Up Close with Yogannaidu Sivanchalam, Managing Director of Texas Instruments

Yogannaidu Sivanchalam, Managing Director of Texas Instruments was hired in 2006 straight into the company  as a fresh graduate from the National University of Malaysia. Working his way up the corporate ladder, in 2017 he was given the opportunity to lead Texas Instruments Electronics Malaysia in Malacca. Yogan managed to turn things around within nine  months gaining the trust from the leadership team. In 2018, Yogan moved up to KL and now leads the Texas Instrument team in their Ampang facility.

1.     How would you describe your management style?

My management style would be the way that I would want to be treated; engaging and empowering. Being in a high volume technology manufacturing, we deal with many people. Keeping our people engaged and empowered would boost their morale and performance.

2.     Who inspires you the most and why? How have you incorporated that into your daily life?

I get inspired by everyone, given the opportunity to work with many leaders, I watched and learned from them, both good and bad. Every morning passing through the guard post of my housing area and being greeted by the security with a big smile inspires me. I smile back and ensure I do the same as I walk to my office. These are simple things that continue to inspire me on a daily basis.

3.     How do you see your organization changing in two years, and how do you see yourself creating/being a part of that change?

Changes have already started in the whole manufacturing industry which is known as Industry 4.0. I envision all the roadmaps that we had put in place would fall through in the next 2 years. The KL factory has been in transformation mode, we are building more niche and high valued products supporting Industrial and Automotive growth.  

4.     Tell me about an accomplishment or a memorable incident that shaped your career.

In 2017, 10 years after being hired as a fresh graduate from a local university, I was given the trust and responsibility to lead TI’s sister factory at Malacca. This was a huge role change and challenge in my personal life and career. The whole family moved to Malacca adjusting to new school and lifestyle. I manage to gain the trust from the leadership in Malacca and I’m proud to say that we had a few victories. Within 9 months I had to return back to KL and lead the KL factory. The experience that I gained in Malacca truly shaped my career.

5.     What would we be surprised to learn about you?

I married my high school sweetheart who had been my classmate since 7 years old.

6.     What book are you reading or podcast you most recommend?

I got a book by Hans Rosling titled Factfulness during my recent travel. This book tells the reasons we’re wrong about the world and why things are better than we think.

7.     What do you do for fun?

When I’m not working, I love to spend time with my family. I enjoy playing with my two sons and watching them grow. My first son is 7 years old, and his younger brother is almost 3. It is so much fun to be with them. I also love getting my road bike out and hitting the pedal whenever I get the chance. I’m also a bit of a motorhead, and I enjoy fast cars.