The W Suite | My work is my identity: Faye D’Souza

Diversity in the workforce has become a necessity today, and more so in the leadership positions. It can’t be denied that women bring a high level of creativity and empathy while solving problems and handling crises. Women leaders bring to the table a different level of dexterity. 

AdGully’s ‘The W-Suite’ series features interactions with influential women leaders in India, who share some deep insights on what being a woman leader means in India’s business landscape, the mantras to succeed, achieving work-life balance, pay parity and much more.  

Faye D’Souza, Executive Editor, Mirror Now, has been a driving force behind the news channel since its launch. She rose to fame with the show ‘The Urban Debate’ on Mirror Now, where she tackles tough issues like corruption, communal violence, women’s rights, press freedom and more. 

D’Souza entered the field of journalism in 2003 with CNBC TV18, where she was reporting on mutual funds, personal finance, insurance, consumer issues, etc. She joined ET Now in 2008 as Editor – Personal Finance. When MagicBricks Now was rebranded and revamped as Mirror Now, D’Souza became the face of the channel. 

Also Read: The W Suite | We are not an inclusive industry: Sakshi Choudhary

Contrary to the aggression-filled high decibel prime time debate shows, D’Souza’s prime time show has been steering clear of loud posturing and focussing more on people-based issues such as GST’s impact on the common people, lack of civic amenities, women’s safety and so on. 

What are the foremost attributes that women leaders in today’s business ecosystem must possess?
Passion, aggression, confidence and patience. 

Despite the qualifications, aptitude and experience, why do you think we don’t see the expected number of women business leaders, especially when it comes to boardroom decision-making?
I think the process has begun and it will take time before we are able to change the culture of all industries. Organisations in BFSI, media, advertising and service industries have already seen the change. The more traditional businesses in manufacturing and engineering will follow as well. We have to ensure that we are always pushing the envelope. 

What more do Indian corporates need to do to encourage and groom women leaders?
Indian corporates should start looking at male and female resources as equal, in every way! Even when it comes to assignments, promotions, travel and responsibilities. Women tend to need flexi work options in their early 30’s, which tends to coincide with the middle-management phase of their careers. A mentor and an understanding system will help corporates retain these valuable employees, who will then blossom into leaders the company needs. 

How acute is the gender pay gap issue in India today? What needs to be done to address this in an effective manner?
It is obvious that the problem of gender pay gap is more pronounced in India than it is in the rest of the world. It needs to be addressed immediately by simply introducing a pay structure in organisations that brackets all employees of a certain management grade within a pay bracket. Gender should no longer be a consideration for pay, benefits or promotions. 

Do you think the leadership effectiveness of women is higher than men? Why?
I believe the question of whether women are better than men is unfair. Women make good leaders and I believe that as women tend to be good communicators, that allows them to take more people along when planning and executing high pressure projects. We bring in an ability to plan, calculate risks better and delegate more carefully. 

Also Read: The W Suite | Need more female heroes in the boardrooms: Marya Shakil

What are the five most effective lessons that you have learned as a woman leader?
Communicate clearly, calmly and effectively. The more you communicate with your team, they feel more confident and empowered about their role and deliverables. Also, sharing credit generously results in team members feeling invested in the outcome – a passionate team is always better for business. 

How challenging has it been for you to maintain a balance between career goal and family responsibilities? What is your mantra to maintain that balance?
Not really. I have had the good fortune of having a very supportive family, specifically my spouse. My work is my identity and so my work is my driver. 

How proactive have our corporates been when it comes to addressing a serious issuelike sexual harassment at workplace?
I do believe Indian workspaces have gotten far more serious about dealing with harassment complaints in the last 5 years. People are more sensitive towards what amounts to harassment and women are more willing to come forward and complain about instances of harassment. I believe that as more women occupy corner offices, work spaces will become more inclusive, allowing for women to have role models, mentors and most importantly, leaders who instil confidence in times of crisis.

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