Places I have worked, gender has never been an issue
Published on : Thursday 10-03-2022
Reema Sinha, Staff Scientist at SABIC.
Can you recall your early days – say the first few days at work – and anything you would like to mention about that?
My first job was a dream come true as I was selected through the IIT Campus selection program. And yes my first few days at work were really good because right after my joining I got to be part of a global meeting thanks to my manager who gave me that opportunity. It was a wonderful experience as I had never attended a global meeting and got to learn a lot that day.
For a woman, it is a matter of finding the right balance between the jobs and managing the home – how do you manage this?
At the end of the day, be it any gender, it is important to have a strong foundation which means to have the support of your family, friends, and colleagues. This not only helps in finding the right balance between work and home but also to be successful in life. In my case, I am truly blessed to have always been surrounded by wonderful people. Be it managing my children through good childcare with necessary domestic support or managing my work; my family, friends and colleagues have always come forward to lend a hand.
As one rises up the hierarchy, the job involves odd hours and travel. How is that experience?
Well again it is about finding the right balance and prioritising things in a way that everything falls into place. For me, I do have odd working hours and travel which I to balance by taking up travel only when necessary. I had the opportunity of international assignment for 3 months when my children were 2 and 6 years old respectively. As SABIC gave me the opportunity, I could make the tough decision of leaving my children in India because I had a strong family support.
Have you ever missed a career opportunity of promotion due to the gender?
No, never. Places I have worked, gender has never been an issue.
Are workplaces today more sensitive to gender issues than say, a decade ago?
Yes, absolutely. Workplaces are definitely more sensitive to gender issues today. You not only see increased number of women in leadership position but DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) is now becoming a critical part of every company’s culture and practice.
Are there areas at work that still restrict women when it comes to leadership role?
No, not that I am aware of.
At the height of the pandemic a viral message talked about governments headed by women being more successful in managing the crisis. What is your opinion?
We should not be looking at everything wearing a gender lens. I think this pandemic was something that no one, or any government was prepared for. I just hope and pray that the world does not have to ever go through such crisis again.
Do you have a mentor or a role model? If yes, you may state briefly how it inspired you.
Yes, I have had the opportunity to have met and worked with several mentors in my life. For me every mentor, played a different role, as I would approach them to work on my areas of improvement.
What would be your message to the youth who are just starting their career?
I would like to quote Steve Jobs here – ‘Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish’. And more importantly always try to surround yourself with people who are better than you, whom you can learn and take feedback from. They will not only be your best teachers but your best critics and guide you to the right direction which is important to be successful in life.
Please describe yourself or your aspirations, dreams in 3 words?
I describe myself as life-long learner, having a can-do attitude and always believed in myself.
Reema Sinha, Staff Scientist at SABIC recently won the prestigious STEP Ahead Awards for 2022 from the Manufacturing Institute. The STEP Ahead Awards by Manufacturing Institute recognise women in science, technology, engineering, and production careers who exemplify leadership within their companies. This national honour identifies top talent in the manufacturing industry and further encourages award winners to mentor and support the next generation of female talent to pursue modern manufacturing careers.
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