Want to achieve a work-life balance? Women CEOs share tips to help you achieve them

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be tricky in today's fast-paced corporate life. More so for women in leadership roles. The demands of high-stakes careers may often blur the boundaries between professional responsibilities and personal life. Known to traditionally accept their role as homemakers, it can often become difficult to do both, and that leads to them having to constantly prove themselves.

The relentless need to remain responsive and committed to work can sometimes overshadow crucial personal obligations and opportunities for leisure. While all women face the challenges of managing their home and roles at the office, just like any other corporate structure, the bigger the role, the bigger the responsibilities in the organisation. With more and more women taking up the roles of chief executive officers (CEOs) and other executive roles, they have had to step up and manage not only their work but also their life and homes. In the process, they have mastered the art of work-life balance and have been successfully doing it over the years.

As many women take up different corporate roles trying to achieve work-life balance today, there is a lot to learn from women in leadership positions. With the aim to share the best tips, mid-day.com spoke to female leaders helming managerial positions in the domain of wellness, beauty, fashion, fitness and food. Women at work delve into the myriad challenges encountered while catering to the demands of a high-pressure role, societal stereotypes and dealing with the guilt of not being there enough.

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From structured time management techniques to fostering supportive environments within their teams, these CEOs also take us through key attributes women leaders must have to balance work with the joys and responsibilities of family life.

Work-life integration rather than work-life balance
- Shilpa Khanna Thakkar, CEO of Chicnutrix

At Chicnutrix, Shilpa focuses on women's wellness by devising nutrition supplements for health stages like PCOS, pregnancy, menopause and motherhood. When asked about her approach to attaining work-life balance, the strategy she revealed went beyond the grain.

The integration of work and personal life, as outlined by Shilpa, is more essential in the current age, reminding us how the two parts are complementary rather than opposites. She adds that more than just allocating time, it is about being accessible for multiple responsibilities at once and managing that availability.

Yet there have been challenges in her journey. Work-life integration, rather than balance, undoubtedly presents multiple challenges as one has to stay alert and responsive throughout the day. To cope, Shilpa actively seeks out all available support.

What works for this CEO is to start her day with foresight: to ensure that personal tasks are met before going to work. Planning this entails organising tasks and determining availability for family obligations while balancing this with being present in the office. "Yes, it's impossible to strictly follow the plan, but this technique aids in managing the blurred lines between personal and professional life," sums up Shilpa.

Leave some wiggle room in a hectic schedule
- Richa Mishra, VP - Operations, Anytime Fitness

Heading a leading health and fitness club in town, Richa opens up about the societal pressures and guilt that often come with the territory. "We're expected to excel in so many areas, that sometimes it becomes exhausting. For a long time, I struggled with this guilt, feeling like I was constantly failing somewhere. But eventually, I realised I had to take control."

She continues, "I assessed what truly mattered most in my life To devise a realistic framework for my time. Being present in the moment is crucial. When I'm at work, I give my full attention to my team and responsibilities. When I'm with family, my focus is completely on them. This allows me to excel in each role without the guilt of neglecting the other."

While a perfect yin-yan might seem elusive, yet, Richa puts it, by prioritising, being present and accepting all sudden situations, a balance is feasible.

Regarding her strategy, she tells her hack, "Life can throw urgent situations but I have learned to always leave some wiggle room in my schedule for unexpected situations. This flexibility allows me to handle urgent matters without derailing my entire day. This approach has been a game-changer for me. It has allowed me to be a strong leader at work, a supportive presence at home, and a well-rounded individual overall.

Encourage a company culture that values work-life balance
- Natasha Tuli, Co-founder & CEO, Soulflower

Everything we do has an impact. To help preserve planet Earth, Natasha Tuli has turned to the farms seeking answers for hair and skin woes. Although her ‘farm to face' philosophy is timely and essential, establishing it as a woman brings unique challenges.

Tuli discusses the backlash she faces from society for juggling her career as a woman. "Being a woman leader, I'm no stranger to stereotypes and assumptions about women's capabilities can hold them back. For example, women might be seen as too emotional, lacking assertiveness or not being a "good fit" for leadership roles.

Tuli has to navigate worthless yet prevalent perceptions that find their roots in misogyny. Despite the societal challenges, Tuli finds her purpose in her passion. "I believe if you're driven towards your goal, you find ways to tackle and overcome each challenge in your way."

