Naina Lal Kidwai

“We need to push the limits of achievement and better our performance all the time. I think we should be ‘engaged’ in the profession of our choice rather than just ‘work hard’ in our chosen work area. We need to literally set ourselves on fire with our objectives”

“We need to be passionate and driven to achieve any goal we choose”

“What also helped was the trusted network of resources – the experts and advisors – I could access, who guided and helped me navigate the situation. They took my calls and they stepped in when we needed them”

“What helped was a strong sense of ownership and intuition. I had read somewhere that intuition is just hundreds of experiences blended; and that gave me confidence to trust my gut. I had been in tough situations before, and I leaned on that experience”

“What’s better now is that there are more women in the workforce. And as more women go through their careers, make their voices heard, things begin to change. Women providing inputs and having these conversations do drive change. There are also more women in leadership roles – that also helps bring additional perspective to the larger organization”

“Having good advisors and mentors to turn to, who are senior and more experienced helped at the beginning. And then I learnt that I don’t have to have all the answers. I made it a point to assemble the best teams, to seek out information, build networks, and look outside. That curiosity and willingness to learn were crucial – it brought people in versus keeping them out. And then things built from there. and standing in for me as we both navigated our careers. My bond with my sister, our kids – these are the most precious gifts”

“I have had as many good male bosses as bad ones, and it will always be the case that there will be individuals who in their own right are fabulous human beings and great leaders; and individuals who may be smart but are not such good leaders, whether men or women. And I think we have to just take the good and the bad as it goes. You cannot typecast men and women leaders once you’re at that level”

“I don’t think that has gone away completely because we still represent other women, not just ourselves as individuals in our careers as we go. So, that pressure is something one just gets used to living with. And that scrutiny never ends, so when you fall, you are noticed much more than when you succeed. Though fortunately, that too gets noticed”

“Women feel more guilt as compared to men while taking that decision. At the core of it all is guilt. Women need more support systems”

“It's taken for granted that the son will inherit the business but now the daughter in the family will also get a chance to prove her mettle. And this may have a positive impact on succession planning in the future”

“The rule says a 'minimum of one woman' director but I think the ideal number will be two. This will help women have a stronger voice on the board”

“Many women directors tell me it hasn't been easy but they are enjoying it. And in many instances, men have been very encouraging - which is a good sign”

“During my stint in the corporate world, I have always felt men are better than women at marketing themselves. Thats why women need that little extra support”

“As a professional, I have followed my passions even outside my core area of work”