The conversation around gender equality and youth leadership is gaining momentum. While progress is evident with more women and young people entering various fields, challenges remain. Gender stereotypes and unequal access to resources still hinder full participation. However, initiatives promoting education, mentorship, and inclusive workplaces are fostering a more diverse and empowered future.
Individuals like Neeraja Ganesh play a pivotal role in this robust environment. Neeraja’s journey reflects a profound commitment to leadership, mentorship and transformative impact. With over 25 years of experience in the Information Technology industry, managing large teams and delivering IT projects for banking captives, she transitioned to focus on gender diversity and youth empowerment.
As the former Director of Relationships at the National Education Society of Karnataka and Head of the JobsForHer Foundation, Neeraja built bridges between academia and industry while spearheading initiatives to bridge gender gaps in India. Her diverse roles include mentoring, conducting leadership training programs, and championing women-centric platforms.
Neeraja is a TEDx speaker and a sought-after thought leader. She has delivered talks globally on topics like networking, storytelling, and leadership. She has been featured on prestigious forums like Lean In, IEEE, PMI, and TIE. Neeraja’s impact extends beyond speaking engagements; she has served on innovation competition juries and been featured in books like Magical 40 @ 40.
Neeraja embodies a vision of empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential through mentorship, training and advocacy. Her multifaceted contributions underscore the importance of collective efforts in shaping a more inclusive and equitable society.
Commitment to Positive Societal Change
Neeraja’s mission and vision center around fostering positive mindset changes through her interactions with women and students. She achieves this by:
- Mentoring women and students, providing guidance and support in their personal and professional journeys.
- Delivering impactful talks, sharing her own experiences of overcoming challenges and navigating situations.
- Conducting training programs aimed at empowering individuals with essential skills and knowledge.
- Writing articles that inspire and educate, promoting positive change and growth.
Additionally, Neeraja takes on projects focused on gender diversity and youth empowerment. These projects aim to create significant transformational impacts within communities for driving positive change and inclusivity.
Neeraja’s dedication to mentoring, speaking, training, writing, and impactful projects reflects her commitment to nurturing a generation of empowered individuals and fostering positive societal changes. Her multifaceted approach exemplifies a holistic strategy towards achieving her mission and vision.
Embracing Self-belief
Neeraja acknowledges internal hurdles more than external ones. “My mindsets would stop me from taking initiatives,” she reflects. She faced biases, needing to ‘prove my capabilities again and again.’ Assumptions limited her potential. Neeraja champions self-awareness, urging others to challenge internal barriers. “Embrace your capabilities,” she advises, advocating for a shift in organizational mindsets.
Neeraja recalls her first leadership role amid organizational transformation. “I was meek, timid and quiet,” she admits. Despite her reserved nature, her skills earned her the role. Speaking up became crucial. “I needed to believe in myself,” she emphasizes. The Managing Director’s support was pivotal. It instilled confidence and reinforced her determination.
“Regardless of challenges or support,” Neeraja persisted, driven by conviction. Her story resonates with many, urging self-belief and perseverance. Neeraja’s journey exemplifies the power of embracing one’s voice and ideals, despite obstacles. She encourages others to trust in their capabilities and push forward with determination.
Digital Bridges
Neeraja highlights technology’s role in amplifying her interactions. “I love interacting with people,” she explains. Through social media, online mentoring platforms, and conferences, she reaches a wider audience. Technology facilitates meaningful connections and mentorship opportunities. “It helps me learn about new trends,” Neeraja observes, emphasizing adaptation to evolving perspectives. Engaging online and at events, she stays informed and accessible.
Neeraja’s approach underscores technology’s impact on professional growth and community engagement. By leveraging digital platforms, she fosters connections and stays attuned to emerging ideas. Her embrace of technology exemplifies its potential in facilitating learning and networking.
Lessons in Resilience
Neeraja lives by the mantra, “What’s the worst that can happen?” Her first bold career move taught her valuable lessons. “If my ideas got accepted, it would change things for the better,” she reflects. Confronting impostor syndrome, she challenges self-doubt with this question. Unless there’s a threat to life, Neeraja forges ahead, often achieving success. Even setbacks don’t deter her. “I accept it and figure out how to move ahead,” she affirms.
Neeraja’s approach is empowering, addressing common challenges like self-doubt and fear of failure. By embracing this mindset, she encourages calculated risks and resilience. Neeraja’s journey highlights the importance of confronting doubts with a practical outlook.
Approach to Trust and Growth
Neeraja emphasizes key leadership principles for team enablement:
- “Make them understand the bigger picture.”
- “Empower them to take decisions and execute.”
- “Give them the confidence that you are there for them if required, and not micro-manage.”
She believes in guiding team members through challenges, fostering growth even after mistakes. Neeraja’s approach highlights trust, empowerment and continuous learning enabling teams to thrive under her leadership.
Honors and Inspiration
Neeraja cherishes significant milestones in her corporate journey. “Being chosen as one of the 11 women leaders globally was a huge recognition,” she recalls. Selected among hundreds, she represented future leadership potential despite being the least experienced.
In recent years, Neeraja’s achievements include three JobsForHer HerRising awards, a TEDx accolade, and recognition as a Womentech Network Speaker of the Year finalist. These honors highlight her commitment to women’s empowerment and professional excellence.
Impactful Path to Empowering Others
Neeraja’s vision is straightforward—to transform mindsets, enable dreams and facilitate achievement. She actively seeks opportunities to impact people’s lives, like this feature reaching thousands, inspiring action. Neeraja aspires to finish her book, leveraging her roles as a writer, speaker, mentor, coach, and leadership trainer. “Storytelling is the most impactful form of communication,” she believes, sharing personal and professional experiences to inspire others.
Recently, during International Women’s Day, Neeraja conducted sessions that resonated beyond gender lines. Attendees, including men, found her stories and advice transformative. One woman, facing personal and professional challenges, sought Neeraja’s mentorship. After just one session, her outlook shifted positively.
Neeraja’s dedication to empowering others through storytelling and mentorship is evident. She aims to continue this meaningful work by fostering positive change in individuals’ lives. Through her diverse roles and genuine approach, Neeraja exemplifies a commitment to nurturing dreams and transforming mindsets.
Believe, Persist and Achieve
For aspiring leaders, Neeraja offers valuable advice:
- “Be yourself and believe in yourself.” Authenticity and self-confidence are key to leadership.
- “Follow your passion regardless of what the world says.” Stay committed to your dreams and convictions.
- “Take action every day, even when the going is tough.” Consistent effort, no matter how small, accumulates over time.
Neeraja emphasizes the importance of perseverance and self-belief in leadership journeys. By staying true to oneself, pursuing passions, and taking daily action, aspiring leaders can steadily progress towards their goals, overcoming challenges and achieving meaningful growth.
