Hey there,

Grab your coffee and settle in, because today we’re diving into a topic that’s long overdue for a reset.

More women are stepping into leadership roles and breaking stereotypes. You see the shift. You feel it.

But zoom out, and a pattern still holds:

For every woman who makes it to the top, there are still dozens held back by invisible barriers - be it pay parity, gender bias, or caregiving responsibilities. The glass ceiling is cracked, but it is still there.

Slow fixes don’t help lasting change.

🔍But before that, a moment of inspiration

Let’s start with what’s already working — because when women lead, companies thrive.
These real-world gender-inclusive leadership isn’t just good for optics — it drives impact, innovation, and long-term success. See for yourself!

• Priya Nair was recently appointed CEO & Managing Director of HUL, marking the first woman CEO in the company’s 92‑year history.

  

• Hexaware Technologies has been named ETNow Best Organisation for Women for three consecutive years (2023–2025). They support return-to-work programs, mentor advancement through programs like - StrongHer Up and Rising Women@Hexaware.

  

• Sandhya Devanathan, VP & Head of Meta India, is steering India’s role as a global innovation hub and is named one of Fortune India Most Powerful Women in Business 2025.

  

🔍7 Workplace Shifts That Actually Move the Needle

1. Making Promotion Criteria Transparent - Promotions shouldn’t rely on gut feel or who’s the loudest in the room. A clear, role-based framework - visible to all - helps level the playing field. 

2. Flexibility at its truest sense - Flexibility shouldn’t come at the cost of visibility or career growth. Design flexible policies that are embraced across levels - and backed by leadership, along with HR. Not a lot is required for this one, simply a human centric approach is good enough.

3. Returnship programs - People step away from work for real reasons - caregiving, health, life. Returnship programs help them come back with confidence (and often, fresh perspective).

4. Redesigning Performance Reviews - Bias hides in words like “aggressive,” “too nice,” or “not leadership material.” Using structured, skills-based reviews and requiring managers to back ratings with outcomes can help here.

5. Audit title gaps before closing them - Pay equity is very important and also a problem that needs to be solved. But along with that comes title alignment & scope of responsibility. A regular audit, followed by actionable adjustments, can go a long way in building trust and retention. 

6. Build pay equity - Fair pay is a trust builder. Choose consistent audits and public progress updates. Why public? When equitable pay becomes part of your brand promise, it builds trust with current and future women leaders alike.

7. Celebrate different leadership styles - Leadership doesn't always look or sound the same.Men and women lead differently. Recognizing a range of styles - from quiet problem-solvers to empathetic connectors creates space for more inclusive growth.

🚀Great cultures don’t happen by accident — and they deserve recognition.

The Best Place to Work Certification is now open!

Why Apply
✅ 100% Free – No gimmicks, no hidden fees

📊 Employee-led Pulse Survey – Designed by People Scientists

🎖 CHRO-Led Culture Audit – Get evaluated by top HR leaders

🎯 Actionable Culture Insights – Know where you stand (and how to improve)

 Stand out where it matters.

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📊👥 TSOW HR Leaders Roundtables – Be Part of the Conversation

We believe that some of the most powerful insights emerge when experienced minds come together in the same room.

That’s why we’re hosting a series of exclusive, in-person roundtables for senior HR leaders across India.

These sessions are designed to foster open dialogue, meaningful peer exchange, and trusted community building — all in a safe, curated space.

Whether you're navigating transformation, scaling culture, or simply seeking clarity in a noisy world of work, these roundtables are for you.

We’re heading to the following cities soon — we’d love to have you join us:

We can’t wait to see you there — and hear what’s on your mind.

🎉 Join forces with TSOW Events!

Step into the spotlight by becoming a sponsor of TSOW events! Connect with leading HR professionals, amplify your brand’s visibility, and play a vital role in shaping the future of the global HR community.

Your sponsorship doesn’t just promote your brand — it fuels innovation, drives change, and supports meaningful conversations in the HR industry.

🤝Real Conversations. Real Change. Join the Meetup

These aren’t your typical HR sessions. We’re gathering people who want to ask better questions, swap real stories, and explore what’s actually shaping workplaces today. If you're craving connection, clarity, or just a little less BS, you're in the right place.

✅TSOW HR Meetup in Mumbai, Saturday, August 23

Be part of an inspiring evening dedicated to where HR is headed. Meet professionals who share your passion, discover new ways of thinking, and leave with fresh strategies—and a digital badge to show for it. Spots are limited—grab yours now!

✅TSOW HR Meetup in Chandigarh, Saturday, August 30

Join us for an insightful evening focused on the future of HR. Connect with like-minded professionals, gain valuable perspectives, and walk away with new ideas—and a digital certificate. Enjoy complimentary coffee, snacks, and engaging conversations. Seats are limited. Register today!

Join us for an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session with experienced professionals sharing real-world advice, lessons learned, and insights to help you grow your career.
Whether you’re exploring new paths, breaking into an industry, or just looking for honest guidance — this is your chance to ask it all.

📅 Date: Wednesday, August 6
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

It’s no longer a question of why we need more women in leadership, it’s about how we make it happen. And honestly, no one understands it better than you amazing HR folks. 

You are the unsung heroes of creating a diverse and inclusive workplace culture - the ones turning intent into action and policies into progress. Believe us, your impact truly shines.

Until next time, thanks for reading and truly caring.
— Team TSOW