Invest the time and energy to learn who we are and then act

As we grapple with the impact of health, economics and societal changes, coping with our mental health along with all the other regular responsibilities, being a woman has been a challenging experience! The hurdles we face, the innumerable times we are told “No”, and the amount of heartache we endure to stay true to society are more than what one can handle.

It’s not just about our job; becoming a leader affects our role as a mother, a spouse or partner, and our position in the family. So it’s a daily challenge that you need to accept to become a better person and a better leader.

Early in my career, I worked in pretty male-dominant environments and never wanted to approach leadership with this mindset, so I have always strived to be true to who I am.

Fortunately, I had a few women outside of work who influenced me greatly, including my mum. A super-smart lady who raised me to understand that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. I also had some great female coaches and professors who fostered this sense that I can pursue my passions in life and that I am not limited because I am a woman.

Overall, I understood that, as a woman, the more knowledge I have – the more people will recognize me as someone who can talk the organization’s language and understands the key levellers. I have also cultured the power of reciprocity that it’s just as imperative to give to people as it is to receive.

I believe that we, as a woman, need to invest our time and energy to learn who we are and then act on that to become the best version of ourselves. Only then we can share our best with the world.

While it is inspiring to see how far women have come, each one of us is waiting for a time when we do not have to talk exclusively of women’s stories, and we are still working hard to see that day. Until then, let’s continue the march toward progress and be the leaders we are born to be!