Gauri L.
Ethan
“I say if I’m beautiful. I say if I’m strong.You will not determine my story—I will.”
—Amy Schumer, Comedian.
DearReaders,
AsweflipthroughthepagesofthisspecialissueofCIOWomenMagazine, “The Most Influential Women Leaders to Watch,” asenseofbothprideandanticipationwashesoverus.Prideinthe remarkablewomenfeaturedhere,whoareshatteringglassceilings,forgingnewpaths,andleavingan indeliblemarkontheirrespectivefields.Anticipation,becausethejourneysthey’veembarkedonhold thepromiseofabrighter,moreequitablefutureforall.
Thelandscapeofleadershipisundergoingamuch-neededtransformation.Womenareincreasingly takingtheirrightfulplaceatthehelm,notjustinnumbers,butintheprofoundimpactthey’remaking. FromgroundbreakingentrepreneursandCEOsredefiningindustriestopassionateactivistsfightingfor socialjustice,thestorieswesharewithinthesepagesaretestamentstothepowerofresilience, innovation,andunwaveringdedication.
Theseleadersrepresentadiversetapestryofbackgrounds,experiences,andperspectives.Yet,theyare unitedbyacommonthread:theunwaveringbeliefinthepoweroftheirvoices,theirideas,andtheir abilitytomakeadifference.Theyarebreakingdownbarriers,challengingthestatusquo,andinspiring countlessotherstofollowsuit.
Asyoudelveintotheirstories,you’llencounterpioneersintechnology,championsforsustainability, andadvocatesforpositivechange.Eachoneoffersauniqueperspectiveandawealthofinvaluable insights.Theirjourneysarefilledwithbothtriumphsandchallenges,remindingusthatthepathto leadershipisrarelysmooth,buttherewardsareimmeasurable.
Onthecoverofthemagazine,wehavefeaturedKylieVanLuyn(FounderofElevatedCoaching& Consulting).Kylieisanaccreditedpsychotherapist.SheisaHarvardBusinessSchoolgraduate, emotionalintelligencecoach,NLPmasterpractitioner,andfoundingmemberoftheInternational StrategicPsychotherapistsAssociation.Also,inthespecialprofilesection,wehavefeaturedCaitlin Bovee(OwnerofPilatesinGuelph).
We hope you have a great read!
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Anactress,singer,model,andproducerPriyankaChopraJonasisaninfluential globaliconwhoisalsoaUnitedNationsGoodwillAmbassadorandaformer MissWorld.Anactorturnedphilanthropisthasredefinedsuccessandbrokenall theboundarieswithhertalent,andrelentlesspursuitofexcellence.Priyankahas conqueredtherealmofnotonlyBollywoodbutalsoHollywood,leavingan indeliblemarkontheentertainmentindustry.Thisarticleembarksyouonthe journeyofPriyankaChopraalsoknownasDesiGirlbecomingaglobalicon,her achievements,andtheimpactofherworkattheinternationallevel.
SeriesofAchievements:
Priyanka’sjourneyfromBollywoodtoHollywoodexemplifiesherresilience, talent,andversatility.Shehasshatteredthestereotypesandredefinedsuccessby impactingattheinternationallevel.Here’sthelistofherachievements:
Priyanka Chopra Jonas, the name resonates with talent, beauty, and charisma has become one of the most successful personalities in the global entertainment industry. The former Miss World (2000) represented India in the beauty pageant and captivated the judges' attention with her poise and intelligence. This prestigious title catapulted her into the limelight and opened doors to the world of showbiz.
Following the triumph, Desi Girl started acting in Bollywood, the Indian Film Industry. “The Hero: Love Story of a Spy” was her debut lm in which she showcased her acting skills and ventured into the entertainment industry. She is known for choosing versatile roles in Hindi movies like Aitraaz, Bur, 7 Khoon Maaf, Fashion, Bajirao Mastani, Mary Kom, etc. Priyanka portrayed her acting talent with a wide range of characters in these lms for which she received great acclamation in various award functions. After establishing herself as the most successful and unique Bollywood actress, she turned to the Hollywood entertainment industry.
