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Smriti Gulwady, Founder and Partner of Sanmour Consulting LLP, transformed her passion for pharmaceuticals and her expertise in marketing and communications into a thriving R&D organization in Mumbai. As a recipient of the Goldman Sachs Global 10000 Women Entrepreneurs scholarship from ISB, Hyderabad, Smriti's story is one of determination, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. From navigating the challenges of the pharmaceutical industry to creating a global impact by catering to the outsourcing needs of generic pharmaceutical companies worldwide, her journey exemplifies leadership, resilience, and visionary entrepreneurship.
1. What inspired you to pursue a leadership role?
Smriti Gulwady :I was motivated by the desire to make a meaningful difference in my organization, communities, or the world. Leadership positions offer the opportunity to influence decisions, drive change, and contribute to a larger purpose. Leadership roles often come with challenges that can lead to personal and professional growth. The opportunity to develop new skills, overcome obstacles, and gain valuable experiences was a strong motivator.Leadership positions often present complex problems that require innovative solutions. They offer opportunities to mentor others and positively influence their growth and development.
2.What inspired you to become an advocate for gender equality in your field?
Smriti Gulwady : Advocating for gender equality became a passion of mine because I witnessed firsthand how diverse perspectives can profoundly enrich decision-making, innovation, and overall success in any field. Early in my career, I observed the barriers and biases that women and other underrepresented groups often face, which fueled my desire to drive change. I believe that everyone deserves equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of gender. By advocating for gender equality, I aim to contribute to creating an environment where talent and potential are recognized and nurtured, enabling everyone to thrive. This isn't just about fairness; it's about harnessing the full potential of all individuals to create a more vibrant, innovative, and inclusive field.
3.Can you share an experience where you faced gender bias and how you dealt with it?
Smriti Gulwady : During a meeting with my team, I proposed a strategic idea. However, one of my male colleague repeated the same idea later in the meeting, and the group responded more positively to him. I recognized this as a form of gender bias—where my contribution was overlooked, but the same idea was validated when presented by a male colleague. Instead of reacting emotionally, I calmly pointed out that I had mentioned the idea earlier. I said to all , I'm glad that this idea is resonating with everyone. I had mentioned this a bit earlier, and I'm happy to see it's gaining traction. By addressing it calmly and constructively, I brought about an awareness to the issue.
4. As a leader, what steps have you taken to promote gender equality within your organization?
Smriti Gulwady : Ensured that recruitment processes are unbiased and focus on skills, experience, and potential. This included using gender-neutral language in job postings and ensuring diverse hiring panels Made salary ranges transparent and ensured equal pay for equal work. Provided mentorship and professional development opportunities to all employees, with a focus on encouraging women Implemented policies that support work-life balance, such as parental leave, flexible work hours, and remote work options. Ensured these policies are accessible to everyone, regardless of gender. Actively supported and promoted women in leadership positions. This included sponsoring women for leadership roles, advocating for their visibility in key projects, and ensuring they have access to decision-making opportunities. Encouraged male leaders and colleagues to advocate for gender equality, creating a collaborative effort across the organization.
5.What specific policies or initiatives has your organization implemented to support gender equality ?
Smriti Gulwady : Implemented policies that explicitly promote gender equality, such as equal pay for equal work, flexible work arrangements, and parental leave for all genders. Established mentorship programs specifically aimed at supporting women and other underrepresented groups within the organization, helping them navigate career development and leadership paths. Established confidential channels for employees to provide feedback or report instances of gender bias, harassment, or discrimination, and ensure that these reports are taken seriously and addressed promptly. Organised and support events that celebrate gender diversity, such as International Women’s Day, to raise awareness and demonstrate the organization’s commitment to gender equality.
Smriti Gulwady : Monitor the number and nature of gender bias or discrimination reports and evaluate how quickly and effectively these issues are addressed.Analyze data from exit interviews to identify if gender-related issues contribute to higher attrition rates among women.Regularly conduct pay equity audits to compare the average salaries of men and women in similar roles and address any gaps.Track the percentage of women at different levels within the organization, including entry-level positions, middle management, and senior leadership roles.
7.What are some of the biggest challenges you have encountered while advocating for gender equality, and how have you overcome them?
