India's Powerful Women Business Leaders

Vol. 07 I N D I A Issue 01 Power Benchmark Modern Business Women Rede?ining Leadership India’s Powerful Business Leaders Breaking Barriers How Women Corporate Leaders are Overcoming the Glass Ceiling Effect? www.ciolookindia.com

India's Powerful WOMEN BUSINESS LEADERS Abhishek Joshi Business Deputy Editor abhishek.joshi@insightssuccess.com Leaders omen hold their own in leadership positions, Company performance affects revenue directly. Key Featuring Company Name proving their value as business executives. In leadership skills, like collaborative decision-making and Brief W fact, women made up over half of the global people development, affect performance. A recent study Aashita founded a full-service interior designer specializing workforce as of 2022—significantly more than in previous showcases women rank higher in five out of nine skills Ashita Interior in both residential and commercial design. The design that Ashita Ladha, necessary for optimal performance. Eminent women leaders generations. This report highlights women's extraordinary inspires her is a detailed part classical, part contemporary, Design Studio tend to show strong innovation, risk-taking abilities, and prowess in diversity, equity, and inclusion as well. Women Founder and CEO part gothic, and part bohemia style. empathy skills. in business comprehend skills that can shift the workplace culture, as these staunch leadership acumens display Embracing the journey of such starlets in the business leadership styles—leading with compassion, ethics, and As Senior Vice President and Global Head of HR at CIGNEX, Dr Ankita Singh, respect. world, CioLook India's latest edition, ‘India’s Powerful Dr Ankita has over 22 years of progressive experience in Senior Vice President, CIGNEX managing and leading various aspects of Human Resources Women Business Leaders,’excels the spotlight on the Global Head of HR, spanning across high paced business domains. Many women leaders balance their work and family all prominent women leaders with their staunch leadership IT, Travel and Admin together with their professional lives. Therefore, they skills and exceptional abilities that are transforming the comprehend the ability to multitask and set priorities; also, modern business arena. Flip through the pages and Deepal Mistry inherited the entrepreneurial legacy in her they can encourage their employees to do the same. comprehend how these starlets bask in the reflected glory of Deepal Mistry, spirit. Business runs into her blood since she is from a Ascent Insights Moreover, empathy allows leaders to build and nurture their success! business family. The highs and lows that came with it were Founder healthy relationships within their teams, helping them to absorbed by her subconsciously from a very early age. understand what their executives need to improve their Have a delightful read! Falguni is an experienced producer with demonstrated history of productivity and feel appreciated. working in the media industry. She is an expert in Content Falguni Shah, EORTV Development, Creative Concept Design, Pre, Accounting, Good communication skills lead to high-performing teams Managing Director Marketing, Management, and Business Relationship Management. and projects. It is an essential aspect of pushing up boundaries to achieve the desired targets and exceed expectations. Women leaders who communicate effectively Being a dog mom Ivy Percy Dey chooses the best fabric and confidently can lead their team to scale its success to Ivy Percy Dey, Paw which will be comfortable for your paw baby. You will get greater heights with a vote of impeccable confidence. Owner and Founder best quality at a very reasonable price. Adding to this, organizational changes require flexibility and critical thinking. Executives and employees look up to Magneton Technologies – a successful business with over 60 their leaders for clarity and guidance. A leader's response in employees and numerous satisfied clients. Sarita has grown it Sarita Devpunje, Magneton Technologies overcoming crisis situations can bring a positive change to slowly and organically, without compromising on the values Director Pvt Ltd the work environment. Women in executive positions also of excellence that she personally stands for. tend to enhance business opportunities.

c o n t e n t Falguni Shah 24 A Resolute Leadership Acumen Pro?les Ivy Percy Dey 28 Ashita Ladha All Your Adorable Pets' Own Fashion Designer Crafting A Timeless Saga of 08 Quintessential Spaces Saritha Devpunje Passionately Empowering Futuristic 36 Dr Ankita Singh Digital Generation Absolute Classification of 12 Transformational Leadership Intellect Articles Deepal Mistry An Entrepreneurial Legend Breaking Barriers Power Benchmark 16 How Women Corporate Modern Business with a Profound Legacy Leaders are Overcoming the Women Rede?ining 20 32 Glass Ceiling Effect? Leadership

