The 12 things I learnt in my 24 years at the workplace

GHCI is the largest women in technology conference in India and I had the privilege to address 5000+ women at the conference.On popular demand and as promised I am writing a blog on the recap of my Grace Hopper key note address last month. I do hope you enjoy reading it and more importantly find something that you can take away and reflect on.

1. Learning to recognise and address unconscious bias. In India from a very young age girls are taught not to talk loudly , not to spread ourselves out, to not talk loudly. These learnings translate into the corporate world. And If a woman is bold she is labelled as aggressive , if a man is bold - they say he has leadership qualities. Let’s learn to recognise and address these biases front and center. When someone says I am being too aggressive ( which happens quite often!) I just smile and say I am taking ownership and that I have leadership qualities.
2. Learning the art of negotiation Even if you are not in a sales job it would be very useful to study the art of negotiation. The most defining skill that I have learnt in my life is that of salesmanship. No matter what your role is - you must learn to master the art of persuasive negotiation. Each day you will find yourself negotiating with your boss, your employees, your spouse and even your kids! A good negotiator is relentlessly pleasant - think global , act local. And most important - think personal ... act communal.
3. Always have an elevator pitch. This seems to come more naturally to men than women. I have seen more women fumble while Introducing themselves. What is your brand, what do you stand for , what do you want to be known for ?
4. You set the weather . Optimism is a force multiplier at work and at home. Stormy behaviour makes collaboration and a trusted environment harder to build and maintain.
5. Networking . Be purposeful in the way your network . Attending an event should not feel like an exercise in business card collection. Before going to an event - ask yourself what are the 3 things you want to accomplish ? 
6. Pay it forward . Be a role model for other women. Always make time for sisterhood and pay it forward. Remember there is a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women!
7. Fake it till you make it. Women are genetically designed to doubt themselves. Many a times when I am praised I am surprised . It’s taken a lot of practice to take a compliment well. Learn to practice self confidence until it becomes a habit.
8. Feedback . Women are mentally wired to constantly ask for feedback - perhaps a reflection of how we are raised. You don’t have to act on every piece of feedback. Learn to filter feedback. Especially that which is based on gender stereotypes .
9. What would you do if you were not afraid ? Women take less risk with everything they do in life. Learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable. That is when you will grow and make progress.
10. MeTime : ask yourself regularly what have you done for your soul lately. Remember to take time out from work, family and other commitment to replenish your soul.
11. Business and Financial goals :if u want to get to the corner office you have to spend time thinking about the financial, business and strategic objectives of your company. Even if you are in a non business role. Learning to understand and appreciate the financial and strategic goals of your company is something you must do no matter how junior you are in the organisation.
12. Call out bad behaviour- No matter what - always have the courage to call out bad behaviour and bullying. This is non negotiable. If daily micro-aggressions at the workplace are ignored- they can sometimes result in traumatic situations like sexual harassment.