How to Build Confidence with a Women Leadership Programme

How to Build Confidence with a Women Leadership Programme | Leadership | Emeritus

Picture this: you are in a meeting, confidently pitching an idea you know could transform your organization. You’ve spent days preparing, but as you finish, the room falls silent. Moments later, a colleague—let’s call him Raj—reiterates your point. Though it is pitched differently, it is essentially the same idea as yours. His pitch, however, gets a radically different reception. Everyone applauds him for the “brilliant suggestion.”

If this sounds all too familiar, you are not alone. Unfortunately, women across industries often face these subtle yet pervasive challenges. From being overlooked in meetings to being passed over for leadership roles, there are many hurdles. However, the good news is that with awareness, support, and the right skills, these barriers can be overcome. This is exactly what the Women Leadership Programme by IIM Kozhikode (IIMK) aims to address—empowering women to navigate systemic biases, lead with confidence, and make an indelible impact.



The Evolving Landscape of Women Leadership

Though women might still be overlooked for leadership roles, there’s no denying that the business landscape is changing, albeit slowly. More women are entering the workforce, influencing industries, and redefining traditional leadership paradigms. Now women leaders are increasingly recognized for their unique contributions to innovation, collaboration, and organizational success.

In India, this shift is particularly evident in the entrepreneurial sector. In fact, as of 2024, over 20% of MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) in India are owned by women (1). This represents a significant milestone in breaking gender stereotypes in business. Furthermore, it underscores the growing influence of women in shaping India’s economic future.

Moreover, women’s representation in the workforce has improved steadily, rising from 23.9% in 2016 to 26.8% in 2024, according to recent reports (2). Yet, challenges persist. Despite these strides, women hold only 23.2% of leadership roles in Indian corporations and just 12% of CXO positions. These statistics highlight the need for a robust women leadership programme to address barriers and enable women to lead with confidence.

ALSO READ: How the IIMK Women Leadership Programme Empowers Women to Lead

The Unseen Barriers Holding Women Back

Despite increased representation in the workforce, women often encounter invisible barriers that stall their career growth. These challenges are not always overt acts of discrimination but rather systemic issues deeply embedded in organizational culture.

1. Second-Generation Bias

Imagine a scenario where a talented woman is repeatedly overlooked for high-visibility projects. Her manager assures her that it’s because the project requires “tough decision-making,” which they believe might be “too stressful” for her. This is an example of second-generation bias—subtle yet systemic practices that disadvantage women under the guise of concern or tradition.

2. The Leadership Double Bind

If a woman leader confidently asserts her opinions in meetings, she is labeled as being “too aggressive”. Her male colleague, on the other hand, is praised for being “decisive”. Then again, if she adopts a more collaborative approach, she risks being seen as “too soft”. This double bind consequently forces women to navigate an impossible balance between being assertive and likable. This, unfortunately, comes at the expense of their authenticity. 

3. Cultural and Organizational Norms

A common story is that a mother working late hours on an important project is judged as neglecting her family, while her male counterpart is celebrated for his “dedication”. These entrenched norms place disproportionate expectations on women, thus making it harder for them to balance personal and professional ambitions.

How Leadership Programmes Help Women Overcome Challenges

1. Fostering Awareness of Biases

A women leadership programme often includes modules on identifying and addressing biases, enabling women to recognize how stereotypes and workplace dynamics may affect their career trajectories. For example, the IIM Kozhikode programme offers workshops on “Diversity Perspectives and Women Empowerment”, focusing on overcoming inherent biases in leadership and decision-making.

2. Building Leadership Competencies

To succeed in leadership roles, women need both technical expertise and soft skills. A women leadership programme like IIMK’s helps participants master financial acumen, strategic thinking, and digital transformation while honing their executive presence and communication skills.

3. Creating Supportive Networks

Networking is a critical component of leadership development, yet women often lack access to the same professional networks as men. The right women leadership programme, therefore, creates opportunities for women to connect with mentors, peers, and industry leaders, fostering a supportive community for career advancement.

