Shalaka Kulkarni
Inspiring Leader
India
Write Click
A whirlwind of crazy chaos, a dialogue in the digital world, and the first ray of the sun - I am Shalaka, an Indian award-winning flash fiction writer, TEDx speaker, and global brand marketer. I have been a part of the STEAM field for the last 6+ years where I worked with tech organisations to drive brand communications and channelised my creative instincts to become an author. In the meanwhile, I ensured I work with the underserved and give back to the community by sharing my knowledge and uplifting them.
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, a Master's in Marketing, and advanced specialization in Neuromarketing from Copenhagen Business School and Neurons Academy. I have been honoured with Women Disruptors 2021 and Corporate Comms & PR 30 under 30 (2022) awards and have been associated with global brands like McDonald’s, Salesforce, HPE, Hindustan Unilever, VMWare, Kantar, Brillio, Microland, etc. I was recognized with an Alumni Pride Award by Welingkar Institute in 2022.
In my last stint, I headed the Employer Brand and Communications for Angel One. I recently decided to go independent and started my own creative consultancy, 'Write Click,' in January 2023.
I have been passionate about writing since 8, and my first book Orenda stands taller as a milestone, starting my literary journey as an author. Orenda has received appreciation from a Sahitya Akademi award-winning author, Namita Gokhale, and the foreword is written by critically acclaimed filmmaker, Manish Mundra.
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, a Master's in Marketing, and advanced specialization in Neuromarketing from Copenhagen Business School and Neurons Academy. I have been honoured with Women Disruptors 2021 and Corporate Comms & PR 30 under 30 (2022) awards and have been associated with global brands like McDonald’s, Salesforce, HPE, Hindustan Unilever, VMWare, Kantar, Brillio, Microland, etc. I was recognized with an Alumni Pride Award by Welingkar Institute in 2022.
In my last stint, I headed the Employer Brand and Communications for Angel One. I recently decided to go independent and started my own creative consultancy, 'Write Click,' in January 2023.
I have been passionate about writing since 8, and my first book Orenda stands taller as a milestone, starting my literary journey as an author. Orenda has received appreciation from a Sahitya Akademi award-winning author, Namita Gokhale, and the foreword is written by critically acclaimed filmmaker, Manish Mundra.
About diversity and inclusion promotion
1. Leading with Empathy, and Leading by Example:
By cultivating a deep sense of empathy, I strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where team members and peers feel heard, valued, and understood.
By consistently demonstrating respect for diversity, actively seeking diverse perspectives, and valuing individual contributions, I set a positive tone that encourages others to follow suit.
2. Staying Up to Date with DEI Trends and Practices:
I invest time in staying updated with research, case studies, and best practices in the DEI space. By doing so, I ensure that my approach to promoting diversity and inclusion remains current, relevant, and aligned with the evolving needs and expectations of diverse individuals and communities.
3. Starting Simple: Getting to Know Personal Preferences:
I make a conscious effort to create a welcoming environment by getting to know my team members on a personal level and understanding their preferred pronouns. By doing so, I demonstrate that I value and recognize each person's unique identity, which fosters a sense of inclusion and acceptance within the team.
4. Using Gender-Neutral Language:
As a brand communications professional, I understand how language plays a significant role in creating an inclusive atmosphere. I make a conscious effort to use gender-neutral language, avoiding terms like "guys" or "bro" when addressing teams or peers. Instead, I consciously opt for inclusive terms such as "folks," "team," “peeps” or individual names.
Choose to use ‘chairperson’ instead of ‘chairman’ and other similar words as well.
5. Diverse Hiring Practices + Training Recruitment Teams:
Promoting diversity and inclusion starts with inclusive hiring practices. I firmly believe in hiring individuals from diverse backgrounds based on their merit and qualifications. This approach fosters innovation, encourages different viewpoints, and ensures equal opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds.
I have provided training on inclusive communication practices from an employer branding standpoint - focusing on dos and don'ts when interacting with candidates, ensuring that every communication aligns with inclusive values.
6. Creating DEI-focused Learning Opportunities:
By providing learning opportunities through workshops, seminars, and guest speaker events, on topics such as unconscious bias, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication across diverse teams - I empower my team and peers to broaden their knowledge, challenge assumptions, and develop skills necessary for fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment.
9. Encouraging Communication, Collaboration and Feedback:
By creating platforms for open dialogue, such as regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and feedback channels, I ensure that everyone has a voice and feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas. This collaborative approach promotes a sense of belonging and encourages diverse perspectives to contribute to collective success.
10. Inspiring Each Other and Sharing Vulnerability:
Recognizing that sharing vulnerability is a sign of strength, I encourage open conversations that celebrate differences, foster understanding, and build stronger connections among team members.
By cultivating a deep sense of empathy, I strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where team members and peers feel heard, valued, and understood.
By consistently demonstrating respect for diversity, actively seeking diverse perspectives, and valuing individual contributions, I set a positive tone that encourages others to follow suit.
