Leadership, especially for women, often comes with unique challenges and opportunities. Their journeys are often marked by a blend of challenges, triumphs, and personal growth, each adding a unique layer to the broader narrative of leadership. In this heartfelt conversation with three exceptional women CXOs- Saraswathi Ramachandra, Managing Director and Country Head of Lightcast India, Ramya Parashar, COO of MiQ and Aparna C, CHRO of Torry Harris Integration Solutions, All Things Talent had the opportunity to uncover powerful insights into their journeys, leadership styles, and strategies for success.
Realising the Real Power of Sponsorship and Mentorship
Mentorship has always been a topic of interest, but these leaders shared that it wasn’t always readily available in their careers. Saraswathi Ramachandra, Managing Director and Country Head of Lightcast India admits that she didn’t have many women mentors early in her career. "I had great managers, but I didn’t realise the power of mentors and sponsors until much later. As I moved into leadership, I realised it’s about more than just doing your job, it’s about building relationships and having people who believe in your potential."
Ramya Parashar, COO of MiQ adds that she didn’t initially understand the importance of mentorship. “Mentorship was something that felt like a luxury to me back then. I didn’t know what it entailed. But when I reached the director level, I began to understand its value. I had male mentors who guided me through taking calculated risks and redefining my leadership style.”
For Aparna C, CHRO of Torry Harris Integration Solutions, mentorship came later in her career, but she has experienced the impact of strong female sponsors who supported her even in rooms where she wasn’t present. "I’ve been fortunate to have female sponsors who spoke about me when I wasn’t in the room. That support has been critical," she reflects.
During the conversation, the leaders reflected on the ‘Beyond the Glass Ceiling’ event, where women at the forefront of leadership came together to discuss what it truly takes to lead. Saraswathi emphasised that this event transcended typical networking—it was about creating a powerful, supportive community. She highlighted how invaluable it is to have trusted allies who genuinely care for you in a competitive world. Ramya, expanding on this, underscored the importance of challenging traditional leadership norms and confidently carving out one's path. Aparna added that the event’s true value lay in fostering an environment where women could openly share their struggles, creating a culture of psychological safety and mutual support.
“If You Have Earned Your Seat at the Table, Own It"
One of the most poignant topics of discussion was how these leaders maintain their authenticity while leading in environments dominated by masculine energy.
Aparna, who has had a wide range of experiences, especially in the healthcare industry, advocates for situational leadership. She explains, “A leader’s response should be adaptable to the situation. It’s not about being aggressive but about knowing when to act and how to calm others around you when emotions run high. It’s about reading the room and adjusting your approach accordingly.”
Ramya takes a more assertive approach, believing that clarity, conviction, and composure are the hallmarks of great leadership. “When you enter a room, you need clarity in thought, and you need to stand by your decisions no matter what,” she shares. She stresses that decisiveness commands respect, and women should never apologise for their presence in a room. “If you’ve earned your seat at the table, act like you belong there. Own it,” Ramya advises.
Saraswathi believes the key to success is to simply be yourself. “There’s no point in becoming another man. That space is already filled. If you try to imitate someone else, you’ll lose your essence. Leadership is about authenticity—being true to your values and your principles,” she says. Saraswathi adds that leadership styles are not gendered; they are situation-dependent, and women can bring something different to the table—emotionally intelligent leadership, an innate strength women often have.
"You Are Going to Burnout If You Don’t Like Your Work"
The topic of burnout naturally came up, and the three leaders had differing but complementary views on how to protect oneself from it while still being a powerful leader.
Saraswathi emphasised that burnout often stems from being in a toxic or uninspiring environment. “If you don’t like what you’re doing or if you’re not passionate about your work, you’re going to burn out. But if you’re working with passion and purpose, you derive energy from it,” she says.
Aparna takes a lighter, more social approach. “I work hard, but I also make sure I socialise hard. Socialising doesn’t mean meaningless networking; it means connecting with people and getting to know them on a deeper level. That’s what rejuvenates me. If I ever feel burnout coming on, I take a break, but it’s important to recharge without overloading yourself.”
"Success is More About The Impact We Create And Less About Us"
As for what defines success, Aparna views it as making a difference in someone else’s life. “It’s not about titles or money, it’s about how you can impact others, even if they aren’t directly related to you,” she shares.
Ramya’s perspective has evolved as she moved up the leadership ladder. “I used to think of success in terms of personal achievements, but now it’s more about the impact I can create and the doors I can open for others,” she says. She emphasises the importance of elevating others, regardless of gender, and creating transformational changes, especially in industries not always designed for women.
For Saraswathi, the measure of success is how she lives by her core values. “Success is not about mimicking someone else’s path. It’s about defining what’s important to you and staying true to that. Integrity, trust, and authenticity are the foundations of my leadership,” she reflects.
"Women Must Stop Waiting for Permission to Lead"
The conversation concluded with a call to action for future women leaders. The trio emphasised that women must stop waiting for permission to lead. Saraswathi advises, “We need to mentor and sponsor the next generation of women leaders. It's not about fitting into a mold created by others; it’s about reshaping leadership in our terms.”
Ramya adds, “We need to create opportunities for yourself. Nobody else will do it for you. If you want to reach the next level, go out and create those opportunities. Be the leader you want to see.”
Aparna’s parting words are both a reminder and a challenge: “We have everything we need to succeed. The only limits we have are the ones we place on ourselves.”