Inthedazzlingworldoftheenvironment,veryfew starsshinelikePriyankaChopraJonas.Her extraordinaryjourneyofbecominganinternational iconshowcasesherversatilityandpioneeringspirit. Hereareafewlifelessonsyoucanlearnfromher:
Itisaveryimportantlifelessonyoucanlearnfrom Priyankaasaccordingtoher,ifyouknowyourselfworthasaperson,youfeelempoweredandmake effortstoreachyourfullestpotentialandcapabilities. Shehascreatedandcultivatedalifeofhappiness throughherphilanthropicactivitiesandentertaining peoplethroughheruniqueactingskills.Priyanka exemplifiesthatsenseofself-worthistherootcause ofherhappiness.
Thelongestrelationshipyouhaveiswithyourself
Priyankalooksuptoherparentsasthemostinfluential peopleinherlifewhilegrowingup.Shehada meaningfulrelationshipwithherfather,andthat’swhy shewasdeeplyaffectedwhenhepassedaway.During suchtoughtimes,shelearnedthatitisacrucialthing tobuildahealthyrelationshipwithyourself.By choosingyourselfoveranythingelse,youdon’tallow otherstodictateyourlife.Shestatedthisfactwhile shootinghermovie,TheWhiteTiger
TheactresstiedtheknotwithNickJonasin 2018whenshewas36yearsoldandhewas 25yearsold.Theagegapbetweenbothof themhasneverstoppedherfromowningher relationshipwithhim.Furthermore,she becameamotherinherlate30sand symbolizedthatageisjustanumber.Despite beingatthepeakofhercareer,Priyanka Choprastoodupforacceptingmotherhood throughsurrogacyandsaidthereisnoperfect timetobecomeamother.
Priyankaisthemostsuitableactresswhocan provethephrase,“Skyisthelimit”.Her careergrowthisthebestillustrationof crossingyourboundaries.Shestartedher journeyasanactressinBollywoodandright nowrulingtheheartsofpeoplelikeno actressdidbefore.Thoughshechosetowork inHollywood,sheneverforgotherrootsand representedtheIndianculturewithfullof graceandhumbleness.Shetaughtthattaking risksisanessentialfactorinyourlifeandby this,yougettoopengatesfornew opportunities.
Priyanka’sentrepreneurialspirithas manifestedinherventuresoutsidethe entertainmentindustry.Shehasbeenin thelimelightduetohermarriagetothe AmericansingerandactorNickJonas. Theirmarriagehasbeenseenasacrossculturaluniontocelebratetheloveto transcendgeographicalboundaries.Her fansadmirehereffortsandthestruggle shemadethroughoutthejourney.She continuestoblazeforupcomingactors. Additionally,shecontinuedtobeinthe newsduetoherbabydaughterMalti MarieChopraJonaswhowasconceived throughasurrogate.Thecoupleenjoying familyholidaysonworld-famous beachesandresortshavecapturedmajor applauseontheinternet.
Onceatasocialevent,PriyankaChopra said,“Itdoesn’tmatterwhosedaughter youare.Itdoesn’tmatterwhoyoumarry Youwillbefinanciallyindependent.”The abilitytosupportoneselffinanciallyfor day-to-dayexpensesistheforemost importantthinginthepathof empowerment.InIndiansociety,ithas beentaughtthathomemakingisthe primaryjobofwomen,andachieving careergoalsisthesecondaryone.She startedworkingwhenshewas17years oldandhermothersupportedher, however,sheasksthatnobodyshould waitforsomeonetosaythatthisisthe opportunityanddoit.Youshouldflyon yourown.
