Devyani Jaipuria, Pro Vice – Chairperson, DPS Gurugram & Director, RJ Corp Healthcare Business
Women’s Innate Qualities Help Them Create Nurturing Educational Environments & Social Initiatives
Women are generally gifted with qualities like emotional intelligence and good communication skills, which are highly contributive to their success and acceptance in whatever leadership position they hold.
These qualities have been instrumental in creating nurturing educational environments and spearheading social initiatives that address the real needs of the community. For example, the Muskaan Project at DPS Gurgaon focuses on providing quality education to underprivileged children, demonstrating how effective leadership can bridge societal gaps and empower the marginalized. Through such initiatives, I have witnessed firsthand the impact that women leaders can have in transforming lives and fostering an inclusive, supportive community. These qualities don’t just make women effective leaders—they make them transformative figures who bring about lasting change.
Leadership Goes Beyond Providing Solutions; It’s About Listening, Understanding, & Fostering An Environment Where Individuals Can Realize Their Full Potential
In 2014, we launched Pravah, a skill development center aimed at empowering economically disadvantaged individuals. The challenge was to design programs that truly addressed the aspirations of the community, ensuring that our efforts were both meaningful and impactful. By active listening, we engaged with potential beneficiaries, taking the time to understand their goals, challenges, and the specific barriers they faced.
As we worked alongside the community, it became clear that success wasn't just about providing technical knowledge but also about nurturing a sense of hope and possibility. Watching many lives transform through these programs—whether through new job opportunities or improved social mobility—further strengthened my belief in the power of empathetic, inclusive leadership. It was a reminder that leadership goes beyond just providing solutions; it’s about listening, understanding, and fostering an environment where individuals can realize their full potential.
Advice For Aspiring Women Leaders
To all aspiring women leaders: You must celebrate who you are and discover the power in qualities arbitrarily defined as female. Academic or humanistic strength, resilience, connection: they are all useful in every opportunity that requires leadership. Find support and mentors and never think so lowly of yourself. Therefore, learn every day. Leadership is neither about fitting into a mold nor setting it; it's bringing your voice to the table. As you grow, remember to help others rise, a mix for diversity and innovation.