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India’s Powerful Women Business Leaders As I’m an innovative, Ashita Ladha Ashita Ladha customer- driven interior designer, I make everything possible to ife goes on with the hope of success. Success “I always mix two styles in my designs. It looks more comes to those who keep toiling in the hope of attractive and elegant, and clients love the same,” feels reflect the L achieving their dreams with passion, compassion, Ashita and continues, “My mission is to bring happiness to same in my patience, hard work, and an extraordinary degree of my client by assisting residential and commercial clients in work. innovation founded on the strongest ideals of inspiration. creating timeless spaces.” Those young minds, which are the rich spaces of dreams Battling and Winning Over the Challenging Despairs and hopes, constantly reshape the future by redesigning the Ashita thinks that women are that much capable of doing contemporary times. And a mind of a young and hustling anything and everything in this world. According to her, interior designer will find her way even in chaos. every woman should be independent with their own perspective. In that, she also does the same things. She just Ashita Ladha, the Founder and CEO of the firm well- explores herself and her skills by searching for her inner known by the name ‘Ashita Interior Design Studio,’ is abilities and capabilities. doing precisely that by crafting a timeless saga of quintessential spaces since the firm’s inception in August “I say know thyself. I reflected a lot on what I could and 2020. should do in my life. I noticed things in myself and was surprised to realize who I am. Since then, I believe that a The first letter – Ashita, itself depicts Hope and Success. So, person should know themself innately, including all of with a lot of hopes and experience of three straight years in one’s perspectives,” thinks Ashita. the field of residential and commercial projects, Ashita commenced her dream-inspiring journey as an innovative When she started her company, that day she remembered interior designer at a very young age. her own struggle and decided to give the opportunity to youngsters. So that they should not suffer from the same difficulties that she faced personally in her field. Transforming Dreams into Reality Ashita is a full-service interior designer specializing in both residential and commercial design. She states, “We, at our Ashita thinks that youngsters have very much experience in studio, always try our best to deliver a quick refreshing their fields, and they have the confidence to handle any output to meet our client’s needs. We always thrive to project. And they can do it easily with proper skill sets. She convert dreams into reality by not just a design but by felt that interior designing is a practical field. One should designing well enough to exceed expectations.” have all the knowledge regarding this field, like handling the drawings on-site. How to manage the craftsman and The design that inspires her is a detailed part classical, part labours on-site. contemporary, part gothic, and part bohemia style. “All these styles stir my inner creative instinct to the core; these She worked so diligently for clients’ projects, clients who styles flow out inertly in my designs with an abstract and had trusted her. Thus, she felt that it is her duty and subtracts.” responsibility not to break their trust in her. And she proved herself and the fact that giving an opportunity to youngsters is good. 8 | JULY | 2022 | www.ciolookindia.com 9 | JULY | 2022 | www.ciolookindia.com

Because in modern India, youngsters can think out of the Ashita’s main USP is the detailing part which is so fine and box and be more creative. And during that period, right accurate that it can be easily understood by a worker and from her first project, she had always had the leading role in helps guide them effortlessly. She coordinates architectural her every interior designing project, learning all her details, designs and specified custom construction elements practical lessons on the job, in the field, and on the sites. and creates and implements them fully in her interior concepts. “I believe that the design must reflect our Ashita also feels, “People should give more opportunities to personality and that I always focus on,” says Ashita. youngsters.” Because only that way youngsters will gain more knowledge, acquire more creative instincts, and have Visionary Advice more enthusiasm, greater energy to do work and more new As an experienced professional, Ashita’s advice to the skills to design. Since this field is very vast and creativity to budding aspirants willing to enter the interior design niche design must be the only prerequisite to be judged. is innovative. She says thatInterior designing is an area where creativity works along with thinking out of the box. Reflecting Customer-Centric Styles through Her Artistry Despite saying this, she also feels that it is a decorative Great designs begin with a comprehensive understanding of field. And if you are designing the spaces so that effective clients’ needs and expectations, whether personal spaces or multipurpose utilization of spaces can be done, that will commercial properties. Developing client relationships surely help you. based on respect, trust, and confidence has been the key to Ashita’s success as a designer. Thinking beyond the design and keeping a client’s desires in mind, one can lead towards satisfaction. She believes that Skilled at creating beautiful designs under various budgets, interior designing is an exciting and enjoyable field. She styles, timeframes, and requirements, she guides her clients interacts with many people daily, which helps her know through every phase of the design process. Ashita promises, their vision. “I remain committed to cultivating valued relationships and helping clients reach the best version of their overall Being a professional interior designer, Ashita always vision.” follows the elements and principles of design. But she also thinks that in this field, one can design freely. “If allowed These are the values and the qualities of Ashita ID Studio, the freedom to design, we can get innovative ideas to think which make clients more trustworthy; Ashita respects the and follow, ultimately improving the final result," says time and always makes the drawings and completes the Ashita. projects on time, every time, all the time. Augmenting Visual Surreality A Colorful Symbiosis of Life’s Elements Ashita thinks that emerging technologies and automated Innovation, customer-centric approach, minimalist style and tools are revolutionizing the business world by enabling combining all the colours of all the seasons of life in her innovations. She says that these are game-changing things. work and then exhibiting it through her designs are the Using Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in USPs of Ashita and her Studio. interior designing takes the user to another level of virtually experiencing the whole project live. This can even eliminate Ashita expresses, “As I’m an innovative, customer-driven the huge cost of purchasing the site and start building things interior designer, I make everything possible to reflect the on it. This can help in experiencing the entire working same in my work. I always design my style in a minimalist project right in front of eyes without even buying the raw style, as less is more in a contemporary style and classic material to build. style with unique colours combination textures fabrics quotes and lights.” As the professional world is changing at a very fast pace, people are adopting various tech products to make work “The material I used in my design as glass is actually wood easier and more accessible. “This definitely helps open the PU paint finish which ultimately looks very refreshing to door for thinking about what we have never thought so, our eyes. In my design, I always put one as a highlight wall. infinite possibilities arising out of this,” hopes Ashita and It is a thumb rule in my design.” concludes, “Soon it will become easy access to such gadgets.” 10 | JULY | 2022 | www.ciolookindia.com 11 | JULY | 2022 | www.ciolookindia.com

