Why do gender biases in leadership exist? This is partly due to a stereotype that because men have been leaders for so long, the traits associated with leadership are often thought of as masculine and not viewed as favourably when exhibited by women. In this issue of #MakingHERStory, we spoke to Marsya Juwita Aderizal, an AVP Partnership Success Lead from our Modalku family, as she quashes this old stereotype. Also, learn more on how she takes on the challenges of leadership with impactful thoughtfulness, respect and collaboration.
Influence and inspiration
Tell us about a leadership lesson that you’ve learnt that’s unique to being a female leader?
Learning about imposter syndrome was a big switch for me. I realize that, statistically more women than men, during their career, had felt this way. Hence, I wasn’t alone in experiencing such feelings at work, and I could talk about it.
Tackling challenging projects or taking new leadership responsibilities may be overwhelming and triggering self-doubt. Understanding that the feeling is normal and keep pushing through the challenge by doing our best effort will help to overcome this feeling bit by bit. Having doubt and not feeling confident is part of the process to grow and achieve objectives.
Have you drawn professional inspiration from other women? Tell us about someone who has inspired you.
I don’t particularly have someone in mind. I have met many women leaders who really inspired me during my career journey. It’s admirable to see how they can be successful in their professional life: handling significant responsibilities no matter the company size and creating impact even in a men dominated field, and yet being able to manage their personal life well: be with their family, children, friends, or community. Looking at them and hearing their story help me to remind myself that work is not the only thing in life. Each individual can balance their professional and personal life , in the way they want.
Career
What energises you about work?
I love the feeling that my work can make a meaningful impact to others, which can be my team members, external customers/partners, but even the society. I get super excited when I achieve things that I thought I never could. Of course, connecting with other people and learning new things always fuels my energy.
What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Be generous in sharing inspiration, mentoring, and giving opportunities to other women to show what they are capable of. I know there was a time back then where our manager or other people put trust in us and let us shine: all of this helped us to create who we are now. Now it’s time to pay back!
Women empowerment
How has Funding Societies | Modalku (FSMK) empowered you to #breakthebias and be the leader you are today?
FSMK has a supportive environment where people respect each other and be collaborative, which makes me feel heard when I offer ideas or point of view and helps me to be open minded in listening to other people’s opinion.
How should women support other women in their organisations?
Give small gestures and show care to help other women overcome their self-doubts
Build and get involve in a workgroup/community to share knowledge and experience that may be valuable for other women
Society might think otherwise, however, there is no rulebook to being a leader. Honesty, respect, grace and drive are really the qualities one should practice, because in being a great person, you would be a great leader. Stay tuned, for more on women in leadership, in our next issue of #MakingHERStory.
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