Thedynamicsofwomen’sleadershiphavechangedsignificantlyoverthepastfewdecades.Withthechangingviews
andawarenessregardingwomen’sinclusion,morewomenarebeingrepresentedathighermanagementpositions acrossdifferentindustries.Whilethisisapositivesignforwomenempowerment,ithasgivenrisetocompetition amongwomenleaders.Tothriveinthiscompetition,today’sleadersneedtopossessseveralqualitiesthataredifferentfrom theirpeers.
Expressingherviewsontheidealqualitiesofawomanleadertoday,KylieVanLuyn(FounderofElevatedCoaching& Consulting)says, “Because of the unique challenges faced by women leaders, they need to possess effective communication skills, empathy, resilience, adaptability, and the ability to inspire and motivate others.”
Kylieisanaccreditedpsychotherapist.SheisaHarvardBusinessSchoolgraduate,emotionalintelligencecoach,NLPmaster practitioner,andfoundingmemberoftheInternationalStrategicPsychotherapistsAssociation.ShehasaMaster’s qualificationinHumanResourcesandleadership.Moreover,sheisanaccreditedHumanRightsConsultant.HerfirstcoauthoredbookwaspublishedinApril2023,“8QualitiesforGreatLeadership:CriticalElementsforCurrentandFuture Success.”
Kylieadds, “I am the Founder and a visionary, so I dream big and my team of amazing professionals often execute and integrate my big ideas!”
Asapartofthebusinessconsultancyservices,ElevatedCoaching&Consultingprovidestailoredworkplacediversity, equity,inclusion,andpsychologicalsafetyconsulting.AnewElevatedWorkplacetrainingprogramisdevelopedtosupport teams,leaders,andorganizationstodevelopgreaterawarenessofcreatingmoreinclusiveandpsychologicallysafe workplaces.Thecompanypartnerswithbusinessownersandleadersacrossthenon-profit,private,andpublicsectorstoset andexecuteaclearstrategythatdrivestransformationandmaintainsacompetitiveedge.Someservicesarelistedasfollows:
Elevated Coaching & Consulting has enormous experience in the non-prot sector and offers a range of specialist support services. These include organizational transformation and change management, grant writing, person-centered program design, vicarious trauma training, and Elevated Mindset® for job seekers and non-prot case managers. It also offers a range of training programs to support divrsity, equity, and inclusion including:
A coaching option for everyone: from high school graduates to people exploring a new career path. The company has extensive experience in delivering tailored and results-driven career coaching to individuals, adopting a strengths-based and solutions-focused approach.
The company works closely with leaders across all industries and levels of management to support, empower, and develop crucial leadership skills.
As Master NLP Practitioners, Psychotherapists, and Coaches, Elevated Coaching & Consulting, adopts Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques and processes to address limiting beliefs. It supports people in understanding their behaviors, establishes boundaries, and improves customers’ emotional intelligence. The company helps in achieving goals and fullling one’s potential by imbibing more condence, selfbelief, and clarity in the customer’s abilities.
It also coaches individuals, specically youngsters. The people living with disabilities, migrants, refugees, and women who are returning to the workforce or in need of coaching and pre-employment support to help them launch their businesses or pursue meaningful and sustainable employment.
Kyliebootstrappedthecompany andhasnotgotanyloansonherto date.Thelackofaccesstofunding isarealchallengeforwomen entrepreneursandbusinessowners. Womenoftenstruggletosecure fundingfortheirbusinesses,dueto factorssuchasbiasfrominvestors andalackofaccesstonetworks thatcanhelpthemandfunding.To overcometheobstacle,Kyliehas alternativesourcesoffunding throughgrants,allocatedby corporationsandtheGovernment tosupportwomen-owned businesses.Shefacedchallenges whileexpandingtotheUSmarket aswell.Thesechallengesinclude thedifferenttaxationsystems, legislation,compliance,and regulations.Itwastoughbuther strongprofessionalnetworkwith trustedbusinesspartnerschanged thegameforher
ForKylie,havingaclearvision alignedwiththecompany’svalues whilelivingandbreathingthe purposeeverydayisalongstandingsuccess.Shealsohasan amazingteamthatbelievesinthe visionandmissionofthecompany Theteamisdriventomakea differencetotheworldandthelives ofothers,whichisthesecretto success.
