Monisha Abraham, Managing Director & CEO of Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC), shares her insights into leadership and decision-making, offering a glimpse into her remarkable journey of breaking barriers through different challenging environments.
1.What is your personal leadership philosophy? Can you comment on any guiding principles that have been instrumental in shaping your approach to leading teams and driving results?
In my approach to leadership, I strongly believe in transparency, keeping things clear and working with focus. Without a well-defined objective, the organizational landscape will result in operational disarray, leading to chaos. So, I make sure we have a straightforward, ambitious plan that everyone understands and feels a part of. When difficult times hit, and they do hit, I believe in leading by example, ensuring a steady hand with clear measures, and taking responsibility for decisions. It’s all about setting the right tone and behaviour for the entire organization.
My personal leadership style is about empowering people. Believing in the capabilities and skills of people is paramount and doing what we need to do to develop them further is just as important. Once there is a shared goal, the only way to bring it to fruition is through the biggest asset of our organisation – its people. Leading through humility and care is what can turn an organization to better results. One should not be fixated on titles but more on how we can garner strength in collaboration and teamwork to execute a strategy. At the core, we are all leaders in our own unique way, each with a role to play.
Creating the environment for doing the right things in the right way at the right time is crucial. We work together, value each other and make sure everyone feels heard and respected, creating a culture where psychological safety is a top priority. My leadership philosophy weaves together these principles in a balanced and synergistic way. It’s not just about words; it’s about values, collaboration, and a people-centric mindset that propels the team toward success.
2. What decision-making frameworks or principles guide your leadership team? – especially in times of ambiguity or uncertainty.
When it comes to making decisions amongst our leadership team, we follow a set of principles that help us navigate the tricky waters of uncertainty. The act of decision-making itself is crucial – it works like the compass guiding our actions. However, the way you make your decisions varies with different situations. We adapt our approach accordingly, whether it’s making quick calls or dedicating time for thoughtful consideration. Keeping the big picture in our minds is always the priority, ensuring that our choices align with our overall goals.
One key element we put significant value on is hearing from everyone on the team. Different viewpoints bring in diverse thoughts, making decision-making more robust. But, we are also cautious of not going through an analysis paralysis. Striking a balance is key – analyzing enough to make informed decisions without drowning in details.
Integrity is at the heart of how we make decisions. At CTC, we put significant emphasis on integrity and transparency. Every decision we make is scrutinized through the lens of our values, making sure we uphold the highest standards of integrity. It’s not just about making choices; it’s about making the right choices that resonate with our principles, creating a culture of trust and dependability.
3. Breaking barriers as a woman in a leadership role within an industry that has historically been male-dominated is commendable. Can you share insights into any challenges you’ve faced, and perhaps some strategies you’ve adapted that helped you navigate in your professional journey?
Navigating any leadership role irrespective of gender is always a journey of challenges and triumphs. For me, the key lesson has been to stay true to myself, and not let gender define my leadership style. It’s about consistently proving my skills, challenging stereotypes, and showcasing expertise to reshape perceptions. Confidence is my weapon, and building meaningful connections with stakeholders, both professionally and personally, has been a game-changer in breaking down any kind of barriers. While gender can pose challenges, having supportive allies, speaking up when needed, and addressing moments of feeling marginalized directly have been crucial. Many industries might be historically male-dominated, yet the winds are changing. Today, I can proudly say that my leadership team at CTC is 50:50 balanced, with gender, nationality, experience and even age. In essence, creating the right environment encouraging inclusivity is of paramount importance.
Mentorship has played a vital role in my journey. As I have mentored others, I gained valuable insights, creating a supportive community. Expanding my network has been an essential element in my journey, and at CTC, we have fantastic groups and platforms that facilitate this aspect, both within the organization and beyond. In today’s changing landscape, it is important to notice that the challenges women face are different. As leaders, we need to stay open and understand the new barriers. By doing so, we can collectively work towards supporting women in overcoming various challenges and carving out paths to success.