+91 - 9266545422
AUTHOR | LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT FACILITATOR, INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY CHAMPION, MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER
Her professional background, including her senior roles at McKinsey & Co/Aberkyn, Citibank, AchieveGlobal, and GE Capital/Genpact, showcases her extensive expertise in the corporate world. Her engagement with prestigious organizations reflects her ability to adapt and contribute effectively to various sectors.
“Powerful – The Indian Woman’s Guide to Unlocking Her Full Potential,” underscores her passion for writing and advocating for gender equality. This book is a testament to her dedication to empowering women and promoting their rights.
Additionally, Nirupama’s contributions extend to the development of a unique psychometric assessment, the Powerful Life Assessment, designed specifically for women in the South Asian context. This innovative tool is based on the Six Feminine Powers model, showcasing her thought leadership and commitment to gender-focused empowerment.
In Conversation with Nirupama Subramanian
– Preeti Juneja
Q. A powerful book, life transformation workshops, coaching and training, a powerful life assessment test, powerful inspirational talks, and more are all geared toward one goal – To enhance inclusion and empower women to create a more just and equitable world. How do you review progress in the field that you are in?
I think we have definitely made some progress in this area. We have seen positive changes in the law of the land that support women- like the Prohibition of Dowry Act, the POSH Act for Prevention of Sexual Harassment at the Workplace, the Maternity Benefits Act and inclusive measures like the decriminalization of Article 377. There are more opportunities for women across multiple sectors and more women in leadership roles across the world compared to the previous years.
However, we still have a long way to go. It will take more than 132 years to have true gender equality, according to the World Economic Forum. In India, the labour force participation of women is around 19-20%, among the lowest in the world. Crimes against women have not been reduced despite the laws. Patriarchal mindsets and social norms will take more time to change. I am hopeful that we are heading in the right direction.
Q. Congratulations on your book! You have spoken about the six sources of power and the four D-strategies as they arise from your understanding of scriptures, experiences in life & research at work. Incidentally, women are gifted with the treasure or power of intuition. A woman’s sixth sense or intuition power can be very overpowering in holding a power of position. In Ramayana, Mandodari had the sixth sense to warn Ravana to let go of Sita. Where would you think Intuition fits in all this?
Thank you. Powerful- The Indian Woman’s Guide to unlocking her full potential is a very special book for me. It combines my love for writing with my passion for the work I do in leadership, gender and learning. The Six feminine powers- Kanya, Veera, Apsara, Rani, Rishika and Ma are universal archetypes, yet deeply rooted in our content.
I think intuition is extremely important for men and women as an input into any kind of decision-making process. Women are supposed to have better verbal and emotional orientations and the ability to read the room. In the archetypal model that I have used, the Rishika archetype is the most intuitive. I see Mandodari as a Rishika who is a wise, curious seeker who is able to see patterns and recognise connections. I have seen that intuitive people have a broad radar, deep experience and an open mind that allows them to tap into intuition.
Q. Can the powerful life system that enables women to lead a powerful life also become the guide to smoother inclusion of women in the workplace? Speaking of DEI, how do you collaborate with the HR team and the senior management to exercise the DEI agenda in organisations?
I am glad that there is a strong focus on DEI in organisations and institutions. One of the key aspects of DEI is gender. Apart from policies in hiring and retention, there needs to be a focus on enabling women in leadership. We have seen that while organisations may even have 40% diversity at junior levels, there are very few women in senior roles. This is where the Powerfulife model can make a big difference.
We believe that self-awareness is the key to self-empowerment.
Nirupama Subramanian
Through my organization- GLOW- Growing Leadership of Women, we work with organisations to understand their DEI imperatives. We offer Powerfulife in several ways- as a standalone session with assessments for Women’s Day or the Women network initiatives, or as an important part of leadership journeys for women.
We have worked with organisations like ZS Associates, Kotak Life Insurance, Bajaj Finance, IITs, and XLRI’s CGEIL programs like up! SURGE and up! SWING, where the Powerfulife system is embedded into a leadership journey. We have had wonderful feedback and have seen the impact a common language and a powerful tool can have on our growth and development.
Q. To what extent can psychometric assessment help hire the right people for the right jobs? Would you encourage HR to conduct this self-assessment test for every woman candidate applying for a job?
I recommend the Powerfulife Assessment as a personal growth and leadership development tool more than a hiring tool. All powers are needed across different functions, and through awareness, anyone can work on her own powers. I would encourage HR to use the tool for creating Individual development plans, coaching and learning interventions rather than as a deciding factor during hiring.
