Geraldine Viji C. X
Managing Director, Clarium Tech Private Limited
📍Chennai, India
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
Passionate Leader. As a Woman leader I have struggled to reach this level and I want to pave the way for other women to reach the corporate ladder by mentoring them. I have given opportunities for people who have to take career break due to kids. I am happy to say all these individuals have performed well and are working in higher positions.
Pledge 1% provides a framework for businesses to do good. Do you think it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact? If so, why?
Yes as corporate leaders we have a greater responsibility to provide to the society .Given our position as leaders we can create policies to provide opportunities and uplift the society in our own way.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
As a team we identify students who are financially poor to help them study and take different courses so that they can be employed after their studies. We identify the right candidate who can study but have financial constraints.
One of the girls who was a school topper was not able to study further though she got admission in the top engineering college. We helped her financially and also provided support to cope up with her studies. She is now the topper and have got placed with a good salary. Currently we have identified few such good candidates and helping them complete their college.
What’s the best piece of advice you've ever received?
As long as you teach them how to fish you need not provide them with fish every day.
This year’s International Women’s Day themes are focused on investing in women and inspiring inclusion. What can we do to make today’s workplaces more equitable and inclusive for women?
Women are born leaders however they struggle once they get married. Identify such women and give them freedom to work from home. This can be done during the initial days till the kids grow.
Women leaders have a greater responsibility to create other leaders so create an environment where they are felt inclusive, and their ideas are received well.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
Be bold and speak your mind. Always keep learning and be ahead. Be knowledgeable in all areas so that you can socialize and be part of any interest group.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
Personally, I want to create more women leaders who can be equally competitive and can run their own divisions.
As long as you teach them how to fish you need not provide them with fish every day.
