Strategic foresight needed for women at workplace and in leadership roles

Talent development trainer Nengaswary Maniam said strategic foresight helps in terms of clarifying patterns of change, and modelling potential outcomes and choices in empowering women.

"This means you put yourself in a position (of) where do you want to be in the future, and then work backwards in order to establish effective policy making, especially when involving the plan to increase female talent into the workforce.

"This is in contrast with the current approach that depends on the existing market needs with less talent optimisation," said Nengaswary Maniam, the recipient of the 2021 Influential Leader award bestowed by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), in an interview with Bernama, recently.

The AACSB honour went to Nengaswary, who is also fondly known as Eeish, as a recognition for her business leadership with passion and purpose for creating lasting impact in communities and industries globally.

The project management specialist and business coach has successfully nurtured three startups and one social enterprise within a span of 18 months.

She said while it is important to increase the participation of women in the decision-making process, it is imperative to ensure the leadership team comprises a well-balanced gender representation when participating and contributing in the decision-making process, both at the corporate and public sector.

"For instance, in my organisation, we value inclusivity, where everyone can contribute and be appreciated for their talent. So, no gender bias in this regard," said the Malacca-born lass who currently heads the Research and Knowledge Exchange Department at the University of Nottingham Malaysia.

Asked whether great leaders are the product of nature or nurture, Nengaswary said "leaders are developed along the way and a true leader is a person who can actually bring about change in business and society or any field they embark on."

"Research has shown that one third of the leaders are born, whereas two third (of) leaders are nurtured. As a leader, we should align our purpose to values and dignity," she said.

Commenting on women leadership in community and family, Nengaswary said in order to put the country in order, every woman has to play a role in putting the family as a priority.

"Every woman, whether you are a working professional, or housewife, have a significant leadership role to play in today's world because a truly sustainable society emerges at the heart of a supportive and loving family.

"I have a very supportive husband and family, and I strongly object that career women ignores family. Empowerment of women leads to development of a good family, greater society, and ultimately, a noble nation.

"If you are able to manage your family, then I will say you can come out as a change maker who is able to contribute to the society at large," said Nengaswary who regards Indra Nooyi, former chairperson and chief executive officer of PepsiCo, as her inspiration.

Nengaswary also said it was a lifetime experience when her passion and involvement in talent development initiatives resulted in invitations to attend meetings in Malaysia with former United States president Barack Obama in 2014 and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015.

"Both leaders gave importance in empowering the youth. This award recognition is also a starting point for a great new beginning, a beginning that enabled me to make even greater contributions towards society and the business environment," she added.