Smriti Gulwady : One of the biggest challenges is encountering resistance from individuals or groups who are either unaware of the importance of gender equality or who feel threatened by changes to the status quo. This can manifest as passive resistance, lack of engagement, or even active pushback against initiatives. We have encouraged conversations that allow people to express their fears and questions, and provide clear, factual responses. Biases can creep in unconsciously and affect daily interactions; we have Implemented unconscious bias training programs to help employees recognize and mitigate their own biases. Made this training a regular part of professional development. Promoted leaders who are genuinely committed to gender equality and who model inclusive behaviors in their day-to-day work.
8.How important is mentorship in advancing gender equality, and what role do you play in mentoring women in your industry ?
Smriti Gulwady : Mentorship is crucial in advancing gender equality, particularly in industries where women are underrepresented. It helps bridge the gender gap by providing women with the guidance, support, and opportunities needed to overcome systemic barriers. Mentorship can offer insights into navigating challenges, building confidence, and developing the skills required for leadership roles. As for the role I play in mentoring women, it involves offering support and guidance to female colleagues or aspiring professionals. This includes sharing knowledge, providing career advice, advocating for them in professional settings, and helping them build networks. Encouraging women to take on leadership roles and creating an environment where they feel empowered to voice their ideas is also essential.Mentorship not only helps individuals but also contributes to creating a more inclusive and diverse industry, ultimately leading to better decision-making and innovation. It’s a way to pay it forward and ensure that the progress toward gender equality continues.
9.How do you believe achieving gender equality impacts overall business performance and workplace culture?
Smriti Gulwady : Diverse teams tend to make better decisions, as they can draw on a wider variety of experiences and insights. This often leads to better business outcomes. Research shows that companies with higher gender diversity, especially in leadership roles, often achieve better financial performance.When employees feel respected and included, they are more likely to collaborate effectively. A diverse and gender-equal team is often more cohesive and productive.A gender-equal workplace fosters a culture of respect and inclusivity. This leads to higher employee morale, satisfaction, and loyalty.Diverse leadership teams are often more resilient and adaptable in the face of crises. Gender equality in leadership roles contributes to a wider range of responses and solutions during challenging times.
10.What is your vision for the future of gender equality in your industry, and what steps do you think are necessary to achieve it?
Smriti Gulwady : Envisioning the future of gender equality in any industry involves imagining a workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities to succeed, contribute, and lead.Achieving gender equality in the industry is not just about fairness; it’s about building a stronger, more innovative, and more resilient workplace. The future vision involves creating an environment where all employees, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute to their fullest potential. By taking intentional steps toward this vision, organizations can not only improve their own performance but also lead the way in transforming the industry as a whole. Few steps to achieve gender equality are as follows: Leaders must publicly commit to gender equality and lead by example, setting clear expectations and holding themselves accountable.Establishing gender diversity as a strategic priority, with measurable goals and regular progress reviews. Implement and enforce policies that promote gender equality, such as equal pay audits, parental leave, and anti-discrimination policies.Regularly review and update these policies to adapt to changing needs and ensure they remain effective. Offer flexible working options, such as remote work, flexible hours, and job-sharing, to accommodate different life stages and responsibilities. Actively involve men in gender equality initiatives, emphasizing that equality benefits everyone.Create programs and networks to educate and engage men as allies and advocates for gender equality. Collaborate with industry groups, non-profits, and other organizations to advance gender equality in the broader industry and community.Advocate for policy changes at the industry and government levels that support gender equality.
11.What advice would you give to young women who aspire to reach leadership positions in their careers?
Smriti Gulwady : Believe in your skills, knowledge, and potential. Self-confidence can often be the deciding factor in taking on leadership roles. Surround yourself with people who encourage and challenge you. A strong support network can provide valuable feedback, advice, and encouragement Seek guidance from mentors who can provide advice, share experiences, and support your growth. Look for role models within your organization or industry who exemplify the type of leader you aspire to be. Invest in your personal and professional development. This might include formal education, certifications, or learning new skills relevant to your industry. Focus on honing skills like communication, strategic thinking, and decision-making, which are essential for leadership roles. Consider leadership training programs or workshops. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone. Taking calculated risks and embracing challenges can lead to significant growth. Learn from the setbacks and use these experiences to build resilience and improve. Focus on building a reputation for excellence, reliability, and leadership. Your personal brand should reflect your values, strengths, and career aspirations. Network Actively. Building relationships can open doors to new opportunities. Leadership can be demanding, so it’s important to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Prioritize self-care to avoid burnout and stay energized. Stay true to your values and principles. Authentic leadership is powerful and earns respect.Embrace your own leadership style, whether it’s collaborative, empathetic, or decisive.
Shared by Smriti Gulwady
Published By She Business Time
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