Leading Women: Transcend gender bias with mental toughness

As part of our Leading Women series, we want to highlight the professional challenges and career aspirations of women we work with here in Asia. 

In this feature, Rasleen Kaur, Head of Corporate Strategy & Investor Relations at Policybazaar Group, explains why it is best to not get too carried away with real or perceived gender bias at work. Sometimes, the best strategy is to set your mind right and to let your work speak for itself. 

Q: What are some of the strategies that can help women achieve more prominent roles in male-dominated industries? 

First, do not think of it as a negative. I would say that women in these positions should view it as a blessing in a disguise because it’s an opportunity to stand out without having to do anything. I guess a positive frame of mind always helps, whether you’re in the situation of being a minority or when it comes to any other challenge that’s thrown at you. Once you’re confident in your head, you will also do whatever it takes to achieve the goal you’ve set for yourself.  

Second, don’t hold back just because you think the world has a bias against your gender. This may or may not be true. So having this mindset will save you from doing a disservice to yourself. Nobody appreciates weakness and I think if you’re strong enough to command what you want, you will get it, woman or not. There cannot be a rule book or a one-size-fits-all strategy for dealing with this. When you are in the game, you do whatever is needed. 

This is an abridged version of the full interview with Rasleen Kaur. For the full version of the interview, click here.