Bhawna is a renowned digital leader and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience. She has driven growth at leading media houses and start-ups in India and was recognized as Asia’s Greatest CEO in 2017.
In a recent conversation with Women Entrepreneurs Review Magazine, Bhawna discussed how female mentors can challenge stereotypes and debunk myths about women in leadership, significantly impacting emerging talents. Mentorship programs in tech can foster inclusivity and diversity by supporting women leaders' development.
Could you share insights on your journey as a business leader and digital entrepreneur, highlighting how you've achieved success in scaling businesses and fostering innovation?
In my 25-year career journey, I have been driven by the pursuit of innovation and growth, constantly pushing boundaries to achieve new heights in business. As a business leader, my focus has been on scaling companies to profitability and establishing them as formidable market leaders in fiercely competitive landscapes. I have taken pride in launching businesses from the ground up, nurturing them through their inception to successful fruition.Moreover, I strongly believe in bringing forth the entrepreneurial mindset to constantly seek new avenues and pivot to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Further, through reimagining businesses and embracing change, my endeavor has been to ensure that businessesremain relevant and resilient in an ever-evolving marketplace.By fostering a culture that promotes creativity and risk-taking, remarkable growth can be achieved. Beyond driving growth, I have served as a strong culture catalyst, promoting an environment where creativity thrives and ideas flourish. Therefore, the true secret lies in assembling a passionate team that shares a collective vision for success. In the end, it’s the people who make the difference in any company’s success.
In your opinion what role can mentorship play in nurturing and supporting the growth of women leaders in the Indian technology landscape?
Today, mentorship emerges as a crucial pillar in nurturing and supporting the growth of women leaders. I believe that in their initial stages, aspiring women leaders require strong role models to look up towho have paved paths to success. A mentor transcends beyond just providing advice; they become a trusted sounding board, offering invaluable guidance and wisdom gained from their own experiences. Importantly, a mentor should embody non-judgmental support, refraining from sugar-coating challenges and offering honest feedback to foster growth.
I also believe that encouragement is key; a mentor should instill confidence and empower women to navigate through the complexities of the technology landscape, which extends far beyond traditionaldomains. By breaking the stereotypes and championing diverse thinking, mentors play a pivotal role in shaping the 'new normal,' where women lead from the front and not remain just participants in driving businesses. Ultimately, mentorship cultivates self-belief and confidence, equipping women with the tools to thrive and excel in their growth journey.
Female mentors serve as living proof that success knows no gender boundaries.What tactile impacts do female mentors in leadership positions have on emerging talents, specifically in terms of challenging stereotypes and debunking myths about women in leadership?
Female mentors in leadership positions wield a profound influence on emerging talents by challenging stereotypes and debunking myths surrounding womenin power. Firstly, they serve as living examples of 'Yes, we can,' showcasing that gender is no barrier to success. Through their forward-thinking mindset, they demonstrate that leadership isn't about conforming to stereotypes but rather about embracing one's unique strengths and qualities.
Moreover, mentors often provide invaluable insights into balancing the imbalances of life, dispelling the misconception that career success requires sacrificing personal well-being. Their empathy and understanding create a supportive environment where emerging talents feel empowered to navigate their growth journeys. In fact, I have always advocated for taking full ownership of one's goals and aspirations.
By emphasizing the learning and growth process rather than chasing perfection, mentors inspire the next generation of leaders to break free from self-limiting beliefs and strive for excellence on their own terms, as everybody has a unique timeline.
What specific methods or approaches can mentors utilize to expand the professional networks of their mentees in the technology sector, considering the challenges women may face in accessing networking opportunities?
Mentors are key in helping women navigate networking challenges across technology and other sectors. Firstly, mentors should seek clarity on the mentees' goals, ensuring alignment of efforts towards a common objective. Understanding the mentees' commitment levels and what they are willing to do to achieve success is equally important.
Instead of being too prescriptive, mentors should encourage the mentees to drive their own performance culture, help them set their bold goals,make them understandwhat is inhibiting their progress, and how to prioritize daily activities to drive impactful outcomes.Additionally, nurturing a growth mindset is crucial as mentors can instill the willingness to adapt in mentees to expand their professional networks effectively.
Mentorship plays a vital role in shaping a culture of inclusivity within the tech industry. How can mentorship programs within the tech industry effectively foster a culture of inclusivity and diversity by specifically focusing on supporting the development of women leaders?
Mentorship programs in the tech industry are instrumental in cultivating an environment of inclusivity and diversity, with a specific emphasis on supporting women leaders. These programs provide a structured framework for women to receive mentorship from experienced professionals, offering guidance, advice, and encouragement customized to their unique career journeys.They offer a safe space for women to voice their aspirations and concerns, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.
I have led numerous sessions with women employees and aspiring leadersto understand their concerns, address challenges, provide guidance, and facilitate growth opportunities, empowering them to evolve and thrive. Moreover, mentorship programs can actively pair women with mentors who champion diversity and inclusion, ensuring that their perspectives are heard and valued. Through targeted support and mentorship, these programs not only nurture the talent pipeline but also cultivate an environment where diverse voices thrive, ultimately driving innovation and success in the tech industry.
What advice would you like to provide for aspiring women in the tech industry to navigate challenges and thrive in their careers effectively?
My key advice for aspiring women in the tech industry is to embrace limitless thinking. In a field where innovation is paramount, it's essential to break free from conventional thinking and explore new horizons. It’s imperative to prioritize your well-being and not succumb to external pressures. Confidence in oneself is the foundation upon which success is built.I also encourage bringing energy and integrity into every endeavor. Lastly, I believe that time is elastic, although people think they can’t create more time, it can stretch to accommodate what you truly want to achieve, as long as you prioritize it.It is important to understand that our choices determine our success, therefore, I always say that choose your battles wisely, and delve into what more you can do to bring a differencein your professional and personal journey.
