Embarking on a journey back into the corporate world after a 6-year sabbatical was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. My very first interview, conducted by the female CEO, posed a question that echoed in my heart – could I handle the responsibilities of managing an entire branch office as a center head? Undeterred by the fear, I committed to reviving my skills within three months to fulfill these responsibilities. Placed in a male-dominated branch, I quickly became aware of the unique challenges ahead. The culture was palpable, with daytime seemingly reserved for sutta chats and chai ki tapri visits, while the real work commenced around 6 pm, nearing office closure. As the only female manager in an environment notorious for its high turnover of female employees, I faced the challenge head-on. Building rapport with my male-dominated team required understanding their dynamics, even joining them for detailed discussions at the chai ki tapri. I recall asking my reporting boss, 'Sir, I've heard your discussions are thorough at the tapri; may I join you for a chai and delve into some detailed discussions?' Thanks @VineetaSingh for bringing up this relatable challenge. #CorporateJourney #ResilienceInLeadership #NavigatingChallenges #DiversityInLeadership #AdaptabilityInAction #CareerGrowth
Co-founder & COO at SUGAR Cosmetics | Sharing hits & misses of building a winning brand from scratch
If this clip makes you uncomfortable, it's probably because there's some truth in it and that you've seen this happen at your present or past workplaces. And sometimes, it does take conscious effort to level the playing field - because that's how great teams are built - via inclusion and not exclusion. For those seeking a wholesome watch this weekend that's less about business and more about life, I'll recommend the full episode of Vineeta's chat with Ranveer Allahbadia that's now available for viewing on YouTube Adding the link in the comments. Maybe you'll thank me later 😇 ✨✨✨ p.s. Full props to the team behind the shoot for creating a safe space that allowed a freewheeling talk beyond the usual SUGAR Cosmetics updates
