Women of Influence: A conversation with Suma PN

In a recent "EmpowerHer: Women of Influence Series" interview, Ms. Suma PN, Senior Director – Human Resources - at OTIS Elevator Co., shared her insights on leadership, work-life balance, and the evolving landscape for women in business. Here are some key takeaways from the conversation:

Leadership Style: Adaptive Leadership

Ms. Suma describes her leadership style as adaptable, shaped by varied experiences over the years. She emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where team members can explore, collaborate, and be empowered with the right tools. Her leadership is deeply rooted in ethics and integrity, standing firm in challenging situations. According to Ms. Suma; true leadership is about inspiring and motivating the team to perform at their best, while ensuring they enjoy their work.

Critical Skills for Women Professionals

Ms. Suma highlights the necessity of "career intentionality" – strategically planning one's career rather than leaving it to chance. This approach helps in navigating professional and personal challenges. She also stresses understanding different learning styles, raising one’s hand for opportunities, leveraging the power of networking, and honing one’s negotiation and influencing skills. These skills are crucial for women balancing multiple roles in their professional and personal lives.

Work-Life Integration

In today’s digital and hybrid work environment, Ms. Suma advocates for work-life integration rather than the traditional concept of work-life balance. She emphasizes creating harmony between various life aspects, which can differ based on individual preferences and life stages. Ms. Suma encourages women to overcome the "Superwoman syndrome" and seek support when needed, pointing out that help often comes from unexpected sources.

Fostering Diversity and Inclusion

Ms. Suma is fortunate to have worked in organizations that have long supported diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). She believes that having diverse teams enhances organizational performance. Leadership commitment to DE&I is critical for creating a culture where every voice is valued. Ms. Suma's strategy involves continuous efforts to sustain an inclusive culture, emphasizing that DE&I is a daily commitment rather than a project with an endpoint.

The Future of Women in Leadership

Looking ahead, Ms. Suma is optimistic about the future of women in leadership. With many organizations striving for gender parity and inclusive cultures, the landscape is promising. However, she acknowledges that there is still work to be done. She envisions a future where conversations about gender inclusivity will become less necessary as true parity is achieved.

Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders

Reflecting on her own journey, Ms. Suma advises young women to gain a deep understanding of their business, keep pace with technological advancements, and remain true to their “authentic self”. She encourages taking on projects outside one’s comfort zone and seeking mentors who challenge and support growth. Her own experience with a mentor who pushed her to think differently was pivotal in her career development. Ms. Suma draws inspiration from various individuals throughout her life, including family members, colleagues, and renowned leaders. Her mentors have played a significant role in her professional journey, continually inspiring her to evolve and excel.

In conclusion, Ms. Suma’s insights offer valuable guidance for women professionals aspiring to leadership roles. Her emphasis on ethical leadership, strategic career planning, work-life integration, and fostering inclusive cultures resonates deeply with the principles of the Women in Business Leadership (WiBL) program.

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