ElevatedCoaching&Consultingoffersonline andvirtualsessionsoftheworkshops, training,andcoachingprograms.Itensuresall peoplewhowantaccesstotheservicesand supportcandoitvirtually.Italsooffersthe opportunityforconsultingclientstoengagein thesessionsvirtually
Theexpansionplansarealignedwithmeeting industry,partner,orclient’sneeds.Itisalso informedbyidentifyinggapsinthemarket, andviaresearchandclientfeedback.Kylie wasawareofthegapsandneedintheUS marketforacombinedfocusonDEI. Psychologicalsafetytraining,consulting,and leadershipcoachingwereincorporatedinto theUSexpansionandserviceofferings.
Shealsoidentifiedagapinearlyintervention disabilityawarenessandinclusionatthe elementaryschoollevel.Incollaborationwith herteam,KyliecreatedtheUniquelyUs programtobedeliveredinschoolsacrossthe US.Similarly,inAustraliainpartnershipwith anationalNon-profit,theteamidentifieda needtodesignapre-employmentprogram supportingmigrantwomenintosustainable employmentusingapositivepsychology model.Shedesignedtheprogram,appliedfor grantfundingandthecompanywon,the programisstillbeingdeliveredinits2nd year.
Regularmeetingsareheldwithpartners, clients,Governmentdepartments,and legislatorstotacklechangingcustomer demands.Thecompanyalsodoesalotof marketresearchtomakesuretheservice offeringsremainrelevantandmeetthe changingneedsoftheclients.
Kylie values every one of her employees and ensures that she conveys her appreciation and gratitude to them regularly. For her, it is important to empower, support, and encourage the team members and treat everyone as equals. She emphasizes the well-being and development of her team and understands how crucial it is to foster a supportive work environment where everyone can thrive.
The positive and unique team culture includes:
Kylie says, “Don’t let fear of failing hold you back from starting your journey as an entrepreneur. Feel the fear and do it anyway! We all have limiting beliefs and lack condence at times, but it is better to have tried than to never know.
Embrace resilience and tenacity in the face of challenges. Surround yourself with a supportive network, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and leverage your unique skills, experiences, and perspectives to achieve success.”
Kylie has had some great achievements over the years. Here they are:
2022
Elevated Coaching & Consulting was named an Australian State nalist in the Outstanding Start-Up category.
2019
Australian State Business Women’s Awards Finalist in the For Purpose & Social Enterprise category for her work empowering women from refugee backgrounds across Australia.
March 2023
Named one of the Top 10 Inuential Female Entrepreneurs
December 2023
Named as a Women of Inuence Finalist for her work in empowering women on their career journey.
Q. As a woman leader, what has been the biggest challenge in your career? Have you ever confronted any gender-related barriers?
A.Genderbias!Beingasingleworkingmotherwaschallenging,Ifacedalotofdiscrimination throughoutmycareerasaleaderbecauseIwasasingleworkingmother. Womenoftenfacegenderbiasintheworkplaceandbusiness,whichcanaffecttheircareerprogression andlimittheiropportunities.Toovercomethisobstacle,Ihavefoundthatit’simportanttobeawareof genderbiasesandtochallengethemwheneverpossible,Icertainlyhave!Thiscanincludespeakingup inmeetings,advocatingforyourself,andseekingoutmentorsandsponsorswhocansupportyour businessandcareergrowth.
