On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Dr Kavitha Thangasami, Chief R&D Officer, Exterro sheds light on the crucial role of women in global business leadership and their significant impact on India's economic and technological growth, highlighting the intersection of gender parity and broader economic objectives.
Dr Kavitha highlights the company’s approach to DEI and also sheds light on the women leaders forging Exterro’s growth ahead.
The ascension of women into leadership roles represents a transformative shift in the global business landscape, a phenomenon especially impactful in India. Here, women are not just redefining the dynamics of corporations but also playing a crucial role in realizing a diverse range of economic objectives, including the ambitious aim of achieving a $5 trillion economy.
Global Landscape: Women Steering the Course of Business
In the global corporate arena, women leaders are making their mark across diverse industries, from Tech to Ecommerce, Manufacturing, and Beauty. These trailblazers are redefining leadership with their innovative approaches and inclusive decision-making. Their contributions have not only fostered new business models but also established new industry benchmarks, showcasing the pivotal role of women in driving global economic trends.
India’s Tech Industry: Advancing Through Gender Diversity
India's tech sector stands as a vibrant example of gender diversity, reflecting a global shift towards more inclusive leadership. Recent research from NASSCOM reveals that companies led by CEOs actively championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) see a 40% higher representation of women.
Long seen as a male-dominated field, the Indian tech industry is increasingly recognizing the value and necessity of a diverse workforce. Women bring unique perspectives and innovative approaches to problem-solving, qualities that are invaluable in an industry characterized by rapid technological change and evolution. This shift towards inclusivity is doing more than just opening doors for women; it's enriching the tech sector's capacity for creativity and adaptability.
The commitment of leading tech firms to gender diversity is playing a crucial role in this transformation. By prioritizing gender balance, these companies are not only creating more equitable workplaces but also addressing broader gender equity challenges in the tech industry. Companies like Exterro have made notable strides, with a workforce composition of 40% women, exceeding the national average. This change signifies more than just numbers; it marks a significant cultural shift in India's corporate perspective on gender diversity and equality. Moreover, it aligns seamlessly with India's broader economic goals, recognizing the role of women's participation in the workforce as a key driver of economic growth and global competitiveness.
Exterro's Leadership Insight: Celebrating Women's Diverse Expertise and Visionary Journeys in Tech
At Exterro, the journeys of our women leaders stand out for their diversity and inspiration. Each leader has forged her own path, navigating through challenges, and making substantial contributions to our expansion. These narratives showcase the power of diversity and mirror my own leadership approach, which values a blend of technical expertise and empathetic mentorship. With twelve years at the helm, my experience has steered us towards a leadership style that's both compassionate and understanding, yielding a highly productive environment, and exposing us to remarkable talent.
Let's delve into some of these remarkable stories:
As CFO, Michelle Spencer's path highlights the intersection of financial expertise and strategic vision. Her role underlines the critical importance of finance in steering tech enterprises towards success and sustainability.
Jenny Hamilton’s journey to becoming General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer illuminates the vital role of legal and regulatory knowledge in the tech sector. Her progression is a prime example of how multidisciplinary understanding is crucial in navigating complex business landscapes.
Tasneem Gandhi Bandukwala’s transition to become the Director of Marketing for Privacy Solutions is a compelling example of adaptability and continuous learning. Her journey reflects the dynamic nature of today's business world, where academic foundations can lead to leadership roles.
As the Director of Marketing for MEA and South Asia, Beenish Shafi's career trajectory is a testament to the art of strategic career navigation. Her ascent in the marketing field illustrates the crucial role of marketing savvy in the tech industry and the power of leveraging each opportunity for professional advancement.
Starting as a Java developer, Ramya Jayaraman's career trajectory is a testament to the power of technical acumen and leadership skills. Now, with 15 years under her belt, she commands a larger team as the Associate Director of Engineering, showcasing the pivotal role of engineering expertise in advancing technology companies towards groundbreaking achievements.
Shanthini Sundararajan’s climb to the role of Associate Director of Product Management underscores the value of multidisciplinary expertise. Her story in product management showcases how diverse skills are essential in driving innovation and product development.
Krithika Poornavel's rise to the role of Associate Director of Product Management exemplifies the significance of specialization and strategic focus. Her journey illuminates how a concentrated skill set and alignment with organizational goals can propel one's career forward, underlining the endless growth possibilities within any domain when driven by clarity and dedication.
From marketing ingenuity and academia-to-leadership transitions to financial insight, product management acumen, and legal expertise, the journeys of these women at Exterro emphasize the importance of embracing diverse experiences. Their individual skills and collective wisdom not only fuel Exterro's ongoing innovation and growth but also serve as a beacon of motivation and inspiration for the next generation of women in our company.
Challenges in the Path and Opportunities Unlocked
Despite strides in gender diversity, women in leadership, especially in STEM in India, face numerous challenges. These include societal biases, professional barriers in male-dominated fields, limited access to resources, and the need to continually prove their capabilities. Overcoming these hurdles is catalyzing a significant shift. Women leaders are breaking through barriers, asserting their presence in their fields, and opening doors to growth, innovation, and change. Their resilience is inspiring future female leaders and fostering a more inclusive corporate culture.
