Yesterday, a beauty entrepreneur I have been a huge admirer of celebrated the fact that her ayurvedic brand was going to launch soon at Sephora USA. Michelle Ranavat’s eponymous skin and haircare label–Ranavat–is the first South Asian-founded ayurvedic brand to have been picked up by the multinational retailer and while scrolling on the ‘gram, something she posted about it inspired me.
“All week leading up to the Sephora party I was so stressed! Ami called me every day and sent me a massive bouquet of flowers the day of, just to show me how much she cared. I’m sharing this with you because I want you all to find yourself an Ami. Someone that will fearlessly root for you and comfort you when the times are tough. I also want you to be an Ami to someone else. Love and support your friends in their endeavours!” wrote Ranavat on her social media handle. Her sweet tribute to her friend Ami Desai, a beauty and lifestyle expert, really made me ponder.
Image source: Instagram.com/Ranavat
Conventionally, we’ve all been trained to view each other as competition. Whether it is at work or our social circles, it is ingrained in us that there is scarcity of approval and success that one can achieve. In a corporate setting, we’re made to feel like there can be only a select few who will accomplish everything they desire. But it has also never been clearer that this tactic is nonsense. Uplifting each other is the way to success and there’s a study that proves it.
According to a 2019 report published in the Harvard Business Review, women with a circle of close female contacts are more likely to land executive positions with higher pay and greater authority.
The reason
Women tend to face more cultural and systemic obstacles that makes it way harder for them to make their way to the top of the corporate ladder. This could be due to various unconscious biases that women have to deal with including ageism, gender, drecency, affinity or even a beauty bias.
How to navigate your way through the hurdles
The study recommends building close relationships and connections with other women who have had similar experiences so you can have each other’s back. Having a girl’s club can help you in multiple ways, from how to be a better leader to realising your true potential.
Take a chance
When it comes to networking, you have to actively put yourself in situations where you might meet similar minded people. You never know when the next big opportunity might present itself! Making meaningful connections can help you grow leaps and bounds.
Make an effort
Understand that just meeting people at events or conferences isn’t a one and done. You have to follow up, check in, ask for advice and step in as and when they need a helping hand too. Nurture connections and see how they transform into genuine relationships.
Support other women
When one woman wins, we all win. When you see your colleague stepping out of her comfort zone, acknowledge it. When you see someone doing a great job, tell them. When someone comes to you with a great idea, tell them how they can take it further. Be secure enough to know that there can be enough success to go around the table.