“Influence of women leaders has gone up dramatically in contemporary market environment"

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.

The 4th edition of Women Disruptors is all set to be held in Mumbai on Monday, March 6, 2023. This initiative from Adgully endeavours to highlight the trailbrazing women leaders in India. Click here to register to attend.

In conversation with Adgully, Yeshasvini Ramaswamy, Serial Entrepreneur & CEO, Great Place to Work India, speaks about importance of gender diversity, the significance of having an unobstructed vision, Team work, inclusive and diverse work culture and more.

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

As firms have begun to understand and appreciate the importance of gender diversity in the workplace, the influence of women leaders has expanded dramatically in the contemporary market environments. Women executives of today are viewed as crucial pillars to success, and they are increasingly being invited to leadership responsibilities in what were formerly male-dominated sectors/ areas and also celebrated in new areas especially on deep tech and AI. As the corporate world becomes more global, the demand for diversity in leadership has become even more pressing, and women have risen to the occasion.

Furthermore, studies have shown that organisations with greater gender diversity in the C-suite have higher returns on investment, enhancing the motivation for companies to employ and promote more women in leadership roles.

What have been your major learnings from the pandemic period?

As a female C-suite executive, the most important takeaway from the pandemic was the significance of having an unobstructed vision and a plan for managing an ever-changing environment. I’ve had to be agile and aggressive in reacting to the requirements of my firm and its stakeholders during this era of uncertainty. I’ve also had to consider the health and safety of my colleagues and the communities we serve. At the same time, I had to guarantee that my organisation’s finances remained steady and efficient. This has taught me the significance of being prepared and agile to respond swiftly and effectively to any crisis and opportunity in equal measure. I have also become conscious of navigating my own well-being especially when tragedy of death hit home during the pandemic.

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?

• Allocate time for a digital detox.
• Yoga, Yoga and more Yoga to help you breathe better
• Practice mindfulness
• Love unconditionally
• Learn to say ‘No’

Women have profound empathy and frequently examine problems or issues from various angles. They are more adept at communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, all of which are necessary qualities in crisis management. Women are also more organised and detail-oriented from an Asian culture context and are frequently more willing to take risks when required. Furthermore, women often have a greater awareness of the emotional side of problems, which can help them discover more innovative solutions.

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

Trust your team and they can surprise you with magic, it is never about you – it is always about your team and for your team, it’s all about the purpose. ESG goals are non-negotiable, excellence is always global, never limit its boundaries, inclusion is a mindset and a value we must practice every day.

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

Organisations should begin by cultivating an inclusive and diverse culture, which may be accomplished through various means.

• First, organisations should foster an open and welcoming climate where everyone is encouraged to voice their thoughts. This may be accomplished through gender-sensitive communication training sessions and seminars and by establishing a safe environment for workers to discuss their experiences and feelings.
• Second, companies should aggressively promote women in positions of leadership. This could be done through mentorship programs, leadership development efforts, and the establishment of a network of influential female mentors. Organisations must invest in a Lean-In / sisterhood community.
• Organisations should create flexible work arrangements that allow women to balance work and family obligations. Organisations may also create a more welcoming workplace for female employees by providing flexible working hours or hybrid work options.
• Finally, employers should give equal pay and benefits to men and women. This will contribute to establishing a level playing field and ensuring that all employees are treated fairly and equitably.