Whether it’s in boardrooms or offices, small businesses or large corporations, globally, the underrepresentation of women in leadership persists. It is shaped by deeply entrenched stereotypes, societal biases, and systematic challenges. Despite progress in ‘gender equity’ initiatives, women aspiring to take on leadership roles, as well as the ones who have already climbed the ladder to leadership, often face unspoken hurdles.
As a woman who has traveled the world and been in a senior leadership role herself at places like the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, and New York, USA, Sumathi Jayaraman states, “The irony is astounding: women bring unparalleled value to businesses. They enhance productivity, encourage sustainable relationships, offer fresh perspectives that drive innovation, inspire organizational dedication, and improve fairness.” However, the real-world story is quite the opposite.
The challenges women face in leadership have been well-documented stereotypes, subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) biases, and the pressure to conform to predefined molds of success. However, Sumathi emphasizes that focusing solely on these challenges perpetuates a cycle of frustration. Instead, she advocates for a shift in mindset. “As women, we often feel the need to either fight aggressively for our place or fade into subservience to be accepted. But neither approach is sustainable,” she explains. “We need to create a middle ground—one where women can stand firm in their values without sacrificing their authenticity.”
For example, cultural conditioning often discourages women from asserting themselves, especially in South Asia, according to Sumathi. Meanwhile, Western corporate norms sometimes push women to adopt hyper-aggressive strategies that lead to burnout. “The answer,” Sumathi says, “is in embracing flexibility and finding your unique voice.”
Sparking reflection, she encourages women to consider role models who strike this balance. “Who are the women you admire, and what about their leadership inspires you? What strategies can you adopt in your own journey?” she asks, emphasizing the power of learning through observation and adaptation.
While much of the discourse on women in leadership focuses on empowerment, Sumathi stresses that real change requires engaging men as allies. Borrowing from the UN Women’s HeforShe campaign, she encourages male leaders to evaluate how their biases may unconsciously hinder progress. “Male CEOs often stereotype women as ‘dramatic’ or high-maintenance, but the data tells a different story,” Sumathi points out. Studies show that women in the workplace often demonstrate higher productivity and enhanced collaboration.
Sumathi further states, “There are so many articles with headlines such as ‘5 tips for prioritizing mental wellbeing for women in the workplace.’ But it seems like putting that into practice is yet another burden to bear. Alongside these tips, organizations should create spaces for reflection, dialogue, and mentorship. Encouraging women to identify role models, share experiences, and build supportive networks can help dismantle the fear and self-doubt that often accompany leadership journeys. We, as women, forget that we DO have the power within ourselves; however, as human tendency, we search for validation outside.”
Sumathi’s advocacy doesn’t stop at workplace dynamics. She champions wellness programs as a cornerstone of leadership development, particularly for women. “Women spend 25% more of their lives dealing with debilitating health conditions than men,” she notes, citing a report from the World Economic Forum and McKinsey. She introduces women to time-tested practices like yoga, breathwork, and meditation to help manage minds, emotions, and communication. SKY (Sudarshan Kriya Yoga), one of the breathwork practices she facilitates, has a proven result of 73% anxiety reduction.
“Our emotions are deeply connected to our breath,” she explains. “When you change your breathing patterns, you can regulate your emotions and gain clarity of thought. This clarity leads to better decision-making and stronger communication.” This process that she outlines is simple and known to all, yet ignored by most. She even advocates decluttering the mind and reducing the noise of overthinking, which helps in gaining clarity. “When women master these techniques, they not only improve their personal well-being but also become more effective leaders,” Sumathi affirms.
One of Sumathi’s core messages is that women don’t need to adopt a fight-or-flight mentality to succeed. “The notion that empowerment comes from external forces is flawed. Women are already empowered. What we need is the confidence to act on it.”
She acknowledges that fear—whether of failure or success—can hold women back at all stages of their careers. However, she encourages women to reframe this fear as an opportunity for growth. “Rather than battling against the system, focus on uncovering the strength within you: your mindset, your well-being, and your communication. These are the tools that will help you navigate even the most challenging environments,” she advises.
Finally, Sumathi addresses a less-discussed but equally significant dynamic: competition among women. In environments where leadership roles for women are limited, jealousy and rivalry can undermine collective progress. “Instead of competing, let’s create networks of support,” she urges. “By lifting each other up, we not only strengthen ourselves but also pave the way for future generations of women leaders.” Sumathi’s approach encourages women to reflect on their own behaviors and ask themselves tough questions: “Are you collaborating with other women or perpetuating the cycle of competition? What can you do to promote a culture of mutual respect and support?”
As businesses adapt to the changing demands of younger generations, prioritizing women’s well-being is no longer optional. “The future of leadership does not just demand IQ. Emotional intelligence, authenticity, and adaptability also count,” Sumathi says. Her vision is clear: by investing in women's mental health and well-being and allowing authentic leadership, businesses can foster innovation, build stronger teams, and create lasting impact. “Women already have the tools they need,” she concludes. “Now it’s time to look within, clear the clutter, and step into leadership with clarity and confidence.”
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Name: Sumathi Jayaraman
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