Navigating the Non-Linear Path to Leadership
For women ascending the career ladder, the journey is often marked by twists and turns rather than a straight line. Bhawna Agarwal, SVP & MD at HPE India, reflects that the most effective leaders are not those clinging to established knowledge but those who boldly embrace change. They possess the courage to unlearn outdated practices and reinvent themselves when the evolving world demands it.
The Compass of Curiosity and Reinvention
Over a distinguished 25-year career spanning digital startups, global media houses, and technology giants, Agarwal has relied on curiosity as her guiding compass. Her transformative experience at Harvard Business School reshaped her leadership philosophy, reinforcing that reinvention is not a deviation from success but the essential route to achieving it. For her, leadership transcends the pursuit of quick victories; it involves crafting a long-term vision that inspires teams and generates sustainable impact.
The Multiplier Effect of Mentorship
Great mentors do more than provide easy solutions—they equip individuals with the courage to confront challenging questions. Agarwal highlights that the most impactful mentors in her journey questioned her assumptions, pushed her beyond self-doubt, and helped overcome perfection paralysis. She advocates for a mentorship cascade, where today's mentees evolve into tomorrow's mentors, multiplying leadership influence exponentially.
For women, mentorship extends beyond mere advice to include advocacy, access, and opening doors that might otherwise remain shut. In her dialogues with women employees and aspiring leaders, Agarwal emphasizes the importance of deep listening, addressing unique obstacles, and creating concrete growth opportunities.
Championing a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset forms the bedrock of enduring success. It involves rejecting conventional thinking, maintaining curiosity even when relying on familiar knowledge is tempting, and embracing discomfort as a catalyst for resilience and confidence. Agarwal anchors herself with a North Star vision—a broader purpose of driving transformation across people, businesses, and culture.
She encourages teams to venture into uncharted territories where ambiguity prevails, as this is where creativity flourishes. While such paths may be unsettling, they are fertile ground for innovation.
Actionable Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders
Agarwal offers practical guidance for women aiming to become future leaders:
- Prioritize Your Well-being: Sustainable success hinges on health. Prioritize rest, establish boundaries, and protect your energy to maintain confidence and clarity in leadership roles.
- Choose Your Battles Wisely: Focus on areas where you can make a meaningful impact. Learning to say no with clarity creates space for yes where it truly matters.
- Stay Visible and Vocal: Capability must be complemented by visibility. Communicate with clarity and ensure your work speaks volumes in ways that cannot be overlooked.
- Balance Ambition with Empathy: True leadership blends sharp intellect with emotional intelligence. This combination builds trust, motivates teams, and fosters lasting influence.
- Embrace Technology as a Partner: View technology as a new language. You don't need instant fluency, but dedicating even 30 minutes daily to learning can sharpen your competitive edge.
Bhawna Agarwal's insights, drawn from her extensive experience, provide a roadmap for women navigating the complexities of leadership in today's dynamic professional landscape.