Tuli's top six tips for women in leadership.
1. Personalise your workspace with things that make you feel good.
2. Build a strong, capable team and empower them to make decisions and be creative. This frees up time for the CEO to focus on strategic business expansion and marketing initiatives.
3. Establish specific working hours and communicate these boundaries to employees and clients. Turn off notifications during personal time and resist the urge to check work emails constantly.
4. Treat personal time like important meetings and block it off on your calendar. Schedule regular exercise, time with family and friends and hobbies (I like to paint, this relaxes me).
5. Encourage a company culture that values work-life balance. Take breaks, leave the office on time and openly discuss the importance of personal well-being. This sets the tone for employees and helps them prioritise their balance.
6. Schedule regular vacations or digital detox periods to disconnect completely and recharge. This can lead to improved decision-making and a renewed perspective upon returning to work.

Prioritise being fully present in each moment
- Anushka Khanna, fashion label owner

Known for her choicest colours, prints and easy fabrics, this Mumbai-based designer has dressed Bollywood icons like Sonam Kapoor, Alia Bhatt (who was also the face of her campaign), Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepika Padukone and Jacqueline Fernandez. In a quick chat, she takes us through the demands of motherhood while meeting the demands of a high-stakes career.

Taking back to her days of pregnancy, doctors recommended a pause, citing concerns over the Covid-19 pandemic that was spreading at the time. "Later, when my son was born, I decided to extend that pause a little longer. I was enjoying my time with him at home, quite frankly but also because I wanted to reinvent where I was coming from creatively."

Upon returning to the studio, she found herself filled with renewed vigour. Motherhood had given her a profound sense of what she would like to design with the most sustainable model. "As both a creative head and business owner, my mind is constantly engaged. To make the most of it, I prioritise being fully present in each moment."

Along with motherhood, she became cognizant of the fact that smooth operations aren't always guaranteed. Balancing my flexible schedule allows me autonomy, yet often extends my day. It's crucial to carve out personal time - whether for a quiet tea, a workout or catching up with friends - to maintain balance and avoid burnout.

My approach is straightforward: maximise productivity both in the studio and at home, while acknowledging that some days spontaneity reigns supreme. Embracing this dynamic helps foster innovation and adaptability in both my personal and professional life.

Success can co-exist with a healthy & fulfilling life
- Queenie Singh - Founder and CEO of Beauty by BiE

As a woman in a leadership position, one of the significant challenges for Queenie has been managing the expectations and pressures from both the business world and family life. "There is an inherent need to excel in both areas, which can sometimes be overwhelming. Overcoming this challenge required a shift in perspective. I realised that it's not about achieving perfection but rather about making the most of the time I have," Queenie tells Midday.

When asked about must-have attributes for a leader, she outlines that being approachable, strong and empowering helps set a positive example for her team as well as her children. "I want them to know that success can co-exist with a healthy and fulfilling life."

Balancing work and a family of three can be challenging, especially with the demands of entrepreneurship. "When work calls for urgency, I manage it while ensuring quality time with my loved ones remains constant. Routine and discipline play pivotal roles - they provide the framework for balancing responsibilities without compromising on either front. Being consistent and persistent in my commitments has been key," she adds.

Find dynamic ways to disconnect from work pressure
- Rohini Ahluwalia, COO, Blaupunkt Audio India

As a COO, achieving work-life balance has presented its unique challenges for Rohini. "I've learned that maintaining a strict, daily balance isn't always feasible, especially in a leadership role where my responsibilities are extensive. Since the inception of our brand, I have never turned off my phone for an entire day. Being at this position, it's not just a necessity but also a preference to stay connected. I find that being up-to-date with work brings a sense of peace, making leisure travel enjoyable, knowing that my team can always reach me and everything is in order."

To keep herself refreshed, she tries to make the most of her mornings. Dedicating her Sunday mornings to meditation and evenings for relaxation, she tries to strike a balance with a hectic week that demands the best of her.

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential, especially when work demands attention 24/7. "Despite the continuous demands of my role, I implement several strategies to ensure I find equilibrium. I rely on watching sports, particularly during the knockout stages. This not only serves as a stress buster but also keeps my fighting spirit alive, offering a dynamic way to disconnect from work pressures."

She continues, "Additionally, I believe in the importance of choosing peaceful hours for oneself. For me, waking up early in the morning grants some tranquil time before the day's demands begin. These serene moments help set a positive tone for the day and ensure I have some peaceful time for myself, contributing significantly to my overall well-being."

