#Superwomen2019 Organizations need to see skills over gender: Manika Juneja, Watconsult

With nearly a decade of experience in the Indian Media & Advertising industry, Manika Juneja, VP Operations, West & South at WATConsult and a winner of #Superwomen2019 shares her opinion on the industry.

Ranging from boardroom inequality to what it takes to become a Superwoman in this world, Manika Juneja says how one shouldn't be bogged down by the world. In a candid conversation with Social Samosa, she shares how organizations are now moving above gender stereotypes, one day at a time.

Excerpts:

How would you define a Superwoman in today's day and age? 

Superwoman in today’s day and age hustles to achieve her dreams. She has that stubbornness to succeed in life, be it personal or professional, she turns her Can't's into Cans as she doesn’t want to settle for less and why should she?  She is an empowered woman who doesn’t shy away in inspiring and empowering others. She is a multitasker, a thinker, a dreamer, a believer, a winner, a nurturer, a fighter, a strong-headed yet humble woman who never gives up!

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

The one quality that I think every superwoman has is the Passion and Perseverance to achieve things and carve the future. They don’t hesitate to go that extra mile to fulfill their ambitions and while doing so they also nurture & support others in their journey. They do what they intend to do and do it with passion.

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

Boardroom inequality still stands true but has improved over time. The improvement needs to happen at a scale and at a pace that truly justifies the whole #BalanceForBetter propagation. Organizations need to see skills over gender for the dominance of a better workforce. As rightly stated by Sheryl Sandberg – ‘In future, there should not be female leaders, there should just be Leaders.’

In
WATConsult 60% of the senior leaders are females and we believe in pushing
the bar for people to become great Leaders.

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

Equal pay, equal say, Equal everything after all the work that women are doing is equally good.

The belief that women cannot handle pressure and they are vulnerable requires change. These societal myths should be busted. Just having gender-equitable policies will not impact gender parity, make the workplace safer and nurturing. The industry leaders, both men, and women, should walk the talk to change the profound notions and mindsets existing in the Media and Advertising w.r.t. to the potential of female leadership. Women and Men must work together to make changes to the workplace for it to be safer for all, rather than one or none.

I believe in echoing the voice of Michelle Obama when she mentioned that, ‘No country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of the contributions of half of its citizens.’

Also Read: #Superwomen2019 First step is to spread awareness on gender neutrality & safety: Rubeena Singh, iProspect

One Superpower you wish you had? 

Would like to possess all the powers of Superman

The 'Superwomen' you diligently follow and who inspired you... 

I
believe in the philosophy of making my own mix by taking inspiration
& learning from all great females because Sab jagah gyaan bant
raha hai, jahan se jitna mann kare, le lo.
Some superwomen I regularly follow
are Oprah Winfrey, Indira Nooyi, Coco Chanel, Indira Gandhi, Sheryl Sandberg
and more.

 One tip to women out there attempting to scale heights... 

Stay
Curious & be Relentless. Conduct yourself as the first rated professional
and be crazy enough to know that once you decide you can do anything in life.
Exist on your own terms, you are responsible for your life, do the best at this
moment to put yourself in the best place for the next moment. Go get it, girl!