Umesh Lenka

Mastering Quality and Continuous Improvement

Umesh Lenka

Global Quality Head,

SuperMaxWorld

Since the dawn of business, quality has been the cornerstone of success. Yet achieving and maintaining it is no simple task; it demands continuous involvement and evolution. Striking the right balance between modern strategies and traditional approaches is essential to engaging both internal and external stakeholders effectively. Leading the charge at SuperMaxWorld is Umesh Lenka, a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in the automotive and FMCG sectors. Umesh’s secret to success lies in his powerful fusion of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, innovation, and an unwavering passion for continuous improvement.
At SuperMaxWorld, Umesh leads quality assurance, quality engineering, product reliability, and the continuous improvement of teams. Delivering exceptional results even in challenging conditions sets him apart from the crowd. With a strategic and methodical mindset, Umesh fearlessly solves complex problems using his analytical skills. His exceptional people management, fueled by emotional intelligence, creates a strong bond with his team. By guiding, coaching, supporting, and delegating tasks based on individual strengths, he fosters a harmonious and driven team. Moreover, his decision-making ensures fairness and flexibility, achieving the best outcomes in any situation.
Umesh’s diverse skill set encompasses technical know-how, relationship-building, and visionary thinking, shaping the future of quality at SuperMaxWorld. His impact elevates the organisation to new heights of excellence. In an exclusive interview with TradeFlock, Umesh shares insights into his professional and personal endeavours, highlighting his unwavering commitment to excellence.

What’s that one leadership approach you swear by, and why?

My leadership style is simple yet powerful, prioritising both goals and the team. I set clear objectives and provide a crystal-clear understanding of roles to the team. Strong conflict resolution and decision-making are fundamental aspects of my approach, ensuring challenges are met efficiently. I protect and support the team during difficult times and recognise their contributions, fostering a positive work environment. Continuous learning is emphasised, encouraging the team to acquire new skills. This approach cultivates a thriving team culture, driving success and personal development.

Being in the corporate world for more than 25 years, what are your biggest learnings?

Through my extensive corporate experience, I have gained invaluable insights that shape my leadership and business approach. Understanding the organisation’s overall business is crucial for making realistic plans that meet customer requirements. Embracing failure, persevering, and making critical decisions have been essential lessons for achieving success. Building strong relationships with co-workers and stakeholders fosters a collaborative work environment. Continuous learning and adaptability drive my growth, while prioritising safety and environmental considerations support business growth. Overall, my journey is marked by unwavering dedication, seeking improvement and success in every endeavour.

If you get the chance to go back in time, what mistakes of yours would you rectify and why?

Being in the quality function throughout my career, I have been analytical at every stage of my life. I mean, before doing anything, enough thought has been put into it. I don’t think there has been any mistake that can be rectified. It is a continuous learning process in the corporate world. We focus more on preventive measures than corrective actions in every aspect to avoid mistakes and failures.

What are your major achievements in your career?

Throughout my career, I have achieved significant milestones that have added value to my teams and organisations. I take pride in being recognised as a good leader, trainer, and coach by my team. A major accomplishment has been successfully establishing Quality Management Systems, Environmental Management Systems, and Occupational Health Management systems, integrated with OEM requirements for seamless implementation. My guidance for Green Six Belts has resulted in significant cost savings for different organisations, and I have supported vendors in achieving cost reductions while maintaining product quality. I have trained my teams in various techniques like QFD, FMEA, SPC, and MSA, making our design, process, and measurement systems robust. By implementing 5S and TPM, we have improved productivity and earned recognition for Bajaj TPM initiatives. Utilising Statistical Process Control (SPC) techniques has made our production lines capable of meeting tight customer specifications. I have also coached my teams in core tools like APQP, PPAP, and FMEA, ensuring compliance with OEM customer requirements. My focus on continuous improvement has resulted in real benefits, making a positive impact on business success and growth.

What are your passions, and how do they tie in with your career today?

I am passionate about continuous learning and developing people to achieve their goals. With 25 years in Quality, I value real, impactful practises like TQM, TPM, and SIX SIGMA. Implementing these has saved millions and earned new business. I aim to raise awareness and encourage the adoption of effective techniques including Data Science. I find fulfilment in the positive impact of my passion for quality on the organisation and its people. Guiding individuals to reach their potential is my commitment. I strive to make a lasting impact in the field of quality and beyond.