Finding Opportunity Amid Change
By Parul Yadav
I have always desired to learn more about how we function within a society: where our information comes from, how different cultures communicated in the past, and how the structural dynamics of various industries work. Growing up in a middle-class Indian family, I had particular insight into the patriarchal mindsets that have allowed gender disparities in the workplace to prevail.
Throughout my time in university, I held constant in my vision to work toward changing these perceptions, despite hearing countless arguments discouraging women from pursuing leadership roles. Drawing upon my determination, sense of optimism, and talent for understanding social systems, I sought to create spaces where young people could come together to explore and unravel the dynamics that contribute to gender discrimination. I started connecting with youth through mentorship programs and spreading awareness of relevant topics in education, the social sciences, and media relations.
However, when the pandemic hit, my world—like many others’—turned upside down. In the blink of an eye, my normal routine had changed dramatically. Events that I thought could happen only in the distant future became present circumstances I had to adapt to. The world as I once knew it shifted to a virtual landscape that I found both exciting and frustrating to navigate.
Nonetheless, my interest in connecting with others and learning more about corporate culture and entrepreneurship kept me going. I took on new leadership roles where I discovered the concept of community relations: how companies can engage with communities in meaningful ways. I am a big believer in the value of connecting with people who can provide you with new perspectives. It is amazing what you can learn when you are bold enough to ask others for advice. Becoming more globally aware—whether through virtual or in-person engagements—can help us to acquire new skills, adapt more easily to change during difficult times, and unlock the key to new opportunities for personal and professional development.
One amazing piece of advice I received touched on the way we, as humans, are always trying to balance our authentic selves with the images we present to the outside world. We are compelled to find our “place” in society and to garner respect for who we are and what we have to offer. However, to generate real change, you have to start by building trust with the people you are trying to influence, and an important way to do this is to work from a place of authenticity. Authenticity leads to trust, which ultimately lends you more credibility as a leader. Hearing this perspective prompted me to retool my personal brand to reflect a more authentic image of myself and more effectively connect with my followers.
Our new virtual work structure brought about many personal changes for me as well. Spending more time at home and staying in close touch with my family and loved ones helped alleviate my stress considerably. Over the past year, I also experienced a drastic shift in my daily habits and productivity. I noticed I had a tendency to get caught up worrying about trivial matters or thinking too far ahead into the future. Having this time allowed me to release that toxicity from my life and ground myself more in the present steps I could take toward manifesting my dream of a more equitable society.
In India, the workplace is a major source of gender inequality. Women do not hold many managerial roles, due to a perception that they are too emotional or not tough enough to play the corporate game. Fortunately, young women in India today appear more aware and less afraid of the challenges they face. In a show of great fortitude, many women are taking advantage of opportunities during the pandemic to accumulate new skills and experiences in pursuit of higher-paying jobs.
India is also a country with a disproportionately large adolescent and youth population, a phenomenon known as the “demographic dividend.” Naturally, there are both benefits and drawbacks to this reality, including many inherent challenges for young women. There are still millions of women out there who need inspiration to unleash their inner leaders, and young girls growing up in India seek female mentors to emulate.
I believe women across the world have made great strides in overcoming workplace disparities. Although it may be tempting to remain in our comfort zones during these testing times, it is important to keep pushing for progress. For me, living a full life means remaining open to new experiences, endlessly seeking knowledge, and risking ridicule to test bold ideas. If an idea or opportunity excites you, don’t allow our present circumstances to hold you back—you might just need a new, more creative approach to fulfill your goal.
If you’d like to connect with Parul, you can find her on Instagram at @parullyadavv or on LinkedIn at Parul Yadav.