India’s Powerful Women Business Leaders Dr Ankita Singh Dr Ankita Singh Absolute Classification of Transformational Leadership Intellect trong business leadership is a crucial part of any As Senior Vice President and Global Head of HR at organization’s success. Transformational ideas—a CIGNEX, she has over 22 years of progressive experience S team with strong and compassionate leadership is in managing and leading various aspects of Human more likely to be more productive. The goal of business Resources spanning across high paced business domains of leadership is to find the guidance model that works best for ITES. In addition to all functions of HR, Ankita overseas a company and its team of employees. other enabling functions like Administration, Travel and Resource Management. Several specific qualities are associated with strong leaders. Most of the leaders involve their abilities to accomplish Ankita holds a PhD in Management and is a Gold Medalist tasks efficiently, influence others to perform well and in BBA as well as MBA. She has done HR and Business consistently meet and exceed expectations. Such effective Strategy related Executive Management Programs from leaders recognize the importance of being organized in the IIM-A, ISB- Hyderabad and XLRI. She is a certified PPA workplace. (Thomas Profiling) Practitioner. If any company has an organized leader, the entire team is The journey so far has been challenging yet amazing. From more likely to perform well and function efficiently. Dr the last 17 years, Ankita has been working with the same Ankita Singh, the Senior Vice President and Global Head group. It has been a tremendous learning experience to of HR, IT, Travel and Admin at CIGNEX and the evolve with the company and grow with it. Ankita, with her Founder of the HR Association of India,is an absolute team, has progressed through all thicks and thins together. It classification of transformational leadership intellect. feels magnificent to know that there is so much to give and get, even after many years. An Exemplary Leader Ankita has been fortunate enough to receive support from everybody around her. She always had an incredible team, outstanding mentors, and the best family to take care of all that needed attention. The start was, by default, Ankita just landed in HR, but it The only way to didn't take much time for her to realize that she appreciates being part of that function and that Ankita can sensibly sail through learn and contribute, and then there was no looking back. this is to stay flexible. Today, Ankita heads all business enabling functions like admin, IT, travel, and PMO, but the core is still HR and will - Dr Ankita Singh remain.I have been extensively working in HR; my core interest and expertise is to enable human capital. 12 | JULY | 2022 | www.ciolookindia.com

I have been part of the same group for the last 17 years. As Moreover, sharing her views on promoting women’s a Senior Vice President and Global Head of HR and other empowerment—Ankita expressed, “It can’t be generalized. business-enabling functions, I am responsible for enabling Should be promoted, where people still see the gap and business through people, processes, practices, and passion. need to reinforce it. It's better to talk, support, and promote whenever and wherever needed. In other places, where the Overcoming the Challenges culture is more structured, unbiased, and open, we should Change! It has been a challenging journey to reach a level encourage capability and ability over gender-specific norms where you can stop for a moment and say, “Yes, this is what and initiatives.” I wanted to achieve.” Everything around us is changing at a pace that's unmanageable and uncontrollable. Embracing the Opportunities Being a transformational leadership intellect, Ankita shared The only way to sail through this is to stay flexible. Change her opinions on the changing scenario of the world and as many times as needed. Staying relevant is more future opportunities for womenpost-pandemic, she important than anything else. It is challenging to find a expressed, “I think more than the world; I have seen women perfect balance, and something would suffer. Still, I try to changing. They have started identifying the opportunities. follow the 30:40:30 rule. 30% mental and physical health, Instead of saying I can't handle this much, they came 40% work and community contribution, and 30% self- forward and said that “I might not have eight hours to give development and family. but let me find something where I can contribute for three to four hours they became more adaptable to meet the need Pearls of Wisdom of the time.” As a piece of advice for the budding aspirants, Ankita shared, “Stay authentic and nimble, never compare yourself “I have witnessed women employees wanting to come back to others, never underestimate your capabilities, invest well, to work because of no location barrier and WFH and stay relevant.” opportunities, and the best part is that the world happily supports and welcomes them,” she concluded. 14 | JULY | 2022 | www.ciolookindia.com

