On March 7, 2025, in celebration of International Women’s Day, I had the privilege of joining an insightful conversation with Halima Holland, British Deputy High Commissioner to Chennai, and a remarkable group of ISB alumni from diverse industries – manufacturing, automotive, healthcare, finance, technology, and transportation – to reflect on the challenges and opportunities for women in leadership, share experiences, and explore actionable steps toward a more inclusive future.
Halima serves a pivotal role in strengthening UK-India relations, driving collaboration in trade, investment, science, education, and international development. With an extensive background in crisis management, counter-terrorism, and national security, she has held critical positions within the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Israel, showcasing her expertise in navigating complex global landscapes.
Halima shared compelling insights from her journey, inspired by her mother’s international experiences traveling from London to Moscow. She recounted how this exposure ignited her passion for linguistics and diplomacy, ultimately leading her to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated field. She encouraged all participants to share their personal journeys and how they navigated the challenges encountered along their career paths.
A key theme that resonated with everyone was the challenging M’s – Mobility, Marriage, Maternity, Menopause—and their impact on career growth. Each participant shared personal strategies for navigating these hurdles, and we collectively emphasised the importance of moving away from guilt, whether related to career breaks, caregiving, or pursuing professional ambitions. The conversation also highlighted the significance of breaking free from careers dependent on spouse mobility and embracing self-prioritisation.
One critical topic we explored was the role of paternity leave in equalising maternity breaks and encouraging shared responsibilities in childcare. There was a strong consensus that systemic changes – such as equitable parental leave policies – could help women sustain long-term careers without being disproportionately affected by family responsibilities.
Halima also shared insights into the steps taken by the UK Foreign Affairs Office to improve gender representation and elevate women to leadership roles. She highlighted that initiatives such as the mirror wall challenge, diverse recruitment panels, women support networks, and family-friendly policies have significantly contributed to increasing women’s participation in UK foreign affairs.
We also discussed the transformative power of mentorship and coaching in shaping successful leadership journeys. Many participants shared how mentorship had played a pivotal role in their careers, emphasising the need for structured support systems to guide and empower women in leadership.
The conversation further expanded to a comparative exploration of gender dynamics across the UK, US, and India, where we examined workplace culture, policy differences, and the evolving landscape for women across generations. It was fascinating to reflect on the strengths and gaps across different regions and how organisations worldwide can adopt and adapt each other’s best practices.
Aligning with this year’s International Women’s Day theme of “Accelerating Action”, we discussed the importance of systemic support in fostering a more inclusive, equitable world for women. We also touched upon a crucial issue – the impact of societal pressures on population decline – and how reducing unnecessary pressures on women can contribute to both economic and social stability.
The day ended on a high note as we gathered for a group photo, striking the IWD 2025 pose – a powerful reminder of our shared commitment to driving meaningful change for women in leadership.
I was truly inspired by Halima Holland, not just for her remarkable career in diplomacy, but for her warm, open, and engaging presence throughout our conversation. From the moment we began, she was genuinely inquisitive, eager to learn from our experiences, and deeply engaged in every discussion. Her thoughtful approach and willingness to exchange insights made this an enriching and memorable experience.
A heartfelt thank you to the team ISB for bringing together such an inspiring dialogue, and to Kripa and her team at the UK Foreign Affairs Office for their warm hospitality and for making this conversation possible!
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Organised by the offices of External Relations and Alumni Engagement at ISB, ‘Meet with a LeadHer’ is a series of interactive lunch/coffee meets where a woman leader shares perspectives on her journey and achievements with the ISB community.