
Women's Day: Industry Folk on Why Women Make Better Leaders
By: WE Staff
Sathidevi S Raj, Head of IT & Digital, Adecco India
Women Leaders Drive Business Success & A Positive Workplace Culture
Women leaders possess qualities like emotional intelligence, empathy, communication, adaptability, and collaboration that are crucial for effective leadership. These qualities enable leaders to navigate complex situations, build trust, and foster a positive work environment. Empathy strengthens relationships, collaboration encourages innovation, and adaptability allows leaders to navigate challenges. These qualities drive business success and a positive workplace culture.
Pushing Past Resistance: Initiative to Drive Organizational Change
During a major digital transformation project, I faced strong resistance from employees and senior leaders who feared Robotic Process Automation would threaten their roles. Instead of enforcing change, I leveraged empathy and active listening to understand their concerns. Through open forums and one-on-one discussions, I reframed the narrative, showing how automation would eliminate mundane tasks and create opportunities for more meaningful work. To build trust, I introduced a pilot phase and partnered with other functions for upskilling programs, turning resistance into enthusiasm.
The result? Employees embraced the change, productivity soared, and the project became a benchmark for future innovation. This experience reinforced that successful leadership isn’t just about technology, it’s about understanding and empowering people.
Advice For Aspiring Women Leaders
Believe in yourself, own your voice, and lead with confidence. Challenges will come, but let them fuel your growth rather than hold you back. Surround yourself with strong mentors, keep learning, and embrace change, because the best leaders evolve constantly. Most importantly, lift others as you rise, creating a path for the next generation of women leaders. You are powerful, capable, and unstoppable, go out there and own your success!