Leadership in Heels

Ladies and gentlemen, let’s discuss a topic wrapped in mystery for far too long… The Female Boss. Yes, that formidable creature who wields a purse and a PowerPoint presentation with equal style.

Before diving into the goldmine, let's address the elephant in the room. I am talking about the stereotype that women are bossy, emotional, and incapable of leading. This stereotype is as outdated as a dial-up internet connection.

Working with a female boss can be an eye-opening experience. She possesses an emotional radar that feels borderline supernatural. Have you ever tried to fake enthusiasm during a boring meeting? Yeah, that is not happening under her watch. While you might have gotten away with the “I’m very engaged” face with a male boss, your poker face is useless here. She can see right through it as if she has been trained in corporate telepathy. One raised eyebrow from her and suddenly you are volunteering for that project no one else wanted to touch.

She has multitasking prowess. You might be proud of yourself for sending one email while listening to a Teams call, but she is orchestrating an entire team, managing client crises, mentoring juniors, and somehow managing to keep an eye on the maid at home all at once. Watching her work is like observing corporate magic. It is efficient, almost unreal. Sometimes, you wonder if she is a time traveller, dipping into the future to get more things done.

Let us not forget her fashion. A female boss's wardrobe is a work of art. She is always one step ahead of the fashion curve, from perfectly tailored suits to statement necklaces. One day, she is commanding the room in a sharp suit that screams CEO-in-waiting, and the next, she is dressed in casual chic. Each outfit, though, is deliberate, signaling her mood, her intent, and whether or not today’s the day to ask for that vacation approval. And let us face it, who doesn't want to work for someone who can make a statement with just a scarf?

Her leadership style is something else entirely. It is not just the usual top-down authority. It is an intricate balance of empathy and no-nonsense execution. One minute, she gives you a motivational speech that makes you feel like you can conquer the world, and the next, she dissects a flawed argument in a meeting. You are left inspired and slightly terrified, but in the best possible way.

Those who still think the corporate world is a boys’ club clearly have not worked with a female boss who can run the boardroom, juggle multiple crises, and still have time to mentor you on your career aspirations.

I owe a huge part of my growth to Sharon Rodrigues , my first boss, who set the tone for what leadership truly means. Working with her was nothing short of a masterclass in grace, efficiency, and the art of subtle power moves. She had the remarkable ability to dismantle an argument with nothing more than a smile, and I am forever grateful for the lessons she imparted. I must also give a special nod to Surabhi Gupta , my colleague and partner-in-crime. Her energy adds a new dimension to the experience of working under strong female leadership.

Having a female boss is not just about having a different leadership style. It is about embracing a new kind of corporate joyride. One that is a little spicier, a little sharper, and infinitely more interesting.

#WomenInBusiness #EmpoweredWomen #WomenInLeadership #Leadership #Corporatelife