Employee Spotlight: Meenakshi Mattu

Meenakshi Mattu | Sr. Director, IT | Joined Penumbra 2017 | Alameda, CA

Q. What is your current role at Penumbra?

As Sr. Director, IT, I am the IT partner for Manufacturing and Quality organizations. My responsibilities include managing manufacturing apps like Camstar/eDHR, MasterControl, AssurX, etc. and any initiatives/projects involving IT support. I have been involved with eDHR and SAP ERP implementations.

Q. Describe yourself at age 10. What career aspirations did you have at that age?

My 10-year-old self reads like a chapter from a whimsical storybook. Back then, I was very shy and awkward, preferring the company of books, pencils, and the gentle whispers of nature over the noisy chatter of social gatherings. While my teachers showered me with affection for my studious ways, at home, my stubborn streak could stir up a storm! Yet amidst the playful tug-of-war with my dear family, one dream shimmered brightly in my young heart: to follow in the footsteps of my great-grandfather, who was one of the few doctors in our Indian hometown, during his time.

Q. Describe a travel adventure that you’ll never forget.

I traveled to Maui with my family. There were two vacation memories I will never forget: First, the beautiful sunrise we saw at Haleakala Summit. And then, ah, Maui, the land of unforgettable adventures and unexpected misadventures! Picture this: a family quest for banana bread turns into a wild ride through the twists and turns of the Road to Hana. Rain? Check. Motion sickness? Double check. Low on gas with no gas station in sight? Triple check! And just when you think it couldn’t get any crazier, you arrive at your destination only to find out the black sand beach is more packed than a can of sardines! It’s like the universe was playing a cosmic joke on you, but hey, at least we got a story to tell. Who needs smooth sailing when you can have a roller coaster of laughter in one direction and a near-silent drive on the way back? Maui, where even the failed adventures become tales to tell!

Q. What are three career lessons you’ve learned thus far?

As I’ve journeyed through my career, three vibrant themes have woven the fabric of my experiences, each weaving its unique pattern:

•  Firstly, the warmth of camaraderie, where the magic of collaboration transformed mere tasks into triumphant outcomes.
• Secondly, the evergreen garden of knowledge, where every day sprouted new seeds of wisdom from the soil of technology, human connections, and the tender blossoms of both success and failure.
• And lastly, the self-appreciation, where amidst the hustle and bustle of life’s grand things, it’s essential to pause, take time, and take pride in one’s own journey, savoring the sweetness of progress.

Q. What is your personal philosophy?

Being important is nice, but being nice is more important. Hard work, honesty, and good actions are always rewarded.

Q. Describe the most unusual or interesting project you’ve encountered at Penumbra.

We started our SAP ERP implementation project right before COVID 19 intensified across the world. I was leading the project from the IT side. The project team was in the EU gathering requirements at the same time that the world began shutting down, and we rushed to find our way back home. The team of more than 50 plus individuals located across US and India continued working on the project from home, navigating through tumultuous seas of uncertainty, transitioning seamlessly from in-person interactions to the virtual realm. Across continents, amidst unfamiliar faces, we made progress, reaching and turning pages with each virtual call. And though the challenges we encountered could fill volumes, the triumphant finale saw us united in victory, heralding the dawn of a new era as we successfully steered the ship from QAD to SAP, a tale worthy of its own chapter in the annals of history.