2. Staying Up to Date with DEI Trends and Practices:
I invest time in staying updated with research, case studies, and best practices in the DEI space. By doing so, I ensure that my approach to promoting diversity and inclusion remains current, relevant, and aligned with the evolving needs and expectations of diverse individuals and communities.
3. Starting Simple: Getting to Know Personal Preferences:
I make a conscious effort to create a welcoming environment by getting to know my team members on a personal level and understanding their preferred pronouns. By doing so, I demonstrate that I value and recognize each person's unique identity, which fosters a sense of inclusion and acceptance within the team.
4. Using Gender-Neutral Language:
As a brand communications professional, I understand how language plays a significant role in creating an inclusive atmosphere. I make a conscious effort to use gender-neutral language, avoiding terms like "guys" or "bro" when addressing teams or peers. Instead, I consciously opt for inclusive terms such as "folks," "team," “peeps” or individual names.
Choose to use ‘chairperson’ instead of ‘chairman’ and other similar words as well.
5. Diverse Hiring Practices + Training Recruitment Teams:
Promoting diversity and inclusion starts with inclusive hiring practices. I firmly believe in hiring individuals from diverse backgrounds based on their merit and qualifications. This approach fosters innovation, encourages different viewpoints, and ensures equal opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds.
I have provided training on inclusive communication practices from an employer branding standpoint - focusing on dos and don'ts when interacting with candidates, ensuring that every communication aligns with inclusive values.
6. Creating DEI-focused Learning Opportunities:
By providing learning opportunities through workshops, seminars, and guest speaker events, on topics such as unconscious bias, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication across diverse teams - I empower my team and peers to broaden their knowledge, challenge assumptions, and develop skills necessary for fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment.
9. Encouraging Communication, Collaboration and Feedback:
By creating platforms for open dialogue, such as regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and feedback channels, I ensure that everyone has a voice and feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas. This collaborative approach promotes a sense of belonging and encourages diverse perspectives to contribute to collective success.
10. Inspiring Each Other and Sharing Vulnerability:
Recognizing that sharing vulnerability is a sign of strength, I encourage open conversations that celebrate differences, foster understanding, and build stronger connections among team members.
About me as a leader
I read this quote in my dad’s diary when I was in 5th Grade - “A leader’s life is like a candle, meant to light other candles.” And that stayed with me. Here’s how my leadership philosophy can shape the next generation of women leaders in STEAM:
1. Being my fearless, authentic self - glued to my core values
I encourage women to trust their instincts, follow their passions, and not compromise their values in their pursuit of leadership roles. By leading with integrity and staying grounded in who I am, I aim to demonstrate that success can be achieved without sacrificing one's identity or compromising personal beliefs.
2. Empathy is my only religion - it is at the core of my leadership style
Empathy is the foundation of my leadership style. I believe that leadership driven by empathy fosters collaboration, trust, and respect, leading to stronger teams and better outcomes.
3. Breaking barriers - one stereotype at a time
I aim to inspire other women to challenge the status quo, pursue their passions fearlessly, and embrace leadership roles that may have seemed out of reach. Maybe it is a career transition or coming back from maternity break - Together, we can redefine what it means to be a leader and create more inclusive spaces for women to thrive.
4. Empowering others - lighting more candles
I am dedicated to mentoring, supporting, and advocating for future generations of women leaders. I believe that when we uplift and empower others, we create a ripple effect that inspires positive change and paves the way for a more equitable future.
5. Building for the Future - Inclusive, equitable and sustainable
I recognize the importance of long-term thinking, sustainability, and innovation in leadership. I envision a future that is inclusive, equitable, and environmentally conscious, and aim to inspire them to lead with a sense of responsibility and purpose.
1. Being my fearless, authentic self - glued to my core values
I encourage women to trust their instincts, follow their passions, and not compromise their values in their pursuit of leadership roles. By leading with integrity and staying grounded in who I am, I aim to demonstrate that success can be achieved without sacrificing one's identity or compromising personal beliefs.
2. Empathy is my only religion - it is at the core of my leadership style
Empathy is the foundation of my leadership style. I believe that leadership driven by empathy fosters collaboration, trust, and respect, leading to stronger teams and better outcomes.
3. Breaking barriers - one stereotype at a time
I aim to inspire other women to challenge the status quo, pursue their passions fearlessly, and embrace leadership roles that may have seemed out of reach. Maybe it is a career transition or coming back from maternity break - Together, we can redefine what it means to be a leader and create more inclusive spaces for women to thrive.
4. Empowering others - lighting more candles
I am dedicated to mentoring, supporting, and advocating for future generations of women leaders. I believe that when we uplift and empower others, we create a ripple effect that inspires positive change and paves the way for a more equitable future.
5. Building for the Future - Inclusive, equitable and sustainable
I recognize the importance of long-term thinking, sustainability, and innovation in leadership. I envision a future that is inclusive, equitable, and environmentally conscious, and aim to inspire them to lead with a sense of responsibility and purpose.