The W-Suite | Pay parity is but casual talk on a coffee table: Nina Lekhi

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. 

Nina Lekhi, MD & Chief Design Curator of Baggit, is an entrepreneur by profession and a role model for many aspiring young women entrepreneurs. Lekhi had started her journey of success from scratch, when she founded her company Baggit in 1990. Today, Baggit has grown to become one of the largest selling bag brands in India and has its presence in 71 cities across India with 44 exclusive outlets and presence in over 300 multi-brand retail stores. 

From a young age Lekhi was passionate about painting, which inspired her to take up a diploma foundation art course in Sophiya’s. Balancing two part time courses – one in textile and another in interior decoration along with a job as a salesgirl on the side; she learnt a lot of important lessons and gained customer insights on the shop floor. Her immense positive energy and strong passion to succeed drove her vision. 

Lekhi is a stronger believer of ‘Beauty without cruelty’, which motivated her to put together a cruelty free brand. This futuristic vision of hers has made Baggit stand apart from others and has also gained awards and recognition for the brand. 

What defines a woman leader in today’s ecosystem?
“Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence,” said Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook. In an arena that has been largely male dominated, women leaders are slowly but surely making their presence felt, in a powerful fashion. Survival, renewal and reinvention are key elements for women in this dynamic business era. 

It is important for a woman to be multidimensional and multifaceted in order to have a holistic perspective. She should be defined by the willingness to learn and experiment. She should be willing to take more risks even at the cost of failures. Failure should be viewed as a learning opportunity. The upheavals I faced during early years of my life ignited a spark within me and fuelled my determination to be successful. In a modern scenario, the elements of passion, seeking her own individuality and discovering a distinctive voice are the definitions of a new age female leader and pioneer. 

Why do you think a smaller percentage of women than men reach the top of their professions?
Well, times are gradually changing, and it has become much more favourable for women who have clearly defined goals. Women are taking big strides in terms of making a mark through their visible leadership acumen. I believe we have come a long way from the stereotypes that society had when it came to successful women. However, there are miles to go. In the present scenario, it is of prime importance to acknowledge that there is a need for a well-balanced corporate ecosystem, a work culture where women can contribute in better ways while balancing their family and personal commitments. 

Do you think women leaders are still scrutinised as much for style as for substance?
Being stylish is an intrinsic part of any woman’s personality. Who doesn’t want to appear well-groomed when they can? Being a woman, I think style is a gift to us, we should not see it as a hindrance. When we talk about substance, it is the rhythm of the soul. We derive it from a heritage and we should wear it like a crown. Style without substance is like a body without the soul. It is evident through history that women with substance have withstood the test of the times and their personality itself becomes a statement of style to others. So, undoubtedly style and substance complement each other. Style is no more seen as a hindrance, rather as an enhancer of personality and substance. 

Do you think the leadership effectiveness of women is higher than men? Why?
In my opinion, there are three factors that suggest women are better leaders than men. These are: Multitasking, Holistic approach and Emotional Intelligence. These three things, along with courage and passion, bring out the best in women. Women are known for pushing boundaries exceptionally well from time to time. They always strive hard with complete devotion and dedication whether it is family or at work. The outcome of a woman’s effort is always infinite. So definitely women are born rulers! 

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Women leaders in the 80’s and 90’s and women leaders today - what are the key differences? And what are the things that haven’t changed much?
Women leaders in 80’s and 90’s laid a concrete foundation for the future generations. A lot of what we have today – the platform, time, effort and name – are largely due to their efforts. They had to battle a lot more orthodoxy and were only accorded a handful of opportunities. Whereas today’s women leaders are blessed with a plethora of technological interventions which have revolutionised the way women operate in the workplace. 

How do you maintain a balance between career goals and family responsibilities? How frequently do you have to sacrifice one for the other?
According to me, Sara Blakely is a great example as someone who has maintained her work-life balance. Like many entrepreneurs, she started her business from scratch, but never compromised on her personal life to achieve success. I strongly believe that it is vital to make our work a priority, but at the same time one should also understand the importance of a personal life and eventually, the need to balance the two. 

Apart from Richard Branson, my husband Manoj Lekhi is also my inspiration when it comes to maintaining a steady work-life balance. It is because of him that I have incorporated the Siddha Samadhi Yoga (SSY) values in my day-to-day life; this helps me to manage my work life and personal life efficiently at the same time. 

Do you think pay parity exists in our corporates today across levels? What about pay parity at the leadership levels?
Pay parity is but casual talk on a coffee table. Looking at the current scenario women are still remunerated on a lower scale as compared to men at any level. Everyday there are stories and issues of how women are paid much less than men in the same standing. This needs to be balanced out to achieve a healthy social structure. We have already guarded our positions through elongated leadership qualities, sooner or later we will be achieving the milestone of equal pay for equal work. 

What would be your advice to women aiming for the C-suite?
Don’t play safe, start taking risks as it will help you explore new dimensions. Once a while, it is advisable to go crazy. I love to cycle and going to Goa on a bicycle was quite a crazy risk I had decided to take. Such kind of risks will always help you become stronger, both spiritually and physically. I personally follow this mantra, travel more and more! 

What, according to you, are the 3 important lessons new women leaders need to learn?
I am a strong believer in planning and organising as it makes one efficient. There are a few mantras which I have always followed in all stages of my life:

• Failure is the stepping stone to success.
• Enjoy what you do and do what you enjoy.
• Work hard and reap its benefits.