Women leaders are driving organisational growth with their innovative ideas:Deepika Jindal

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, Deepika Jindal, Creative Head and Managing Director, Jindal Lifestyle, speaks about how women from across industries are breaking down barriers and demonstrating their competence in areas that were once male-dominated, and much more.

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

As a woman leader myself, I am proud to see how women from across industries have broken down barriers and demonstrated our competence in areas that were once male-dominated. Over the years, women have worked their way up the ladder and shattered the glass ceiling to hold top positions despite societal hurdles. While the percentage of women leaders globally grew to 32% in 2022, it is still a disproportionate number. Despite research showcasing how women could be more effective leaders due to their leadership style being more encouraging, team-oriented, compassionate, and inclusive; women are still under-represented at the C-level.

By fostering a culture of inclusion and resilience, women inherently create an environment where new ideas can flourish and businesses can grow. I am thrilled to see how gender equality has made substantial progress in the workplace, with more opportunities for women to demonstrate their leadership abilities.

Today’s market benefits greatly from the unique viewpoint and approach to problem solving that women leaders bring to the table. We are driving organisational growth and success with our innovative ideas and solutions, and I believe that we will continue to lead the way in creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace.

What have been your major learnings from the pandemic period?

Any business leader knows that market conditions are in a state of constant flux and the only way of navigating this is by remaining agile. The pandemic changed the face of how everyone was doing business and, in particular, it reinforced in me the importance of adaptability and perseverance. The sudden and unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic required me to think creatively and swiftly alter our business strategy. I learned to embrace technology to facilitate remote work and communication, which has resulted in increased efficiency and flexibility.

The pandemic also highlighted the importance of having a strong team backing you. The team that we have built at Jindal Lifestyle was key in ensuring that we sail smoothly through these torrential times. Additionally, collaborating with other business leaders and industry experts has helped me navigate the uncertainty of the pandemic and make informed decisions. My decision-making has been guided by the health and well-being of my employees, customers, and community. I’ve learned to lead with more humility and humanity, understanding that we are all confronting the same challenges and need to support one another in order to emerge stronger from this catastrophe.

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?

To achieve a successful work-life balance in the new normal, one must shift their mindset and take a proactive approach to prioritise what truly matters. My personal mantra is rooted in the idea that happiness is a state of mind, so I make a conscious effort to focus on the things that bring me joy, such as my work, family, and well-being. Every challenge that comes my way, whether it is adapting to a new work structure or relying heavily on technology for communication, serves as a valuable learning opportunity. This approach helps me to adapt and thrive in the face of changing circumstances.

In times of crises, women are known to excel at managing challenges due to their inherent ability to multitask, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and prioritise and adapt to changing circumstances. Additionally, women tend to possess qualities such as empathy and collaboration, which enable them to foster strong relationships and effectively work in teams.

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

In my professional journey, I have learned many valuable lessons. Some of my most treasured ones, which I think are important to business leaders are:

Always remain creative and open to new ideas regardless of where or who they come from.
Believe in your intuition and make decisions confidently - never be afraid of failing.
Display compassion towards others. This is a powerful attribute that will aid you in your business as well as personal journeys.
Balance your personal and professional life. Do not let problems in either hinder your growth in the other and always make conscious efforts to focus on yourself as well.
Avoid letting the opinions of others affect your actions. Make informed choices and have the confidence to face whatever comes your way.

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

In today’s rapidly changing world, gender sensitivity and inclusion are crucial for any organisation that wishes to thrive. Women leaders have proven to be just as competent, if not more so, than their male counterparts. To effectively groom and encourage women leaders during challenging times, organisations need to ensure equal opportunities for women to access leadership positions and receive comparable remuneration to male leaders. To achieve this, organisations should provide mentorship, leadership training, flexible work schedules, and daycare arrangements.

Furthermore, organisations must take proactive measures to eradicate gender bias in recruitment, promotion, and performance evaluations. As India prepares to lead the business world, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that leadership positions are occupied by a healthy mix of both men and women.