Q. How do you ensure women’s inclusion and empowerment in your organization?
A.Iwalkthetalkwhenitcomestoempoweringwomenandcreatingdiverseandinclusiveworkplaces. Thisincludespromotinggenderdiversityinhiring,providingmentorshipandleadershipdevelopment programs,fosteringacultureofequalopportunities,andregularlyassessingandaddressinganygenderrelateddisparities.Bycreatingasupportiveandinclusiveenvironment,weaimtoempowerwomenat alllevelswithinourorganization.
Q. What is your definition of feminism?
A.Frommyperspective,feminismisthebeliefinandadvocacyfortheequalityofthesexes.It’sabout dismantlingsocietalbarriersthatlimitopportunitiesbasedongender,promotinginclusivity,and ensuringthateveryindividual,regardlessofgender,hasthefreedomtopursuetheiraspirationsand choiceswithoutdiscrimination.
Q. Whom do you look up to as a source of inspiration and why? (You can name any woman leader that inspired you)
A.Iaminspiredbywomenleaderswhostandforsomething,andwhousetheirvoicestomakeachange intheworld.Iaminspiredbywomenwhoempowerandinspireotherwomenandgirlsbysharingtheir storiesandwhohaveovercomechallengesandadversity,lightingthewayforgirlsandwomenwhoare perhapsexperiencingsimilarchallenges.
AfewwomenleaderswhoinspiremeincludeMelindaGates,AngelaMerkel,MichelleObama,Amal Clooney,andSherylSandberg.
Thesewomenhavedemonstratedexceptionalleadershipskills,resilience,andimpactintheirrespective fields.
Q. Beyond the cabin, how do you ensure a perfect work-life balance?
A.Thereisnosuchthingasperfect!Iprefertoworktowardswork/lifeintegrationandharmonyinstead ofbalance.Ifocusonself-care,goodnutrition,regularexercise,maintainingagrowthmindset,and prioritizingfamilytime.IfocusonmaintainingmyenergyandammindfulofwhatprojectsIinvestmy timeandenergyin.
Intoday’sdynamicandever-evolvingprofessionallandscape,womenare increasinglybreakingbarriersandascendingtoleadershiprolesinmanagement. Whileconsiderableprogresshasbeenmadeinachievinggenderdiversity, womeninmanagementstillfaceuniquechallenges.Tosucceedandadvance theircareers,itisessentialforwomeninmanagementtoemployeffective strategiesthatcatertotheiruniqueneedsandcircumstances.Inthisarticle,we willexplorekeystrategiesandinsightsforwomeninmanagementseekingto climbthecorporateladderandthriveinleadershiproles.
Oneofthefundamentalpillarsforcareeradvancementisconfidence.Womenin managementshouldcultivateandprojectself-assurednessintheirabilitiesand decisions.Confidencenotonlyaffectspersonalwell-beingbutalsoinfluences howothersperceiveyou.Toboostyourconfidence:
a)AssertiveCommunication:Effectivecommunicationisvitalforwomenin management.Beclearandassertiveinyourverbalandwrittencommunication. Speakupinmeetingsandshareyourthoughts,ideas,andconcernsconfidently.
b)Self-Promotion:Womenoftentendtodownplaytheiraccomplishments. Instead,celebrateyourachievementsandmakesureyourcontributionsare recognized.Don’tshyawayfrompromotingyourworkandachievementswithin theorganization.
c)MentorshipandNetworking:Seekoutmentors,bothmaleandfemale,who canprovideguidanceandsupport.Networkingwithinandoutsideyour organizationcanhelpyougaininsights,accessopportunities,andbuildastrong supportsystem.
Managementpositionsrequirestrong leadershipskills.Womenin managementshouldactivelyworkon honingtheirleadershipabilitiesto excelintheirroles.Leadership developmentstrategiesinclude:
ContinuousLearning:Stayupdated withindustrytrendsandleadership bestpractices.Enrollinleadership developmentprograms,workshops, andseminarstoenhanceyourskills andknowledge.
SeekFeedback:Beopentofeedback fromcolleagues,superiors,and subordinates.Constructivefeedback canhelpyouidentifyareasfor improvementandrefineyour leadershipstyle.