India’s Powerful Women Business Leaders eepal Mistry inherited the entrepreneurial legacy “Are we still done yet with the customer journey? Today’s in her spirit. Business runs into her blood since she Gen Z are already thinking very differently; tomorrow’s D is from a business family. The highs and lows that Gen T – Deepal’s connotation for Generation Technology – came with it were absorbed by her subconsciously from a would be way ahead, so how can the brands and businesses very early age. It was in Grade 12 that Deepal’s first stint still stay relevant? What is ‘that unique Strategy’ which with doing a business independently came across. would align with their needs and create value for a brand.” A fun thing that started with two other friends actually got Deepal shares, “Pondering upon this, sitting in the corner Deepal the confidence to put something out from scratch. cabin of one of India’s top 15 Pharmaceutical companies, I Deepal laughs it out, “To top it all, we (my two friends and was thinking of a way where Technology, Human me) even made a profit of 3200/- rupees each.” A good start Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence can work alongside in 1995 for a 16-year-old. “But more than the profit, it was each other rather than replacing the other to ensure a the process that gave me a lot of insights,” shares Deepal. brand’s success.” How can Human intelligence and Artificial Intelligence play together? This idea led to the She and her friends had put up a small sale of sarees, birth of ‘Ascent Insights.’ handicraft items and toddler accessories. Each of them had to arrange for one of the segments. Deepal had taken Ascent Insights offers Business Management, Phygital responsibility for the handicraft items and the toddler (Physical and Digital Branding Solutions) and accessories. She contacted an aunt living in her area who Communications. In Deepal’s words, “We Help Businesses made these items at home. Grow Faster.” Deepal recollects, “So I approached her and explained my Sailing through the Tumultuious Oceans plans. She was so elated that she just opened up her You must have heard the saying, ‘A smooth sea never inventory room for me and said, Beta take whatever you makes a good sailor.’ This actually fits well with growing wish to and can return whatever is not sold, but just ensure businesses. There are probably 150 million startups in the to pack it differently since the presentation is very world today, with 50 million new startups being launched every year. Deepal says, “So yes, there is a myriad of important.” challenges that I faced when I started.” Discovering Her Entrepreneurial Mindset That was Deepal’s first learning, ‘Presentation is Battling unrealistic expectations Important.’ So, she decided to put little Handwritten "My crazy expectations were mostly from myself. I Grandma stories as a card on top of each toddler item and expected to be Super Mom, wife of the year, and build a gave it a different look. Even the handicraft item had its successful business all in the same year. genesis put on the label. Deepal reveals, “This was my learning into creativity and packaging innovation. It taught me to see beyond the price tag, one of the most important factors in the buying decision- The buyer’s emotion.” This pearl of wisdom, learned at the age of 16, was partially We at Ascent Insights are realized when Deepal was into the B-school and fully working towards this vision realized and understood its power when she got into the Deepal corporate world, building brands from scratch to 500 where Human Intelligence Crores. (You can download the journey of the brand Telma: and Artificial Intelligence Building and Defending the Market Leader on the Harvard Business Review site: work alongside each other, An Entrepreneurial Legend https://hbsp.harvard.edu/product/IMB521-PDF-ENG) thereby helping Brands grow. with a Profound Legacy Mistry Having served at various levels in the hierarchy through her 22 years of experience, even as a Strategic Business Unit head in Pan India, Deepal kept constantly thinking, 16 | JULY | 2022 | www.ciolookindia.com 17 | JULY | 2022 | www.ciolookindia.com

Even though I was (and am) doing great in all the key areas Brand Building USPs of life, I often felt inadequate, which was exhausting. That When asked what USPs highlight Ascent Insights’ is when I realized that I needed to translate what the real uniqueness, Deepal thinks that behind every growth success expectations are? Whether from self or in business. story is a thoughtful strategy. She adds, “We also firmly Sustainability is the name of the game. And sustainability believe that true differentiation takes courage, especially in requires consistent efforts.” an industry bound by a lot of promotional restrictions. That In order to succeed in a competitive business world, we is why we use fact-based reasoning to overcome objections, need to have high but controlled expectations, keeping a build buy-in and establish critical momentum for the view of the resources available, the extent of growth brands.” potential, and other market factors as well. A Legendary Wisdom Financial Management As an experienced professional, Deepal’s advice to the Money begets money. When income increases, the budding aspirants willing to enter the business world is expenditures also increase. “Another biggest challenge was legendary. She says that one must stop listening to all of financial management which I could navigate with the these generalized “experts.” Know your own personal proper re-source management, thanks to my learnings at strengths and weaknesses – not what everyone says they Glenmark of the P&L management,” Deepal shared. should be as a woman. Use your strengths, address your weaknesses and pursue your goals. Winning Trust of Customers The customer is the king. Winning a customer’s trust is one A man, tough in business dealings, is respected for being of the most important challenges. Deepal expresses, “We at savvy and getting things done. A woman is dismissed as Ascent Insights work aggressively to implement a customer- being shrewd and bossy. Taking a woman boss or centric working philosophy to enable their brands to entrepreneur is not every man’s cup of tea. succeed in attaining the sustainable growth and progress they desire to achieve in this tech-savvy, challenging and Pro tip: ‘Know your stuff, real deep.’ Cliched, but you competitive business world with speed led by strategic should know your product or business like how a mother insights.” knows her child. Nobody better than her can know. And on a lighter note, to top it, if you can discuss cricket, you are Creating a passionate team definitely in-to in the playing 11. (read team). Michael Jordan once said, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” Creating a Never get scared to ask what you want to learn. And never team that can own and translate your passion as theirs is the got stopped by emotional or surrounding forces to stop you biggest asset one can have, and I am fortunate to have a from learning. team like that,” thinks Deepal. Grounded in attitude but reaching the universe with their ideas, her team is a group Blending the Present and the Future of passionate individuals. Regarding her envisioning Ascent Insights’ operations with the emerging technologies and automated tools that are Last but not the least challenge was Achieving work-life revolutionizing the business world by enabling innovations, balance Deepal says that in the past ten years, we have seen “As a mom of two and owner of two businesses, my technology moving at supersonic speed, probably touching greatest challenge as a female entrepreneur was finding human lives in a fashion that has practically modified the balance. It can feel like your heart and your time are being laws of Maslow’s theory. Involvement and implementation tugged in a million different directions at once.” of technology have made themselves an integral part of the grid. The solution: “However, one thing that has helped me achieve that balance is by creating schedules and systems,” “We at Ascent Insights are working towards this vision she added. where Human Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence work alongside each other, thereby helping brands grow,” Deepal According to Deepal, the kind of professional values and concludes. qualities clients value in her and Ascent Insights the most areInsights, Innovation, Consistency and Commitment. 18 | JULY | 2022 | www.ciolookindia.com

