Women should have the self-esteem to become good leaders

At the Women's Summit: Women Rising, the speakers presented their personal experiences with the challenges of balancing family and society, as well as how to effectively lead a business through difficulties. 

Dr. Josefine Wallat, Consul General of the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Ho Chi Minh City since November 2019, has 26 years of diplomatic experience as the city's first female consul general. When discussing gender equity, she stated that even in a country as progressive in gender equity as Germany, the road to gender equality remains lengthy.

“To date, 70% of Germany's consuls and ambassadors are men, therefore the message I want to convey is that the fight for gender equity will never cease and must be done continuously”, said Josefine Wallat. 

Meanwhile, Ms. Pham Thi My Lien, President, and CEO of GSK Vietnam shared that she became the company’s first female president and CEO 12 years ago, in 2010. “At the time, I was really frightened, and I often closed the door to the room and silently cried alone. But when I walked out, I was a different person with all the dedication because I knew very well what I wanted”, she shared. 

At the discussion session “Women summit: Women Rising”. Photo from left: Mr. Nguyen Chi Duc, Yokogawa Votiva Solutions, coordinating discussions with speakers: Dr. Josefine Wallat – Consul General, German Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City; Ms. Pham Thi My Lien – President of GSK Vietnam; Ms. Priyamvada Srivastava, Vice President and CEO of P&G Vietnam and Ms. Pham Thi Thu Diep, CEO and Director of IBM Technology Vietnam.

Going abroad to serve as the Asia region’s head of audit and director of GSK Malaysia, where she encountered many cultural differences, has helped Ms. Lien become more confident and ready to work with her skills when returning to the leadership of GSK Vietnam. “My comeback has been extremely peaceful. I have been welcomed and encouraged by colleagues”, she added.

Ms. Priyamvada Srivastava, Vice President and CEO of P&G Vietnam, expressed her nervousness about becoming the first female CEO of P&G Vietnam, in addition to being eager about acquiring new skills and experiencing a new culture. Because 18 years of company expertise will just be part of a new position that requires a wide variety of abilities. Nonetheless, she is pleased with the new task and feels obligated to work more in order to be a role model for young people.

Ms. Pham Thi Thu Diep - CEO and Director of IBM Technology Vietnam - refused to become the leader of IBM Vietnam in 2020 because she was unsure whether she was qualified. Ms. Diep took on a new position after being encouraged by the group's leaders, becoming the first female general director at IBM Vietnam 25 years after the US technology corporation entered Vietnam. 

“Looking back, I realize that I made a great decision. Therefore, every woman must believe in herself instead of doubting her abilities”, she shared.

According to the speakers' professional experiences, women have many advantages when it comes to running their businesses. Dr. Josefine Wallat is skeptical that women leaders have an advantage, but there is plenty that has to improve. In her current position, she is in a position to make changes, such as mandating meetings to be held during the day rather than in the evening and encouraging women to speak up.

Priyamvada believes there is no difference between male and female leaders, but simply "a good leader is a good leader." She leads her team in a "educate children" manner, always pushing them to reach their full potential with compassion and care, but also being severe and demanding at times to push them forward.

Ms. My Lien stated that once a person reaches the level of international management, there will be no gender difference in leadership. A company that wishes to be "healthy" must assure diversity. Women with strengths such as mindfulness and attention to detail, on the other hand, will find a way to lead their team in a gentler and more resilient manner.

According to Ms. Thu Diep, as leaders, they all share the desire to achieve common organizational goals. Women, on the other hand, are concentrated, delicate, and assertive, but also flexible and gentle. They have the patience and capacity to inspire and awaken the enthusiasm of employees, which contributes to the creation of loyal employees.

Source: Forbes Vietnam