Malini Kumar

What healthy habits do you employ to maintain your mental health and wellbeing?

From the very start of my career, every position I have undertaken has had its stressful moments!

Over the last few years as my leadership role has grown, I have found it immensely helpful to prioritize how I spend my time outside of work.

Firstly, I limit my use of social media to only LinkedIn. It is interesting to observe how social media impacts mental health, and it takes a certain level of maturity especially for young women to realize that daily social validation is unnecessary – self-validation must come from within.

Secondly, since my role involves long hours on a laptop, I make time for regular exercise—whether it’s going to the gym or biking with my family which helps to relieve stress and stay healthy. In recent years, I have also introduced charity runs to my social community, which not

only helps in staying active but also supports charitable causes.

Thirdly, I practice gratitude and engage in meaningful conversations. Growing up with a single mother, I experienced many challenging days in my childhood, and I am tremendously grateful for

the life I lead today.

What is the most important thing you have learned that makes you an effective and inspirational leader?

The most important qualities that women leaders possess include the ability to manage multiple

aspects simultaneously. Skills such as being an inspirational and eƯective leader stem from our

upbringing, daily experiences, and how we translate these into our work habits.

For instance, many of my significant career development milestones have been shaped by balancing my personal and professional lives. I raised my children while building my career, even going back to school to pursue an MBA when my kids were toddlers, all while holding a full-time job. In recent years, I have also become the primary caregiver for my mother.

These experiences have truly shaped me into the eƯective leader I am today, leading with integrity, empathy, and authenticity. I am committed to leveraging these qualities to inspire and empower others, driving positive change and fostering a culture of excellence.

What advice do you have for future generations of women about their voice/leadership/gender equality?

The advice I often give to my young women mentees is to continue building on your self-worth.

This involves not giving up on formal education, continuously learning, and practicing self-awareness. If you find that you are not where you want to be in your career, take a rational and 

logical approach. Ask yourself, "What steps do I need to take to get back on track?"

Furthermore, I remind my mentees—as well as my own daughter—that the opportunities available to them today are the result of the dedication and perseverance of the women who came before them, including their own ancestors. It is imperative not to take these opportunities for granted; rather, they should be leveraged as catalysts for growth, learning, and further advancement of women's prospects. As women, we share a collective responsibility to continue

expanding these opportunities for future generations.

What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?

Humility is an essential characteristic for every leader. Over the years I have observed that colleagues who bring an ego can derail discussions and decision-making processes. Humility in a leader is incredibly important as it enhances trust and respect, creating a safe space for sharing ideas without judgment. More importantly, as leaders, our role is to recognize the strengths of our team members and empower each individual. Humble leaders are more approachable, foster trust, and encourage open communication within their teams, leading to increased collaborative

innovation. They are also more likely to be open to feedback, which is essential for continuous growth as a leader.