P o w e r B e n c h m a r k Modern Businesswomen Redefining Leadership an a woman become a great leader? Well, a report But one may ask—How empathy is important in by Amex OPEN State of WOBs 2015, reveals that leadership? C growth in women-owned businesses has outperformed the overall increase in new businesses by 1.5 Well, in a business organisation different kinds of people times. These facts are enough to indicate that how today's work together. They often feel stressful with challenges women are thriving in business world and also bringing an related to their work. In such a situation, if a leader shows innovative approach to the age-old stereotype view of what empathy towards employees, it can build positive being a great leader means. relationships and establish organizational cultures and drive results. Anciently, leadership was considered a man's business, as it required workflow with presumed masculine parameter With Intuitive Skills such as strength, competitiveness, assertiveness and risk- taking. Even though these qualities are important but are Intuition, also known as sixth sense or gut feeling, is an not enough. invaluable skill in leadership. By listening to the subtle inner voice, gaining access to information more effectively If a business has to run smoothly and with prosperity, there and making the right decisions is possible. As women goes is also a need of empathy, good communication skills, more with the heart than their brain, they use this power of adaptability, intuition, and integrity. And all these innate natural intelligence with deeper sense of knowing. qualities of modern businesswomen are redefining leadership in modern times. With this quality, women understand the needs of customers and serve them on a deeper level. As intuition brings clarity The Empathetic Women in mind, it helps to stay true to the vision. The modern businesswomen by applying this superpower are giving With empathy, women have been naturally serving as better direction to the team and emerging as a great leader. caretakers and peacekeepers. 20 | JULY | 2022 | www.ciolookindia.com 21 | JULY | 2022 | www.ciolookindia.com

Shining with Multitasking Women have More Perseverance Women are known for being multi-tasking by balancing Things are not always, the way they are expected. And, in careers, households and taking up the mantel of parental the business world, one has to tackle with many challenges, guidance along with many other experiences. By being like technical problems, emergence of new competitors, multitasker, they can manage different kinds of changes in way of working. All these challenges can affect responsibilities, which helps entire team to give faster and the efficiency and prosperity of the organisation. better results. With this ability, they are redefining leadership with innovative perspective. In such a situation, there is a need to possess perseverance which is a prime key to leadership. Women are considered In today's highly competitive world, working professionals more perseverant than men. They don't give up easily. With need to get a large number of unavoidable tasks that needs their strong willpower to work hard and attitude of not to be completed within the restricted set of working hours. quitting, they are firm on achieving the goals in spite of So, concentrating only on one task could result to lower facing difficulties. By showing range of skills with productivity levels that affects organizations workflow. perseverance, today's modern businesswomen are strengthening chances of accomplishing goals successfully. The Excellent Communicator She can care, she can conquer Solid communication and effective leadership go hand in hand. In any business organisation, where people have to Today, there is no field, where women haven't proven work in a team, to achieve goals in a given period of time, a themselves. When it comes to leadership also, women have shown that they are great managers naturally. By caring for leader with excellent communication skills is a must. people, they can handle and lead them well, and can make an organisation grow exponentially. Gradually, the business As women have learned the art of efficient empathy across world is also realising their efforts and qualities and their social development, they can communicate well. bestowing them what they truly deserve in terms of Successful female leaders are using this significant skill to take responsibility of their team and convey message in opportunities and positive acknowledgment. clear, unambiguous terms. They are setting the tone for the workplace, which makes easier for the team members to understand work expectations and getting feedback. Using the Superpower of Emotional Intelligence For the purpose of achieving success in a business, there is an utmost need to making sound business decisions. It requires an understanding of how feelings of a person are affecting judgement, productivity, attitudes and more. This understanding comes with emotional intelligence. A study by Joseph & Newman, 2010; Patel 2017 suggests than females leaders show a higher degree of EI than males do. By using it, women leaders are able to gauge the emotions of others. When emotions of subordinates are valued, it builds trusted relationship with them, which assists to bring better performance and more productivity in long run. 22 | JULY | 2022 | www.ciolookindia.com

