They stormed bastions that were considered the forte of men. They made a mark despite the biases and stereotypes and emerged successful for the next generation of women talent to follow in their footsteps. They are the role models!
Segue Sessions 2024 #PowerTheShift featured ‘Role Model Talks – Power Through: Inspire Inclusion’ comprising Madhavi Deshmukh, Head – Aftermarket Function, Ashok Leyland, and Latha Subramanian, Engineering Leader, Dow Chennai Engineering Center.
Moderated by Rashmi Ravindran, AVP, Digital Learning, Avtar Group, the interactive and aspirational session saw established women professionals talk about their stories of being inspired to be included for the sense of belonging and relevance that resulted in a more equitable workspace.
Madhavi spoke about her upbringing in a quintessential North Karnataka household based in Mumbai (then Bombay). From having to deal with only men in various stages of her work to successfully carving out a market for a commercial vehicle product in the backyard of Tata Motors that still dominated Maharashtra, Madhavi recounted countering gender stereotypes around job descriptions and industry challenges.
“When I joined Ashok Leyland, there were no discussions around gender inclusion or diversity anywhere. This generation of women doesn’t have to go through what women like me underwent because DEI is being discussed today in great detail. Don’t give up on your career goals in any situation. Manage it; don’t quit. Give your organization the impression that you are in for a long haul.”
Latha spoke about hilarious episodes of being a talked about subject in the male-dominated work environment, as she was among two women working there. “I was from a small town, and it took me very far literally. Anything that we did became a topic of discussion as the men in the office were not used to seeing women amid them.”
Amid roars of laughter, she recollected using a washroom meant for the executive director in a Gulf organization during an official visit because there were no separate washrooms for women. “That is how I became the executive director of a company for one day.”
Latha spoke about tiding over every limitation she had imagined and taking the opportunities that came her way. “From a timid flyer to a frequent flyer, I learned a lot in my career that has taken me very far. I learned to negotiate and communicate while coping with maternity breaks and domestic situations,” she said.
The two role models offered simple tips for aspirants who are eager to advance and thrive in their careers.
- If you prove your mettle, the organization will always be ready to give you the chance to rise in position
- Gear up for future moves to take you forward even if you are looking at a career break for reasons like maternity.
- Post-COVID, work culture has transformed to accommodate remote work and flexibility offering opportunities.
- Today DEI has enabled women to earn their place through performance, perseverance, and proving their potential.
Madhavi signed off in the words of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as she said, “Yahi Samay Hai, Sahi Samay hai” (this is the time, this is the right time).
