In a thought-provoking session organized by the FICCI FLO Hyderabad Chapter at T-Hub, renowned author and management expert Anita Bhogle engaged in a compelling discussion with Priya Gazdar. The event, attended by over 150 FLO members, centered around Bhogle’s book, Equal Yet Different, which delves into the challenges and opportunities for women in leadership and management.
Inspiration Behind the Book
Anita Bhogle, a multifaceted professional with a background in advertising, marketing, and market research, is also known for co-authoring The Winning Way with her husband, celebrated cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle. She credits the title Equal Yet Different to Australian cricket legend Steve Waugh, who epitomized both equality and uniqueness in his playing and leadership style.
Navigating the Workplace as Women
Reflecting on the journey of writing her book, Anita Bhogle shared how speaking to numerous women deepened her understanding of the workplace dynamics they navigate. “Women are great human beings with a lot of substance,” she noted. However, they tend to internalize feedback more seriously than men, making resilience and a positive mindset crucial for success.
“One of the biggest reasons women leave jobs is unsolicited criticism. Thick skin and positivity are key. Rather than being discouraged by insensitive comments, prove your worth through performance,” Anita Bhogle emphasized. She encouraged women to focus on their strengths rather than their limitations and to set clear boundaries by learning to say ‘no’ with tact.
Balancing Work and Life
Sharing her personal experience, Anita Bhogle highlighted the complexities of managing professional and personal responsibilities. Living in Mumbai while her husband traveled extensively, and with family spread across different cities, she adapted by setting up a home office as early as 1990. She urged women to seek roles that align with their lifestyle needs, enabling them to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
Redefining Leadership
Anita Bhogle also addressed the gender biases entrenched in leadership imagery. “Leadership is still perceived as male-dominated, much like the roles of drivers or carpenters. Despite my significant contributions to our ventures, credit often went to my husband. Women need to step forward and claim their achievements.”
She stressed that leadership is evolving. A modern leader is no longer an authoritarian figure but a facilitator—someone who listens, learns, and brings out the best in people. However, many women do not aspire to leadership roles, fearing the sacrifices involved. “The general notion that men work for their families while women work for themselves needs to change. Women are not secondary earners; they are integral contributors to economic progress,” she asserted.
A Call for Change
The session concluded with a powerful reminder that true equality lies in valuing differences rather than erasing them. Priya Gazdar, Chairperson of FLO Hyderabad, captured this sentiment perfectly: “For decades, gender equality has been about sameness—equal rights, equal pay, equal opportunities. But today, we realize that true equality is about being valued for what makes us unique.”
Women bring distinct strengths to leadership, business, and society—qualities like resilience, empathy, adaptability, and collaboration. Recognizing and embracing these strengths is the key to progress.
As Anita Bhogle’s insights resonated with the audience, it was clear that Equal Yet Different is not just a book; it is a movement towards redefining success and leadership for women in today’s world.
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