Interview

Ruhie Pande
Ruhie Pande
Group CHRO - Sterlite Power

Ruhie Pande is the Group Chief Human Resources Officer and Head of Marketing and Communications at Sterlite Power. She holds a M.Sc degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the prestigious Birkbeck College in London.

As Sterlite Power’s Group CHRO, she is responsible for leading HR, including talent, strategy and culture priorities for the group. A seasoned professional with two decades of experience, Ruhie has a proven track record of building and harnessing people power across a diverse range of industries. She is known for her empathy-driven approach, enabling her to drive effective strategies in the HR realm.

In her journey, she has contributed to establishing a high-performance culture across sectors like financial services, real Estate, Fashion Retail, Information Technology and FMCG. During her last stint at Godrej Capital, Ruhie was instrumental in handpicking and onboarding key personnels, furthering the organization’s presence as a best-in-class financial institution.

As an accomplished leader and domain expert, Ruhie is associated with many domestic and international HR and leadership forums. She has been a part of different women forums and has been mentoring young women leaders. Ruhie’s groundbreaking contributions have been recognised with several industry awards, such as 100 most influential HR leaders in India by CHRO Asia, 25 most talented HR professionals in Retail by Asia Retail Congress and Leading woman in HR by IIGBI in the 4th Women Leaders awards in India.

Q:What does "Femme Forte" mean to you?
A:"Femme forte" translates to "strong woman" in English. To me, it embodies resilience, determination, and empowerment. A "femme forte" is someone who stands tall in the face of adversity, embraces her strengths and vulnerabilities, and leads with compassion and integrity. She is unapologetically herself, breaking barriers and paving the way for others to follow. She embodies the essence of strength, both internally and externally, inspiring those around her to strive for greatness and embrace their own power.
Q:Share one success story as a leader from past work experience.
A:I authored a paper titled "Foot in the Door: Women Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Indian Real Estate." The insights garnered were impactful, and I shared them with organizations and women alike. Witnessing how these findings aided women in navigating the corporate world was immensely gratifying. Many expressed their gratitude, which motivated me further. The paper, available on ResearchGate, also enabled me to implement other interventions in the workplace, such as Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and specialized policies promoting gender equity. Engaging with the women featured in the research was enlightening; their passion, resilience, and the sacrifices they made left a profound impression on me.
Q:Share an initiative to empower women in their careers.
A:One initiative that can inspire women who are in the nascent stage of their careers, is a mentorship program. A program that pairs experienced female leaders within an organization with women who are aspiring to advance in their careers. Through regular one-on-one meetings, mentorship sessions, and skill-building workshops, women leaders can provide guidance, support, and valuable insights into navigating the professional landscape. By fostering a culture of mentorship and collaboration, we can not only equip women with the tools, confidence, and networks necessary to thrive in their careers but also build an equitable culture along the way.
Q:Balancing assertiveness and empathy: your approach?
A:Balancing assertiveness and empathy is essential in effective leadership irrespective of gender. My approach centers on fostering open communication and understanding while also standing firm in my convictions and decisions. I prioritize active listening and empathy. Understanding different viewpoints allows me to make informed decisions that consider the needs and aspirations of all stakeholders.

At the same time, I believe in being assertive when necessary. This means confidently articulating my ideas, setting clear expectations, and taking decisive action when called for. However, assertiveness does not equate to aggression. It must be done in a respectful manner, maintaining empathy and consideration for others' feelings and perspectives.
Q:3 Unique strengths women bring to leadership, and how do you use them?
A:Women bring a multitude of unique strengths to leadership roles, which can be leveraged to drive change in an organization.

Emotional intelligence: Women often possess high emotional intelligence, enabling them to understand and empathize with the emotions and experiences of others. This strength can be utilized to create an environment where team members feel heard, valued, and supported. By fostering emotional connections and building trust, collaboration is enhanced, promoting a positive work culture.

Collaboration and communication: Women are adept at building relationships and fostering collaboration. This promotes open communication, active listening, and teamwork within the organization. Encouraging diverse perspectives is a key catalyst for harnessing the collective intelligence of the team

Resilience and adaptability: Women demonstrate remarkable resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges and adversity. They embrace change as an opportunity for growth and learning. They, in turn, inspire confidence in others to navigate any challenges that come their way.
Q:Advice for young women aspiring to leadership?
A:Firstly, believe wholeheartedly in your capabilities and unique perspectives. And continuously invest in your personal and professional growth through education, mentorship, and skill-building. Build a strong support network of peers, mentors, and allies who champion your aspirations. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, and don't be deterred by setbacks. Lastly, remember to lift as you climb, supporting and empowering other women along the way. As you make great strides in your career, don't move away from your true self. Always remember to be authentic.