Meet Our People: Satish Kandala

I hold an Engineering degree in Electronics and Telecommunications from India. Starting my career in IT, I worked with various clients and in different roles. In 2014, I relocated to the UK and began working as a Test Engineer on the Market Management System (MMS) project, subsequently advancing the role of Test Manager. This transition marked a significant shift in my career, introducing me to the power systems industry - a turning point in my career.

Motivated by a growing interest in the power sector, I pursued independent study prior to joining Hitachi Energy India in 2018. A year later, I was relocated to Japan on a long-term assignment as Test Manager for the MMS project development for Japan balancing market. After four years, I formally transferred to Hitachi Energy Japan. Currently, as Project Manager, I am responsible for project delivery and additionally support sales and tender teams with proposal development and risk assessment.

Japan had always been on my bucket list, so when I learned I would be assigned here, I was thrilled. At the same time, I felt nervous about navigating a new language and culture. However, the opportunity to apply my skills and gain new experiences was incredibly appealing.

One of the first things that impressed me in Japan was the uncompromising focus on quality and attention to detail. Even the smallest things are pursued with perfection, and that left a deep impression on me. Experiencing this culture has sharpened my ability to plan ahead and anticipate risks, and it has made me even more diligent about thorough verification. This habit has directly contributed to my growth as a project manager.

Transitioning from Test Manager to Project Manager was another major challenge. Moving from a specialized role focused on quality assurance to one responsible for scope, schedule, budget, customer communication, and risk management required new leadership and decision-making skills. To overcome these challenges, I earned my PMI (Project Management Institute) certification and learned from mentors. These efforts helped me grow into a leader who can balance global standards with local expectations.

Creating a positive and open team environment is one of my top priorities. I actively share my experiences and lessons learned to help team members grow and feel confident. In a multicultural team, differences in perspectives are inevitable, so fostering an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable asking questions and sharing ideas is critical.

I strive to build trust by maintaining a flat relationship with team members and encouraging them to take ownership of their work. By providing support when needed and offering opportunities for challenges, I help individuals develop their skills and confidence. My goal is to create a team where people from diverse backgrounds can thrive and succeed together.

Hitachi Energy is a truly global company with offices and projects around the world. This means abundant opportunities to work on international projects and grow your career. The company’s strong culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, combined with professional training programs, career development initiatives, and mentorship, creates an environment where those eager to learn and take on challenges can flourish.

Personally, I have expanded my career through certifications and so on, thanks to these resources. This culture of continuous learning and global collaboration is what makes Hitachi Energy such an attractive place to work.

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