“Our parents, managers, and partners, have a huge role to play to help us get over the need for social validation of our competence” -DHANASHREE

Can you share a defining moment in your career journey that shaped your leadership approach and style?

Being a leader for me has been a constantly evolving journey. Hence several moments have taught me 2 things – What to do as a leader and What not to do as a leader. We meet different people from all walks of life, and in the same way, have good and not-so-good managers as well. The not-so-good managers taught me what not to do. For example, one big learning was that what we speak about people, whether they are in front of us or behind their backs- can't be much different, and always with the individual first. It builds credibility, trust, and authenticity. One important lesson also has been- that our state of mind can strongly affect the leadership style, function, and people around us, and therefore our moods affect many lives. Hence controlling the mind, the emotions, and the impact it has is a constant journey.

What do you believe are the unique strengths that women bring to leadership roles?

Each gender does bring its own set of strengths and hence the “yin and yang” is what makes it a good balance. Having said so, women bring a wonderful emotional quotient combined with well-rounded thinking. They also bring the amazing ability to multitask and are resilience where they can defy the odds. Women bring a great focus on balance – where they effortlessly manage multiple responsibilities on personal and professional fronts, combined with multiple roles played. Most women are not afraid to show emotions at work, and that makes them more relatable and real-making it better as a culture to express oneself.

How do you balance professional responsibilities with personal commitments?

The truth is – this is a tough ask- as you take on demanding responsibilities. There is never a perfect balance, and you define what works for you. If sometimes you choose professional over personal, and vice versa- all is well, and this constant juggling is what keeps the balance.

As a single parent, there are times when something at home affects my professional space and several times when demanding assignments take away from my child’s time... the truth, as a woman the thing to overcome is the “Guilt”.

The other area to consider is – do not hesitate to ask for help! - whether it is from a partner/spouse, parents, or anyone who can help – especially when it is about managing kids. It was rightfully said that it takes a village to raise a child! Several times, the housekeepers and nannies have helped me keep my sanity. Hence even when I may not need too many, I consider it as a price of convenience because it helps me do my job better and manage responsibilities effectively.

Break the barriers that you have set for yourself, challenge the barriers others create for you, challenge the expectations others have for you, and accept that you are NOT a superwoman, but be the best version of yourself.

What changes or advancements do you hope to see for women in leadership in the future?

In the future, I hope to see ore work happening for the below areas:

1. Manage the drop happening in population of employed women across levels- This is possible only when all of us actively work on having more % of women hired, developed, trained, and most importantly retained across levels. Most often drop in in the women population happens at mid- levels-due to life stage or family responsibilities. This can be managed at mindset and policy level changes in the companies by having more programs for returning women, encourage and train managers to manage women, as well as policies which arrest the leakage at different levels.

2.?Women need to be more self-accepting and confident of their abilities- The majority of women face 2 big diseases “Self-Doubt” and “Guilt”. This is something all of us have to face, accept, and get over with. Our parents, managers, and partners, have a huge role to play to help us get over the need for social validation of our competence.

3. Policy and cultural changes in Organizations- While a lot of work is being done around diversity, to have more women in leadership roles, I hope to see more policies that also allow other genders to accept social responsibilities, as well as training of this being acceptable. For example- a male to be a primary caregiver and hence allow special care, policies and the cultural fabric which allows them to do so. Such policies will open up conversations of social responsibilities of managing a home or child not having a gender oriented colour.

What advice would you give to other women striving to excel in their careers and break barriers in their respective industries?

1. My advice to women will be – “Believe in yourself”- if you don’t, difficult for others to do so. It is you who will create a path for the next generation of women. Hence what you do today matters, not just for yourself but for the future. So, break the barriers that you have set for yourself, challenge the barriers others create for you, challenge the expectations others have for you, and accept that you are NOT a superwoman, but be the best version of yourself. Be kind to yourself, as much you are to others.

2. Decisions you make about anything look at the long impact you have- this includes actions like –the training you give the sons, expectations you set with your spouse/partner and their inclusion in the parenting or core child responsibilities, what training you give daughters- show them and teach them to live their dreams without gender. Hence if you are building your career, take help/support and set expectations with those around you as well.

Publication - Women's Day Chronicles - A tribute to strength, HRAI magazine - March 8,2024.