Key tips for women in leadership: Insights from Nilema Bhakta-Jones
In recognition of International Women's Day, we are excited to share insights from a recent interview with Nilema Bhakta-Jones, a multi-award-winning executive and founder of Courageous Leaders. With over 30 years of experience as a CEO, COO and general counsel, Nilema has a wealth of knowledge to share on corporate governance, career breakthroughs and leadership traits. Here are some key takeaways from her interview.
Turning a threat into an opportunity
Returning from maternity leave can be challenging enough without the added pressure of a new boss who doesn’t understand or appreciate your function. Nilema shared this personal experience she faced early on in her career:
“That was the reality I faced when I stepped back into work. My new leader, who had spent most of his career in a male-dominated, cost-cutting newspaper industry, was tasked with running a lean organisation. He had little regard for the legal and company secretarial function — and he made it clear he disliked legal.”
The challenge: A tough welcome back
“One of his first tasks for me was to make my own team redundant, without context or consideration. It was evident from our first conversation that he wasn’t interested in what the team did, nor did he value my perspective. It quickly became clear that I, too, was at risk. Making my team redundant was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do — especially while still adjusting to life as a working mother.”
The opportunity: Rising to the occasion
“Then, a material crisis arose — one that the board wanted to monitor closely. Despite the difficult circumstances, I led the resolution successfully, uncovering key evidence and tracing crucial witnesses. A partner from a Magic Circle law firm later pulled my boss aside, highlighting that not only had we achieved a favourable outcome, but we had also done so with significantly lower legal costs than our opponent. He attributed this success to my leadership and expertise. This moment shifted my boss’s perception of me, my role and function. It was proof that while we can’t control someone’s biases or preconceptions, we can demonstrate our value through actions that speak louder than words.
Fear can hold us back
Fear can also hold us back from being who we are truly capable of being — it causes us to act small or shrink. Instead of succumbing to fear, Nilema focused on what was within her control and demonstrated leadership during a critical moment. This approach shifted her boss’s perspective and highlighted her strategic approach and value to the organisation.
Nilema continued to emphasise the importance of controlling what you can and staying objective:
Referencing the SCARF model, created by David Rock, Nilema highlighted the significance of maintaining performance even in challenging situations: “Often the minute that you know you're at risk, you give up, fear takes over and you stop performing at your best. Instead, I stepped up and decided that I would deal with the crisis that was unfolding. I chose not to make the situation about him or take it personally. I remained objective, and focused on debating the issue, not the person. I also stayed curious, asking for context and candour to understand the rationale behind the decisions. And, most importantly, I made a conscious choice to perform and show my value, rather than giving up.”
Build self-confidence through self-awareness and habits
Self-awareness is the cornerstone of personal and professional growth. It helps leaders understand their responses to uncertainty, conflict and stress, allowing them to be vulnerable and authentic. Nilema focuses on this extensively in her coaching, encouraging leaders to journal and practice positive affirmations to identify and address negative thought patterns. She also highlighted the significance of foundational habits like sleep, nutrition and exercise.
Nilema also stresses the importance of having a personal "CEO board" of trusted friends who can provide honest feedback and support. "Having a friend who's truly honest with you, whom you admire and love, is a really important aspect of your emotional regularity," she noted.
Friends can help bring balance and act as “critical thinking partners”. You are more likely to listen to them because you trust them, and they care about you. We are not great at having hard conversations or accepting negative feedback, but the kind of friends you select for your CEO board, can support you to discover more about yourself.
Embrace self-belief and courage
Self-belief and courage are critical for career advancement, the most accomplished leaders balance ambiguity and uncertainty with courage, empathy and clarity. Nilema highlighted the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and volunteering to take on new projects.
"Whether it’s adopting new technologies, exploring different ways to learn new skills, developing your team, or taking on leadership roles, embracing change can differentiate you and open doors for advancement. It's the willingness to take risks, step into discomfort where the facts may be ambiguous or outcome uncertain and adapt that truly drives career progression.”
Focus on corporate governance for better performance
Effective corporate governance is the backbone of a well-run company, ensuring that decisions are made smoothly and with clear accountability. Nilema emphasised that transparency and trust are crucial for empowering leadership teams and enabling businesses to operate efficiently.
To foster a high-performance culture, leaders should focus on having a clear vision, building trust, being open-minded, inclusive and empathetic. These qualities reduce stress and misunderstandings, promoting a supportive and innovative environment that is vital for long-term success.
Address common misconceptions about corporate secretariat roles
Corporate secretariat roles are often underestimated, particularly in terms of the strategic and sensitive nature of their responsibilities. Nilema highlighted the importance of these roles in handling sensitive situations and managing conflicting issues.
"The role of company secretaries and deputy company secretaries is far from being largely administrative. They regularly handle sensitive and delicate situations for the board, organisation and with some of the most senior people in a business. Their quality is in their discretion, diplomacy, ability to handle egos and manage conflicting and competing issues.”
Expand your network for career advancement
Building a diverse network is essential for career advancement and accessing new opportunities. Nilema advised fostering connections with people from different backgrounds and industries; "you need to break out of your existing network and go and find other people."
Seeking out and nurturing these relationships is where leaders unlock the opportunity to enhance their career trajectories and access new possibilities.
Leverage mentors and role models
Having mentors and role models is crucial for career growth and support. Nilema stressed the importance of finding mentors who can help you navigate your career and provide guidance.
A mentor who challenges conventions and is transparent about their experiences can inspire you to take calculated risks and push boundaries, fostering self-belief and career aspirations.
Be the CEO of your own career
Taking ownership of your career is essential for long-term success. Nilema encouraged women to be proactive and take control of their career paths.
Final thoughts: empowering your leadership journey
Nilema Bhakta-Jones's insights provide valuable guidance for women looking to advance their careers in the Corporate Secretariat field. "The best leaders are the ones who can navigate uncertainty, risk, conflict, fear and ambiguity." By embodying these qualities, you can become a leader who not only thrives in your role but also inspires those around you.
As we celebrate International Women's Day, let us support and empower women to reach their full potential in leadership roles by drawing inspiration from these insights to shape their own leadership journeys.
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