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Some women rule, not just the boardrooms but the podium as well. This was on display at the Dun & Bradstreet’s ‘Dare to Lead’ conference on women leaders.
Women from fields such as social media, FMCG, banking and corporate law, poured their heart out on what it is like to be women ‘at the top’. With the current under-representation on company boards globally, a panel spoke about various challenges that they face at the work place.
Zia Mody, Founder & Senior Partner, AZB Partners, said that women often undermine their capabilities and end up feeling guilty when they are unable to fulfil their commitment.
“We never have, or will have, enough time. We have to multitask ruthlessly, but it is okay if we fall short of expectations. Don’t be overwhelmed by guilt,” she said. Mody suggested that women should “spoil” themselves and “self-indulge” once in a while.
Quoting a Nielsen study, she said that Indian women were the most stressed in the world because this generation of women has broken more stereotypes than before. It has meant moving away from the traditional joint family system and leaving behind all the benefits and comforts that were taken for granted a generation ago.
“Equality at the work place should mean equality of opportunity. We do not have to be equal to men in every single way. But we need our safety nets,” said Mody.
Shikha Sharma, MD & CEO, Axis Bank added that diffidence is the core part of a woman. “You must have self doubt and try to solve challenges along with others.”
Leena Nair, Executive Director, HR – Hindustan Unilever, said that often women are not given good opportunities at senior-levels. “At the entry level, the ratio is 50-50. For the first seven years, men and women are given equal opportunities in every way. But once women hit the late 20s, 30s, 40s and above, we see fewer women in senior positions,” she said.
According to the Neilsen survey, about 48 per cent of working women drop off before they hit mid-career levels, due to family and cultural preferences.
“One of the first things women in leadership positions need to do is develop a thick skin. And when you do, make sure you develop one that is very thick,” said Nair, answering questions from an eager audience about the gender or age-related biases at work.
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