‘Having access to mentors is invaluable for aspiring women leaders’

Women have played a huge role in shaping the communications industry, even if their stories haven't always been at front. The industry has several remarkable women whose talent shape our world, often blending empathy with innovation in ways that make communication more real, more inclusive, and more powerful for everyone.

So, to celebrate the spirit of the women leaders who are breaking barriers in the PR and Corp Comm industry, exchange4media launched the 5th edition of e4m Women Achievers' Awards 2024. The awards honoured the remarkable contributions of numerous incredible women leaders, achievers, and trendsetters who have shattered glass ceilings, overcome challenges, and paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse future in the PR and Comms Industry. 

In this series, we honour and celebrate the achievements of Niti Thakur, Director, Team Step Up. She was bestowed with the ‘Emerging leader in PR’ award at the e4m PR & Corp Comm Women Achievers' Awards 2024. 

Excerpts:

How has been your journey in the communications industry? Share your experiences and challenges as a woman leader.

My journey as a communicator has been different and exciting in its own way. With its fair share of ups and downs, I tend to believe that every setback taught me valuable lessons and every achievement motivated me further to do better. While I did encounter certain challenges along the way, I never let them affect my confidence and determination. I realised early on that ‘having it all’ is a myth and often clashes with the real demands of being in a leadership role. Over the course of time, I learned the need to prioritise and understand what needs to be catered to at the moment, whether it’s a work deadline or a personal commitment.

Moreover, there were systemic hurdles that I had to navigate. My career progression was not straightforward, and I did not have access to the opportunities I deserved. Experiences like these taught me the power of advocating for oneself. I had to push hard, demonstrate my value time and again and proactively make efforts to showcase my capabilities.

I truly believe that having access to mentors is invaluable for aspiring women leaders as they get the required guidance and support for pursuing leadership. I often struggled in several situations in the absence of a mentor and proper guidance.

But I have been able to succeed in my professional journey and overcome all the challenges that came my way with the support of my spouse. I attribute my success to him and the hardworking teams that I have worked with.

What shifts and transformations have you observed for women in the workplace over the last few decades, and what do you think still needs improvement?

Over the course of time, there have been certain transformations for women in the workplace. The most evident shift has been a growing preference and acceptance of flexible working opportunities. Accelerated by COVID-19, this trend has become a norm ever since. This is a great opportunity for employees, especially the female workforce, to manage their work and stay productive without the pressure to go to their workplaces daily.

There has also been a growing awareness of prioritising mental health and its impact on overall well-being. Nowadays, organisations and employees engage in open conversations around the importance of mental health. It’s heartening to see companies investing in mental health programmes for their employees, offering access to resources, support and medical assistance when needed. For women, this is particularly beneficial as they often have to shoulder the dual responsibility of their work and home.

While efforts are being made in the right direction, we certainly need to push boundaries to create a more equitable, supportive and nurturing work environment. Flexibility should no longer be an option but a part of the workplace dynamics. It's time to address the unconscious biases that hold women back from having access to leadership opportunities and give them the opportunities that they deserve.

What are the most important skills and qualities that women leaders need to succeed in the PR and comms industry?

Particularly, in the PR and comms industry, unforeseen situations are a part and parcel of the journey and women leaders need to be strong headed to be able to deal with the challenges. The first essential skill that women leaders should have is resilience. It provides the strength to push forward and achieve the desired goals, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. Another must-have trait in today’s unpredictable environment is adaptability. The ability to adjust to changing circumstances, embrace new technologies and navigate complexities is essential for success. 

I also believe that self-confidence and assertiveness are equally essential skill sets in women leaders. As great communicators, having the confidence to own up to mistakes and take up leadership roles at the right time is essential. It is this self-confidence and motivation that empower women leaders to make decisions that shape their careers.

What suggestions would you give to companies who want to attract and retain more women in leadership positions?

I strongly feel we need more women's representation in leadership positions. To ensure this, companies need to address systemic barriers and create a culture where women can thrive. There is also a greater need to recognise and reward their performance fairly. This means implementing transparent promotion processes, providing access to leadership programmes and actively mentoring women with high potential.

We also need to address the unconscious, unintentional biases that exist in workplaces and can influence hiring decisions, performance evaluations and promotion opportunities. Companies should actively invest in training and leadership mentoring programmes to raise awareness of these biases and equip managers to make strategic decisions. Most importantly, we need to continue to create a work culture that’s supportive and inclusive. It’s about creating a safe space where women can comfortably speak up, share their ideas, express their opinions, etc. We need to focus on offering flexible work arrangements and ensure that work-life balance is valued and respected.

Increasing the women talent pool requires a strategic approach and a true commitment to creating an equitable and supportive workplace where employees have all the support to reach their full potential.

What advice would you offer to young women who are starting their careers in the communications industry?

My piece of advice to young women starting off their careers in the communications industry would be not to let stereotypes limit their growth. The communications landscape is constantly evolving, and one has to always be motivated to learn, adapt and thrive. Another suggestion for aspiring women communication professionals would be to never be hesitant to make mistakes. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth. View failures not as defeats but as valuable lessons that help you refine your skills and develop resilience.

Most importantly, passion is your greatest asset. The communications industry is highly dynamic and demanding. But at the same time, it's equally rewarding and fulfilling. If you find joy in the work you do, you’ll never view it as a job but as an opportunity where you have the freedom to follow your dreams and build a progressive career.

Lastly, how do you feel as a winner of the 5th edition e4m PR & Corp Comm Women Achievers Awards 2024?

It’s an honour to be recognised as the winner of the 5^th edition of e4m PR & Corp Comm Women Achievers Awards 2024. Being felicitated with this prestigious industry award is particularly meaningful to me because I am the first working woman in my family and, subsequently, the first working mother. I am proud of the journey I have had in the industry so far, and I hope it serves as an example for others that pursuing professional aspirations while embracing personal commitments is indeed possible.

This award is a reminder that with hard work, perseverance and a strong faith in yourself, anything is possible. I embrace both my achievements and mistakes, both the milestones and the setbacks, knowing that every experience contributes to my growth as a leader.