As we celebrate 50 years of innovation in ABB’s LV Drives, we share the voices of three women who represent the then, today, and tomorrow of the industry. Pictured above are Kristiina Mansén (left), who began her journey in 1990 shaping the early days of documentation, and Ekaterina Podnebesnikova (center), part of today’s marketing function that drives innovation. Their stories, along with that of a new generation stepping into the field, reflect not only how far we’ve come, but where we’re heading.
Seeing the industry change from the inside
Kristiina Mansén joined ABB on May 13, 1990, and has spent 35 years in the company. Kristiina began by working on manuals and user guides for early frequency converters like the SAMI STAR and ACV700, and later moved into digital tools, master data management, websites, and communications.
“I was the only girl in my electrical engineering class,” Kristiina says. “But as a woman, I’ve never felt like I was somehow different in this crowd. I’ve always gotten along well in male-dominated environments. I haven’t experienced so-called ‘challenges.’ I actually see it as a strength to be a woman in this field.”
Witnessing a cultural and technological shift
Over the decades, Kristiina has seen major changes, both in how technology is created and how the culture has evolved. She has seen the shift from handwritten documentation to digital systems, and from being the only woman in the room to watching many more join the field and take on leadership roles. “Now we even have a woman leading Motion Finland,” Kristiina notes. “There are more women, especially on the electrical side, than before.”
Kristiina is proud of the progress she has seen, both in the products and the people: “The ABB drives are very good products. I have seen the transformation over the years, and it’s been impressive. My colleagues have been, and still are, super people, and the positive atmosphere they create is a big reason I’ve stayed with ABB for 35 years.”
For Kristiina, having more women in technical fields isn’t just about numbers. It’s about perspective. “Women bring a different point of view,” she says, encouraging young women to be themselves and trust their strengths. “You just must boldly be yourself when you come into this technical world. Don’t try to be someone else. Be brave in voicing your opinions.”
Kristiina also believes in the power of taking initiative, big or small, as a key driver of growth and change. “I always waited for the moment when I could speak up. I’ve made initiatives here and developed all kinds of things. If you see that something could be improved, then just go for it. It doesn’t have to be something brand new. You can improve what already exists.”
Inside a global team – where we are now
Ekaterina Podnebesnikova began her career at ABB in 2021, working in the marketing and communications department for drives and motors.
Walking the talk on equity
Ekaterina has seen a clear shift in recent years in how women are represented across the company. “During my years at ABB, I’ve seen that it’s now moving in a direction where women are increasingly present in senior roles and expert positions,” she says. Her own team is a great example of that change. “I’m actually part of an all-female team now. It’s a great example of women coming together and leading with strength.”
Ekaterina points to ABB’s commitment to human rights as more than just a set of ideas but an important driver deeply rooted in practice. “Fairness and inclusion is embedded in our Code of Conduct, which means that everyone has the same rights, and women now have more opportunities than ever to step into and be recognized in expert roles. I see it as a pivotal change.”
While working with people across countries and cultures, inclusion isn’t just a principle. It’s something Ekaterina sees every day in her global team. “We treat everyone with respect, embracing cultural, and individual differences. It’s inclusion at its highest level.”
Encouraging women to use their voice
Despite the current progress, Ekaterina believes it remains essential to continue encouraging women to engage confidently and share their voices. “Sometimes we can underestimate our own capabilities. It’s good to remind ourselves that we are good enough as we are and that we should feel confident showcasing our skills, without being discouraged by gender or any other personal traits.”
To those just starting their careers, Ekaterina says: “Believe in your voice, your ideas, and your ability to shape the innovative future. Surround yourself with people who support you, stay curious, and keep pushing forward. Step into every room knowing you have something valuable to contribute. Leadership doesn’t always mean being the loudest. It means staying true to yourself and your purpose.”
The next generation shaping what's to come
As we look to the future, a new generation of engineers is already shaping what’s next. Meet Anna, an automation and robotics student at Aalto University in Helsinki. Anna is currently a trainee on the firmware testing team at ABB, where her work focuses on static code analysis. She was drawn to the field through her interest in programming. “I like to code things that you can see and touch,” Anna says. “That’s what makes drives so interesting to me, and why I chose to study automation and robotics.”
Anna’s experience at ABB has been positive. “I’ve been taken into the company as an equal to my peers,” she says. “There hasn’t been any talk about ‘you and them’ in gender terms.” However, she acknowledges the hesitation she felt before starting. “I was nervous, having had some negative experiences in the past. Fortunately, ABB has offered a more inclusive environment where I feel respected and accepted.”
Making space for more women in engineering
At university, Anna has noticed a shift taking place. “There are 10 to 20 women in our program now, which already changes the dynamic. It makes a difference to have other women to be inspired by.”
Anna wants to see more women in technical roles. Not just for representation, but because the work with female colleagues is highly rewarding. “I would like to see more women in engineering and technical roles. I find it very fun and exciting, so I would love to share the excitement with fellow women.”
Encouraging women to pursue their interests and speak up
Anna also knows that some might hold back because they worry about not fitting in. “I hope no one gives up on a dream of a career like this out of fear they wouldn’t be accepted by the community. We need everyone’s point of view. Different kinds of people from all kinds of backgrounds make the field stronger”
While her experience so far has been positive, Anna believes grassroot solidarity can progress the situation a lot. “I hope that if you feel unaccepted or not taken seriously, you won’t be afraid to speak up. There is still progress to be made, so I hope we can support each other in driving the change.”
As ABB celebrates half a century of leadership in LV Drives, these stories stand as powerful reminders that innovation thrives when diverse voices lead the way. The journey of Drives is not only built on technical advancement, but on courage, curiosity, and the drive to shape a more inclusive and forward-looking future.
