At the first in our new Stonehage Fleming Women Supporting Women series, last week, Doris Somavilla, Director, Family Office UK, hosted a webinar, in conversation with Rania Azmi and Sonya Sadhwani to discuss the topic of resilience in times of adversity.
Taking guests on wide-ranging journey that considered the speakers’ shared experiences including the challenges women face in and outside business, the discussion concluded with a question. What one piece of advice would the panellists give to enable women to reach their full potential in the work place?
SS: I would say that we, as women, should be less judgemental towards ourselves. In many ways, it is engrained in us to appraise ourselves too harshly. Events like the discussion today are also very important for women’s empowerment as they provide a forum where we are able to come together, with no judgement, and share our thoughts and experiences. We learn from each other and learn to love and appreciate ourselves a lot more.
DS: The one thing I would like us all to take away from this event is that we should have the courage to be authentic. Without authenticity, we will never achieve open communication either with each other or within our families. I believe it is the first step to helping families become more inclusive and more resilient as a result.
RA: I would always support other women to access more experience or qualifications. However, seeking to promote someone regardless of her qualifications or merit is to sabotage women’s cause. It undermines entirely the case that a woman can excel, is worthy and can manage things as well as a man.
The crucial message for women is: focus on your own self-development and self-management. Don’t pay too much attention to how you are perceived or whether you are taken for granted or underestimated. Let your actions speak for themselves. This will remain the key to resiliency.
Rania Azmi is founder of Alexandrite Decisions, President of Fadia Survive & Thrive intl Cancer Association and Wharton's Executive Advisory Boards.
Sonya Sadhwani is Director of Brand Management at Melcom Group of Companies.
Women Supporting Women was created in collaboration with Nadine Kammerlander, PHD professor at WHU, Head of Diversity division, Germany, Elizabeth Bagger, Director General IFB UK and Sasha Lund, Founder & MD, Core Values Consulting.