LeadbyExample:Effectiveleaders demonstratethevaluesandbehaviors theyexpectfromtheirteams.By settingapositiveexample,womenin managementcaninspireandmotivate theiremployees.
Womeninmanagementoftenfacespecific challengesthatcanhindertheircareer progression.Itisimportanttoacknowledge thesechallengesandadoptstrategiestoaddress them:
Work-LifeBalance:Balancingcareerand personallifecanbedemanding.Establishclear boundaries,delegatetaskswhenpossible,and makeuseofflexibleworkarrangementsto managethisjugglingacteffectively
CombatGenderBias:Womeninmanagement shouldactivelychallengeandcombatgender biasintheworkplace.Addressingbiasesand stereotypescancreateamoreinclusiveand equitableenvironmentforallemployees.
NegotiationSkills:Negotiationskillsare crucialforcareeradvancement.Womenshould nothesitatetonegotiateforsalary,benefits,and promotions.Learningeffectivenegotiation techniquescanhelpbridgethegenderpaygap.
Settingandpursuingclearcareergoalsis essentialforprofessionaladvancement.Women inmanagementshouldtaketimetodefinetheir goalsandestablisharoadmaptoachievethem. Strategiesforgoalsettinginclude:
a)Short-TermandLong-TermObjectives: Breakdownyourgoalsintoshort-termandlongtermobjectives.Thisapproachhelpsyou maintainfocusandtrackyourprogress.
b)ProfessionalDevelopmentPlan:Createa professionaldevelopmentplanthatoutlinesthe skills,experiences,andknowledgeyouneedto reachyourgoals.Regularlyupdatethisplanas youprogressinyourcareer.
c)SeekoutChallengingOpportunities:Don’t shyawayfromchallengingassignmentsor projects.Takingonnewresponsibilitiesand pushingyourboundariescanleadtopersonal andprofessionalgrowth.
Promotingdiversityandinclusioninthe workplacebenefitseveryone.Womenin managementcanplayasignificantrolein advancingdiversityefforts.Keystrategies include:
MentorshipandSponsorship:Womencan mentorandsponsorotherwomen,especially thoseatearlierstagesoftheircareers. Providingguidanceandadvocatingfortheir advancementcanhavealastingimpact.
DiverseHiringPractices:Encourage diversehiringpracticeswithinyour organization.Ensurethatrecruitmentand promotiondecisionsarebasedonmeritand acommitmenttodiversity
InclusiveLeadership:Leadbyexamplein fosteringaninclusiveculturewithinyour teamordepartment.Encourageopen dialogueandbereceptivetodiverse perspectives.
Resilienceisavitalqualityforanyoneseeking careeradvancement.Womeninmanagement,like theirmalecounterparts,mayencountersetbacksand obstacles.Strategiesforbuildingresilienceinclude:
a)DevelopCopingStrategies:Identifyhealthy copingstrategiesfordealingwithstressand setbacks.Thesemayincludemeditation,exercise, orseekingsupportfromfriendsandcolleagues.
b)LearnfromFailures:Insteadofdwellingon failures,viewthemasopportunitiesforgrowthand learning.Analyzewhatwentwrongandhowyou canimproveinthefuture.
c)MaintainaPositiveOutlook:Cultivatea positivemindset.Focusonyourachievementsand theprogressyou’vemadeinyourcareer,evenwhen facedwithchallenges.
Women in management have made remarkable strides in the professional world, but there is still work to be done to achieve gender equity in leadership roles. By adopting the strategies outlined in this guide, women can advance their careers, overcome challenges, and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
Confidence, leadership development, effective navigation of workplace challenges, promoting diversity and inclusion, setting clear goals, and fostering resilience are all essential components of a successful career journey for women in management. Embracing these strategies can lead to not only personal growth but also positive change within organizations and the broader business community.
