Women of Influence: A conversation with Ramya Parashar

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In our recent Women of Influence series, I had the privilege of interviewing Ms. Ramya Parashar, the Chief Operating Officer at MiQ and a mentor for the Women in Business Leadership (WIBL) Programme. Ramya shared her invaluable insights on leadership, the importance of diversity, and how she manages the delicate balance between her professional and personal life. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:

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Core leadership values: Humility, Integrity, and Curiosity: Ramya emphasized the importance of humility, integrity, and curiosity in her leadership journey. She believes that humility is crucial, especially when managing people and representing a brand. Integrity is another core value she upholds, as it helps navigate the complex balance between business needs and people's expectations. Finally, Ramya advocates for constant curiosity, which drives growth and innovation. She encourages leaders to stay curious about industry trends, peer learning, and strategic vision.

Transitioning from specialist to generalist: As professionals move from mid-level to senior leadership roles, they must shift from being subject matter experts to having a broad understanding of business operations. Ramya highlighted the importance of acquiring new skills and competencies to gain a 360-degree view of business operations. She also mentioned the need for leaders to be versatile, sometimes taking on multiple roles, and the importance of empowering and delegating to team members.

Balancing strategic and operational roles: Ramya highlighted the need for leaders to be versatile, able to strategize while also being willing to "get their hands dirty" when necessary. This adaptability is key to addressing a wide range of challenges and ensuring that leaders can effectively support and empower their teams.

Work-life balance and personal well-being: Maintaining work-life balance is a significant challenge for leaders. Ramya shared her personal routine, starting her day early to plan and take care of her physical and mental well-being before diving into work. She stressed the importance of setting aside personal time and being disciplined about time management. For Ramya, prioritizing tasks and ensuring her calendar reflects her priorities are key strategies for balancing her responsibilities effectively.

Fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion: At MiQ, diversity and inclusion go beyond gender to include underrepresented communities, neurodivergent talent, and LGBTQ+ employees. Ramya discussed various initiatives, such as sensitization programs and setting diversity goals, to promote inclusivity. MiQ also focuses on data-driven approaches to monitor and improve diversity metrics, ensuring fair representation and pay parity.

Mentoring future women leaders: As a mentor, Ramya aims to share her experiences transitioning from managerial to leadership roles. She emphasizes the importance of realistic and situational advice, helping mentees navigate the complexities of leadership roles. Ramya also advocates for creating a supportive community that empowers future women leaders and fosters a balanced and inclusive environment.

The role of women leaders: Ramya believes that having women in leadership roles brings diverse perspectives, which are crucial for organizational growth. However, she also points out that it’s not just about representation but ensuring that women leaders have a significant voice and influence in decision-making processes.

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When asked to describe herself in one word, Ramya chose "bold." This adjective encapsulates her approach to leadership, characterized by courage, confidence, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

Ramya Parashar's insights offer a compelling look into the values, skills, and strategies that define effective leadership. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion and her practical advice on work-life balance provide valuable lessons for aspiring leaders. We look forward to her continued contributions as a mentor in the WiBL Program.