Women in Leadership:Breaking Barriers & Shaping the Future by Rtn. Dr. Sumedha Nandakumar
In a world often considered to be male-dominated, I’ve observed that leadership positions across politics, society, and personal spaces have traditionally been occupied by men. However, as a woman leader myself, I’m heartened to see the gradual yet steady increase in women’s representation globally. Through my journey as a dentist, Rotarian, and First Lady of our Rotary District, I’ve witnessed firsthand how women in leadership positions not only work towards creating an equitable world but also bring unique perspectives that enrich our systems and organizations.
My leadership journey has been profoundly shaped by remarkable women who have inspired me throughout different phases of my life. At home, my grandmother and mother were my first leadership role models, demonstrating the power of resilience and compassion in managing family affairs. Their unwavering strength laid the foundation for my understanding of effective leadership.
During my school years, Marie Curie’s dedication to scientific discovery despite numerous obstacles showed me the importance of perseverance and intellectual curiosity. As I grew older, India’s former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi exemplified how women could lead nations with strength and determination. In the corporate world, Indira Nooyi’s remarkable tenure as PepsiCo’s chairman proved that women could excel in global business leadership. Michelle Obama’s memoir “Becoming” further reinforced the significance of authenticity and using one’s platform to create meaningful change.
Through my role as First Lady of our Rotary District, supporting my husband Dr. Nandakumar, I’ve had the privilege of implementing various initiatives that reflect the leadership traits I learned from these inspiring women. I’ve discovered that successful women leaders consistently embody certain fundamental qualities: self-awareness, respect, compassion, vision, effective communication, learning agility, integrity, courage, gratitude, and resilience.
As a practising dentist and active Rotarian, I’ve strived to incorporate these traits into my professional and service life. Studies consistently show that women leaders help increase productivity, enhance collaboration, inspire others, and improve fairness in organizations. Our natural inclination toward empathy and emotional intelligence proves invaluable in leadership roles.
I firmly believe that good leaders are made, not born. Through my various roles – as a healthcare professional, Rotarian, and First Lady – I’ve seen how leadership skills can be developed and refined through experience, mentorship, and determination. I continue to advocate for increased participation of women in positions of power and decision-making, knowing that this diversity strengthens our society and paves the way for future generations of women leaders.
My journey has taught me that when women lead, they don’t just break barriers – they create new possibilities for everyone. As we continue to shape the future, I remain committed to supporting and inspiring more women to step into leadership roles, knowing that their unique perspectives and abilities are essential for building a better world.
To my fellow women Rotarians: The time is now to step forward, embrace your leadership potential, and be the catalysts of change. Together, let us transform our clubs, inspire our communities, and create a future where service above self knows no gender. The world is ready for your leadership – are you ready to answer the call?
