Insights from Sainsbury’s Chief People Officer and Head of Corporate Affairs, Prerana Issar on Leadership, Complexity and Courage
For many women, the path to senior leadership and the C-suite is long and winding, lined with obstacles they need to traverse. In contrast, the path taken by men often appears smooth and straightforward.
Frustrating, right?
The business benefits of having a gender-diverse C-suite are well-documented. Diverse senior leadership teams enhance innovation, decision-making and company performance. According to a McKinsey report, organizations with more gender diversity in executive teams are 25% more likely to experience above-average profitability. On the flip side, organizations that don’t prioritize diverse leadership risk stagnation and potential financial decline.
The issue is that many organizations still see DE&I as optional, rather than a necessity. There are various reasons for this, often rooted in a combination of historical, cultural, and operational challenges.
During a recent WeQual event, Prerana Issar, Chief People Officer and Head of Corporate Affairs at Sainsbury’s, shared her thoughts on what the path to the C-suite really looks like for women and how they can break through those familiar barriers to progress to the top.
Prerana’s journey hasn’t been without challenges, but authenticity has been key. “I try to bring my whole self into everything I do,” she says. Her diverse background, ranging from her training as a psychologist to her roles in Unilever and the United Nations, has equipped her with a unique perspective on organizational behavior and leadership.
Read on for some of her key insights.
"Networking isn’t a dirty word. It's about understanding where the organization is going and where value is in the organization."
Authenticity in leadership is essential. Prerana‘s diverse career, including her pivotal role at the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic, shows how vital it is to stay true to yourself.
“It was that sense of responsibility… doing everything we could every single day to then get up the next day and do it all over again,” she recalls.
To embody authenticity, regularly reflect on your values, strengths, and areas for growth. Understand what drives you and integrate this awareness into your leadership style.
Communicate openly with your team about challenges and decisions, nurturing a culture of trust and collaboration.
Developing a personal brand that reflects your true self and sharing your journey, including both successes and failures, can also help you connect with others on an all-important deeper level.
“Expertise is kind of bedrock,” says Prerana.
However, expertise alone isn’t enough. Effective leaders must align people across various units and reporting lines, working towards a cohesive organizational culture.
Encourage cross-functional collaboration by facilitating regular meetings and workshops to align goals and strategies.
Establish mentorship programs to share knowledge and build relationships across the organization, helping bridge gaps and foster a sense of unity.
Promote initiatives that celebrate diversity and inclusion, recognizing and valuing the unique contributions of each team member.
Reflecting on her career moves, Prerana emphasizes the need for courage.
“Sometimes I see some of the things that I put my hand up for or say that that’s what I want to do, and I think, how did I think I could do that?”
Courage, combined with a strong support system, is crucial. Build a support network of mentors, peers, and allies who believe in your potential, as their encouragement can boost your confidence to take bold steps.
View failure as a learning opportunity, understanding that each setback provides valuable lessons that contribute to personal and professional growth.
Set ambitious, yet achievable goals, breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps to maintain momentum and build confidence over time.
Prerana underscores the importance of understanding how an organization creates value and connecting one’s work to that value.
“In my first job at Unilever, I wanted to show how whatever I was doing was leading to a return for the business,“ she shares.
Develop a strong understanding of the business model, industry trends, and key performance indicators to align your work with the company’s objectives.
Identify how your role contributes to the organization’s success and clearly articulate the impact of your work on business outcomes.
Stay informed about market dynamics and emerging trends, continuously seeking opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.
“Networking isn’t a dirty word. It’s about understanding where the organization is going and where value is in the organization,” Prerana advises.
This perspective shift can be crucial for those who find the concept of networking daunting.
Approach networking with a strategic mindset, identifying key individuals within and outside the organization who can provide insights and opportunities.
Focus on building genuine relationships, showing interest in others’ experiences and offering support where possible.
Utilize your network to stay informed about industry developments and career opportunities by attending industry events, joining professional organizations and participating in online forums.
Drawing from her experience with the UN, Prerana highlights the value of seeking advice from experienced colleagues.
“Seek out mentors who can offer guidance and support, looking for individuals whose experiences and values align with your own,” she advises.
Engage in peer learning opportunities, sharing experiences and insights with colleagues to encourage mutual growth.
Commit to continuous learning by attending workshops, pursuing further education, and staying curious about new developments in your field.
If you’re an organization looking to improve your DE&I remit, here are a few ways to help focus your efforts:
Prerana‘s journey and insights provide a roadmap for aspiring leaders of all levels.
For those aiming to navigate their own path to senior leadership and the C-suite, her story is a powerful reminder that the journey, though fraught with challenges, is also filled with opportunities for growth and learning.
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Prerana is focused on HR delivering commercial impact. She joined the Sainsbury's Operating Board in May 2023, and is a trustee on the Marie Curie Board of Trustees.