Women entrepreneurs are leading the way in most un-gendered businesses: Arthi Raghuram

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, Arthi Raghuram, Founder, Deyga Organics, speaks about the rise of women entrepreneurs and how they are impacting businesses, the importance of adaptability and resilience, breaking down barriers and biases that hinder women’s progress, and more.

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

Women leaders have made significant strides. To be a part of this dynamic market ecosystem as a young female entrepreneur, in doing so, they bring to light and address long-muted issues. With their innovative ideas and business ventures, women entrepreneurs are reshaping industries and advocating for the well-being and convenience of women. They have spearheaded businesses that cater to women’s health, beauty, fitness, and reproductive needs, empowering women to prioritise self-care and take charge of their overall well-being. Women entrepreneurs have been instrumental in destigmatising and normalising conversations around topics that were traditionally considered taboo, such as menstruation, menopause, and sexual wellness. By creating inclusive and safe spaces for discussing these issues, they have provided women with access to products, services, and information that address their unique needs.

Furthermore, women entrepreneurs are leading the way in the most un-gendered businesses that are popular and progressive today. They are at the forefront of technology, e-commerce, sustainability, and social impact enterprises. By excelling in these fields, women entrepreneurs are demonstrating their competence and expertise in areas that were traditionally dominated by men. Women-led companies are introducing innovative solutions that cater to the diverse needs of all individuals, regardless of gender.

What has been your major learning from the pandemic period?

One major learning from the pandemic period for me has been the importance of adaptability and resilience. The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges and disruptions to individuals, businesses, and societies worldwide. Despite facing unprecedented challenges, people demonstrated incredible resilience and adaptability. It reinforced the need for preparedness and risk management. I myself realized the necessity of having contingency plans and being proactive in identifying and mitigating risks.

Businesses had to swiftly adjust their operations, adopt remote work practices, and find innovative solutions to continue serving their customers. The pandemic highlighted the significance of being open to change, reevaluating strategies, and embracing new ways of doing business. Businesses and individuals recognised the significance of taking care of themselves and their employees, implementing safety measures, and prioritising work-life balance. The pandemic served as a stark reminder that nothing is more valuable than our health and the well-being of our communities. It prompted a renewed focus on personal health, hygiene practices, and mental well-being.

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?

My mantra for maintaining a successful work-life balance in the new normal is to prioritise self-care, set boundaries, and embrace flexibility. Taking care of oneself is essential to avoid burnout and maintain overall well-being. I make it a point to allocate time for relaxation, exercise, and pursuing hobbies or activities that are an outlet of exhaustion. Establishing designated work hours and creating a dedicated workspace has helped me maintain a sense of structure.

In fact, I firmly believe that women excel in crisis management due to their unique strengths and qualities. They often possess exceptional multitasking abilities, empathy, and strong communication skills, which are essential during times of crisis. Women tend to be adept at balancing multiple responsibilities and finding creative solutions to challenges. Additionally, women often possess the ability to foster connections and build relationships which allows them to rally teams and communities during times of crisis. Overall, women’s natural leadership abilities and their capacity for empathy and collaboration make them well-suited for crisis management.

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

I personally navigated my leadership role owing to a healthy communication along with comprehension. Listening actively to all unbiased, articulating ideas, providing feedback, and ensuring that everyone is on the same page, are traits of true leaders.

Secondly, leaders who demonstrate integrity, authenticity, and professionalism inspire and motivate their teams, by modeling the behavior they expect from others.

Thirdly, resilience and adaptability is required to navigate challenges, setbacks, and uncertainty with grace and composure.

Fourthly, fostering a culture of empowerment by delegating, and creating an environment where individuals feel valued and empowered, I realised that it unleashed the full potential of my team members and encouraged their high-performance.

Finally, showcasing a continual learning and growth that employees seek can be achieved by investing in their development, driving innovation and improvement within the organisation.

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

Fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, organisations can attract and retain talented women leaders, creating a pipeline for their advancement. In fact, prioritising leadership accountability is crucial. By holding myself accountable for diversity and inclusion goals, I ensure that my company can drive real change and create a sustainable path for women leaders to thrive in challenging times.

This change in mentality, legal perception, and cultural outlook has created a more accepting and sensitised environment towards gender inclusivity. Organisations are now actively working to break down barriers and biases that hinder women’s progress, implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives, and providing support networks and mentorship programs. This collective effort fosters an environment where women leaders can thrive, contribute their unique perspectives, and drive positive change in challenging times.