BREAKING BOUNDARIES

Women have been a the forefront of leadership in all spheres of the modern-day world. SpeakIn recognizes the importance of applauding and celebrating stories of grit and determination and those who have been instrumental in reimagining role of women in STEM, Education, Business and Beyond. Those who have truly broken boundaries. The following are the indicative criteria for selecting SpeakIn’s Featured Women Leaders.

• Leadership Skills: This includes qualities such as vision, strategic thinking, decisiveness, and the ability to inspire and motivate others. Women leaders should demonstrate strong leadership capabilities that align with the goals and values of the organizations and institutions they have aligned with. #Held CXO Positions at >5000 employee or proven social impact organizations
• Experience: Relevant experience in the field or industry. This could include experience in managerial roles, specific industry expertise, or a track record of success in previous leadership positions. #Part of STEM, Education, and Business functions with Functional Ownership
• Education and Qualifications: Educational background, professional qualifications, and certifications. Advanced degrees, specialized training, or relevant certifications can enhance credibility and competence. #A professional degree, preferably post doctorate in the fields of STEM, Education, and Business or social impact
• Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential for leadership, including the ability to articulate ideas clearly, listen actively, and engage with diverse stakeholders. Women leaders should be adept communicators who can convey messages convincingly and foster collaboration. #Past participation in speaker events on topics of support and furtherance of women in STEM, Education and Business
• Diversity and Inclusion: Diversity in leadership brings different perspectives and enhances decision-making. We will always prioritize selecting women leaders who promote diversity and inclusion, championing equal opportunities for all employees. #Has been a thought leader by writing, media participation, events and more on DEI promotion
• Resilience and Adaptability: Leadership often involves navigating challenges and setbacks. Women leaders should demonstrate resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity, and adaptability to changing circumstances. #Demonstrated journey of personal and professional milestones including change in career, back-to-work, and more
• Qualitative characteristics we seek for SpeakIn featured women leaders to act as icons include:
• Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Have the ability to bring empathy and emotional intelligence to their roles, which can be valuable for understanding the needs of team members, resolving conflicts, and building strong relationships.
• Integrity and Ethics: Ethical conduct, honesty, and integrity are fundamental for effective leadership. Have demonstrated a commitment to ethical principles and lead by example in upholding organizational values.
• Results and Performance: Ultimately, the ability to deliver results and drive performance is a key criterion for selecting any leader, regardless of gender. Women leaders should have a track record of achieving goals, driving growth, and delivering value to the organization. It's important to recognize that selecting women leaders based solely on their gender was not sufficient. Instead, focusing on these criteria ensures that women leaders are chosen based on their qualifications, skills, and abilities to effectively lead and contribute to the success of organizations, communities, economies and the larger socio-economic ecosystem. We hope that features like the SpeakIn Asia Dialogues help in bringing forward thought leaders and thereby creating opportunities for mentorship, leadership development, and advancement for other women seeking growth.