Chitra is always looking forward to the future while enjoying the present and appreciating the past

What’s next? For most people, it’s simply a question. For Chitra Bhagat, however, it’s her passion and her job description. Chitra currently serves as Solutions and Technology Leader for the analytics organization. “I sit under the analytics and artificial intelligence group. It’s kind of a niche area in data. These days everyone is talking about artificial intelligence, machine learning, smart data, making the data work for us, insights, things like that. I work with and lead a small team which is responsible for implementing the analytics solutions for the company.”

Chitra goes on to explain her role even further. “I have many responsibilities. One is helping the organization find those strategic areas of work in the analytics space. I'm continually researching externally where the market is headed and looking to bring those capabilities internally to Cummins.”

A large part of my job is thinking ahead a few quarters or years and influencing stakeholders on where Cummins should be investing our dollars to be most successful.”

While Chitra says she thoroughly enjoys immersing herself in the data to see where that will lead, that’s not the most fulfilling part of her job. “I’ve had about 15-member team and as you can imagine, a large part of my day-to-day is keeping everybody motivated. I interact with almost everyone on a one-on-one basis to help them see the big picture, because it's very easy for every individual to just get lost down their own data-infused rabbit hole. So coaching is a large part of my job.”

That’s the part Chitra enjoys most. It’s not just about the work. It’s about the people, their lives and where they are headed in the future. “I love helping my team think through their careers. Guiding and advising them about where they should be headed next. And I’m not unique in that aspect.”

Cummins’ culture is all about helping, teaching, and mentoring others. I had great mentors early on, so this is my way of paying it forward.” 

When Chitra remembers back even further, ironically enough, that too, is all about forward looking and forward thinking. “I have been with Cummins for six years, but I have known and interacted with Cummins since 2009 when I was working in consulting. I was always impressed with how far along Cummins was in the data space. I had worked with many organizations all over the world – in the U.S., United Kingdom, and throughout Asia – and Cummins was by far the most progressive.”

That trailblazing aspect really interested me and was something I wanted to be a part of.”

Chitra also cites Cummins’ commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as another reason she wanted to work here and another area where she says Cummins was, and still is, ahead of the times and the curve. 

I have never known diversity like I have known at Cummins.”

“Cummins doesn’t just talk about it, they back it up. We truly believe in the power of people and embrace everyone’s different background, view, and perspective. I saw that was evident at Cummins when I was in consulting, and I’ve seen that commitment get stronger here every year.”

When asked to look forward into her own future, Chitra can’t help but look to her past. “All my experiences at Cummins have been very positive. I have received formal and informal mentorship from a lot of senior leaders. I was a part of a leadership program and I was mentored by the vice president of the New Power business. I've been privileged to go through those experiences and learn a lot. So, I see myself taking all I’ve learned and experienced and to continue to grow, enjoy what I do, and do all I can to see my team and the organization succeed.”