple yet powerful: “Show up every day.” This daily commitment to goals and the industry has led to significant achievements, including authoring multiple books and creating a global hub for reliability solutions.

Even when questioned or underestimated, humor, poise, and reverse coaching techniques are used to win trust and demonstrate value. Resilience in these situations is not just a personal strength but a lesson for all professionals navigating skepticism and bias.

Innovating Through Strategic Reliability Solutions

Strategic Reliability Solutions was born from the desire to provide a centralized hub for reliability expertise. Sanya saw the need for global collaboration and leveraged digital technology to bring experts together, regardless of location.

By connecting professionals worldwide, the company offers innovative solutions and bridges knowledge gaps. This vision for a more interconnected and accessible approach to reliability reflects the modern potential of the lubricants industry.

Championing Inclusivity and Diversity

One of the most inspiring aspects of Sanya’s journey is a commitment to fostering inclusivity. More women are stepping into leadership roles, especially post-COVID, as remote and flexible work environments highlight their capabilities.

Sanya advocates for collaboration over competition, emphasizing that progress depends on working together, not dividing by gender. The Women in STEM book series captures stories of women and men breaking barriers, sharing insights, and inspiring others to pursue careers in engineering.

Authenticity in the workplace is another key focus. Many women, especially in engineering, struggle with the pressure to conform to traditional norms. Sanya encourages both men and women to be aware of biases and to foster environments where everyone can thrive as their authentic selves.

Leadership and Mentorship

Sanya’s success underscores the importance of strong leadership and mentorship. Early career development was shaped by leaders who believed in potential and provided growth opportunities. Now, Sanya pays it forward by mentoring others and sharing knowledge through articles, books, and webinars.

Everyone—regardless of gender—has a role to play in driving change. By supporting each other, sharing stories, and challenging biases, the industry can become more inclusive and dynamic.

Conclusion: A Future of Possibilities

Sanya’s journey on Beyond The Blend is a powerful reminder that the lubricants industry is evolving. Through innovation, resilience, and inclusivity, professionals like Sanya are paving the way for future generations. The message is clear: “Break barriers, show up every day, and collaborate for a better future.”

The lubricants industry is no longer just about machines and formulas—it’s about people, progress, and endless possibilities.

Connect with Sanya:

• LinkedIn: Find Sanya under Sanya Mathura – Strategic Reliability Solutions.
• Books: Available on Amazon and even Walmart.
• Website: Explore more about the work at Strategic Reliability Solutions.

For more inspiring conversations, follow Beyond The Blend and discover the people behind the lubricants market.