Do not get sucked into the trap of proving yourself to the world
- Archana Prasad, Founder and CEO, Lambent Lab

Archana admits that achieving a work-life balance has been tough as it requires meeting the high expectations of being a successful leader along with the societal expectations around family. "Over time I have evolved a method of setting clear boundaries, communicating my availability and delegating responsibilities to trusted individuals both at home and work."

As a woman CEO, Archana has often dealt with biases around a woman's ability to lead while managing family responsibilities. To combat this, she says, is to not get sucked into the trap of proving yourself to the world. "I, instead, focus on staying calm and delivering results, setting clear goals for senior management and keeping a close eye on the execution of tasks. I have seen this strategy quickly transform work culture with conversations during the coffee breaks shifting from gossip to work-related deliverables. Even on the family front, I prioritise tasks, schedule activities and plan vacations and downtime in advance."

For a woman, it is common to be caught up in guilt and pressure feeling one is perhaps not giving 100 percent to either work or family. Archana has realised that chasing perfection is futile and that balance is about spending quality time and not equal time.

Building a reliable team to delegate tasks to is important
- Shalini Rattan, Co-Founder of Affogato

The brain behind Khar's quaint coffee and gelato cafe shares with us what she has to face as a woman entrepreneur. "Time management has been my biggest hurdle. Balancing meetings, gelato production, innovating new flavours and managing domestic tasks is demanding. Additionally, society still expects women to handle household chores along with their careers. A new business is like having a baby; it requires time, focus and energy for long-term success".

Here are a few strategies Shalini has deployed to balance work and personal life:

Setting clear boundaries: It's crucial to designate specific work hours, family time, and moments to unwind. Many people neglect 'me' time, but running your own business can be physically and mentally exhausting. Spending time with friends or pursuing a hobby is essential for rejuvenation.

Creating a prioritised task list: Keeping your focus and energy on track requires a comprehensive priority list that includes both work and personal tasks.

Exercise: Allocating time for physical activity is vital for maintaining overall well-being.

Delegation: Building a reliable team to delegate tasks to is important. Supervision is necessary, but attempting to handle everything alone is not.

Continuous learning: Stay updated with industry trends and new techniques to maintain a competitive edge in your field.

A purpose in life induces a happy state of mind
- Hansaji Yogendra, Director, The Yoga Institute, Yoga Guru & Author

In the realm of yoga, which has long been dominated by men, people traditionally visualise a yogi as someone with a long beard and saffron robes. When Hansaji, as a woman, presents herself, there is often initial skepticism about her authenticity and dedication to yoga.

"However, as soon as I begin to speak, people come to understand that yoga transcends gender. The ancient texts and scriptures of yoga teach us that no individual is entirely male or female; we are all composed of a blend of both masculine and feminine energies. When it comes to spirituality, the distinctions between man and woman dissolve, leaving only the unity of body, mind and soul," she elaborates on the agency she received from yoga.

She opines that an organised, disciplined and planned life is important. "In this way, one's whole life becomes a yoga sadhana. As far as consistency is concerned, it stems from one's personality. Once you have a purpose goal in life, you will approach tasks with a happy state of mind. This balance and positivity ensure that you never tackle stress diligently in the face of a demanding day."

Take strategic breaks to avoid burnout
- Somdutta Singh, Founder and CEO, Assiduus

As an investor and ex-member of Niti Aayog, Somdutta admits that securing capital remains a significant hurdle. "Throughout my career, I've confronted societal expectations that place home-rearing burdens primarily on women. These double standards often demand women to prove themselves to a greater degree than their male counterparts."

She continues, "To overcome this, I prioritise open communication. By setting clear expectations and consistently demonstrating competence, I've earned tremendous support and understanding from my family and loved ones."

Self-care is a strategic investment for Somudutta. As a woman in a leadership position, she opines that, achieving work-life balance is a continuous journey. By implementing certain strategies and embracing a growth mindset, one can navigate the challenges that come with leadership and forge a life that integrates both professional success and personal well-being.

Here's a structure that works for her:

"My daily routine described starting the day with gratitude, mind mapping and breathing exercises. I then create a prioritised to-do list, focusing on critical tasks first and possibly delegating or rescheduling less urgent ones. Time blocking is employed to ensure dedicated periods of focused work, interspersed with strategic breaks to prevent burnout."

Technology aids her in automating appointments, managing projects and enhancing team collaboration. Also, delegation and team empowerment are crucial in fostering a culture of trust and efficiency. Lastly, discipline, learned from her doctor parents, is key to maintaining balance, setting boundaries and protecting personal time.