When she is the boss

Swati Rai

With the recent case of a prominent ‘elderly’ gentleman in the legal net for allegedly sexually harassing his ‘muse’ as he likes to call her, has brought into focus the issues plaguing women workforce in India. No better time to deliberate on all matters concerning women, than now, at a time when International Women’s Day enjoys media and general public attention.

To get to the top the struggle is the same if not more difficult for a woman, add to that problems of employees listening and following orders from a female boss. There are other issues such as placating the ‘great Indian male ego’ at play that make women boss’ job trickier. This requires,  apart from managing home, hearth and work, a  delicate balancing act. We ask a few women who are on the top of their game to share their views on this:

Taking the good and the bad in her stride

Radhika Ghai Aggarwal, Co-Founder & CMO, ShopClues.com has years of experience in diverse industry segments like retail, e-commerce, fashion and lifestyle, advertising and public relations with best-of-breed global brands.

As a Co-Founder of ShopClues and the driving force behind its go-to-market initiatives, she has carefully nurtured the brand to make it a household name in less than two years.

Challenges at the top

The main challenge is managing the increasing complexity of marketing and this is directly proportional to the increasingly complex role of the CMO. Legislative and societal changes have ensured that women are on par with men when it comes to operating in powerful roles in an organisation so the proverbial glass ceiling does not hold much relevance in the present context. More flexibility and a right approach will ensure that women are at liberty to perform competently in their role of CMO in a pre-dominantly male set-up.

Tricks  of the trade

Technology is constantly evolving and there are various tools available today like the new dashboard, which is being termed as the latest arsenal, or toolbox. Therefore, I focus on using these tools effectively and anything else to leverage my brand. I also try to lead beyond the traditional sphere of marketing. I try to be the versatile leader who can chart the path towards stable growth and positioning of the brand as well as serve as the marketing disciple who is keen on extending her learning curve. 

Success mantra

Keeping myself updated with industry movements, being relentless in the pursuit of well-etched goals and exhibiting resilience during the rough patch helps me sustain myself on the path towards success.

Work-life balance

When off work, I am always with my family and friends. However, I don’t have to work very hard to strike the right balance, because my family and friends do not make me feel guilty about nursing a passion for work, in fact, they appreciate this aspect of my personality.

Does a woman boss have an edge? 

False, I believe the women have a level playing field when it comes to most issues at the workplace irrespective of gender. 

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Styling the best

Having won the Miss Elegance World contest in 2008 and the Miss India East pageant in 2009, Konkana Bakshi, Director, Savoir Faire Academie, has brought to India holistic training of etiquette and social graces that has now become an avant garde institution to promote the art of fine living.

Challenge at the top

I was extremely fortunate to find a supportive family and friends that nurtured and shared my dream of this Academie in India. As the founder/director of the company I find new challenges everyday and have learnt to take them in my stride. The one that tops the list is to negotiate on a daily basis and moreover maintain quality reserved to the Academie.

Tricks  of the trade

I have a brilliant team supporting me, however, my own training and learning the craft myself at the Swiss finishing school has helped me get to know the nitty gritties of the art and science of grooming and living. This gives me an edge over others as well.

Success mantra

Be yourself and give the best customised experience to clients, maintain quality standard and stay away from the run-of-the-mill courses and standards running in the market today.

Work-life balance

Savoir Faire Academie is a personality development and image enhancement platform that contours and customises topics of training based on individual requirements. Our programmes help one maximise potential by helping overcome perceived shortcomings, thereby instilling confidence and increasing the rate of success. So, I enjoy my work therefore it’s never dull.

Does a woman boss have an edge? 

I don’t quite agree that it matters if you are a man or a woman when it comes to handling a business. One has to stick to professional standards diligently irrespective of one’s gender. There are areas where women have an advantage and similarly there are certain areas where men have an upper hand. For example in a concern such as mine, a woman adds that special touch. The attention to detail and finer things that women are able to lend to an enterprise definitely makes me say that women have an added advantage over their male compatriots in this concern.

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Challenge accepted

Renu Misra, Managing Director, Grohe India, is credited with business expansion, strategic growth and market leadership initiatives at Grohe, a master at setting up new businesses in India, leading in commercial and strategic areas, planning and MIS, Supply Chain and Logistics. Renu has travelled across the country to gain market insights from production, trade and customer point of view to deploy consumer- centric approach in business.

Challenge at the top

These are exciting times for women who are at the helm of affairs. As the task becomes more and more dynamic and all-inclusive, the complexity of the role is both exciting and challenging. We are expected to be incredibly skilled in order to navigate through these marketing intricacies.   

Tricks  of the trade 

Being ahead of time always and the ability to network is also the demand of the role. Learning is a constant process and after reaching a certain level, one may mostly find it challenging to find someone as an able mentor. I am sure my male counterparts experience the same problem, so I don’t see a gender bias in my role as such. However,  one needs to be a constant learner to tackle these issues.

Success mantra

My pursuit lies in being aware of contemporary trends, being in present without losing sight of what lies ahead and strategic empowerment. The right amount of planning, training staff to withstand daily issues and always staying ahead of a crisis helps to cope with work pressures, at the level of a MD. Understanding channel and consumer with right category play (product) would be the key to succeed.

Work-life balance

I follow a conscious routine that involves attention to both the person in the professional and me. Daily mindfulness helps me go through the grind with positivity. What mostly helps me to follow my routine is a good diet, sufficient relaxation, and adequate exercise along with pursuing my hobbies.

Does a woman boss have an edge?

I would disagree with that. A lot more can be done to make the social and work scenario better for women professionally.  Several myths still persist when it comes to working for a woman boss whether it is her being more emotional, authoritative, less futuristic and more prone to making mistakes.

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Fashioning work and life

Anjana Sharma, Fashion Director & COO, Stylista.com has worked in advertising, marketing and business management in a career spanning over 20 years. Most recently, she was with IMG Reliance as Director Fashion, overseeing Four Seasons. To her credit is the introduction of Talent Box, Indian Textile Day, LFW TV and the overall revamp of the platform, taking it to another level.

In December 2011 Elle magazine listed her as a power player in the fashion industry and in December 2012 Elle listed her as a visionary in the Indian fashion landscape.

Challenges at the top

Yes and no. I am lucky that I work with partners who are younger, so in fact they're a lot more open than me. I also think that some women like me — who are at an age where we're straddling different generations and mindsets — tend to be harder on ourselves and feel the need to prove ourselves a lot more. I think it’s a defensive trait that needs to reduce. Everyone faces challenges, and those tend to be specific to the culture or the environment you work in and the industry you operate in. Being a woman, I also feel that I face lesser challenges that are industry (i.e. fashion) related.

Success mantra

Time management, listening, leading by example and by delegating. Living a healthy, active life. Regular short breaks to disconnect.

Work-life balance

Loving myself. Doing all the above keeps my life in balance.

Does a woman boss have an edge?

I think gender plays more role in the early days of your career. Having said that, I also think that one needs to accept the boss that you have as it's not in your control. It's up to every individual to make the most of their time with the person they report to, so they grow and learn.

Tricks of the trade

Leading a healthy lifestyle and being physically fit. Learning to disconnect regularly is another important thing, and most of all learning to laugh at myself. My aim has always been to learn from my mistakes and not repeat them. Hire the right talent and learn to trust and delegate. After all, everyone needs to learn, make mistakes and grow.