Meeru G. Gupta is an accomplished leader in law with over two decades of expertise in Corporate Law, M&A, compliance, and governance. Meeru is creating a solution-driven, and business-enabling legal function as head of legal at Bata India, in order to enable legal strategy to support enterprise objectives, innovation, and provide a strong foundation for business.
In a fascinating interaction with Women Entrepreneurs Review Magazine, Meeru talks about various facets of women’s leadership and career building. From explaining how women leaders navigate empathy and decisiveness; triumph over challenges, and uphold integrity, she shares a practical guide for women professionals to succeed as business leaders. Meeru also talks about the importance of mentorship, and navigating work-life-balance.
To know more about Meeru Gupta’s thoughts on how women professionals can ace leadership roles while staying true to who they are, read the interview.
What is the balance that the women leaders have to strike between empathy in the leadership position and being a decisive leader?
One of the most important balances women leaders must strike is between empathy and decisiveness. Empathy is often misunderstood as a sign of softness, but in reality, it is one of the strongest assets a leader can possess. Emotional intelligence helps leaders connect with their teams to truly understand their motivations, challenges, and aspirations, while decisiveness ensures that compassion is coupled with clarity and action.
Great leadership comes from knowing when to listen and when to lead firmly.
The combination of empathy and rational judgment creates a leadership style that is not only respected but deeply trusted.
When people feel understood, they are more likely to align with a leader’s vision and perform at their best. It’s never about choosing between the heart and the head; it’s about blending both to create a leadership approach that drives meaningful results with humanity and conviction.
What challenges do women encounter in corporate decision-making, and how can organizations become more accommodating to them?
I do not believe that “accommodating” is the right word to use when referring to women in leadership roles. Women do not need to be accommodated, they need to be recognized as equal contributors.
Despite progress, challenges persist: unconscious bias, gendered perceptions of leadership styles, exclusion from key decision-making networks, and the lack of female representation at senior levels.
The solution is not about offering special consideration but ensuring fair and equal access to opportunities. Organizations must consciously create environments that trust women’s capabilities, encourage diversity of thought, and reward merit without bias.
When belief in women’s leadership becomes an ingrained part of organizational culture, inclusion stops being a checkbox exercise and becomes a lived reality.
A company that empowers its women leaders doesn’t just achieve gender balance; it achieves stronger, more sustainable decision-making because diverse perspectives always drive better outcomes.
In high pressure leadership roles, how can women ensure that they maintain integrity and ethical texture while bringing in business results?
In high-pressure leadership roles, integrity and ethics aren’t optional qualities; they are the foundation of sustainable success. In moments of intense competition or pressure to deliver, it becomes even more critical to stay grounded in the values of honesty, fairness, and transparency.
When a leader acts with integrity, it builds trust across every level of the organization, from boardrooms to front-line teams. Integrity isn’t about what you do when everyone is watching; it’s about the choices you make when no one is.
Compromising ethics for short-term gains may yield temporary wins, but it erodes credibility and culture over time.
True leadership is about ensuring that business excellence and ethical conduct move hand in hand. When people trust your intent, they align naturally with your vision. In the long run, integrity doesn’t slow down growth — it defines and sustains it.
What role does mentorship and sponsorship play in enabling women to advance to top leadership roles particularly within male dominated industries?
Mentorship and sponsorship can truly change the game for women aiming to lead, especially in fields like law that have long been male-dominated. A great mentor does more than share advice; they listen, guide, and help women navigate the challenges that come with leadership. A sponsor goes a step further; they speak your name in rooms you’re not yet in, open doors, and advocate for your growth.
We’ve seen how powerful this can be through women like Indra Nooyi, who often credits her mentors for helping her rise to the top at PepsiCo while staying true to her values, or Michelle Obama, who continues to mentor and uplift young women to use their voices confidently and lead with purpose. These examples remind us that mentorship isn’t just about professional success; it’s about helping women find the courage to lead authentically and create space for others to follow.
When women support, sponsor, and celebrate one another, it creates a ripple effect, one that shifts workplaces from being gatekept to being inclusive. True progress happens when leadership opportunities are shaped not by gender but by vision accompanied by a strong mission, integrity, and the drive to make a difference.
Work-life balance is always a key topic for discussion. How can women redefine a balance that would fit personal and professional goals?
The notion of “work–life balance” has long been portrayed as an achievable equilibrium, but in truth, life rarely aligns so neatly, especially for women who often wear multiple hats.
Balance isn’t static; it evolves with one’s stage in life and career. At one point, the focus might be on building professional credibility; later, caregiving or family priorities take center stage.
Instead of striving for a perfect balance, women should aim for harmony, a rhythm where priorities shift fluidly based on what truly matters at the time.
The key is to be fully present in whichever role you are playing and to let go of the guilt that often accompanies these transitions. True balance is not about dividing time equally but about directing energy purposefully. When you lead life with clarity and flexibility, fulfillment replaces the illusion of perfection, allowing both personal and professional growth to thrive.
LAST WORD: Advice for women leaders
My advice to women leaders seeking credibility, resilience, and influence is simple: never stop learning and growing. Stay updated with industry trends, sharpen your skills, and embrace new ideas. Knowledge builds confidence, and confidence builds credibility.
Challenges will inevitably arise, and setbacks are part of the journey, but remember: fail, fail, fail… till you succeed. Each failure is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and strengthen your resolve. Resilience isn’t the absence of difficulty; it’s the ability to stand taller after every fall. Surround yourself with mentors, allies, and peers who inspire and challenge you. Lead with authenticity, consistency in your words and actions builds trust, and trust is the cornerstone of influence. The most impactful leaders are those who persist, evolve continuously, inspire confidence in others, and leave behind a legacy of integrity, learning, and empowerment.
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