![ET Women Ahead 2018](https://img.etimg.com/thumb/msid-62800758,width-650,height-488,imgsize-276657,resizemode-75/et-women-ahead-2018.jpg)
And if you are planning to pursue one of these sectors to boost your career, the advice from these ladies would be priceless.
Gunjan Shah
Partner
Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co
![Gunjan Shah Partner Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co Gunjan Shah Partner Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co](https://img.etimg.com/photo/msid-42031747/et-logo.jpg)
What I enjoy most about work: The intellectual challenge.
What I have learnt about work-life balance: Everyone has to find the balance that works for them.
How companies can improve gender diversity at the top: By recognising that we all harbour gender-based prejudices that need to be proactively addressed.
My advice to other career women: Put your head down and work hard. Over time, people will judge you on the basis of your work
Also read: ET Women Ahead - diversity will remain mere talk unless boardrooms become equal
Namita Thapar
Executive Director
Emcure Pharmaceuticals
![Namita Thapar Executive Director Emcure Pharmaceuticals Namita Thapar Executive Director Emcure Pharmaceuticals](https://img.etimg.com/photo/msid-42031747/et-logo.jpg)
What I have learnt about work-life balance: Surround yourself with positive people who will support you and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
How companies can improve gender diversity at the top: I am not much for forced quotas. Companies need to hire competent women at the mid-level and create an environment that values work-life balance, especially flexibility. Such women will stick around and rise to the top.
My advice to other career women: Learn the art of guilt management more than time management. Don’t give up on your career and aspirations despite disappointments along the way. Having women mentors is important.
Also read: ET Women Ahead - workplace diversity possible only with high-visibility, female role models
Nandini Piramal
Executive Director
Piramal Enterprises
![Nandini Piramal Executive Director Piramal Enterprises Nandini Piramal Executive Director Piramal Enterprises](https://img.etimg.com/photo/msid-42031747/et-logo.jpg)
What I have learnt about work-life balance: It’s important to have a strong support system at home, especially through family members.
How companies can improve gender diversity at the top: Organisations need to comprehend the benefits that result from diversity. It requires a gradual change in attitude and policies, in tandem. We still have a long way to go.
My advice to other career women: Be independent and ambitious but also pay attention to all the things that matter to you, including health and relationships.
Also read: ET Women Ahead - how a stellar jury chose 26 role models from a list of 120
Aditi Kothari
Additional Executive Director and Head – Sales & Marketing
DSP BlackRock Mutual Fund
![Aditi Kothari Managing Director DSP BlackRock Mutual Fund Aditi Kothari Managing Director DSP BlackRock Mutual Fund](https://img.etimg.com/photo/msid-42031747/et-logo.jpg)
What I enjoy most about my work: Knowing that I’m impacting people’s lives positively, helping them to save and invest.
What I have learnt about work-life balance: It isn’t hard in today’s connected world. You don’t always have to be at your desk to achieve something.
How companies can improve gender diversity at the top: Be sensitive to the fact that women will need to take time off to have children. See that they stay somewhat engaged with the organisation even when they’re at home.
My advice to other career women: Go into it as a career rather than a job.
Ramkripa Ananthan
Design Head
Mahindra & Mahindra
![Ramkripa Ananthan Design Head Mahindra & Mahindra Ramkripa Ananthan Design Head Mahindra & Mahindra](https://img.etimg.com/photo/msid-42031747/et-logo.jpg)
What I have learnt about work-life balance: At home and at work, I try to organise my activities in a way that balances what I enjoy with what simply has to be done, even if it’s boring or non-value adding or distressing. I constantly evaluate what I am capable of handling so that I don’t land up getting stressed either because I have too much to do or too little.
My advice to other career women: Choose a line of work that you truly love and enjoy.
Anuranjita Kumar
Managing Director HR - International Hubs
The Royal Bank of Scotland
![Anuranjita Kumar Managing Director HR - International Hubs The Royal Bank of Scotland Anuranjita Kumar Managing Director HR - International Hubs The Royal Bank of Scotland](https://img.etimg.com/photo/msid-42031747/et-logo.jpg)
What I enjoy most about work: It is an expression of who I am, it reflects my beliefs, thoughts and my relationship with the world
What I have learnt about work-life balance: It depends on the stage of life one is at. At some point, career will take precedence; at others, personal needs will become more important. Prioritisation is vital and in the end, it ensures you remain excited about whatever you do.
How companies can improve gender diversity at the top: There is so much being done in most corporates today to ensure women do not lose their career track when on a break. The opportunities are there, the forums too — what it needs are takers.
My advice to other career women: Learn to prioritise; communicate your needs; make your own choices at work & home and focus on your health.
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Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online.