REIMAGINING LEADERSHIP – AT GP-BIRLA FELLOWSHIP FOR WOMEN LEADERS

by Regila Marinus Dass , Co founder & CEO

I recently had an opportunity to be part of GP Birla Fellowship, which aimed to build a cohort of women leaders with strong leadership qualities and create a sense of sisterhood among the cohort to master the forces of change. The fellowship was guided by moderators who drove passionate conversations through text-based dialogues and experiential learning. Being part of such a highly reflective group of women was a privilege, and it allowed me to challenge conventional societal norms and promote actions over thoughts.

These picture series from the fellowship gives an insight to my experiences and engagements. 

Every woman in the circle came with some expertise and at top of their game. These women came with rich experiences and some inspiring stories that each of them could have as a TED talk. Every day when we started and ended our day in this circle, we read stories, case studies, Government manifestos in the history and philosophy with lenses of social, psychological and gender. Thought provoking conversations paved the path to questioning our current beliefs as human beings and reflecting on how conditioned and habituated we are to some existing practices that do not have any rationality.

These readings influenced our take on values that we believe in and it ignited a spark to better us in our leadership practices as better human beings.

The highlight of the discussions in the circle promoted oneness, gave a deep sense of belongingness with the women in the circle and created a sense of enlightenment for the betterment of ourselves and the others around us.

After the intense discussions over the readings, everyday we sat together with our tea and some elite biscuits and Ms. Gayathri would facilitate reflection on our learnings and the journey we are set to. I still remember the day we were asked to work on our individual vision and not on the organization\’s vision or work we are committed to.

In the end of the session, the room looked like an “Inspiration Chamber” – those powerful vision of each woman out there created goosebumps and the strength of achieving any heights if you dream. 

The 2 seminars were wrapped up with some tools and frameworks that ensured our reflections were articulated, our decisions and values were aligned and in all gave us an opportunity to look at our leadership styles and its influence over our values and the people in a much wholesome way. 

As part of the fellowship an Indian classical play – Mahabharata was to be performed by our cohort. The power to influence and the power to change the narrative reflected enormously in the play we put up in the Graduation Day of the Fellowship.

Questions such as 

What if Kunti took back her words and changed the decision?

What if Arjun went against his brothers and Kunti? Wouldn’t it be Dharma towards his love and the woman he got for alliance. 

What if Draupadi refused to do the plot that she had been put in? 

Presenting to you the tribe that inspires me, brings out the best in me and holds me accountable. The intense engagements with these powerful women has given immense energy to aim higher. Looking forward to many new opportunities and collaborations to solve complex challenges in the eco-system with the motivation to always follow our values and make meaningful trade-offs to make this world a better place for ourselves and others. 

Thank you my brave and beautiful ladies! Special mention to Ms. Vinati, Ms. Reshma and Ms. Gayathri for the journey you took us in.