Insights into the future of gender-equal leadership

Meet Petula Sankarsingh — speaker, podcaster, author, and entrepreneur amplifying women voices. Sankarsingh shared her insights with TalentNeuron on the importance of gender balance and diversity in leadership positions, highlighting their impact on decision-making, equal opportunities, and societal representation. She also discussed the challenges and opportunities the next generation of leaders faces, including technological disruption, climate change, globalization, and the growing demand for inclusivity and mental health awareness.

Q: How do you view the importance of gender balance and diversity, especially within leadership positions?

Firstly, diverse perspectives lead to better decision-making. When people from various backgrounds and experiences are present, it opens avenues for innovative ideas and creative problem-solving.

Secondly, it’s about fairness and equal opportunity. Everyone, regardless of gender, deserves the chance to contribute their skills and talents in leadership roles. When these positions are dominated by one gender, it not only limits individual opportunities but also narrows the scope of leadership styles and approaches.

Lastly, representation matters. Seeing leaders who look like them can inspire confidence and ambition in others from similar backgrounds. It helps break down stereotypes and encourages more inclusivity at all levels of society.

So, to sum it up, gender balance and diversity in leadership are vital for better decision-making, equal opportunity, and creating a more inclusive and representative society.

Q: What unique challenges and opportunities do you foresee for the next generation of leaders?

Challenges

• Technological disruption. The pace of technological advancement is only increasing, presenting challenges to adapting business models, ensuring cybersecurity, and managing the impact of automation on jobs.
• Climate change and sustainability. Leaders must address the urgent need for sustainable practices in all sectors to mitigate climate change and its effects on economies and societies.
• Globalization and geopolitical uncertainty. With globalization comes interconnectedness and challenges in navigating complex international relations, trade agreements, and geopolitical tensions.
• Demands for diversity and inclusion. Leaders will be under increased pressure to foster diverse and inclusive workplaces as a moral imperative for business success.
• Mental health and well-being. Awareness and understanding of mental health are growing, and leaders should create environments that support employee well-being.

Opportunities

• Innovation and entrepreneurship. The next generation has unprecedented access to technology and information, which provides opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship on a global scale.
• Remote work and flexibility. The shift towards remote work opens up possibilities for more flexible work arrangements, allowing for better work-life balance and talent acquisition from anywhere in the world.
• Social impact. There’s a strong emphasis on corporate social responsibility and purpose-driven businesses. Leaders can make a significant impact by aligning business goals with societal and environmental needs.
• Collaboration and connectivity. Digital platforms allow leaders to connect with experts and collaborators worldwide, facilitating knowledge sharing and global partnerships.
• Adaptability and lifelong learning. The pace of change means leaders must be adaptable and committed to continuous learning. Embracing new skills and ideas will be essential for success.

Q: How have you built and sustained your confidence in a leadership role within the business?

Building and sustaining confidence in a leadership role within the business is a multifaceted process. It commences with a deep understanding of oneself, including strengths, weaknesses, and values. Continuous learning keeps leaders agile and informed, while setting clear goals provides direction and purpose. Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth cultivates resilience and confidence in handling adversity.

Seeking feedback from peers and team members fosters self-awareness and improvement. Celebrating achievements is crucial, as it boosts morale and reinforces leaders’ belief in their abilities.

Leading by example, maintaining open communication, and building trust within the team are also important. A supportive network of mentors and advisors offers guidance and encouragement. Reflecting on experiences and adapting strategies based on lessons learned ensures continuous growth and development.

Q: Can you share any mistakes you’ve encountered in your professional journey?

Common mistakes can significantly impact career progression and personal satisfaction in the professional world. One major error is poor communication, leading to misunderstandings and inefficient teamwork. Additionally, avoiding feedback and over-committing can result in stagnation and burnout.

• Failing to network limits opportunities, while resistance to change can render one’s skills obsolete.
• Poor time management and neglecting professional development further exacerbate these issues, hindering productivity and growth.
• Ignoring work-life balance is another critical mistake, often leading to burnout.
• Setting clear goals and seeking help when needed are essential practices often overlooked.

Learning from these pitfalls and actively working to avoid them can lead to a more successful and fulfilling career.