As promised, next up in our International Women’s Day series is another beautiful lady called Elina Majumdar. Another cracking interview, lets check out what Elina has to say:-

Elina Majumdar (Editor) Elina was born and brought up in an ancestral house full of animals more than humans. Despite being a single child, has never been a lonely person. An English major from Presidency College, Elina was so in love with Comparative Literature. She spent the first year of post-graduation attending lectures of the legends who taught the subject at Jadavpur University. Elina’s subject was English. Having lived half her life in Calcutta (not Kolkata), I am a Bengali by heart—in love with everything one would associate with Bengal including Tagore and phuchka! Elina’s first job was in the service industry, and has worn many hats before entering the world of publishing which she absolutely loves. An avid reader, traveller and lover of Nature including its denizens, I’m happy traversing the inner and outer worlds with ease.

How do you define career success?

Doing what one does best, and being valued for it both within and without the organisation.

Do you think female executives get the support they need from their work environment to be ambitious?

Depends entirely on the culture of the workplace. Getting support from co-workers/management/boss depends largely on whether the workplace is gender neutral or patriarchal. In India, working ladies with infants do get a raw deal as office rules are largely inflexible.

How does one create a supportive environment at work and home?

Three key things are required 1) Adaptability 2) Intelligence/problem-solving 3) Ability and Empathy. Any person who can develop these will be able to lead and garner the support and cooperation of others. The focus should first be on resolving a problem, not on blaming, as it often is. Both at work and at a family level. If the leader at a workplace is seen to be adaptable and empathetic, a positive environment will automatically be created as that will be the culture of the department/office. Same happens at home-level.Things to be emphatically discouraged include politicking, indiscipline, micro-managing and penalising those with alternate views. In both office and home environment.

How do you balance your work and personal life?

By keeping both separate as far as practicable. I do carry work home, but ensure that it is not a regular thing. And at office, no chatting with friends and family except when I am taking a break.

What do you think is the biggest issue facing women today?

In general, it is security.

What advice did you receive early in your career that has stayed with you throughout your journey?

• If you are good, it WILL show
• At the end of the day, it does not matter.

What is your superpower and why?

A positive attitude. It has always stood me in good stead no matter what happened in personal and professional life.

Why do you think diversity is so important in the workplace?

To have alternative points of reference, see things in different ways and learn. Nothing offers learning opportunities as diversity does. Also its fun and exciting!

Make sure you come back to our page tomorrow, another Irish Interview awaits!