Cos should create a culture that values diversity and eliminates bias: Ruchika Godha

We, at Adgully, have always saluted and honoured women managers and leaders across diverse fields. W-SUITE is a special initiative from Adgully that has been turning the spotlight on some of the most remarkable women achievers in the M&E, Advertising, Marketing, PR and Communications industry. In the refurbished series, we seek to find out how women leaders have been managing their teams and work as well as how they have been navigating through the toughest and most challenging times brought about by the global pandemic.

In conversation with Adgully, Ruchika Godha, Chief Operating Officer, Advaiya Solutions, speaks about increasing opportunities for women leaders in today’s market ecosystem, effectiveness of remote work and its ability to maintain productivity while offering more flexibility to workers, establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life, and more.

How do you think the role and scope of women leaders have widened in the current market ecosystem?

In recent years, the role and scope of women leaders in the market ecosystem have indeed widened, though there is still progress to be made. We are seeing increase in representation in the number of women in leadership positions across various industries. This includes women CEOs, board members, and other top-level executives.

Attitude of society towards women leaders has shifted, with many people now recognising the value that women can bring to leadership roles. There are now more support networks and initiatives aimed at encouraging and supporting women in leadership positions, including mentoring programs, networking events, and training programs. Above all, the rise of flexible work arrangements has made it easier for women to balance their work and personal lives, which can encourage more women to pursue leadership positions.

What has been your major learning from the pandemic period?

One major learning from the pandemic has been the effectiveness of remote work and its ability to maintain productivity while offering more flexibility to workers. However, it has also highlighted the importance of collaboration in generating new ideas and executing them effectively. While remote work can allow for more individual productivity, it can also create silos and hinder the collaboration necessary for innovation. Therefore, many organisations are now focusing on creating a hybrid model of work that allows for both remote work and in-person collaboration. Offices are being transformed into more of a breeding ground for new ideas and ways of working, with a focus on creating spaces that promote collaboration and teamwork. This can help facilitate the exchange of ideas, generate new insights, and foster creativity, which can ultimately drive innovation.

The pandemic has also highlighted some of the systemic inequities that exist in our society. This includes issues such as unequal access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. As a result, we have become more aware of the need for social justice and equity.

What is your mantra for maintaining a successful work-life balance in the new normal? According to you, what makes women the best in crisis management?

Set boundaries. Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life, such as not checking emails after work hours, can help prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance. During the pandemic, the boundary was distorted and now it is time to get back some order. Another important aspect is clear communication with team members and family. It can help manage expectations and ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding work and personal responsibilities.

Studies have shown that women tend to excel in areas such as empathy, communication, and collaboration, which can be valuable skills in crisis management. Additionally, women have historically been expected to take on more caregiving roles, which can lead to greater experience in managing complex situations and multitasking.

What are the five most effective leadership lessons that you have learned?

• Being non-judgmental
• Empathetic to others’ situations
• Importance of collaboration
• Setting priorities
• Setting boundaries

Gender sensitivity and inclusion in the new normal – how can organisations effectively encourage and groom women leaders in challenging times?

Organisations should aim to create a culture that values and celebrates diversity, and actively works to eliminate bias and discrimination. This can be achieved through initiatives such as diversity and inclusion training, mentorship programs, and employee resource groups. Organisations should invest in leadership development programs that focus on developing the skills and competencies required for leadership roles, such as strategic thinking, communication, and collaboration.

Providing flexible work arrangements, such as hybrid work and flexible schedules, can help accommodate the unique needs and challenges faced by women in the workforce, such as caregiving responsibilities. Also, ensuring that women have equal opportunities for career advancement and promotion, and should actively work to eliminate bias in hiring and promotion practices.