On being unapologetically yourself with Anisha Tutaia

Anisha, what are the most impactful leadership skills you use?

I've realised that true magic happens when you blend a diverse team with genuine authenticity. At first, my leadership style was heavily focused on strategies and outcomes. But I soon learned that everyone’s unique perspectives are what truly drive innovation and success. I’ve seen how having people from different backgrounds and viewpoints not only enriches our team dynamics but sparks creativity at levels I hadn't anticipated.

Embracing authenticity has been another pivotal aspect of my leadership. By sharing my own experiences -? good and bad - I try to build an honest and transparent culture. I think that openness doesn't just strengthen our connections; it builds a deep, enduring trust and respect. No matter what happens, I know that putting inclusivity and genuineness first has always meant I stay true to my values and who I want to be as a leader.

Sometimes known as “a difference-maker,” was there a decision, realisation, or someone who helped you develop as a leader and in your career?

One of my most inspiring mentors was my last boss. She wasn't just successful in her career; she was also managing a bustling household with a big family. Despite that, or maybe because of them, she brought an incredible level of humanity and adaptability to her role as an executive at a global tech company.

What really struck me was her approach to leadership - she treated it as an art of understanding people.

She taught me that a good leader doesn't force everyone to adapt to their style. Instead, they adapt their style to find and foster the strengths within each team member. It was from her I learned the value of seeing people not just where they are, but where they could thrive.

She showed me how sometimes a small shift in roles could turn a struggling team member into a star performer.

Her wisdom went beyond traditional management; it was about genuinely connecting with and empowering people. This lesson has stayed with me, deeply influencing how I lead and connect with my teams. It's not just about leading; it's about lifting others to reach their potential, which she did every day, effortlessly.?

In your words, why does Halter support the work Powrsuit is doing??

Halter supports Powrsuit's work because, fundamentally, we both want to see workplaces that are diverse and inclusive.?

Powrsuit is all about empowerment and equality, and so are we. You do such a great job of creating supportive networks and providing leadership training to develop leaders of all backgrounds. Right now, our focus at Halter includes lifting the exposure, growth and capability of our senior women leaders to make sure we have a strong pipeline of women who could move up into our Executive team and broader leadership roles.

Talking about the wider tech industry, there’s no doubt that there’s a lack of women, especially in leadership positions. We have some great women leaders at Halter and it’s so important for us to grow and develop their capability.

We’ve had a handful of women at Halter who have attended the Powrsuit's pilot programme. They loved the positive environment, the depth and relevance of the content, how engaging the facilitated sessions are and the meaningful connections they formed.?

Hearing them share their positive experiences really underscores how valuable our partnership is with Powrsuit. It’s so clear that it’s making a difference in growing and developing our women leaders and our broader leadership landscape.

When was there a time in your career when you were scared or uncomfortable?

Being a woman, a woman of colour, and having been in senior leadership roles for the last 15 years, I've often felt fear or discomfort in my career - they often come when facing new challenges.

Every time I feel like that, I remind myself,

“This is exactly where I’m meant to be. I should be here.” This mantra grounds me and affirms my place and purpose. It helps me acknowledge that experiencing discomfort is a normal part of growth and pushing my limits.

Over time, I’ve learned to accept these feelings as part of the journey and to navigate them with a sense of purpose and belonging. Careers have ups and downs, and through the tougher moments, I’ve built resilience and gained deeper confidence in my ability to handle whatever comes my way. This mindset has been essential in helping me move forward, even when it feels daunting.

What’s one thing you know now that you wish you’d known earlier in your career?

One thing I wish I'd known earlier is the importance of networking and relationship building. Earlier in my career, I underestimated how important having connections would be, not only for my personal growth but also for opening up opportunities and learning more about the industry I worked in.

What advice would you give to women feeling a bit lost in their careers - perhaps they’ve lost their voice, identity or path??

I’d say -? firstly, take a step back and reflect on what you truly value and what drives you. Engage with mentors and peers who inspire you and can provide guidance.

Remember, it's okay to ask for help and to take time to rediscover your path. Embrace the journey of finding your voice again, and don't shy away from experimenting with new roles or challenges that align with your passions.

Anisha has over a decade of experience in customer support and success roles across the technology and retail sectors. In June 2023, Anisha joined Halter as the Head of Customer Support. She is currently leading the effort to scale the customer support team to support global expansion, with the goal of establishing a world-class global customer experience (CX) team. Her strategic initiatives focus on integrating advanced technology and innovative service methodologies to enhance every customer interaction.

With a strong ability to develop high-performing teams and a deep understanding of strategic planning, Anisha is committed to transforming Halter’s customer support into a key pillar of the company’s success. Her leadership style cultivates a culture of empathy and responsiveness, and she always places customer needs at the heart of her strategies.