Michelle Fernandes
Associate Manager - Infra Services
Mumbai
Give your work-life a movie title?
Life at Inspirisys.
What’s your hidden talent
Balancing People, Process and Performance.
A value that you adhere to
Integrity, always.
Your inspiration?
People who lead by example and stay grounded.
Work, Impact and Growth
How does Inspirisys ensure women’s leadership a visible reality in everyday operations?
What Inspirisys gets right is that women’s leadership here feels completely natural, not something highlighted only on special occasions. You see it in the everyday moments, with women leading client conversations, managing critical projects, sharing ideas confidently, and taking ownership without hesitation. Ideas are valued, responsibilities are entrusted without bias, and seeing more women in leadership roles reinforces that this is a workplace where women can truly thrive.
There’s also a comfort in just being yourself and knowing your voice matters. I think that’s exactly why Inspirisys being recognised as a Great Place to Work feels so genuine. The culture doesn’t just talk about inclusion. You experience it in the way people respect and work with each other.
Can you recall an experience when Inspirisys sparked your growth in a way you did not expect?
One thing I've valued throughout my journey at Inspirisys is that growth is never viewed as a destination. As my responsibilities evolved, so did the opportunities to learn, lead, and contribute in new ways.
Being nominated for XLRI's XL4W up! SCALE program was a meaningful extension of that journey. To me, it reflected an organization that believes leadership development is a continuous investment. Knowing that your growth is being nurtured beyond your current role is both humbling and inspiring, and it encourages you to keep raising the bar for yourself.
What was the one moment during the XL4W up! SCALE program that changed how you see yourself?
One of the most meaningful moments during the XL4W up! SCALE program was the leadership self-reflection session, where we created a personal vision board. It encouraged me to pause and look beyond immediate goals to think more intentionally about my long-term leadership journey.
The exercise brought greater clarity to my aspirations and helped me recognise strengths that often go unnoticed in the rhythm of everyday work. More importantly, it reaffirmed the value of self-awareness, reminding me that effective leadership begins with understanding yourself before you can inspire others.
What is that one thing you unlearned about leadership during those two days?
I unlearned the belief that a leader must always have all the answers. During those two days, it became clear that leadership isn’t about being the smartest voice in the room. It’s about listening closely, collaborating openly, and being comfortable admitting that you are still learning. That realisation changed how I see leadership. Less about control, more about creating space for better ideas to come through.
If you were asked to describe Inspirisys’ work culture to a friend of yours what would you tell them?
I'd tell them it's the kind of place that's difficult to fully describe until you experience it yourself. But if I had to put it into words, I'd describe Inspirisys as a place where people genuinely look out for one another, where your growth is taken seriously, and where I've always felt supported to grow as a woman leader without having to fit a particular mould.
The work keeps you engaged, the culture keeps you grounded, and the people make even the most challenging days worthwhile. It's not perfect, but it's real. And to me, that's what matters most.
A piece of advice you received from a senior leader at Inspirisys that you now pass on to your juniors.
Early in my journey at Inspirisys, a senior leader shared a piece of advice that has stayed with me ever since: "Don't just identify problems, bring solutions." Along with that came the importance of taking ownership, no matter how big or small the responsibility.
That mindset has shaped the way I approach my role. It encourages me to think proactively, take initiative, and focus on creating value rather than simply highlighting challenges. Today, it's the same advice I pass on to my team because it helps them build confidence, accountability, and a solution-oriented mindset early in their careers.
Tell us a little about your team and what are they like to work with.
I am surrounded by an incredible team and mentors, who bring a lot of experience, both professionally and personally. They’re supportive, practical, and always open to sharing what they’ve learned. What I enjoy most is how we show up for one another while we work through challenges together and celebrate wins as a team. That kind of support makes the workplace feel motivating and genuinely enjoyable.
Words of Wisdom
To every woman building her career, don't wait until you feel completely ready to take the next step. Growth often begins where certainty ends. Keep learning, trust your abilities, and embrace every opportunity that challenges you to become a better version of yourself. The journey may not always be easy, but it will always be worth it.