To commemorate Women’s Day 2024, MediaBrief has engaged with leaders from diverse fields and backgrounds to delve into their perspectives on this occasion. In this exclusive feature, Manisha Kapoor, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary-General of ASCI, sheds light on the distinctive strengths and capabilities that women contribute to the workplace and offers guidance on navigating gender-related challenges. Read on.
How have you leveraged your strengths and special capabilities as a woman leader to make a positive impact in your organization?
At ASCI, we have an organisation that fosters open communication that pushes for respect for differences, and a sharp focus on our goals. Our open and empathetic culture is not just restricted to our internal stakeholders but weaves through the way we work with all our external stakeholders.
As a leader, my priorities have been to nurture empathy, openness and a sharp focus on delivering well on our purpose. As an organization that operates in a very dynamic landscape, these factors have allowed us to work collaboratively and inclusively.
We understand that work is a part of life, and that a meaningful and fulfilling life is what makes people thrive in workplaces too. So emotional and mental well-being of our teams is of paramount importance.
What unique strengths do women bring to the workplace, and how can organizations better leverage them for innovation and growth?
Women bring a unique blend of intuition and emotional intelligence to the workplace, driving innovation and growth. Organizations can better leverage these strengths by creating an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and fosters collaboration.
By empowering women to lead and contribute authentically, businesses can unlock new opportunities for creativity and success. We have seen this work successfully at ASCI.
How have you overcome gender-related challenges in your career, and what advice do you have for other women facing similar obstacles?
Overcoming gender-related challenges in my career has been a journey of learning for me too. In the initial days of my career, I was hesitant to initiate conversations that spoke to my needs, as I felt that that meant standing out for the wrong reasons.
Eventually, I learned that a workplace that is non-judgmental needs to be the norm. I was also fortunate to have mentors and role models who not only appreciated diversity, but felt it was the very foundation of a successful organization.
My advice to women facing similar challenges is to stay true to themselves, speak up, cultivate a strong support network, and never doubt your own potential. Seek the support that is needed from families and workspaces to create your equilibrium in life, and don’t be afraid to walk away if the organization is not a great fit for you.