Women leaders are paving the way for a more equitable future: Dr Rashmi Saluja

Adgully has consistently celebrated and acknowledged the accomplishments of women entrepreneurs and leaders in various sectors. One of our notable initiatives, W-SUITE, focuses on highlighting extraordinary women achievers in the Media & Entertainment, Advertising, Marketing, PR, and Communications industry. In this updated series, we aim to explore how women leaders adeptly manage their teams and overcome challenges in the dynamic landscape of their respective industries.

In an exclusive interaction with Adgully, Dr Rashmi Saluja, Chairperson, Religare Enterprises Ltd, speaks about the role and scope of women leaders in today’s market ecosystem, emotional intelligence, maintaining a successful work-life balance, fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, and more.

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

The role and scope of women leaders have significantly expanded in today's business ecosystem, reflecting a shift towards inclusivity and diversity within organizations. Their presence brings diverse perspectives, innovative approaches, and empathetic leadership styles, enriching decision-making processes and driving sustainable growth. As pioneers in breaking traditional norms, women leaders are paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future where talent and meritocracy prevail.

As a prominent female leader in the industry, how have your experiences shaped your leadership style, and what unique strengths do you believe women bring to leadership roles?

My leadership style is influenced by the innate multitasking ability that women possess. This allows us to balance personal and professional life seamlessly, fostering inclusivity, nurturing talent, and navigating challenges with grace and determination. As leaders, we leverage this skill to juggle various responsibilities, ensuring effective communication, emotional intelligence, and relationship-building, ultimately driving organizational success and empowerment.

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?

Maintaining a successful work-life balance in today's world involves setting clear boundaries, delegating effectively, and practising self-care. Women excel in crisis management because of their natural ability to remain calm under pressure, multi-task efficiently, and collaborate seamlessly. Their resilience and intuitive problem-solving skills make them adept at leading teams through turbulent times.

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

My method involves several key aspects. Initially, building trust and promoting transparency within a team fosters unity and productivity. Secondly, embracing failure as a catalyst for innovation and resilience is essential. Thirdly, effective communication ensures that teams are aligned towards common objectives. Fourthly, placing emphasis on continuous learning enables individuals to adapt to challenges. Lastly, leading with integrity, humility, and accountability serves to inspire trust and garner respect from both team members and stakeholders.

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

To effectively encourage and groom women leaders in challenging times, organizations must foster a culture of diversity and inclusion, implement mentorship and sponsorship programs, offer tailored leadership development initiatives, advocate for gender equality policies, and create a supportive ecosystem for networking and collaboration. This multi-faceted approach is crucial for unlocking the full potential of talent and driving sustainable growth and innovation in the new normal.