Leadership In Action

Karishma Sinha, Vice President & Head of Business Planning at IndiaFirst Life Insurance, shares her perspectives on the essential qualities and lessons that shape impactful leadership.

Essential Leadership Qualities

When asked about the leadership qualities most important for fostering team success, Sinha emphasises the significance of people management skills, leading from the front, teamwork, and taking accountability for the team’s work. "In today's dynamic business environment, it's vital to possess strong people management skills," she states. "Leading from the front sets a powerful example, while teamwork and accountability ensure that everyone is aligned towards common goals." These attributes not only create a cohesive team but also drive the organisation towards sustained success.

A Significant Leadership Lesson

Reflecting on her career journey, Sinha shares a profound leadership lesson she has learned: the importance of leaders walking the talk. "The most significant leadership lesson I've learned is that a leader always walks the talk," she explains. "While employees belong to organisations, what keeps them happy, passionate, and connected is the leader. The way a leader treats their team plays a pivotal role in determining the career and longevity of employees within the organisation." This insight underscores the critical role of authenticity and consistency in leadership.

Balancing Empathy & Accountability

Navigating the balance between empathy and accountability is a nuanced challenge for leaders. Sinha elaborates on how she manages this delicate balance. "Empathy helps build trust and rapport with the team, recognising their strengths and challenges to provide necessary support," she notes. "Accountability sets clear expectations and addresses issues constructively, fostering a culture of ownership." She acknowledges that balancing these aspects can be challenging, particularly in difficult situations. "It's a constant push and pull to keep the team motivated while achieving results. This is where a manager truly becomes a leader."

Overcoming Obstacles 

Reflecting on her personal journey, Sinha shares the obstacles she has overcome and offers advice to aspiring leaders. "In my 20-year career, I've been fortunate to be surrounded by exceptional leaders who took me along, showed faith in me, and provided opportunities to learn from my mistakes," she recalls. "I ensure to treat my team the same way, which helps bring out the best in them."

Sinha’s advice to aspiring leaders is rooted in her experiences: "Leadership is not about being great at doing things yourself; it's about taking the team along, influencing and motivating them, and empathising with them. A leader needs to be a first-rate people person, not necessarily a technical expert." This perspective highlights the importance of interpersonal skills and the ability to inspire and empower others.

As the VP & Head of Business Planning at IndiaFirst Life Insurance, Sinha exemplifies the transformative power of empathetic and accountable leadership, providing a roadmap for others to follow in their pursuit of excellence.