"Embrace Continuous Learning & Seek Mentorship," Rama Gupta

Continuous learning including upskilling and reskilling ensures adaptability, innovation, skill enhancement and employee engagement, driving organisational growth and maintaining competitiveness in a dynamic environment. This helps leaders ensure continuous learning by fostering a culture that values growth, providing access to diverse learning resources and encouraging self-directed learning.
Rama Gupta, Senior Manager - People & Culture, Areteans, reflecting upon her journey, reminisces the time when gaining credibility amongst her teammates was tough. “I remember overcoming this by consistently demonstrating my expertise, staying current with industry trends and delivering tangible results. Alongside, building strong relationships and seeking mentorship played a pivotal role in gaining confidence,” states Gupta.

Response to challenge
In a prior role, she encountered a challenging situation when the organisation she was working with underwent a sudden leadership change, leading to uncertainty and apprehension among the team. Describing how she handled the situation, Gupta describes, “With the absence of stable leadership, employee motivation waned, affecting productivity and morale. To address this, I immediately convened a team meeting to openly discuss concerns and provide reassurance. I emphasised our shared purpose and the importance of staying focussed amidst the transition. Recognising the need for stability, I stepped up as an interim leader, providing clear direction and support to the team. I encouraged open communication channels and empowered team members to contribute their ideas and take initiative. Additionally, I organised team-building activities and recognition programmes to boost morale and foster a sense of unity during this challenging period.” 
By maintaining transparency, offering support and leading by example, the team was able to navigate the instability with resilience and cohesion. “Our collective efforts not only sustained productivity but also strengthened team bonds, demonstrating the power of effective leadership in overcoming adversity.”

Gupta further explains how it is the sheer responsibility of the leaders to ensure that the team remains agile and adaptable amid technological advancements and industry changes. Providing regular training and development opportunities paves the way to a healthy mindset. Leaders need to implement flexible processes that allow for quick adjustments and incorporate regular feedback loops to address emerging challenges promptly.
Through her experiences, Gupta learned, “One needs to embrace continuous learning, seek mentorship and be confident in your abilities. One should always focus on delivering results and building your reputation through consistent performance and innovation. Persistence, resilience and a proactive approach to career development are essential for achieving excellence.”