As a leader in a predominantly male field, Nisha Dutt, CEO of Subex, recognizes that gender issues are pervasive across industries.
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However, these issues can be particularly pronounced in the technology and communications industry due to the small number of women entering the field.
“This creates a domino effect,” she explains. “Women are hired more slowly and women are even less likely to hold leadership roles.”
She emphasizes the importance of getting more women into STEM education as a solution to this problem.
“If you do a quick Google search for top technology CEOs, you’ll find an all-male list,” Dutt said.
“We need to change that narrative.”
Dutt’s personal journey into technology began with her inherent interest in science and technology. To gain confidence and expertise, she invested in building technical skills early on.
“It’s important to understand the nuances of the industry,” she says. “In the technology industry, leadership is rooted in substance. People respect leaders who understand technology and can lead based on their knowledge.”
Dutt offers candid and powerful advice to women who want to assert themselves in the tech industry. “Cultivate intellectual curiosity and rigor,” she recommends. “Respect is earned through excellence, and content is very important in this industry.”
Another important point she raises is the concept of work-life balance. “In my opinion, work-life balance is a myth. Instead, aim for work-life integration,” she suggests.
Life is unpredictable; some days you need to spend more time at work, and other days you need to focus on your family. “Instead of thinking of work as a separate event in your life, integrate it,” she advises.
Dutt also emphasizes the importance of finding mentors (both male and female) who can support and challenge women’s career paths. “And feel free to ask for what’s right for you,” she added.
“There is immense power in knowing your worth and claiming it. Women in tech bring unique perspectives and strengths, and we need more of that at every level of our industry.” I’m here.”
Cultural perspectives on workplace equality
Dutt’s experience extends beyond the borders of her country. She has worked in multiple countries including India and Kenya.
“Work culture is rooted in specific cultural contexts, and inclusivity often reflects the values and norms of that society,” she explains.
In India, for example, societal expectations regarding family roles can have a significant impact on women’s career decisions.
“I have been an active advocate for policies that meet local needs,” she said, noting that flexible work hours and family support initiatives can help bridge the gap between personal and professional lives. I am.
One of the pressing issues Dutt will address is the persistent global gender pay gap. “Fair pay is the cornerstone of creating a truly inclusive workplace,” she argues.
Bridging this gap will not only create a more fair working environment, but also give women the confidence to step into the workplace.
As technology continued to rapidly innovate, so did Dutt’s leadership style. “Initially, my focus was on staying on top of industry trends,” she admits.
But over time, we learned that innovation is fostered in a culture of experimentation. “I encourage my team to experiment, fail fast, learn quickly, and adapt,” she explains.
Dutt employs a leadership approach characterized by a high degree of autonomy and accountability. “I hold my team accountable for results while giving them the freedom to explore new ideas,” she says. This balance has proven to be the key to driving innovation while remaining aligned with strategic objectives.
Dutt emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive environment to effectively manage diverse teams. “Diversity isn’t just about who’s on the team; it’s about making sure everyone feels empowered to contribute,” she says.
She actively encourages open dialogue and makes sure everyone has a voice during meetings.
Accelerating innovation through collaboration
Subex, led by Dutt, has launched a program designed to foster innovation. One such initiative is the “AI Factory.” Here, teams have the resources and freedom to explore cutting-edge ideas that have the potential to shape the future of the technology industry. “These teams can fail without consequences, which is essential for innovation,” she explains.
Mr. Dutt also emphasizes the importance of co-creation with clients. By enrolling clients as partners in the innovation process, Subex ensures that ideas are developed with real-world applicability in mind.
“Ideas don’t come in isolation,” she points out. “We need to engage with clients early in the process.”
Looking to the future, Dutt is committed to taking bold steps in technology and promoting inclusivity within the organization.
“We are focused on AI-driven solutions and advanced data analytics,” she said, emphasizing the importance of leveraging data effectively.
In terms of inclusivity, Dutt has set specific goals for recruitment, particularly getting more women into leadership roles. She believes that “diverse voices are important in decision-making.”
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