The Executive Playbook for Tech Disruption
Preparing for Technological Disruption: The Executive Playbook for the Future In an era where change is the only constant, technological disruption has emerged as a
"No Glass Ceiling. Just Blue Sky". I must admit, Marcy Blochowiak’s book title summarizes my thoughts well! It may be an aspirational statement anywhere in the world, particularly in India, but I would like it to remain on the table.
It is well known that the focus on Women Leadership is driven primarily by two strong pillars - The Business (CEO’s Office) and The Function (HR). It is moving due to pressure from the global eco system from a "good to have" to a "must have". Diversity is increasingly a business imperative that is being watched by both the shareholders and the Board. With this hawk eye, it is not surprising that these pillars are focusing even more extensively on this space.
India is relatively young as far as corporate Women Leadership is concerned, but has played an excellent catch up, by moving quickly forward to be aligned to global counterparts. India’s history with regard to women has been mixed – in the past, women have been worshipped as goddesses, burnt for dowry, killed at or before birth with appalling cases of female infanticide, but things are changing so rapidly, we almost feel we are living in two Indias. From a cultural, social and economic angle, women have put up with much adversity in the past, and sadly some still face huge challenges today. From adversity to diversity now, however! The past is moving away, and the future is a dazzling catch up. Women are moving center stage as political, social and economic beings. While remaining conscious and wary of our history, looking forward and embracing our empowerment is critical.
We have produced some stupendous Women CEOs and CXO level leaders, but they are still not standard issue in India, as perhaps they are in the West. But things are getting better. The pressure on this space comes not only from the Indian set up, but the global headquarters as well, and what is good news is the level of internalization that is taking place in the top ranks of management. Male stakeholders are one of the biggest supporters in the corporate structure of today.
I must admit that there is primarily a focus on the larger corporations in the context of this article - the MNC or large Indian corporates, particularly the IT Majors. That may be kept in mind, as a lot still needs to be done in the SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) space. The Glass Ceiling is typically a phrase that makes most people, especially women (and I must say, that includes me) - many roll their eyes and cringe, as it is such a cliché ! However, like many clichés, I must admit that it has a significant element of truth and foundation.
In India, there are several factors that are impelling senior women leaders to break through the so- called Glass Ceiling:
My thought is that one way or the other, the next 5 years is going to be an interesting place for senior women leaders in the corporate world in India. We are going to see an increasing number make it to the top, and what is more important and critical is that they will stay there.
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Priya Chetty-Rajagopal
Vice President & Client Partner, Stanton Chase International
Priya is a very well known industry figure in Bangalore. As the head of Corporate Practice, her focus with Stanton Chase Bangalore is to implement a non IT focus in a completely IT-oriented city. A member of Stanton Chase International’s Business Excellence Committee, Priya has also played a large role in establishing its Global Diversity Practice. She has successfully led Chief Executive Officer level search assignments for a diverse selection of companies in India.
Preparing for Technological Disruption: The Executive Playbook for the Future In an era where change is the only constant, technological disruption has emerged as a
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