Women can’t be punished for the societal structure set up for them: Esha Tiwari

We, at Adgully, have always saluted and honoured women managers and leaders across diverse fields. W-SUITE is a special initiative from Adgully that has been turning the spotlight on some of the most remarkable women achievers in the M&E, Advertising, Marketing, PR and Communications industry. In the refurbished series, we seek to find out how women leaders have been managing their teams and work as well as how they have been navigating through the toughest and most challenging times brought about by the global pandemic.

In conversation with Adgully, Esha Tiwari, Founder of Kastoor, a plant-based perfumery, speaks about cultivating a supportive and inclusive environment at the workplace, fostering a harmonious balance between the work and personal life, and more.

How do you think the role and scope of women leaders have widened in the current market ecosystem?

In today’s market ecosystem, the role and scope of women leaders have significantly expanded, reflecting a global commitment towards gender equity and parity. Women are now embracing positions that were previously denied to them or overlooked entirely. Recent research indicates that having women in leadership roles is not merely a symbolic gesture, but a strategically astute move to enhance business profitability. According to new data from EY, organisations with a minimum of 30% women in leadership positions experience a remarkable 6% increase in net profit margin. Empowered by their own financial accomplishments, women are now equipped to make decisive choices that pave the way for a well-defined ‘career’ trajectory, with their sights set firmly on reaching the pinnacle of success.

What has been your major learning from the pandemic period?

During the pandemic period, one of the most profound lessons I have learned is the immense value of people. They are not just resources, but the heartbeat of any organisation or community. It is crucial to prioritise their well-being, ensuring their safety, physical health, and mental resilience. Cultivating a supportive and inclusive environment becomes paramount, where individuals feel valued, appreciated, and empowered to contribute their best. Remember, people are not only your biggest asset, but also the driving force behind overcoming challenges and thriving in times of adversity.

What is your mantra for maintaining a successful work-life balance in the new normal? According to you, what makes women the best in crisis management?

Work is still a major part of our lives and if it’s an extension of who you are and what uniquely you are offering to the world, it is very easy to consider work as your life. So, the question would not be work-life balance, but rather work life and personal life balance. I believe in fostering a harmonious balance between the work and personal life. Both aspects should be allowed to grow and thrive, enabling us to fully embrace the experiences life has to offer. One key element I emphasise on is the importance of boredom. Allowing ourselves moments of idleness and doing nothing can be rejuvenating. It provides an opportunity to detach from work-related activities and indulge in pursuits that are unrelated to our professional roles.

When it comes to crisis management, women possess a unique strength. Crisis is a reactionary situation, and understanding it holistically allows for more effective resolution, not only in the immediate moment, but also in the long run. Women bring a comprehensive perspective to the table, examining the root causes of crises and preventing their recurrence. By addressing the underlying causes, women excel at minimising the repercussions of crises and averting similar manifestations in the future. Their ability to approach crises with foresight and preventive outlook makes them exceptionally skilled crisis managers.

What are the 5 most effective leadership lessons that you have learnt?

1. As a leader, it is crucial not to pass on stress to your team members. Managing stress and creating a psychologically safe environment where individuals can thrive is your responsibility.
2. A leader’s mindset is paramount. Look beyond the obvious and identify opportunities that may not be readily visible.
3. Effective communication is key to diffusing ego-centric conversations. Encourage open and transparent dialogue, fostering an atmosphere where ideas and feedback can be freely shared.
4. While having a long-term vision is important, it is equally crucial to focus on taking small steps each day to work towards that vision. Break down your goals into manageable tasks and consistently progress towards them.
5. You don’t need to be solely a friend or a boss to your team. Instead, aim for a balanced leadership approach.

Gender sensitivity and inclusion in the new normal – how can organisations effectively encourage and groom women leaders in challenging time?

In the realm of strategic considerations, the course of time has witnessed the systematic exclusion of women. So, it’s important that we now deliberately create space for them and make sure it is not taken away. We need to understand their situation from a social and cultural perspective, instead of rushing to fill positions just for the sake of convenience and speed. Even if it gets uncomfortable, we should be willing to make that effort. We should invest resources in helping them develop their leadership skills. Women cannot be punished for the societal structure of time and safety set up by the male-dominated society for them. We really need more women in top positions, involved in decision-making and being present where important choices are being made.