Nature's Matriarchs: Inspiring Women in Leadership
Manish Bhandari
Founder, CEO and Portfolio Manager, Vallum Capital Advisors I Falafal Lover | Novice Pianist | Failed Photographer
"A strong woman understands that the gifts such as logic, decisiveness, and strength are just as feminine as intuition and emotional connection. She values and uses all of her gifts.” – Nancy Rathburn
International Women's Day marks another year of celebrating the remarkable achievements of women around the globe. Yet, amidst the festivities and accolades, there persists a lingering debate, often asserting that patriarchal norms are merely the dictates of nature, beyond the influence of societal mindsets. However, nature itself presents us with awe-inspiring examples of matriarchal societies in the animal kingdom, challenging this very notion.
Animal species such as Lions, Elephants, Bonobos, Whales, and hyenas exhibit female leadership
Drawing parallels with human female leaders, we find them characterized by empathy, intuition, sensitivity, and a knack for fostering camaraderie
Consider the visionary approach of Alibaba's Jack Ma, who has long prioritized gender diversity
Moreover, as the business landscape grows increasingly complex, with a greater emphasis on building lasting customer relationships, women's inclination towards learning becomes a valuable asset. In fact, women already represent a majority of college and master's degree graduates, with approximately 57% of college graduates and 62% of master's degree graduates being women. This trend reflects their commitment to continuous growth and education
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Globally, women are projected to control more than 32% of total wealth, exceeding $72 trillion, with this figure expected to rise further. As women's influence in financial decision-making expands, their investment choices and approach to legacy and philanthropy will shape the future trajectory of economies worldwide. Richard Thaler's Nobel Prize-winning work in behavioral economics sheds light on the distinct investing behavior of women, who tend to be risk-averse in gains but risk-seeking during losses—a phenomenon with significant implications for investment strategies. Goal-based investing, a "nudge" towards prudent decision-making, mitigates the risk of impulsive actions, thereby aligning investments with long-term objectives. In the Indian asset management industry, women fund managers now oversee 13% of mutual fund assets, marking a significant improvement over the past decade.
Reflecting on everyday scenarios, such as choosing from a restaurant menu, reveals subtle yet significant differences in decision-making between genders. While man may decide swiftly, the other may meticulously weigh various factors before making a choice. This nuanced approach, characterized by holistic thinking
In conclusion, the celebration of International Women's Day extends beyond mere acknowledgment; it serves as a reminder of the invaluable contributions of women to society, both past, and present. By recognizing and harnessing the inherent strengths of women, we pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future.
Manish Bhandari, CIIA, founder of Vallum Capital Advisors, a Portfolio Management firm managing equity investments for Family Offices and HNIs, serves as a Board Member of the Association of Portfolio Managers in India. Based in Mumbai, he can be reached at [email protected].
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