This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women driving leadership excellence, like Latha Ramaya, General Manager – Business at Fusion Safety. Latha’s expertise is pivotal to our Universal Leadership Toolkit (ULT), a program designed to empower leaders at all levels. Aligned with the theme of supporting women and girls into leadership, decision-making, and business, the ULT provides practical tools for growth.
Latha’s insights are woven throughout the ULT’s four key areas:
- Self-Awareness: Understand your strengths and weaknesses through personality frameworks and feedback exercises.
- Self-Management: Learn to manage emotions and make sound decisions using cognitive filter awareness and thinking outside of the box.
- Social Awareness: Develop empathy and improve communication through perceptual positions and conversational mapping.
- Relationship Management: Build strong teams by focusing on rapport, influence, and navigating organisational dynamics
Latha’s dedication ensures the ULT empowers individuals to confidently step into leadership roles. We sat down with Latha to explore her perspectives on leadership, the impact of the ULT, and the vital role women play in shaping the future of business. Here’s what she shared:
Q&A with Latha Ramaya:
This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the achievements of women in leadership. From your experience leading the ULT program, what unique strengths do you see women bringing to leadership roles, and how does the ULT help cultivate those strengths?
Latha: “From my experience with the ULT program, I’ve observed that women often excel in fostering collaborative and empathetic leadership. Their strengths in social awareness, as developed in Module 3 (Perceptual Positions, Conversational Maps), allow them to build strong rapport and navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, crucial skills highlighted in Module 4 (Rapport, Politics). The ULT cultivates these strengths by providing practical tools and a supportive environment for women to practice and refine their communication, relationship management and self-awareness, ultimately empowering them to lead with confidence and impact.”
What has been the most rewarding aspect of leading the ULT program, and what are you most looking forward to in its future development, especially regarding its potential to empower women leaders within Fusion Safety and within client companies?
Latha: “The most rewarding aspect of leading the ULT program is witnessing participants’ tangible growth, seeing them gain confidence and leadership voice. Looking forward, I’m excited to expand the ULT’s potential to empower women leaders within Fusion Safety and client companies through enhanced mentorship, tailored content, and strong community building. By increasing accessibility and focusing on unique challenges, the ULT can be a powerful catalyst for creating a more equitable and inclusive leadership landscape, enabling women to reach their full potential.”
What has been your key learning from the ULT? What has been your ‘ah-huh moment’?
Latha: “The ULT effectively bridges the gap between theoretical leadership concepts and practical application, empowering participants to develop tangible skills through a structured framework. By fostering self-reflection and enhancing interpersonal skills, the ULT encourages a deeper understanding of oneself and others, promoting more effective leadership. Furthermore, the program emphasizes continuous learning and development, instilling a growth mindset and a commitment to lifelong improvement in leadership capabilities.
My ‘ah-huh’ moment came from deep-diving into the MBTI, especially as I pursued my practitioner certification. While the ULT’s Module 1 introduces personality and self-awareness, the MBTI took that understanding to a whole new level. It wasn’t just about knowing my type; it was about truly grasping how different personality preferences influence communication, decision-making, and team dynamics. This deeper understanding has profoundly impacted how I approach leadership, especially in fostering inclusive and collaborative environments within the ULT program and beyond.”
How has your own leadership style evolved through your involvement with the ULT, and what key lessons have you learned about leadership in general?
Latha: “My leadership style has significantly evolved through my involvement with the ULT. The program’s approach, especially its emphasis on self and social awareness, provided invaluable tools for growth. Modules focusing on personality, perceptual positions, and relationship management, combined with practical group exercises, fostered a more adaptable and empathetic leadership approach. The ULT’s focus on application, rather than just theory, has allowed me to become a more conscious and effective leader, particularly in fostering inclusive and collaborative environments.”
Beyond the formal ULT program, what other initiatives or support systems do you believe are essential for fostering a truly inclusive leadership culture where not only women can thrive and reach their full potential, but all people?
Latha: “Creating a truly inclusive leadership culture beyond the ULT requires a multi-pronged approach encompassing robust Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, inclusive mentorship, unconscious bias training, flexible work arrangements, and active employee resource groups. Transparent communication, data-driven strategies, and a focus on psychological safety are also critical. By implementing these initiatives, organizations can dismantle systemic barriers and foster an environment where all individuals, regardless of gender, race, religion, or other factors, feel valued, respected and empowered to thrive and reach their full potential”
What advice would you give to women who are hesitant to step into leadership roles or who are struggling to find their voice as leaders?
Latha: “First, believe in your capabilities. Don’t wait for permission; step up and take initiative. Find your authentic voice. Leadership isn’t about mimicking others; it’s about leading with your unique strengths and values. Embrace your perspective, even if it differs from the norm. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have amazing mentors within Fusion Safety who have guided and continue to support me, demonstrating the power of mentorship firsthand. Build a strong support network. Seek out mentors, sponsors, and peers who will champion your growth. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback and learn from your experiences, both successes and setbacks. Leadership is a journey, not a destination. Be kind to yourself, celebrate your wins, and learn from your challenges. Finally, remember that your voice matters. By stepping into leadership, you’re not just advancing your own career; you’re paving the way for future generations of women leaders. Embrace the challenge, and let your unique voice shine.”
Today, we celebrate Latha, and all the incredible women we work alongside, whose leadership inspires and empowers us all. Their dedication and vision are essential in building a future where everyone has the opportunity to lead and thrive.
You can learn more about Latha and the ULT via our website or reach out via info@fusionsafetymgt.com.
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