Inspiring the Next Generation of Giants

It’s been a big (BIG) year for women.

Economist Claudia Goldin won a Nobel prize - while becoming the first woman ever to become a tenured professor at Harvard.

Taylor Swift’s The Eras tour grossed over a billion dollars when she re-recorded her sold-off catalog - literally reclaiming her own voice?

And

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez made history as the first trans actor to win a?Golden Globe.?

The list goes on and on.?

The world is wonderfully starting to see the awesome power of women in all sectors of business and life.?

I truly believe that getting advice from giants like these might inspire the next generation of women to stand on their broad shoulders and see further.

I have the incredible fortune of working with two such giants at Nutanix -? Anja Hamilton, EVP, Chief People Officer and Rukmini Sivaraman, Chief Financial Officer.?

In celebration of International Women’s Day, I asked them the questions I wish I had answers to when I was first starting out.

So, to the next generation of women leaders – this is for you:

Anja Hamilton

EVP, Chief People Officer at Nutanix?

Q1: What advice would you give to a young woman starting their career in technology?

When I started my career in technology, I was always too afraid to ask “dumb questions.” It cost me a tremendous amount of energy to get answers through tedious inconspicuous research.?I’d say, don’t waste your energy and be curious and ask many questions. You’ll learn so much faster and your growth mindset will likely be noticed and rewarded.?Also, get out of your comfort zone and be ready for opportunities.?The hungrier you are, the more you will learn and grow.??

Q2: What female leader in the world do you admire most??

There are many female leaders I admire, and Oprah Winfrey is one of them.?Oprah is an incredibly hard-working businesswoman, talk show host, actress, television producer, and author. Her philanthropic endeavors are focused on women's and girl’s education, health, and racial equity. Oprah wields influence in philanthropy not only because of her wealth but also because of her gift for inspiring others. Success isn’t just about what you accomplish in your life, it’s about what you inspire others to do.??

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Q3: What does the future hold for female leaders? Are you optimistic or pessimistic??

According to Catalyst (a non-profit organization focused on gender equity and workplace inclusion), in 2021, the number of women in senior management roles globally hit 31%, which is the highest number ever recorded. In that same year, 26% of all CEOs and managing directors were women compared to only 15% in 2019 and Fortune Global 500 reported an all-time high of 23 women CEOs, including six women of color. I am encouraged by this trend and do believe the future is bright for women who choose the management and leadership path.?Let’s continue making great progress together.?

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? Rukmini Sivaraman

Chief Financial Officer at Nutanix

Q1: What advice would you give a young woman starting their career in technology?

Early in your career,?attitude?is paramount, everything else can be learned. Take ownership, care about the outcome and the impact your work is having, be helpful where you can and be curious to learn.?

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Q2: What female leader in the world do you admire most??

I am going to interpret this to highlight several female leaders; something from each of these leaders resonates with me. Mother Teresa, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Jane Goodall, Marie Curie, Helen Keller, Rosa Parks, Venus and Serena Williams, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and so many more. Each of these leaders made a profound impact in their field by taking a stand, being curious or passionate or disciplined or by having the courage to do something different. I find that in the workplace, it’s better to find what you can learn from different people (rather than just one) and adapt that to your aspirations and needs.?

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Q3: What does the future hold for female leaders? Are you optimistic or pessimistic??

I am optimistic about what the future holds for female leaders – we seem to be making progress. We all can be doing more to create a more equitable world.?

Thank you, Anja, and Rukmini!

This incredible discussion begs an important question for our readers - Which female leader inspires YOU?