The gender gap in leadership positions still exists: Vedika Chouhan

Adgully has consistently celebrated and acknowledged the accomplishments of women entrepreneurs and leaders in various sectors. One of our notable initiatives, W-SUITE, focuses on highlighting extraordinary women achievers in the Media & Entertainment, Advertising, Marketing, PR, and Communications industry. In this updated series, we aim to explore how women leaders adeptly manage their teams and overcome challenges in the dynamic landscape of their respective industries.

In an exclusive interaction with Adgully, Vedika Chouhan, Senior Brand Manager, Fixderma, speaks about the special perspective and wealth of valuable skills that women bring to the work force, bringing a more holistic approach to beauty, empowering women to develop their unique leadership styles, and much more.

In the context of Fixderma’s success in dermatology and skincare, what unique qualities do you think women leaders bring to the table, and how do you incorporate these qualities into your leadership style?

At Fixderma, we strive to create skincare that’s not just effective, but also accessible and empowers people. I truly believe that women in skincare bring a unique touch. They’re naturally empathetic, deeply understanding the desire of other women to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. Whether they’re leading teams or connecting with our customers, women bring a special perspective and a wealth of valuable skills. When women are empowered, amazing things happen. They inspire innovation and a drive to make a real difference. Women are also incredibly attuned to the voices of our customers, truly listening to their needs and concerns. This, in turn, fosters a collaborative environment where everyone’s perspective is valued and integrated.

How do you see the role of women evolving within the skincare and dermatology industry, and what innovative ideas or practices have women leaders contributed to this space?

For me, true beauty isn’t just about how you look on the outside, it is about feeling good from the inside out. While many people talk about ‘skincare’, we focus on ‘skin health’. Women in this industry are really leading the charge towards a more holistic approach to beauty.

From sharing their own skincare rituals to encouraging mindfulness practices, female leaders are inspiring us to embrace self-care as a key part of our beauty routine. It’s about creating a culture where we feel good about ourselves, not just because we look good, but because we’re taking care of ourselves completely.

Women are also driving incredible change. They’re pushing for more inclusivity, making sure that skincare products and treatments work for everyone, regardless of their skin tone or ethnicity. They’re also fostering a more entrepreneurial spirit, encouraging women to start their own businesses and share their unique perspectives on beauty.

And let’s not forget that women are moving away from the old idea of ‘fairer’ skin. They’re empowering us to embrace our natural skin tone and focus on achieving healthy, glowing skin.

It is truly inspiring to see the impact women are having on the beauty industry. Their vision and commitment to creating a more beautiful world for all are truly commendable.

Balancing professional responsibilities in a fast-paced industry like skincare with personal commitments can be challenging. What strategies have helped you achieve this balance, and what advice would you offer to other women striving for similar harmony?

Balancing work and life in the fast-paced world of skincare can definitely feel like a juggling act! I’ve been incredibly fortunate to learn from some amazing women leaders, including our inspiring CEO, Shaily Ma’am. They have taught me the importance of prioritizing and setting boundaries.

When I’m at work, I’m fully immersed in my role. But once I’m home, I make sure to dedicate quality time to my family. I also prioritize self-care, like my daily yoga practice, which not only keeps me physically fit, but also helps me stay grounded and focused.

Of course, there are days when work demands more of my time. On those days, I’m fortunate to have a supportive partner who helps me share the load. It’s all about finding that balance and being flexible when needed.

As a woman leader at Fixderma, how do you support and mentor the next generation of women leaders within your team or the broader organization?

I am a firm believer in leading by example. I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible women leaders throughout my career, and I want to pass those valuable lessons on to the next generation.

I encourage the women on my team to speak their minds. I want them to feel comfortable voicing their opinions and disagreeing respectfully, knowing their perspectives are valued. I actively seek out opportunities for them to step up, take on challenging projects, and lead initiatives. My goal is to empower them to develop their unique leadership styles and reach their full potential.

Over the years, how have you observed the contributions and presence of women evolve in the dermatology and skincare sectors, and what do you think still needs to change to further empower women in this industry?

While women in dermatology and skincare have evolved, however there are still certain challenges that women face. The gender gap in leadership positions still exists, women either are not promoted or they themselves drop out due to family commitments. Yet in certain organisations, there is a wide pay gap between men and women. Hence, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment is crucial. We need to make sure women feel valued and respected at every level. We need to provide mentorship opportunities, offer flexible work arrangements, and actively address any unconscious biases that might be holding women back.

Few months ago, there were conversations around ‘Period leaves’. While the idea of ‘period leave’ might seem like a good thing on the surface, I believe it could actually have unintended consequences. It might make employers hesitant to hire women, and that would set us back in our efforts to achieve gender equality in this field.

Ultimately, we need to find solutions that support women’s well-being without creating barriers to their career advancement. We need to create a workplace where women can thrive and reach their full potential.

Fixderma is known for its innovative approach to skincare. Are there any projects or campaigns you are currently leading that you’re particularly proud of, or any upcoming initiatives you would like to share?

I am incredibly proud of the launch of Durave, our innovative new range of moisturizers. We realized that today's consumers are looking for more than just simple hydration. They want moisturizers that actually address their specific skin concerns.

After months of dedicated research and development, we created Durave – a range that goes beyond basic moisturization. Our Barrier Repair moisturizer, for example, has been a huge hit with consumers who are looking to repair the damage caused by past skincare experiments or neglect, like forgetting to wear sunscreen.

Seeing how well Durave has been received by our customers is incredibly rewarding. It's a testament to our commitment to understanding their evolving needs and developing innovative solutions that truly make a difference.

What advice would you give to aspiring women professionals and entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in competitive industries like dermatology, skincare, or beauty?

Women often bring a unique level of dedication and passion to everything they do. It’s in their nature to nurture and care deeply. However, it is crucial for women to learn to set boundaries and assert themselves. They must learn to voice their opinion in a boardroom full of men. They must not fear saying ‘I disagree, because’. Actively seek support whenever you feel you need one.  Remember, resilience is the key, believe in your abilities, and don’t let setbacks deter you from your goals. And always embrace innovation, stay curious and never stop learning.

Also Read: We need to see beyond the gender column and personal lives of moms: Mansi Zaveri