Q. Kepler emphasizes a lot on diversity & inclusion. How has it aided your personal & professional goals?

Yi: Growing up, I moved every two years to a different country which exposed me to different views, sometimes conflicting and that really gave me a wide perspective into how things work. I think for innovation, change and growth, it's very important to not have a tunnel vision and to be able to see things holistically while welcoming new ideas. At Kepler, we work with a diverse set of clients across the globe and by far I have worked with 15+ clients globally which I wouldn’t have elsewhere.

Lisa: From the very beginning, Kepler has had a focus on supporting women. Our name, Kepler Cannon, was derived from one male and one female astronomer to emphasize the importance of equality. Personally, my position in the senior leadership team is an example of this support; the firm supported my professional growth through and around multiple maternity leaves and now as a working mom, something I know is unfortunately not universal.

Sakshi: Personally, I feel the diversity at Kepler has helped in broadening my perspective and increasing my innovation and creativity quotient. Given everyone’s distinct background, culture and skillset, they bring in unique, fresh perspectives and ideas to the table. Sometimes I am often amazed and at the same time extremely confident that come what may, my team and I can make everything and anything possible!

Easha: Having an inclusive workplace that makes space for all identities and cultures intrinsically builds your confidence because your identity is accepted, included and promoted. So you focus on what truly counts, your work.

Q. Do you think being a woman has impacted your leadership style & approach? How?

Yi: I entered the workforce roughly 15 years ago in consulting and back then the male to female ratio was atrocious. Honestly, we didn't have many woman role models, especially at senior leadership roles. Fortunately, I was able to work with a female manager in my first year of working and I think that experience really changed my approach across the board. My style approach is - I want to be real and I want to be practical. Ultimately, I also want to be approachable and someone people aspire to become one day.

Lisa: I think that my gender likely affects everything in my life, in ways I am only partly aware of. For the part happening in my consciousness, I’d like to think that being a woman helps me to provide an understanding and sympathetic ear, especially to young women.

Sakshi: Indeed, I would say that women have that inherent superpower to wear different hats at the same time. This has often helped me to quickly adjust to new situations, people and problem statements. I would also highlight here that generally women have a great memory which has often helped me to quickly figure out the right people, techniques and connect the right dots! 

Easha: I believe I bring a more participatory and cooperative style of leadership. I focus on building strong work relations and being a support system at my workplace. For me, compassion is key.

Q. As a woman, do you ever face leadership challenges? How do you address them?

Yi: Oftentimes what frustrates me is that a lot of KPIs are measured on a different stick of measuring. So, the qualities that you think will make sense may not be how it's been measured across the board which I think can be an issue. It’s known that men and women are perceived differently. As a team lead, I constantly emphasize on how I speak and react to my team. I personally feel that you should have your own metrics of success and not base your growth on predefined KPIs. I think that helps across the board.

Lisa: It is not always easy to identify the root cause of a leadership challenge although I believe the answer is absolutely, yes. Whether colored by my perception or how I aim to be perceived, gender is in the room. When I face challenges, my approach is to be respectful, consistent and assertive. Sometimes issues arise because people don’t understand the “why” – I try to keep people as informed as possible to assist with this.

Sakshi: I think being in leadership is challenging because you have to be on your toes and keep your team’s spirit high at the same time. I have always tried to address challenges by building a good support network - it might come from anyone - my mother, husband, brother, friends, teammates and mentors. Overall, I think the key is to be proactive, resilient, and confident in your abilities. By building a support network, recognizing your strengths, and advocating for yourself and others, you can overcome challenges and succeed as a leader.

Q. What are some best practices that should be inculcated to build a workplace supportive of women’s personal & professional development? What role can senior leaders play in making this happen?

Yi: Step one is just to hire more women! The more people who enter the workforce, stay in the workforce. Once I became a mom, I realized why there are so few women in management. Societal pressure combined with the stress of functioning and excelling in the corporate especially when it has always been considered a man's world, makes it very hard to manage. As more women get involved in decision-making processes, HR policies, promotion policies or even the performance evaluation processes and offer a slightly different perspective on how women are getting measured, I believe that would really help to start the conversation overall.

Lisa: Senior leaders can avoid or minimize traditional business development engagements that typically exclude women. They can also educate staff, conduct leadership trainings, and encourage women to voice concerns so they can be addressed.

Sakshi: I think Kepler has done so much to foster an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, included and thrive, specially women. Kepler has some of the best mentors I have met till now, it offers so much flexibility in terms of work arrangements, wellness, health and family commitments. All the credit goes to it's amazing leadership which has over the years build and nurtured such a positive and inclusive atmosphere with their comprehensive approach that addresses culture, policies, and practices.

Easha: Women have significant biological life events through which they need corporate support. This would ultimately bring long term benefits to both business and personal life. Careful and sensitive attention to inclusion during these periods is likely to boost overall participation of women in the workplace.

Q. Finally, what advice would you give younger women at Kepler who aspire to lead in the future?

Yi: I would advise women to be part of the change because they need to fight for their own change. I believe in being the change I want to see and leading by example. That would be my advice to women at Kepler too! Always measure success, happiness, and growth on your own terms and not what society tells you. Once you have YOUR priorities set clear in your head, all things will fall into place!

Lisa: I would say this to all younger folks – read the room and try to understand your audience and what their goals are. Try to use all your resources and experiences to understand other people. Ask (respectful) questions. This includes understanding women’s typical roles and stereotypes in your own culture and in cultures with which you work.

Sakshi: I think “Women in Kepler” are amazing! They are smart, ambitious and know their worth very well! I would rather ask others to watch out for them!

Easha: Never hesitate to voice your needs, opinions and ambitions. You will always get the support you desire.

To learn more about the work and team at Kepler Cannon, head over to our website .