Celebrating International Women’s Day: Insights on Leadership Journeys

As it’s International Women’s Day today, we asked our female leaders at Keystream to reflect on their career journeys and share one of the most defining moments that shaped their approach to leadership today. Here’s what they had to say:

Heather Halliday – Associate Divisional Director:

Reflecting on my career journey, one of the most profound moments has been the opportunity to mentor graduates. Witnessing their transformation fresh from university, navigating the unfamiliar terrain of recruitment and office dynamics to thriving professionals, has been immensely rewarding and stands out as one of the greatest achievements in my career. This experience has profoundly influenced my approach to leadership, highlighting the significance of patience, empathy, and adaptability. It underscored the importance of nurturing talent, understanding diverse perspectives, and adapting strategies to meet the unique needs of team members.

Khyati Pal – Director Business Transformation & Change Management:

In my career, there hasn’t been just one defining moment; it’s been a whole series of them, an exciting journey with numerous stops around the world. From leading diverse teams to managing projects across different industries, these experiences have collectively shaped my approach.

For me, to lead is to serve. It’s about rolling up your sleeves, being present in the trenches with your team, and focusing on their growth and success. In essence, my leadership journey has taught me that when you put your team first and commit to serving their needs, you lay the groundwork for a culture of mutual respect and shared victories.

Krishna Gandham – Managing Director Consulting:

The realisation that leadership is not just about managing tasks, but about driving sustainable change. Initially, I was hesitant to pursue management roles, believing that true impact could only be made through direct action. However, as I progressed in my career, I discovered that my unique skill set could be leveraged to enact more lasting change as a leader. This shift in perspective shaped my approach to leadership today, emphasising the importance of fostering collaboration and translating strategic goals into actionable initiatives on the ground.

Shrutha Rao – Finance Director:

The defining moment in my leadership journey is when I was taught a good leader always strives to get their team to replace themselves. What does this really mean? To me, it means taking active interest in development of my team, empowering them by allowing them to make decisions, not holding on to tasks, ideas, and skills, but passing this on. Why would anyone do this? I have been asked several times by colleagues, peers. For me, it’s the only way for me to move to better/bigger things, holding onto skills, ideas, tasks curtail me from spreading my wings and flying further or higher, gives me a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction that I have been able to help someone else.

Leah Wilson – Associate Finance Director:

A defining moment in my career was recognising my role as a key resource in the organisation for both professional guidance and personal support. This realisation, underpinned by my colleagues’ support, not only strengthened my self-belief but also illuminated my potential.

My leadership style is instilling a blend of decision-making confidence with empathy. Consequently, I like to champion collective achievement, ensuring that my team feels supported and empowered to realise our shared goals.

At Keystream, we are fortunate to have a wealth of wisdom and leadership from our female colleagues. Their reflections on their career journeys offer profound insights into the values of resilience, collaboration, and empowerment that define our organisational culture. As we mark International Women’s Day, let’s continue to recognise and support the contributions of women leaders in shaping our workplace and beyond.