Shining with Multitasking Women have More Perseverance Women are known for being multi-tasking by balancing Things are not always, the way they are expected. And, in careers, households and taking up the mantel of parental the business world, one has to tackle with many challenges, guidance along with many other experiences. By being like technical problems, emergence of new competitors, multitasker, they can manage different kinds of changes in way of working. All these challenges can affect responsibilities, which helps entire team to give faster and the efficiency and prosperity of the organisation. better results. With this ability, they are redefining leadership with innovative perspective. In such a situation, there is a need to possess perseverance which is a prime key to leadership. Women are considered In today's highly competitive world, working professionals more perseverant than men. They don't give up easily. With need to get a large number of unavoidable tasks that needs their strong willpower to work hard and attitude of not to be completed within the restricted set of working hours. quitting, they are firm on achieving the goals in spite of So, concentrating only on one task could result to lower facing difficulties. By showing range of skills with productivity levels that affects organizations workflow. perseverance, today's modern businesswomen are strengthening chances of accomplishing goals successfully. The Excellent Communicator She can care, she can conquer Solid communication and effective leadership go hand in hand. In any business organisation, where people have to Today, there is no field, where women haven't proven work in a team, to achieve goals in a given period of time, a themselves. When it comes to leadership also, women have shown that they are great managers naturally. By caring for leader with excellent communication skills is a must. people, they can handle and lead them well, and can make an organisation grow exponentially. Gradually, the business As women have learned the art of efficient empathy across world is also realising their efforts and qualities and their social development, they can communicate well. bestowing them what they truly deserve in terms of Successful female leaders are using this significant skill to take responsibility of their team and convey message in opportunities and positive acknowledgment. clear, unambiguous terms. They are setting the tone for the workplace, which makes easier for the team members to understand work expectations and getting feedback. Using the Superpower of Emotional Intelligence For the purpose of achieving success in a business, there is an utmost need to making sound business decisions. It requires an understanding of how feelings of a person are affecting judgement, productivity, attitudes and more. This I N D I A understanding comes with emotional intelligence. A study by Joseph & Newman, 2010; Patel 2017 suggests than females leaders show a higher degree of EI than males do. By using it, women leaders are able to gauge the emotions of others. When emotions of subordinates are valued, it builds trusted relationship with them, which assists to bring better performance and more productivity in long run. 22 | JULY | 2022 | www.ciolookindia.com

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India’s Powerful Women Business Leaders Ivy Percy Dey All Your Adorable Pets’ Own Fashion Designer ll the failures one come across in life are only the Came back to homeland and started a company, it was a missteps on the path to that sweat sensational failure. After a year or two got married and tried again. It A destination of success. These missteps tell one who was a failure too. So I stopped and asked myself ‘what am I is running after her dream is that she has to take a step back, doing wrong? What can lead me to my dream?’ reassess the situation once again, and reevaluate her own strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Then I got my answer. I wanted to be an entrepreneur so let’s try some other which will include my skills. So I came This external assessment and personal evaluation are the up with ‘Paw.’ Fashion for pet’s. I use all my fashion taste, basis for achieving any and every dream an individual sees fabric knowledge into it and today I am who I am. and then pursue in her life. External environment and the world will always put challenges, obstacles, hurdles, and I have achieved ‘GlantorX Women Leadership Award even storms in one's path. It has been done by the invisible 2022,’ ‘Fireboxx Icon Award for Best Pet Product Startup master of natural selection to test the individual living 2022,’ and ‘Fireboxx Icon Award for 'Women Entrepreneur being's survival capacity, thriving capabilities and hunger 2022.’ This is not the end, but a modest begining; I am still for winning. working on my business to improve our products everyday.” Those who gets dejected from failures, and stops pursuing Ivy spoke in an interview with CIOLOOK INDIA for its their dreams becomes the example of real failures. Because latest edition of ‘India’s Powerful Women Business like every protagonist of every admirable story is the one Leaders.’ The life changing excerpts of this extraordinary who reaches her destination of her dream by going through story are given here. her personal hell of storms of adversities, mountains of obstacles, and seas of hurdles, and finally emerges as the Please tell us about the saga of Paw since its inception. awe-inspiring leader of her own extravagantly enthralling After winning some bows from pet giveaways on saga. Instagram, I thought of making one for my kid. Did some research and made one, but I was not happy with the final Meet Ivy Percy Dey, the Owner and Founder of Paw; All product. After getting a good knowledge, I thought of Your Adorable Pets' Own Fashion Boutique. making an Instagram page to sell bow’s and bandana’s only. I discussed it with my husband and finally made a The awe-inspiring Leader shares, “My name is Ivy Percy page on May 2021. As the days went by, I did more Dey. Although, today, I am a successful entrepreneur, I was research, learnt many new things and improvised my I have achieved ‘GlantorX Women always not like this. Let me tell you my story. Since class products. seven, I wanted to become an entrepreneur, a fashion Leadership Award 2022,’ ‘Fireboxx designer. My goal was strong that I use to self-learn about Now we sell outfit's, accessories like bow's, bandana's, Icon Award for Best Pet Product designing since then. necktie, collar, leash, harness, hairclip, scrunchie, tuxedo, bandana and what not. Our motive is to make both the pet Startup 2022’ and ‘Fireboxx Icon I graduated in Fashion Designing (BSc and ISD Italy) and and owner smile every single time they wear us. Award for ‘Women Entrepreneur started working. Started working in my city for some year's, went to other state for work for some time and then realized What was your inspiration behind venturing into the 2022.’ that I should start my own company. business arena? My first inspiration was my elder son – doggo – Max 28 | JULY | 2022 | www.ciolookindia.com 29 | JULY | 2022 | www.ciolookindia.com