However, the tool can offer valuable insights into the psyche of any candidate. Through the tool, you can understand the kind of work environment and the nature of the function that would appeal to different women. The Personal Growth Profile and Leadership version can give a deep insight into the thoughts, feelings and behaviours of a person.
Q. What is your take on the “superwoman” identity portrayed in TV ads using emotions as storytelling? Do you think these ads, ‘We have it all,’ will help bring change in society – more respect for women?
This is a part of the Decorate strategy that I describe in the book- set impossibly high standards for women and hold them to account if they don’t meet them. It results in stress, frustration, guilt and too much pressure.
‘Having it all ‘ is not realistic for anyone- male or female. It was true in the times when women could either have a successful career or a fulfilling family life. It is possible to have both now but each person’s all is different. We need to understand and accept different choices that people make and stop being judgemental, and stereotype people into gender roles. I think we need to move away from the ‘have it all game’ to ‘ have whatever YOU want.’
Q. Where do the following women get their source of power:
a. Women who don’t want to change anything. They self-inflict hurt and pain and build power for tolerance and resilience. They make excuses and complain and hold others responsible.
b. Women with dual personalities or those diplomatic. They say different things to different people.
c. Women who are stay-at-home by choice don’t participate in household duties much as they are content with not doing anything and being complacent.
Clearly, they are not unlocking their full potential as they are happy in the comfort of their skin, home, or beliefs. How do you talk to them about making incremental changes that could be a game changer?
I think people have a right to their choices, values and priorities. However, it is true that many people- men and women don’t live their full potential- due to fear, laziness or usually lack of self- awareness. Women have struggled for a long time and have become so used to shrinking their dreams and desires that sometimes it is difficult to break out of old patterns. A caged bird becomes used to the cage and loses the will to fly after a while.
I use a simple 3 step model to enable people to live their power and potential. The first is AWARENESS. You need to know who you are and what you want. Taking time out for introspection, interesting conversations, experiences and something like the Powerfulife tool can enhance your own awareness about what is working and what is dysfunctional in your life.
Then, it is important to ALIGN to your current goals and purpose. People may not move out of the awareness stage if there is no compelling reason to change. Often, a challenge or upset or major problem makes people realize that they need to change.
After the choice, it is important to take intentional ACTIONS. It is not easy to break old habits, but important to get support, and be disciplined and consistent.
Rapid-Fire:
- Can you change a person’s innate nature? YES, but is not easy
- Not knowing one’s potential or not being able to change oneself, which is a bigger issue? Not being able to change- Even if you know your potential, you need to shift something to live that potential.
- Working in an all-women organization or a mixed bag? The environment, culture , purpose and values of the organization need to be aligned versus just the gender of the employees.
- Who is your role model? Many people at different points of time and for different reasons. Currently- our President Draupadi Murmu for her resilience, my mother for being self-reliant and independent, Ela Bhatt for being a gentle revolutionary and bringing positive change at scale…
- How can a life coach help where a therapist can’t? Both life coaches and therapists may be necessary depending upon the needs of the person. A coach is more goal focused and ensures accountability for action.
One-Liners:
- Educate a girl child to: Make the world a better place
- Self Confidence is: Knowing and owning your power
- There is a second life that starts after: You realize the purpose of the one life that you have.
- Being Powerful is like: Being the best and coolest version of yourself
- Shiv Shakti is: The ultimate balance of power
DREAMWEB INDIA IS GRATEFUL TO NIRUPAMA SUBRAMANIAN FOR SPARING HER VALUABLE TIME WITH US FOR THIS INCREDIBLE INTERVIEW. WE WISH HER MANY OPPORTUNITIES AND POWER TO CARRY THEM OUT WITH SUCCESS.
DREAMWEB INDIA WISHES YOU A VERY HAPPY WOMEN’S DAY!
About Author
Nirupama Subramanian
Nirupama is an accomplished individual with a wealth of experience and expertise in coaching, personal growth, leadership development, and gender equality. As the Founder & CEO of Powerfulife Solutions, she is deeply committed to helping individuals realize their potential and make a meaningful impact in both their professional and personal lives.
With over two decades of experience, Nirupama has positively impacted the lives of numerous individuals, having trained and coached a significant number of people across a wide range of organizations. Her certification as an ICF (International Coach Federation) Professional Certified Coach (PCC) further demonstrates her commitment to maintaining high standards and ethical practices in coaching.
18th October 2023
Share this article
Inspiring Women
More Interviews
Important Links
Share this article
Do you have a question for Nirupama Subramanian ? Write to us at contact.dwindia@gmail.com
