Many of the women I have interviewed have had to overcome hurdles in their lives to get to where they are today. What I love about them, is their eagerness to now lift other women where they stand.
Our next interview is with: Anusha Ramraj (Chief Financial Officer, CCI South Africa)
Interview
Can you tell us a little about who you are and what your journey as a woman has looked like so far?
I grew up in Chatsworth, Durban, with my parents and younger sister. I studied law at university before joining the BPO industry after graduation. After starting as an agent, opportunities to work in different departments made me realise I had a passion for numbers, and this in turn led me into the world of finance. Even now, it’s a very male-dominated sector – in many instances I have been the only woman in the room. This has made me determined to promote and encourage diversity in the industry by assuming leadership roles, participating in events and speaking about my story – thereby helping to increase the visibility of women leaders.
When did you first feel a strong sense of your own womanhood? What is womanhood to you?
While I was in secondary school, my parents separated. Although this didn’t affect my schooling, it was my first harsh awakening to the stereotypes and judgments associated with being a girl from a “broken home”. As the eldest of two girls, I became determined that no matter what happened, I would be extremely successful. In a society where boys were given more privileges and opportunities than girls, and sons were valued more highly in families, I refused to accept that I was any less or disadvantaged. From the very beginning, I stepped up to claim my equality and forge my own path.
Womanhood to me is therefore extremely personal – coming from where I did, it is the freedom to define who I am unapologetically. It means owning my voice, my choices, my power and having the courage to be able to break barriers.
What does being a woman mean to you today?
Today, being a women means owning my identity and standing firmly in my own power – it’s also about making sure that other women know that they can stand in theirs… lifting, supporting and encouraging each other.
Nothing disappoints me more than seeing women positioned as competitors. When we rise, we rise together. We can have our own dreams and aspirations and still celebrate the wins and successes of our colleagues and compatriots. We diminish ourselves when we fail to find joy and pride in the successes of others. By recognising and celebrating the achievements of the women in our networks and communities, we perpetuate the practice of lifting others as they rise, fostering an environment of encouragement.
How has motherhood (or the idea of family) shaped your experience of being a woman?
Motherhood and family have deepened my experience of being a woman. It has grounded me with purpose and taught me compassion and empathy. I have always believed that in the majority, a woman “makes the home”. Motherhood and family have taught me resilience, patience and has skilled me to be able to play many roles at once. Reflecting on my journey to date, I can step up to being a leader, nurturer, protector and guide. Whether experienced through raising my child, or simply being a part of the family, these connections have helped me to lead and love and to show up for others. It reminds me that strength comes not only from what I achieve but through the lives that we build and choose to lead.
In addition, when it comes to work, motherhood and family; I believe that one stereotype that we need to abandon is the notion of work-life balance. I don’t believe that there is a perfect recipe or flawless formula and based on my own life experiences, I have found it challenging to strike that right balance. Rather, we should acknowledge that the two are inherently interconnected, with one occasionally taking priority over the other. Family might need to be prioritised when dealing with a sick child, while work may require more focus during major projects or when pursuing promotion opportunities.
Young African women will face many challenges in their careers. Women need to believe in themselves. There is always pressure – pressure from home, from family, from work, and it’s vital to believe that they can do this. Sometimes it means giving in to one pressure more than others. For me, this meant recognising that I chose to pursue a career, and that I rely on careful planning and help from my support systems to keep home life running smoothly. Women must think bigger and better – if you don’t allow yourself to think this way, you will never find a way around the challenges you face.
What values or lessons do you hope to pass on to your children or the next generation?
I hope to pass on the courage to dream big and to believe in yourself. Know that you are enough, trust your instincts and lead with integrity lifting others as you rise. You do not have to “shrink” yourself to be accepted. As women, we must showcase, promote, and encourage diversity in the industry by assuming leadership roles and thereby increasing the visibility of women leaders.
As leaders, I believe we have a responsibility to leverage our positions for the benefit of others. The more that young women see female role models in leadership positions, the more they will believe that such achievements are a possibility for them too.
What inspired your current path (career, creativity, or something else)?
My entry into the BPO industry wasn’t planned. Despite having a university degree that gave me an advantage, I found myself – like many others – looking for available job opportunities. It was after a prolonged job search that I came across the job of a call centre agent and decided to take it on.