In tech, women leaders are effecting cultural changes in organizations, promoting gender equality, mentoring, and celebrating women's contributions. These efforts are gradually leveling the playing field. Their successes are altering perceptions about women in STEM, challenging the status quo, and inspiring new narratives about women's capabilities in technology. These achievements demonstrate that women can not only excel in STEM but also lead and drive innovation. By overcoming these challenges, women leaders are helping close the gender gap in STEM and fostering a more diverse, inclusive industry. This change is crucial for the sustainable growth of India's tech sector, linked to increased creativity, better decision-making, and financial performance.
As more women assume leadership roles in STEM, they are laying the groundwork for future generations, creating a legacy of empowerment, and reshaping the tech industry in India and beyond. Their journey heralds a more inclusive, innovative, and prosperous future.
Exterro's Approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Balanced Perspective
Exterro's initiatives in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) reflect a commitment to creating a more balanced and diverse workforce. In 2023, a notable percentage of new hires were women, indicating a move towards greater gender diversity. This approach is part of a broader strategy to integrate diverse perspectives into the company's culture.
Diverse Hiring Strategies: Exterro’s hiring practices aim to reach talent from varied backgrounds across India, emphasizing opportunities for first-generation students. These efforts are particularly focused on individuals from non-metro and tier-2 or tier-3 cities, recognizing the potential in areas often overlooked by the tech industry. The company seeks to identify individuals who demonstrate academic prowess and resilience, irrespective of their economic or geographical background.
Supportive Initiatives and Programs: Programs like SheRoes are part of Exterro’s efforts to support women in the workplace. These initiatives include activities like short film competitions, which are designed to showcase and celebrate the diverse skills and creativity of women in the company.
Assistance for Underrepresented Groups: Exterro also extends its support to underprivileged women and girls, including single mothers. These initiatives are carried out with a focus on discretion and sensitivity, aiming to foster a supportive work environment.
Holistic Approach to Talent and Diversity: The company’s approach to talent acquisition and diversity is not just about hiring; it’s about contributing to a positive change in the corporate landscape, particularly in STEM fields. This strategy includes efforts to provide opportunities to those who might not have access to them otherwise, contributing to a more inclusive industry.
With such initiatives we have been able to increase our workforce's gender diversity to over 40%, and with women constituting 30% of our top leadership.
Broader Economic Impacts of Women’s Leadership in India
Women's leadership in India is transcending specific economic goals like the $5 trillion economy, becoming a driving force for sustainable growth, innovation, and global positioning. Their impact is multifaceted, reshaping the economic landscape in numerous ways. Firstly, women leaders are pivotal in fostering innovation across various sectors. Their unique perspectives often spark groundbreaking ideas and methodologies, keeping pace with global technological trends and contributing to long-term economic growth through strategic planning and policy development. In decision-making roles, women bring a crucial balance to corporate environments, prioritizing sustainable and ethical business practices. This focus is increasingly important as businesses face greater scrutiny for their environmental and social impact. Women leaders are at the forefront of championing responsible practices that align profitability with societal well-being. Moreover, the growing participation of women in leadership is enhancing India's global competitiveness. Diverse leadership teams, adept at navigating complex global markets, result in more inclusive and effective strategies, increasing the adaptability and resilience of Indian businesses.
The empowerment of women in the economy creates a ripple effect across society. Women leaders not only advocate for policies that support the advancement of other women, leading to a more inclusive workforce, but also contribute significantly to socio-economic development through community investment in areas like education and health. The role of women in leadership is crucial in India's pursuit of economic prosperity and sustainability. Their contributions are key to driving innovation, ethical business practices, and socio-economic development, shaping a more competitive and equitable future for India on the global stage.
Visionary Leadership: Women's Role
The quest for gender equality in business continues, with women leaders increasingly vital. Their impact, seen in companies like Exterro and various sectors, goes beyond mere business management. They are key in steering India's economic direction, contributing both to gender parity and wider economic progress. Women leaders offer essential skills and insights for innovation, strategic planning, and sustainable growth. Their approach skillfully blends economic goals with social and environmental concerns, vital for India's holistic and sustainable development.
These women set new standards, serving as inspirational figures and redefining leadership. They challenge stereotypes, pave new paths in business, and inspire future women leaders with their resilience and skill, proving that overcoming challenges is possible and success at the highest corporate levels is attainable.
Looking Ahead
As India progresses in its business and economic sectors, the role of women in leadership becomes increasingly crucial. Women's leadership and involvement are key to spurring economic growth, sparking technological innovation, and advocating for sustainable practices.
India's economic future hinges on fully leveraging its workforce, especially women. Encouraging their ascent into leadership roles and decision-making is essential for achieving India's economic goals, aiming not only for specific targets like a $5 trillion economy but also for inclusive, sustainable growth that benefits all society segments. Continued efforts from organizations and policymakers are necessary to cultivate environments conducive to women's success. This includes overcoming systemic obstacles hindering women's advancement, creating career growth opportunities, and nurturing a culture that embraces diversity and inclusion.
Women's leadership and contributions are vital in determining India's global success. Their influence in forging a more equitable, thriving, and sustainable business landscape extends beyond national borders, significantly impacting the global economic scene.
