SHeroes of Microsoft India: Conversations on C-Suite goals, Managing homes & Powering through the pandemic

The highlight of this month was my interaction with nearly ninety incredible senior women leaders from Microsoft India family. Though this year has been a challenging one for all and many are fatigued or overwhelmed, I was wowed by this group’s sheer positivity and tenacity.  

A quick word cloud activity to get a sense of what’s top-of-mind captured their positive outlook. Beaming and cheerful, their energy was infectious. I’m in awe of their resilience even during these challenging times. 

We indulged in discussing a range of subjects – from the new normal of working from home to the possible feared ‘shecession’. 

WFH: Positives & Pain points  

There were mixed sentiments regarding WFH. While some have been feeling disconnected, a few working mothers shared that they’re enjoying the opportunity to spend some extra time with their children.

“Actually, the WFH was initially tough. But now I am loving it. I have a 2-year old daughter; she gets to see me all the time. She understands I am in meeting, at sometimes try to talk in the meetings grabbing my headphone etc. I can attend to her when she needs me most in the day." - Ranjana Rathinam 

I was especially impressed with this forum’s astute thinking on the future of the women workforce, with the possible decline in women’s jobs leading to a gender gap. As per a report, women’s jobs are 1.8 times more vulnerable to this COVID-19 crisis than their colleagues'. And while, women make up 39% of global employment, they account for 54% of overall job losses.

Why this interaction was specifically enriching was the spontaneous exchange of thoughts and ideas that took place. It was heartening to see this community support each other by sharing their learnings, advice with those struggling with the demands of balancing work-home and childcare. As one colleague shared aptly, ‘we’re in this together.’ 

It was exciting to tune into their ambitions and their thoughts on career growth. It was encouraging also to learn their focus on overall well-being and long-term happiness. I had some tough questions come my way, relevant to the current times, about coping with work-home balance amidst the pandemic, career growth at different life stages for women, and the mantra to positivity and happiness. I share here, the top inquiries and learnings/advice for each.

Q 1) How do we cope with this new normal? How do we maintain a healthy work-life balance when home, work and life are demanding much more now? 

A. Prioritize self-time: Since the impact of the pandemic on women in general has been disproportionate, many are stretched trying to maintain a balance between work and home. To these women leaders is my request – please prioritize yourself! Make time to prioritize things that you care about. And find time to switch off to recharge.  

I strongly encourage creating time and mind space for yourself. Block time for focusing on things that matter to you – be it cooking, yoga, cycling, meditation. Also leverage the company’s (Microsoft) leave options which are created keeping the current situation in mind.

“Like they demonstrate before the airplane takes off - First wear your own oxygen mask and then help others ?? ” - Suvarna Singh 

B. Seek Help: At times, one may feel alone during this chaotic phase. Don’t undervalue the power of ‘reaching out’. If one’s feeling stretched or stressed, don’t think twice about asking for help. I also recommend scheduling a virtual tea/coffee session with a friend/ally or even your manager at work. A simple conversation can work wonders in allaying your concerns. 

C. Delegate: ‘It is important to delegate responsibilities not just at work but also at home,’ a colleague very rightly shared. To ensure one’s well-being, expectations and duties should be discussed and delegated appropriately at the home front also – to the support system, spouse/partner and even children. Any change is initially met with resistance but like they say, ‘if you change nothing, nothing will change’. 

Q2) How should women ensure they don’t fall behind in their careers? 

A. Speak Up: An interesting thought shared by a colleague was that women (in general) are less vocal about their ambitions in comparison to men. I believe the concept of conversation can be a gamechanger in your career. Talk to your manager to voice your ambitions. Make it known that you are ready and willing to step into a leadership role.

“I feel women are more prone to imposter syndrome and we pass up opportunities. But when we go and discuss it with our managers, we are surprised that they have more confidence in our abilities.” - Abhilasha Sharma 

B. Take the Lead: I urge the women in the workforce today to not self-limit. Don’t hold back on your aspirations to lead due to the concern of being overstretched between work and home or for fear of failing. You will learn, evolve, and conquer. Once you step up, your job changes but the number of hours for work can remain the same.  

Also, do not depend on another person to tell you, you’re ready to move up. You must have conviction and raise your hand even if you feel you are 80% ready. Put your hat in the C-Suite ring and let your leadership journey unfold. 

C. Motherhood Instils Leadership Traits: For working mothers, do not listen to the voice of self-doubt. You have not fallen behind by raising a family; your work and life journey are on track. The experience of raising a child instills patience, empathy, and leadership in a person. It enriches you with qualities to become a wholesome, tenacious leader. 

“Having a kid has been the best learning experience” - Karishma Kapadia 

Q3) How does one maintain a positive mindset and stay happy despite the ups and downs in life and at work? 

A. Gratitude: We must be grateful for all that we have in life. Your family, education, job, your accomplishments, and your career - are to be proud of and be grateful for. If you stop and think about all the blessings that are showered on you, you will develop a sense of gratitude.  

B. Faith: You must have faith in what the future holds. The right opportunity/things that are meant for you, and what you really need in life, will come your way at the right time. When you need something and you work towards it with all your intensity, the Universe conspires to help you achieve that. Have that positive attitude with deep faith.

C. Detachment: Be detached from what was not meant for you and with what you have. If you are attached, it will cause you anxiety.

One of the in-depth questions discussed during the session was, “What is the one thing you would suggest for senior women leaders to reach the C- Suite?”. 

My advice was to pace one’s career with careful planning. When I moved back to India, it was an inflection point of my career; optically progress slowed down, because it took a lot of effort in building the Microsoft India Development Centre and the headroom to grow was limited. All of us go through different inflections points in life – marriage, parenthood/childcare, taking care of one’s family – don’t lose hope, continue to invest in yourself, the progress may appear to be slow externally, but remember, you are still growing internally.

One of the best examples of grit and ‘pace of growth’ is what nature provides – the Chinese Bamboo Plant. In my view, it applies to everyone.

The Story of The Chinese Bamboo Plant 

Like any plant, growth of the Chinese Bamboo Plant requires nurturing – water, fertile soil, sunshine. In its first year, one may see no visible signs of growth. In the second year, again, no growth above the soil. The third, the fourth, still nothing. A sign of how patience gets tested and one may wonder if all their efforts will ever be rewarded? 

And finally, in its fifth year  springs a miracle! The Chinese Bamboo grows 90 feet in just over five weeks! 

But let’s stay at this: Does the  Chinese Bamboo really grow 90 feet in five weeks? Does it lie dormant for four years only to grow exponentially in the fifth? In reality, the little plant grows underground, developing a root system strong enough to support its potential outward growth in the fifth year and beyond. Had the tree not developed a strong foundation it could not have sustained its life as it grew. This principle holds true for all of us.

Had one dug up the little seed every year to see if there was development, that would have surely stunted the growth. Just like a caterpillar’s struggle in its cocoon gives way to the future butterfly – lending its wings the power to fly. 

As I sign-off, my advice is to keep your efforts constant, learning continuous, and faith in the future undeterred; This is the only way to guarantee happiness and satisfaction as you deliver success!

I have this firm belief that it is the extraordinary women of today, from different walks of life, who will take us from strength to strength and I wish them the very best in their endeavors! 

References for the Chinese Bamboo Tree Anecdote: 

• mattmorris.com
• womensnetwork.com.au
• bobgarneronline.com