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, Chandni Shah, Chief Operating Officer, FCB Kinnect, 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?
I feel that a lot of the girls who work at FCB Kinnect really look up to me as a role model. You must ensure that you’re coming through for them and inspiring them to have bigger dreams. Put younger girls in places where they can thrive. We have someone who started out as an intern at Kinnect, and today, she’s the youngest VP we have for our West business.
What unique strengths do women bring to the workplace, and how can organizations better leverage them for innovation and growth?
Nobody can replace a woman’s perspective. In the business of advertising, we’re all storytellers. Women can not only point out and omit biases that might come out in scripts, but also speak for the emotions that the underrepresented women face.
Only a woman would be able to highlight the sufferings and challenges that a homemaker faces, or the emotions that a new mother goes through. It’s essential to have diversity in the organisation to make sure no one community and their perspectives get shadowed. At FCB Kinnect, more than 50% of our workforce comprises women, and we’ve seen the kind of difference it makes.
How have you overcome gender-related challenges in your career, and what advice do you have for other women facing similar obstacles?
Just don’t try to lead like a man. Lead like a woman and be your natural self. A lot of girls feel like they need to be an image of a man. I want to tell you that you’re fine just the way you are. Be authentic when you’re doing whatever it is that you’re doing.