We caught up with Swetha Kochar, Swetha Kochar, Founder & Partner, of PKC Management Consulting who achieved an all-India rank of 41 in CA Intermediate and an all-India rank of 13 in the CA final at the age of 20. In a chat, Swetha talks about her professional journey and shares tips for other women to thrive in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Tell us about your personal and professional journey.
Growing up in Chennai, my sister and I were raised with a strong emphasis on financial independence and education. My father instilled in us a competitive spirit and a positive attitude towards hard work and challenges.
Driven by a passion for implementing solutions rather than merely advising, I founded PKC Management Consulting alongside my family’s existing CA firm. Our goal is to serve the many Indian family businesses that contribute significantly to the nation’s GDP but remain underserved. At PKC, we have built a team of 133 professionals, serving over 1,500 clients across seven countries, and have helped mid-size companies scale up, with some growing from single-digit crore revenues to four-digit crore enterprises. I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of my parents and employees throughout this journey. It is my ambition to establish PKC as one of the top five financial and operational excellence partners for companies in the country.
What do you believe are the key attributes that contribute to success for women in any professional field, including wealth management or process automation?
Having a clear vision and the will to follow it are the characteristics of any successful person, and women are no exception. I recently watched the movie Laapataa Ladies where some of the attributes are captured nicely. Women need to be clear about their ambitions and daringly communicate it to all required stakeholders. Without this communication, society often presents a pre-defined path for women and it can often feel too late or daunting to then change things.
Along with clarity on ambition, confidence is a decisive factor for women. I really want women to be unafraid in expressing their desire for financial independence. At the same time, they need to be vocal while important decisions are being made, whether it’s home or workplace. Building a strong spine allows a woman to face challenges and continue even when others doubt their choices.
While moving ahead with clarity and confidence, women must avoid the trap of self-victimisation. It’s very easy to get stuck while complaining about circumstances. It is important to take charge of choices, even if the starting point isn’t ideal. Focus your energy on building something positive, and celebrate early success. These early wins will not only propel you forward but will also earn the recognition and support of those around you, family and colleagues alike.
Can you share some general advice for women aiming to overcome obstacles and thrive in traditionally male-dominated industries?
Thriving in male-dominated industries requires both mental strength and strategic know-how. In my own journey, multiple factors have been instrumental. I believe confidence in one’s abilities is paramount. It happens quite often that women underestimate their abilities compared to men with similar qualifications. The reason could be the conditioning of our society, which makes women more accustomed to self-criticism. Awareness of this bias is crucial before confronting it. Acknowledge your accomplishments, ask for opportunities you deserve, and don’t be afraid to fight for yourself.
Importantly, to overcome obstacles, it is vital to embrace the power of asking for help. Don’t hesitate to seek support – at work and at home – especially during the initial years of childbearing and rearing. Managing motherhood and a demanding career can be challenging, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Let your family, friends, and colleagues be your allies. In my own experience, a strong support network has been invaluable – from my immediate family to extended relatives and even acquaintances.
Don’t forget to seek out mentors, particularly women who have walked a similar path. Their guidance can be invaluable, especially when facing the complexities of work-life balance and managing the expectations of people around you. Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength.
How important is it for women to cultivate resilience and adaptability in their career journeys, regardless of the specific industry they’re in?
Although resilience and adaptability are the pillars of any successful career, for women, these qualities are especially significant. Life’s journey, as we all know, isn’t a straight line to the top. There will be ups and downs, unexpected turns, and moments where we will stumble. However, those who bounce back are the ones who truly achieve their goals.
This is particularly true for women. Traditionally, women are expected to adapt more readily. Whether it’s relocating due to a spouse’s career, traversing through the physical and emotional demands of childbirth, or managing family responsibilities, women are expected to be flexible. This isn’t a bad thing! In fact, it hones those very skills of resilience and adaptability that are so valuable in today’s workplace. The point here is to use these experiences to your advantage.
From your perspective, what role do continuous learning and skill development play in empowering women to excel professionally?
While the need for continuous learning and skill development is important for everyone, I don’t necessarily see it as more crucial for women than men. However, there are certain scenarios where upskilling becomes paramount for women. In sectors rapidly evolving due to AI and technology, roles such as data entry or coding are at risk of being taken over by automation in the next decade. If you find yourself in a role that might be impacted by AI, continuous learning and upgrading your skills is essential to stay relevant.
Another situation where women often seek an edge is when re-entering the professional journey after a career break. In such cases, having specialised skills, certifications, internship experiences, or relevant work experience can add significant value and give women an advantage over their male counterparts.
Just like myself, who recently took an Entrepreneurship Learning Development course with Mukesh Bansal, women need to be constantly expanding their knowledge and skills. This commitment to learning goes beyond just formal courses. For example, I have a Board of Advisors at PKC who add immense value to the business helping strengthen our strategy & adding an important, external perspective to key decisions. Additionally, I make a point to pick up a new area of learning each year. Recently, I focused on estate planning, recognising it as a niche with significant growth potential. The key is to never stop learning. It’s vital for understanding your full potential and gaining success in the changing world of business.
Lastly, what are some practical tips you would offer to women seeking to maintain a healthy work-life balance while pursuing their career goals?
With the right strategies, a healthy work-life balance is quite easily possible. Nurturing adaptability in children is something that’s come to my rescue in different situations. Since children are incredibly adaptable, by exposing them to different caregivers and situations early on, you create a sense of normalcy for them when you’re not physically present. I remember having to travel when my daughter was just a month old and rejoining work when she was 48 days old. It was difficult, but I established a routine where she wasn’t dependent on my constant presence. This adaptability benefits children too, preparing them for future situations & life, in general.
Next, I believe is open and honest communication with your spouse about childcare roles. I had spoken openly with my husband about the concept of “primary caretaker.” We share responsibilities equally, and he understands the importance of it. This clear expectation & a supportive spouse remove any burden of single-handedly managing childcare.
Apart from this, understanding the core non-negotiable expectations of your family beyond your spouse also helps you in meeting them, while having enough space to manage the responsibilities of work & self-care. Clear communication & understanding of these expectations keeps the relationship healthy & brings everyone on the same page.
Additionally, women, I think, are often natural multitaskers; and this muscle needs to be flexed in the right amount without damaging it. I recall catching up on emails while breastfeeding my child, preparing her for exams while driving her around, etc. I remember distinctly what my father taught us about having 24 hours in a day – the hours are the same for everyone, it is the prioritisation and utilisation of those hours that set a person apart from others.
Having said that, I will share that many of us feel the pressure of performing many duties simultaneously and excelling in each role. This pressure can be damaging – I often remind myself that at different points, different aspects will take priority.
Courtesy : TOI
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