Mediocrity is infectious – push yourself to do more: Akshaara Lalwani, Founder & CEO, Communicate India

Akshaara Lalwani, Founder & CEO, Communicate India in an interview with Social Samosa shares her thoughts on emerging as a part of Social Samosa Superwomen 2019, changing industry gender dynamics, and more.

Lalwani believes, even if you're not equipped with experience, the hunger to gain knowledge and to better yourself every day can help you transform into a Superwoman.

In the interview she shares more of such stimulating notions, her take on boardroom inequality, a superpower she wishes she had and more.

How would you define a superwoman in today’s day and age?

Honestly, for me, a superwoman isn’t someone who has it all but knows how to do it all. Not everyone is born fully equipped with the subject matter experience and tenacity to lead a business. You need to have the hunger, the want to gather knowledge every day - for, after all, knowledge is power. A woman with these qualities, coupled with the willingness to acknowledge, not just their strengths but also their flaws with an objective of bettering themselves is a superwoman in my eyes.

One quality that you think every superwoman has and that helped you win Social Samosa Superwomen

Fearlessness and Foresight. These are the qualities that have helped me get where I am today. It is the reason why I could find the courage to switch fields from banking to communications. It’s also what gave me the push to start Communicate India. These qualities not only give me the strength to attempt new challenges; they also support me when I make mistakes. Because you know, when one tries new things, there is always the chance that it may not work out. But I believe learning from these mistakes is what helps you become a better version of yourself.

How successful have women been in shattering the glass ceiling in the Media & Advertising field? Does the boardroom inequality phrase still stand true?

I feel women today aren’t just shattering the glass ceiling; they’re making it possible to believe that the glass ceiling won’t exist any longer. Every day more women are getting noticed for the fine work they are putting out and being applauded for it. Events like these make it easy to believe that one day, boardroom inequality will be a thing of the past.

Also Read: #Superwomen2019: Don’t let anyone tell you what you’re capable of: Sherina Kapany, sunSTRATEGIC Digital

 What are the key changes this industry needs in order to make workplaces gender-neutral, safe and nurturing?

At Communicate India, we pride ourselves on conducting blind interview processes. We believe that the person who proves to be the most capable of handling the work should get the job; irrespective of their gender. And coincidently, not consciously, we have a 90:10 ratio in office, which really speaks for itself. So I believe hiring without bias is the best way of creating an outstanding environment in the workplace.

One superpower you wish you had?

The superpowers of Professor Charles Xavier from X-men. Over the years, as I’ve developed as a leader, I’ve come to realise that there is a difference in what people say and what they mean. So, I’d love the ability to read and understand people’s minds. It would give me the extra edge, a whole different insight that will not only help my team Communicate India but also help my clients; it’ll be a win-win situation. And hey, telekinesis would be massively helpful too!

The superwomen who you diligently follow and who inspired you?

Indra Nooyi is someone I truly admire. Her straightforward, fearless way of talking about issues, her ability to keep calm under pressure, along with the way she took leadership at one of the biggest companies in the world by the horns and made it bigger and better is incredible. 

Some of the other women I follow and gain inspiration from are Margaret Thatcher, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Mary Kom, Kalki Koechlin, and Lady Gaga. Their fearlessness and dedication to their craft have led them to great success. 

One tip to women out there attempting scaling heights

Throughout my life, these are the lessons that have helped me become who I am today. They are:

1. Mediocrity is infectious – push yourself to do more, whether you succeed or fail, it will teach you to be better.
2. What is bigger is not always better – always do your research and don’t get tempted by what seems to be the best option.
3. Change is good – moving out of your comfort zone will help you become better at adapting to different situations. 

I hope these tips help you, as they did me. All the best!