Ana Arun is the recently promoted CEO, formerly Chief Revenue Officer, at Lifestyle Solutions Inc, and has been with the company for the past 19 years. A proud daughter who is inspired by her father talks about her journey, her childhood days and some life lessons that have helped her overcome challenges and even now, motivates her to keep going.
How would you describe your leadership style? Has it evolved over time?
My leadership style has evolved and changed over time. In my initial years, my style was direct and straightforward. Over time, I have developed a more collaborative partnership with my team. It is not easy; you learn to lead differently with experience and there is a lot of learning along the way (and a lot of grey hair!) I have now become a flag-bearer for my team. I mentor them. I hear their opinions and we work together for our shared vision.
What attributes do you seek in an individual when building a team?
I feel that everyone brings different attributes, strengths and weaknesses to the table. They may or may not demonstrate these qualities in a certain way, the way I might like to see them. But I look for commitment and loyalty in people because everything else can be coached but these two qualities must come from within.
Women tend to have a fear of the ask. What is your perspective?
To a large extent, this is true. For me, personally, I have been very goal oriented. If I have a vision, I am going to head out and do whatever it takes to achieve that vision. In reference to gender bias in the corporate world, I think women have a simple philosophy: they tend to take the higher road in life and not get involved with politics in accomplishing things. They put all their energy towards staying focused, multitasking, and doing things the right way. Yet, at times, it is imperative for you to step forward and ask for what you want. Women need to remind the world that they are as good as men are in any situation, and be able to advocate for themselves.
Did you ever find yourself hitting a wall? Was there a time when everyone around you told you that your idea will not work? How did you deal with that?
There have been many times when I have struggled, not just in general, but also because I was a woman in a male-dominated profession. When I first started, the company was a lot smaller and I was their seventh employee. Aside from me, there was only one more female employee in a decision making capacity. I was the only woman who was working in a managerial role, which eventually grew into a senior management role and profit-sharing partner. I remember that initially my manager and his manager weren’t very supportive of my ideas, I think because I was a woman and much younger and less experienced than they were. There were times when my manager felt that my ideas were a threat to the organization. I hit a wall a lot of times and I didn’t know what to do or where to go. I would call my dad seeking his guidance, but instead of sympathizing with me, he would tell me “Ana, I didn’t raise you to complain and I didn’t raise you to cry; whatever it is, take a deep breath, think things through and use your judgement. I know you can do it”.
What was your childhood like?
I was born in India, but I grew up in Africa as my father was posted in Africa through the European Economic Commission. My childhood days were really amazing. All my memories are intricately shaped by family, especially my parents. As much as my father stressed the importance of a good education, he also emphasized the value of sports activities to us. According to him, sports made children very focused and goal oriented. He always said there is not one sport that a woman can’t play, so do not limit yourself ever. He made us culturally so well rounded in life that I feel really blessed today. I could not have done what I did without him. He has been an inspiration all along and is my hero. Everything I do, in terms of language, exposure to food, and exposure to culture, I attribute to mom. She taught me tolerance and empathy towards others. Living in Africa and going to school with a diverse group of students from different countries around the world has brought so much perspective to my life.
Do you believe that your South Asian heritage has influenced your leadership style in any way? If so how?
In our culture and our families, parents give us the tools and support we need while growing up. They do everything they can to give you the best of everything. However, they don’t take ‘no’ for an answer. They won’t settle for anything less than giving it your best. You are given clear goals and you must accomplish them. Thus, if there was a task given to me, not succeeding or not achieving it was not an option. That kind of thinking and the ability to thrive has given me structure and discipline in my life. If you don’t know something, it’s fine. Take some extra time, put in more effort, Google it, talk to people, but figure it out and learn what you need to do in order to complete the task and do not give up. Finish what you started. This is a huge part of our culture and the way we are raised. My friends who come from Caucasian families share that the cultural environment in which they were raised was much more relaxed for sure.
What advice would you give to young women leaders entering a male-dominated profession?
“The cream always rises to the top.” Don’t let anyone or anything hold you back. It may not always happen the way you want it and when you want it, but it will definitely happen if you want it bad enough. Hang in there and give it your best.
To end this interview with one fun fact about you, what is one crazy/fun activity you do in your spare time?
I have a full time job managing my organic garden. My husband and I grow most of our produce at home; it is 100% organic and grown by me. Last season it was almost 250 pounds of total produce and this season I want to double it.
Which book will we find on your bedside table?
The Alchemist. I have read it 3 times and have come away just as motivated each time. On a lighter note, my family always makes fun of my affinity towards thrillers and fiction novels.
Author Bio Sonal Chandna has worked in Strategy and Operations at Pitney Bowes Inc in India for five years. Aspiring to be a digital marketing professional, she is looking forward to advancing her career with an MBA degree at CSU East Bay. Sonal is also a PADI certified scuba diver, a resilient traveler and an avid animal lover.
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