When they send us feedbacks like – ‘loved the product,’ ‘so perfect,’ ‘just fell in lovvvveeee,’ ‘excellent quality,’ ‘10000 out of 100 rating’ and so on – that is the biggest achievement. What are the USPs that highlight Paw's uniqueness in the industry you are catering to? I have started focusing more on pet outfit's. Being a former fashion designer I thought of utilizing my skills and fashion taste on this cute pet outfit's. I have already started selling designer pet outfit's and people seems to love it. Planning to launch twinning set's where pet and human can twin up the designer collection. As an experienced professional, what would you like to advice the budding aspirants willing to enter the business world? Keep a crystal clear picture what you want to accomplish. In a business, things will go wrong but never stop. Keep walking the road with different steps. If you face an obstacle take it as a challenge and try to overcome it. Always stay positive and your attitude is one of the important thing because that what will make your customer's love you. How do you envision Paw’s operations with the emerging technologies and automated tools that are revolutionizing the business world by enabling innovations? Emerging technologies and automated tools are really very useful these days no doubt. Fortunately, the digital technology in business are more affordable now for small businesses than they've ever been, and organizations are pursuing them more fervently in order to stay competitive—across all industries. Intelligent methods for extracting data and processing them are another example of a modern technology solution that because I just like dressing him up and next was my perfect print as I want because most of my prints are can be a huge benefit to a modern business. Purchase younger son – doggo – Benzo to whom I like to make him customized along with reasonable price. Secondly, it was orders, client documents, customer records, invoices—all wear bow's. hard getting a good courier service which don't charge high and more can be quickly and easily scanned for information and deliver the parcel on time. in an accurate manner, improving data validation. Even our logo is inspired from them. That cute tongue in inspired from my baby Max because he always hangs out What professional values and qualities do you think his tongue and that brown color is inspired from Benzo. your clients value in you and your company the most? Reading the valuable feedback from my customers is one of What were the initial challenges that you had to my favorite thing to do. It helps me to improvise. surmount to ensure your business's success rate to reach As per our customer's we have best quality products and a greater heights? wide variety of collection to shop from. I love talking to my I had faced some really tough challenges with fabric's and customer's, taking their advice or to know what products or delivery. It was hard getting a good fabric supplier with print's they want us to add in our collection. 30 | JULY | 2022 | www.ciolookindia.com 31 | JULY | 2022 | www.ciolookindia.com

Breaking Barriers How Women Corporate Leaders are Overcoming the Glass Ceiling Effect? omen are the largest untapped reservoir of and work on the minor details to observe what innovations “ talent in the world.” they can work on with a professional touch of diversified W - Hillary Clinton. views and a true sense of awareness. Women undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective with a Empathy is often considered the greatest superpower in plethora of experiences and viewpoints that play a terms of the roles that these eminent leaders play significant role in fostering innovations as varied throughout their life. An empathic leader accepts that perspectives lead to better decision-making. everyone perceives the world differently. By intersecting their talent with sheer hard work, women They implement the same ideology in their teams and shine like a star in the contemporary business era and the ensure that even if the team is facing difficulty, they can different aspects connected with this world. From fashion to comprehend the related problems by actively listening to food, to sports to art, in every spectrum, women have been their team members. Thus, preparing everyone to become proving the reality that nothing is actually impossible. successful. Women are likely to use this form of leadership to empower innovations in their teams and ensure that A Spark to Resonate everyone can embrace the growth opportunities. It is a verifiable truth that when women become leaders, they bring talents and new views equal to structural and cultural diversity to the companies they work for. These passionate leadership charismas comprehend the essentials 32 | JULY | 2022 | www.ciolookindia.com 33 | JULY | 2022 | www.ciolookindia.com

Building a Professional Network executives have faced imposter syndrome, which includes constant feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, despite past Regardless of any organization in the modern industry, and current successes. strong women leaders are quintessential in providing a much-needed perspective, empowering and creating However, there is a strong presence of women who believes directions for a business to grow more. Whether it involves in their strengths and can eliminate imposter syndrome. By seeking advice from a trusted employee or a dedicated team remembering their past successes and achievements, they in a company, strong leaders continue to seek advice from are regaining their confidence. They acknowledge self- others. This sets quality standards unlikely to find anywhere admiration's importance, celebrate their accomplishments, else. and work towards their goal with extra enthusiasm. One of the essential ways to break the glass ceiling effect is She is Unstoppable improving professional relationships with experienced people, as it plays an integral role in scaling an Women are working hard and claiming their place in the organization' success to greater heights. world, looking at what they have achieved from the past to the present. They showcase innovations through talent and A strong network of business connections opens up new hard work and shatter the stereotype mindset. It has been a opportunities. Millennial Women leaders are prioritizing true inspiration to see their achievements in the modern network events to foster their career growth. By gaining world with a desire to climb high to the top leadership support from people in management-level positions who positions. have 'been there, done that,' they are experiencing valuable insight, direction, and prosperity, in their leadership One cannot underestimate the hidden power of women, journey. which can overcome this invisible barrier, like the glass ceiling effect. With an extra dose of grit, perseverance, and Embracing the Opportunities strength of purpose, today's confident, courageous, determined, and intelligent women are surging ahead, making it big and roaring in various fields and proving that It helps them to create their own career opportunities without any organizational bias. Sometimes, while working nothing can stop them. in someone else's organization, women face prejudices. However, they can enjoy more freedom in strategic decision-making and attain success with a fresh perspective. Even though starting a new business is challenging, many women overcome it with their risk-taking ability. Also, they are getting support from experts in marketing and technology, other important aspects of business, and experiencing limitless growth. Overcoming the Imposter Syndrome Often, women feel they are not admired enough for their hard work, which can create imposter syndrome. A significant study by KPMG suggests that 75% of female 34 | JULY | 2022 | www.ciolookindia.com