Through determination and proactive learning, I successfully transitioned from my starting point as an outbound sales agent to my senior role today in the organisation. This was not an easy journey. It required considerable effort and countless hours of additional effort and study. To this day, I continue adding to my qualifications – currently, I am working toward my Governance certification, embracing my commitment to lifelong learning.
Whether you join through an entry-level position or via a different path, I have always maintained that what matters the most is one’s ambition to rise and succeed and hence shaped my very own journey.
Have you faced any challenges as a woman in your field or community? How did you overcome them?
In any industry, there are stereotypes and biases in the workplace that must be navigated. When I began my career in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry, there was little representation of women in the sector, let alone women of colour. Thankfully, this landscape has evolved significantly and, today, the sector offers tremendous potential for women looking to build meaningful careers.
The finance world is very male dominated, so finding those who will champion and support you is extremely important. I was often the only women at the table. At times, I have felt out of place and intimidated and in those moments I remind myself that I have earned this seat at the table; I am here because I am capable and an equal to the others in the room. Once you adopt that mindset, the concerns become menial.
I have learnt resilience, courage and the importance of using my voice in any situation. By remaining humble, demonstrating perseverance and challenging gender-based limitations, I believe we will create a more tolerant, open and diverse workplace. I have seen first-hand how organisations can transform when women are empowered to lead.
What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself in the past year?
Over the past year, I have become more reflective and deeply introspective, almost on a path to self-realisation. I have learnt the value of listening to grow and contributing with intent to add value. I have found myself seeking purpose in everything that I do and with that comes a stronger desire to continue on a journey to make meaningful impact. The last year has definitely taught me that leadership is as much about self-awareness and purpose as it is about action.
How do you care for yourself in a world that often demands so much from women?
For me, success comes from maintaining flexible priorities so that you can rise to the occasion where you need it. It’s up to the individual to decide when to step back and when to lean in. Women must own their destiny.
Caring for yourself means showing up for yourself. . .no matter what happens and how busy you get, find the time to allow yourself to be kind to YOU! There’s also nothing wrong in setting healthy boundaries to protect your space and energy.
I sometimes even make the time for a friendly catch up with my other lady friends. Whether over coffee or a quick dinner after work, I find that sharing experiences, thoughts, and learning / seeking advice from each other all helps me to cope with the stress that I encounter daily. I don’t feel guilty about going out from time to time – it is giving myself some time to recharge and breathe. Surrounding yourself with people that uplift you, meaningful conversations with my mentors and coach, quite reflection – all of these help me to cope and pause in the moment knowing that I am making time for me.
Who are the women (past or present) who’ve inspired or supported you?
One of my most valuable assets has been the people who have mentored and sponsored me throughout my career. Connecting with the right individuals can profoundly impact your professional career. Seek out mentors that you admire, who have the skills that you aspire to develop, and who are willing to offer guidance and support to help you to grow.
My mentors and coach are strong women who are CEOs of influential organisations who have been some of my biggest support helping me to learn and providing me with guidance and advice in some of the toughest situations. I have also been inspired by other strong women who have led with conviction and integrity and who continue to inspire generations. Thuli Madonsela a stalwart in the fight for justice and our very own champion of integrity, Ellen Kuzwayo who has fought for women’s rights – her book “Call Me Woman” remains a prominent part of South African literature. Lilian Ngoyi, Albertina Sisulu, Mariam Makeba and Dr Ginwala. . .to name but a few iconic women leaders who have helped pave the path for women in power.
What message would you share with other women reading this today?
My advice to anyone starting out in their career is to be an active agent in your own future. With a background in law and a passion for business, I was determined to make my mark and, whenever possible, I would voice my goals and ambitions to managers and business leaders. But opportunities don’t always come knocking, you must be prepared to seek them out or create them yourself.
If presented with a chance, you should embrace it – take a leap of faith into a new position, try working in different departments, volunteer for projects with unfamiliar and new teams, even if it’s just a short-term project. If the opportunity you desire doesn’t exist, create it by offering ideas to your manager, sharing insights, and taking on additional responsibilities. Every new task is a learning opportunity that might open unexpected doors.
A favourite quote or mantra you live by?
I rise to break barriers, to challenge the status quo, to lead with courage, purpose and conviction. I own my destiny unapologetically. . .holding the door open for lasting impact and meaningful change.
In Summary
Anusha’s life has been filled with determination and lifelong learning. A while back, I wrote a blog on the importance of lifelong learning and how it can impact our life.
Brian Herbert, American Author, wrote:
“The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice.”
Leave a Comment