4. Providing Real-World Applications

By incorporating action learning projects, case studies, and capstone projects, these programmes ensure that participants can apply their learning to real-world challenges. This hands-on experience builds confidence and prepares women for leadership roles in their organizations.

ALSO READ: Strategic Leadership: What You Need to do in Times of Crisis

Breaking the Barriers: Why Leadership Programmes Matter

leadership

Leadership development programmes designed specifically for women can address these challenges head-on. The Women Leadership Programme by IIMK provides the tools, strategies, and support systems women need to navigate biases, amplify their voices, and thrive as leaders.

The programme is not just a course—it’s a 10-month transformational journey that equips women with the skills and confidence to excel in leadership roles.

Here’s a deep dive into what makes this programme a game-changer for women leaders:

a. Interactive and Immersive Learning

  • Weekly live online sessions conducted by IIMK’s world-class faculty and seasoned industry experts
  • Two on-campus immersions for face-to-face networking, experiential workshops, and group learning activities
  • Action-based projects and case studies that bridge theory with real-world applications

b. Capstone Project

  • Craft a personalized leadership roadmap based on individual strengths and career aspirations
  • Analyze role-specific challenges and develop actionable strategies to achieve long-term success

c. Executive Alumni Status

  • Become part of the prestigious IIM Kozhikode Executive Alumni Network, opening doors to exclusive events and lifelong networking opportunities

A Curriculum That Empowers Women Leaders

The programme is structured into seven comprehensive modules that address every aspect of leadership:

  1. Diversity and Inclusion: Learn how to overcome biases and lead diverse teams effectively.
  2. Strategic Financial Acumen: Gain the financial expertise needed to make impactful decisions.
  3. Digital Transformation: Harness technology and AI to drive business innovation.
  4. Organizational Leadership: Manage high-performing teams and navigate complex business environments.
  5. Strategic Thinking: Develop a data-driven, growth-oriented mindset for competitive advantage.
  6. Resilience Building: Cultivate emotional intelligence and adaptability to thrive in challenging situations.
  7. Executive Presence: Master the art of communication, influence, and negotiation in leadership roles.

Who Should Enroll in the Programme?

This programme is tailored for:

  • Mid-Career Professionals: Women seeking to build their executive presence and prepare for managerial roles
  • Senior Leaders: Executives aiming to influence organizational strategy and drive change

To be eligible, participants need a graduate or diploma qualification (10+2+3) and at least 5+ years of work experience.

Why Choose IIM Kozhikode?

  1. A Legacy of Excellence: Ranked #3 in Management by NIRF India Rankings 2024, IIM Kozhikode is recognized globally for its commitment to quality education and thought leadership. Its faculty brings unparalleled expertise and practical insights, ensuring a transformative learning experience.
  2. Globally Accredited: IIM Kozhikode holds prestigious accreditations, including EQUIS and AMBA, placing it among the top management institutions worldwide.

ALSO READ: Agile Leadership in Action: Lessons from Apple’s Tech Revolution

It’s Your Time to Lead

The barriers women face in leadership are real, but they’re not insurmountable. With the right tools, strategies, and support, women leaders can break through these challenges and lead with purpose and confidence.

The Women Leadership Programme by IIM Kozhikode is your opportunity to step into your potential, build your leadership brand, and create a lasting impact. So, why wait? Take the leap, shatter the glass ceiling, and redefine leadership.

Apply now and begin your journey toward transformative leadership today!

Write to us at content@emeritus.org

Sources:

  1. Women in India – statistics & facts | Statista
  2. Women in Leadership in Corporate India

About the Author


Content Writer, Emeritus Blog
Niladri Pal, a seasoned content contributor to the Emeritus Blog, brings over four years of experience in writing and editing. His background in literature equips him with a profound understanding of narrative and critical analysis, enhancing his ability to craft compelling SEO and marketing content. Specializing in the stock market and blockchain, Niladri navigates complex topics with clarity and insight. His passion for photography and gaming adds a unique, creative touch to his work, blending technical expertise with artistic flair.
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