Women are rewriting the playbook of leadership: Smita Joshi

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, Smita Joshi, Vice President of Home Textiles and Exports, Nesterra, A Sutlej Brand (K K Birla Group), highlights the evolving role of women leaders in the home furnishings industry, highlighting their creativity, empathy, and ability to drive innovation. Joshi delves into Nesterra’s people-centric leadership, focus on inclusivity, and vision for crafting living spaces with personality and meaning. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of breaking barriers, nurturing future women leaders, and embracing individuality in design and leadership.

What unique perspective do you believe women leaders bring to industries like home furnishings, and how does this align with Nesterra’s consumer-first philosophy?

“Women understand that homes are not just spaces - they are stories waiting to be told.” Women leaders bring an innate understanding of what makes a house a home. Traditionally seen as homemakers, they are now breaking stereotypes and proving to be exceptional leaders who listen, adapt, and connect with all generations – be it Gen Z, Boomers, Millennials, or Gen X. Women’s creative eye and ability to make things beautiful has come naturally, which in my case, aligns with Nesterra’s philosophy of creating living spaces that reflect individuality. By bringing an emotional lens to decision-making, women leaders ensure the industry doesn’t become mechanical but stays people-centered and dynamic.

How do you envision the role of women evolving in leadership positions? What innovations do you think they are uniquely positioned to contribute?

Women are already rewriting the playbook of leadership by embracing inclusivity, collaboration, and experimentation. Leadership today is less about autocracy and more about empathy and stability, and women are leading that shift. They are perfectly positioned to drive conversations around sustainability and design inclusivity while creating cultures that attract and nurture diverse talent. Resilience is another strength – they bounce back from setbacks quickly, bringing different talents, young blood and fresh perspectives that inspire innovation and long-term impact.

What strategies have you employed to balance professional responsibilities with personal commitments, and how do these approaches reflect in Nesterra’s leadership culture?

We believe in working hard and celebrating just as hard. Our belief is simple: people matter. Flexibility is a big part of our culture – timing isn’t what matters; productivity and results do. We’ve embraced hybrid work models that allow for balance, while creating a sense of ownership across the team. Everyone’s opinion is valued, and decisions are made collaboratively. It’s this approach that has helped us build a culture where professional and personal lives co-exist harmoniously.

As a woman leader, what has been your most significant observation about the progress of women in your sector, and what areas still need improvement?

The presence of women in leadership roles has grown significantly –it is no longer seen as unusual, and more women are being welcomed into decision-making spaces. However, challenges remain. Women are often tested more rigorously before being entrusted with responsibilities, and career breaks still carry an unnecessary stigma. There needs to be more openness in hiring women who have taken breaks, as their potential goes far beyond tenure. The key to progress lies in not just creating opportunities, but in ensuring equal access to them.

Could you share any personal philosophies or mantras that guide you in maintaining a successful balance between work and personal life?

My guiding mantra is simple: accept people as they are. Everyone is unique, and creativity thrives when individuality is celebrated. Some people are dreamers, others are planners, and I’ve learned to adapt my approach to what each person needs – whether it’s a push or space to flourish. Beyond that, caring about people beyond just their work makes a big difference. Sometimes, going the extra mile to support a team member makes all the difference. Recognizing that each person requires a unique approach allows me to foster an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.

How do you actively support and nurture the growth of aspiring women leaders within your organization or the industry?

Leadership isn’t about telling people what to do; it’s about showing them how it’s done. I focus on creating opportunities where women feel encouraged to take risks and explore their potential. I believe in hiring beyond resumes. Career breaks, for instance, shouldn’t be barriers; instead, they should be seen as chapters in a person’s growth story.

At Nesterra, we promote confidence in aspiring leaders by giving them the freedom to lead in their own way while ensuring they know they have support.

Please tell us about the innovative projects that you’re currently leading at Nesterra. What are the upcoming ventures that excite you?

One of the projects I’m most excited about is our upcoming bedding line inspired by the concept of personal storytelling. Each collection will narrate a story – some rooted in cultural heritage, others embracing modern simplicity. This project is special because it is about crafting experiences that feel deeply personal and meaningful.

What changes have you witnessed in the contributions and visibility of women in the workforce, particularly in industries like textiles and home furnishings?

The contributions of women are finally being celebrated in this industry. Women have always played a significant role, but their impact wasn’t always visible. Today, they’re leading major textile groups and driving remarkable results.

That said, I think, we’re still on the journey to breaking the glass ceiling completely, especially in leadership roles. The industry is evolving, and with every milestone, women are proving they belong at every table.

How do you integrate your personal experiences and values into Nesterra’s vision of creating living spaces brimming with personality and meaning?

At Nesterra, individuality is our cornerstone. No two people are alike, and we embrace this diversity in our designs and approach. Our young, dynamic team thrives on breaking norms- steering away from trends and instead creating them.

Personally, my own experiences have taught me to look beyond traditional norms and embrace out-of-the-box ideas. Our philosophy of “less is more” ensures we prioritize quality and purpose over quantity, staying true to our commitment to meaningful design.

Personally, my travel experiences have deeply influenced my perspective, inspiring my team to explore, innovate, and think beyond boundaries. Networking across industries and thinking outside the box has allowed us to bring fresh, unconventional ideas into our work. Ultimately, our goal is a simple belief: a home is not just a place; it’s a feeling.

Also Read: ICW Portfolio Evening’s spotlight on empowering women in advertising