Women in STEM – Career, Parenthood and Leadership

Science, for me has been a long admiration filled journey that started when I was a curious young girl and continues to this day with the same passion. I believe that women have a key role to play in science and technology and while we have come a long way, there continues to be a need for balancing the gender diversity.

 It was my great honor to be invited to participate in the panel discussion, "Breaking the glass ceiling - Heart to heart conversation", hosted by IWF Ry at the Embassy of India, Helsinki in July 2020. The event was a tribute to Her Excellency, the former Ambassador of India to Finland and Estonia, Mrs. Vani Rao, as she was leaving Finland after completing her term. The panel discussion was about women managing work-life balance, cultural diversity, career after parenthood, thriving in a competitive work environment and to inspire women in their careers.

 Each of us women have our own distinct paths to achieve career objectives. I always advocate about the importance of following one’s dreams and realize them with passion, dedication, self-confidence and focus under all circumstances. To build a career in a systematic and a planned manner with inter-disciplinary skills, widening the horizons of knowledge and always keeping up to date with the latest technological and scientific advancements was one of the key take away messages from my discussion. I have always been forthcoming when it comes to sharing my knowledge and experience with women seeking advice, empowering them and encouraging them to do the right things to build a successful career particularly in science, career switch to STEM areas, how to cope after career gaps (e.g. parental leaves) and at the same time balancing their family life.

 As a mother of two young children, I have had to adjust realise that being a perfectionist is not the need of the hour but setting priorities is key. Today’s fast-paced and rapidly changing work environment, reflecting the current neo-normal work conditions due to the prevalent pandemic, needs a similarly caring, responsible and inclusive leadership that prospers on daily life experiences.

 I am elated to be at AstraZeneca, a great place to work, which promotes gender and leadership diversity, and in my area is championed by our Executive Director of the Global Sample Management, Dr. Clive Green. I am thankful to him for strongly believing in diversity and inclusivity and I am looking forward with great enthusiasm to continue the good work as we advance into the future.