India’s Powerful Women Business Leaders I always wanted to be Saritha an employment “ “ generator, and that is the Passionately Empowering only reason I Devpunje Futuristic Digital Generation started the business. his is the story of courage, So, in 2014, she quit her job and From website design, development, passion, facing devastating started a small training agency with and scalable mobile apps to SaaS T obstacles, yet getting up after investment from her mother. This was platforms, the solution it engineers every fall, and walking each time out followed by a web design agency, in accelerate efficiency and fuel growth of the comfort zone and achieving association with her brother Shiv Sagar for its clients. success by continuously contributing to Devpunje, Sister Sarika Devpunje, and the social well-being, forgetting one’s her husband, Mukesh. Saritha says, “We are committed to own tragedies. achieving and pushing the level of The River of Strongest Beliefs performance at all times. Leveraging This is the story of an indomitable In 2018, she lost Mukesh, her husband, the power of technology, we deliver th spirit, Saritha Devpunje. On 8 May in a tragic accident and was left with a end-to-end solutions for multi-million 2022, on the eve of International baby girl to bring up on her own. dollar funded start-ups to small and Women’s Day, Saritha was awarded While the incident devastated her, it medium enterprises. Art and culture the Women of the Substance Award- also made her stronger. inspire us too, and our office presence 2022 in the Entrepreneurs Category by at Bangalore, Kolhapur, and Pune is a SheInspire Magazine. Her Today, she runs Magneton Tech with true reflection.” accomplishments behind this over 60 employees and numerous recognition are many. satisfied clients. Magneton's services Magneton, a Unit of Magical are IT Training (for colleges and Moments corporates), interview as a service, Saritha is a versatile and multi-faceted Magneton technologies started in the recruitment, web development, mobile entrepreneur who carries many roles year 2014 as a training institute and on her shoulders with élan. She’s an app development, digital marketing, have today spread its stream of ace technology whiz; she works as the cyber security, hosting, branding, services into, Director of Magneton Technologies digital business transformation, AI and ● web design and development: Pvt Ltd and the CTO of AIontheFly ML VR, and MatterPort Photography. Magneton offers professional web Technologies Pvt Ltd and Dr Alka design services at affordable rates to Skincare and Healthcare. Magneton Tech has celebrated a help your business attract more decade of success, completed over 750 visitors and keep them on your site. Saritha is also a free spirit at heart. projects, and has over 150 regular It builds digital shopping experiences She worked at CISCO for a while but customers. Magneton Tech puts to meet ambitious sales goals for was never quite happy with just being together a bunch of passionate minds your e-commerce. an employee in a company. Her vision to transform clients' visions into reality, ● Mobile app development: was always to generate employment imparting an awesome digital Magneton’s professional app opportunities for others. experience for clients' users. 36 | JULY | 2022 | www.ciolookindia.com

developers build custom mobile apps Dr Alka Skincare and Healthcare: say that I love business and the passion to assist in the growth of your business. Recently, Saritha has also branched for growing makes me hustle,” feels ● 360 Degree photography: Unique out into the wellness space with a Saritha. corporate style that fits your start-up - SreeAvnee, distributing customer's needs and vision. skincare products for a premium Her professional advice to women – Contextual advertising on Google dermatologically-approved brand and people in general – is to get up and and Facebook can lead to instant across South India - again to walk out of their comfort zone. Only customers. generate employment opportunities then can one experience success. ● Training in IT space in both colleges to some, and bring affordable and corporates skincare solutions to others. Her philosophy is that everyone faces ● Interview as a service hurdles in life, and no one is fortunate ● AI and ML consultancy According to her, Customer enough to encounter a clear path ● Building franchise for UK based satisfaction, Customer-first approach, ahead. The initial challenges she had to dermatology brand: 24/7 availability, Honesty, and surmount to ensure Magneton’s promising less and delivering more are success were many, including Talent, Magneton Tech’s professional values Attrition, Capital, Operating expenses, and qualities clients admire in her and and Societal pressure. She decided to the Magneton Tech the most. cross those hurdles instead of giving up, which has kept her going. Saritha shares, “Our reviews are on google, and I would say Future’s Guide they truly reflect our As an experienced professional, accomplishments more than Saritha’s advice to the budding anything else.” aspirants willing to enter the business world is to gauge the strengths in your Similarly, according to Saritha, bones under the raging storms. She Magneton Tech’s USPs that says do not procrastinate; if you have highlight its uniqueness is that it an idea, start working on it. It is never is a growing company with a too late to start a business. focus on customer satisfaction and customer needs. Saritha It is of utmost importance to get out of adds, “We always understand your comfort zone and start working. customers’ needs and suggest There will be a lot of challenges and solutions based on that.” occasions that break you. It is important to understand that only when An Ocean of Inspirations we break do we understand what we Saritha loves to hand-embroider are made up of! Gather those pieces and has designed many saris. She and start again. says, “I always wanted to be an employment generator, and that is When asked how she envisions the only reason I started the Magneton Tech’s operations with the business.” emerging technologies and automated tools that are revolutionising the She believes one can pursue business world by enabling both scientific and artistic innovations, Saritha says that the interests, and the two are not automation and application of mutually exclusive. emerging technologies are a must to sustain. “It not only saves a lot of costs Travelling is yet another but brings in a lot of discipline in the passion. “Over the years, processes we follow in the company,” slowly the milestones concludes Saritha. changed, and now I would

India's Powerful Women Business Leaders

India's Powerful Women Business Leaders

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