The W-Suite | Women leaders still targeted over petty issues: Ambika Sharma

With a rapidly evolving business and economic landscape there is a dire requirement of fresh thinking, new skill sets, greater flexibility & adaptability, more collaboration as well as the ability to think on one’s feet. 

Diversity in the workforce has become a necessity today, and more so in the leadership positions. It can’t be denied that women bring a high level of creativity and empathy while solving problems and handling crises. Women leaders bring to the table a different level of dexterity. 

AdGully’s ‘The W-Suite’ series features interactions with influential women leaders in India, who share some deep insights on what being a woman leader means in India’s business landscape, the mantras to succeed, achieving work-life balance, pay parity and much more. 

As Founder & Managing Director of Pulp Strategy, a full service hybrid agency in the realm of tech enabled, digital and Interactive marketing, Ambika Sharma leads a team of inspired strategists who motivate brands to identify the right marketing executions online, on mobile and offline; create consumer conversations and long term engagement platforms which enable consumers to transition from buyers to customers. 

A science student who went on to study Shakespeare and a software developer who studied advertising, Sharma is also an avid biker and rides the Suzuki GSX–R1000 and Harley Davidson Road King.

What defines a woman leader in today’s ecosystem?
A woman leader in today’s day and age is someone who is the best version of herself in any situation, be it professionally or personally. A leader who sets benchmarks and leads by example. It is not important what field of what role professionally or even personally. A leader pushes the limits of self and then ensures she mentors those who follow to learn, grow and be more. 

Why do you think a smaller percentage of women than men reach the top of their professions?
The pyramid is narrower, fewer women than men in the work force at an entry level, and thus fewer at the top. It’s not all so simplistic though. A lot of women make the choice to drop out, focus on family, feel a greater responsibility than their spouse towards home management. The social structure has also contributed. Since people are not accustomed to seeing woman in the position of authority, they are circumspect of their ability to lead, which in turn reflects adversely on their career growth. These factors collectively result in a smaller percentage of women in higher positions. 

Women, however, have proven time and again that, when given an opportunity, they can not only match, but also easily outperform their male counterparts in a professional setting. They are more willing to take proactive initiatives and are excelling in all spheres of life. We are already seeing more women business leaders today than there were a decade ago. The professional glass ceiling is constantly being shattered, and the day isn’t far when it will vanish. 

Do you think women leaders are still scrutinised as much for style as for substance?
Yes, they are. This has both a positive and a flip side. While on the one hand we have more women business leaders in the spotlight that they deserve, on the other, we are at a risk of further reinforcing the stereotype that they owe their professional success more to their style statements than they do to the hard work that they have put in. I think in general it’s a social influence, to scrutinise women for stereotype expectations, for example, cooking. 

Do you think the leadership effectiveness of women is higher than men? Why?
Due to the glass ceiling prevalent in today’s business ecosystem, women have to overcome more challenges to reach the same social stature, compared to men. But in every challenge is an opportunity; the hurdles that they face give them a chance to polish their skills, enabling them to deliver results despite difficulties and adverse situations. So, even if they have an equal professional stature, a woman is more likely to have showcased a higher level of personal and professional leadership to attain the same level of success, making them much more adept and effective as business leaders. 

Women leaders in the 80’s and 90’s and women leaders today - what are the key differences? And what are the things that haven't changed much?
One of the biggest differences that I see is the change in perception. Earlier, women leaders stayed limited within their demarcated social territory and looked towards society as the facilitator and approver of their actions and deeds. Women today have become more independent and outspoken. There’s hardly anything that a man can do today and a woman cannot. However, despite the progress that is made, women leaders, including prominent celebrities, are still targeted over petty issues. This is something which comes across as a huge disappointment. 

How do you maintain a balance between career goals and family responsibilities? How frequently do you have to sacrifice one for the other?
I don’t believe that anyone should sacrifice anything, ever, especially women. You just have to maintain the adequate balance between things and ensure that you’re giving your hundred percent to whatever you’re doing, be it work or family. This is exactly what it is called ‘work-life balance’. 

Do you think pay parity exists in our corporates today across levels? What about pay parity at the leadership levels?
Pay parity is only observed in a handful of companies. Otherwise, there’s a considerable inequality in the pay scale of men and women, even in leading global organisations. 

What would be your advice to women aiming for the C-suite?
Your triumph will only come through hard work, dedication, and an uncompromising attitude towards achieving your goals. Fight like a winner, and always remember you’re up against a prevalent social structure, not any gender or person. 

What, according to you, are the 3 important lessons new women leaders need to learn?
Firstly and most importantly, never give up. There will be times when you will feel like giving into all the pressure building up on you. Resist it. Just remember why you started at the first place, the wonders that you’ve made possible in your journey, and face the challenge head-on. 

It also pays to constantly work on your skillset. Your skills are going to be a strong determiner while climbing the corporate ladder; you should focus on improving them as much as you can. Above all, neither compromise nor give anyone a room for any kind of excuse throughout your professional journey.