FLO Women Directors (FWD) Moving Forward Panel Discussion on Women Directors: Roles & Perspectives

Ficci Ladies Organisation (FLO) organised a panel discussion on “Women Director: Roles & perspectives” on August 21, 2015 at FICCI. This programme was organised under the aegis of FLO Women Directors (FWD). FWD isa pan India initiative, with the objective to encourage induction of Women Directors on company boards as also to educatethe existing women on family boards, so as to improve their effectiveness and impact.

Being the largest body of women Directors in India, FLO believes that it is pertinent to promote different skills, optimise resource utilisation and maximise the potential of women to be taken on boards and being accepted at the leadership positions. The panel discussion was organised with the objective

The panellists were Ms Pallavi Shroff, Managing Partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co and Ms. Deepikka Jindal, Executive Creative Director & MD JSL Lifestyle Limited & MD of JSL Architecture Limited. Ms Fatima Karan, Consulting Editor, Bloomberg TV India moderated the session. Ranjana Agarwal, Past President FLO & Chairperson WCD India was also a part of the panel. Poonam Mahajan, FLO Member was the Day Chair and also the lunch host.

In her welcome address, FLO President, Archana Garodia Gupta said, “FLO is looking at creating a pool of prospective women directors as also enhance the effectiveness of the existing ones. The goal of FLO Women Directors (FWD) initiative is to educate potential women executives and professionals who wish to acquire the tools required to face the challenges of corporate board positions. ”

Pallavi Shroff, who has been called the ‘Queen of the Courts’ by Naina Lal Kidwai, is the Managing partner at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas. She said, “It is important to understand the culture of the board, emphasise on being heard and then ensure active involvement. We come in to bring expertise and perspective, as an Independent Director on Boards. The role needs to be defined clearly and one should analyse the responsibilities and liabilities before accepting to be a Board Director. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. ”

Sharing her journey from being a housewife to being an Independent Director on several boards, Deepikka Jindal said, “Women can contribute a lot to the boards. A constructive board is essential, with the right team. Understand the business well and learn from each experience.”

The session was a thought provoking reflection of the challenges faced by women when it comes to assuming leadership roles in the corporate world, where she is still largely underrepresented.The key mantra that has emerged from today’s session is to realise your potential, implement your action plan and create your own place with your will to lead.

FWD is an initiative under WCD India, which is the Indian arm of Women Corporate Directors. FLO and WCD affiliation was inaugurated on February 27, 2012 by Susan Stautberg, Co-founder of the Women Corporate Director (WCD) and Naina Lal Kidwai, President-FICCI & Executive Director on the Board of HSBC Ltd. and Country Head of HSBC India.

FLO and WCD association began with a MOU signed between WCD and FLO in 2010-11. Under the MOU, WCD and FLO agreed to create a platform for women directors to network, discuss and share best practices.