Why am I Diversity??
A couple of years back, I was on a call with someone, and my son, aged 13–14 at the time, was in the same room. I mentioned a couple of diversity candidates during my call.
As soon as I finished my call, he asked... So, Mom, why exactly are you diverse? In my flow of thoughts, I replied that it is gender diversity and there is focus across the corporate/industries to bring more women into the workforce. He said that I understand, but why do you term it "diversity"...? If gender is the thing, then we should also call Papa a diversity candidate, as he represents half of the world population, and you represent the other half.
It was a pause moment for me, and sometimes I still grapple with his conversation of challenging me as diverse candidate.
As much as I feel privileged and happy to be referred to as a woman in technology or a woman leader... I long for the day when I will be referred to simply as a LEADER.
On this Women’s Day, as we celebrate the inclusion of the remaining half of the population to be mainstream on every front and contribute to a better planet in terms of social and economic growth. I would like to invite each one of you to be an ally to at least one woman in your life, who would like to lead a life of choices without the guilt of tradeoff to balancing family and work.
May all men also have the freedom to choose between work and home, to be housemakers or caregivers. I am sure the world will be so much better if each gender is given the flexibility to choose and live the life of their respective choices.
Social Entrepreneur, Founder, Consulting in AI, ML, DS and IOT based Solutions, Smart Cities, at Self Employed
3 年totally agree with u Geeta Gurnani
Asia Lead - Data & AI, Microsoft
3 年Always a pleasure to hear your perspective on D&I!
Currently Senior Executive Recruiter at Microsoft | 20+ years of experience in hiring top talent for top organizations | Specializing in C-suite roles
3 年More power to you Geeta!
Vice President - GTM @ Avalara | Managing the Company of the Future| GCC leadership | Chief Revenue Officer | Cloud | FinTech | CX | Industry Solutions
3 年You have always been a leader par excellence- be it in your thought or in the hands-on-work you led. Gender has never been a criterion that defined you. But, it is important to recognise this aspect at the same time- as that provides inspiration to many more - to be in the space you are. Absolutely my privilege to have worked alongside you Geeta Gurnani !
Partner Marketing & GTM Lead, Modern Work and Security, Microsoft India and South Asia
3 年So true. Wish for the time when the term ‘Diversity’ would be replaced by ‘Quality’ (of perspectives) that people bring to organisation & teams!