In the world of business, few stories are as inspiring as that of Dr. Parves Khan. A trailblazing woman with an indomitable spirit, Parves defied the odds and carved her path to success through perseverance, determination, and an unwavering commitment to her goals. In this exclusive interview, she shares her remarkable journey and the challenges she faced along the way, shedding light on her rise to leadership in the business world.
A Humble Beginning
Dr. Parves Khan’s story begins in the working-class neighborhoods of 1970s Bristol, where young women typically pursued factory jobs or office administration roles. However, adversity struck early in Parves’ life when her family faced homelessness due to debt. It was during this trying time that she made a promise to herself: she would never be poor as an adult and would build a successful career.
Despite the odds stacked against her, Dr. Khan discovered the joy of reading and learning at the local library, which ignited her passion for knowledge. This experience became the catalyst for her remarkable journey.
The Power of Street Smarts
Dr. Khan’s success was not solely based on academic prowess but on her “street smarts.” She possessed an innate curiosity, a hunger for discovery, and the courage to stand up against adversity. She embraced opportunities even when she felt unprepared or fearful, surrounded herself with positive influences, and made the most of every chance that came her way.
These qualities served as her guiding stars throughout her life, ultimately leading her to a career in research, where she excelled at tackling complex questions and using data to solve critical business and consumer challenges.
Confronting Bad Leadership
In the world of business, Dr. Parves Khan faced a significant challenge—encountering bad leadership. What made this challenge even more daunting was that some of her most difficult bosses were women. As a staunch advocate for gender parity and the eradication of workplace discrimination, Dr. Khan found it particularly disheartening when women in power displayed bullying or narcissistic behavior.
She highlights the danger of such behavior, as it perpetuates stereotypes and reflects negatively on all women in leadership positions. Dr. Khan emphasizes that gender does not define leadership quality and shares her approach to dealing with such situations: confronting the issue or, when necessary, leaving for a more supportive environment.
Dr. Parves Khan is currently in the process of authoring a book titled “The Power of Women,” which delves into the experiences of women in leadership roles.
The Inspiration Behind Leadership
For Dr. Parves Khan, leadership is not just a role; it’s an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. She relishes the responsibility of leadership as a platform to empower and uplift those around her.
The Changing Landscape for Women in Business
Throughout her career, Dr. Parves Khan has witnessed significant changes in the landscape for women in business. While it took her 28 years to attain her first CEO role, she acknowledges that the challenges faced by working mothers have evolved. The lack of flexible work options, especially for men, often forced women to make career sacrifices. Dr. Khan applauds the recent shift towards hybrid and flexible working arrangements, though it took a global pandemic to bring about these changes.
Overcoming Gender-Related Obstacles
Dr. Parves Khan shares a personal anecdote that underscores the importance of self-promotion. She recalls a time when she was screened out of a senior management interview because she used the term “we” instead of “I” when discussing her accomplishments. This experience taught her the valuable lesson of owning her achievements and recognizing the significance of self-advocacy.
Advice for Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs
Dr. Khan offers invaluable advice to aspiring female entrepreneurs. She cautions against adopting “toxic masculine” behaviors to fit into traditional leadership molds, which can undermine progress for women as a whole. Instead, she encourages women to find their purpose and focus on collaborative approaches that advance shared goals.
Networking is another essential skill, according to Dr. Khan. She highlights the importance of professional networks in opening doors to opportunities, recognition, career advancement, and increased influence. She advises women to invest time and effort in growing their networks, as this skill can be a game-changer in today’s business world.
The Future of Women in Business
Dr. Khan envisions a future where women in business continue to break barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and drive innovation. She acknowledges that achieving this vision requires a multi-faceted approach that involves various stakeholders and significant changes at both the societal and organizational levels.
Strengths Women Bring to the Business World
Parves emphasizes that the benefits of gender diversity in business are well-documented. Numerous studies have shown that gender-diverse leadership teams lead to improved financial performance. For instance, McKinsey & Company’s research revealed that companies with gender-diverse executive teams were 21% more likely to achieve above-average profitability. Moreover, companies with more women on their boards experienced substantial increases in return on sales and invested capital.
However, Parves is quick to point out that these benefits aren’t due to inherent biological differences between men and women. Instead, they stem from the diverse experiences and socialization patterns that women bring to the table. These unique perspectives, influenced by factors like economic background and religion, can lead to richer decision-making processes and a more inclusive work culture, ultimately boosting employee morale and productivity.
Additionally, having more women in leadership roles serves as a powerful source of inspiration for future generations. When young women witness female leaders in influential positions, it encourages them to aspire to similar roles. This cycle of representation and diversity is vital for fostering equitable workplaces.
Creating an Inclusive and Supportive Environment
Dr. Parves Khan emphasizes that creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in the workplace requires action at both the societal and organizational levels.
At the societal level, governments play a crucial role in implementing policies and allocating resources to support women’s career advancement. This includes measures such as flexible working practices, affordable and accessible childcare, and shared domestic responsibilities. These changes enable women to balance both their professional and family lives without feeling overwhelmed or compelled to make an either-or choice.
At the organizational level, companies should implement family-friendly policies that promote work-life balance for all employees. Leadership development programs and mentorship initiatives tailored to support and advance women are also essential. However, building an inclusive and supportive work environment goes beyond policies; it involves fostering openness, honesty, care, equity, and respect for all employees. Such an environment values and appreciates contributions while providing the necessary resources and support for success. This approach benefits both women and men, creating better work environments for all.
Envisioning the Future
Looking ahead, Dr. Parves Khan envisions a future where women excel in business, driving progress and innovation across various industries. To realize this vision, she highlights several key steps:
Encourage Women in STEM: Encouraging young girls and women to pursue careers in tech and data fields in particular is critical. These industries offer significant growth potential, and greater female representation is essential for technological advancements.
Support Women in Entrepreneurship: Providing educational programs and mentorship opportunities for women in entrepreneurship is crucial. Expanding access to venture capital, business loans, and angel investment for female entrepreneurs is equally important.
Legislation and Policies: Governments must implement legislation and policies that mandate gender diversity on corporate boards, promote family-friendly policies, and enforce equal pay laws. These measures are essential for creating an equitable business environment.
In conclusion, Dr. Parves Khan’s remarkable journey and visionary outlook exemplify the strength and potential of women in the business world. Her personal story underscores the importance of resilience and determination, serving as an inspiration for all individuals to confront challenges with fortitude. Simultaneously, her forward-looking vision calls for collective efforts from various sectors to create a more inclusive and innovative future for women in business. By embracing diversity, supporting entrepreneurship, and enacting meaningful policies, we can pave the way for a business landscape where women thrive, contribute significantly, and achieve their full potential.