In an interaction with Bfsinxt, Seema Harsha, COO and Co-founder of Indiassetz. She is responsible for driving company strategy and overall business operations, thereby delivering the best experience to both customers and employees.
In her previous stints she was associated with DHFL Pramerica Life Insurance, Standard Chartered Bank, Centurion Ban of Punjab. She’s passed out from IIM Bangalore and Bangalore University. Edited Excerpts:
Q. How do you view your career trajectory? How exciting has it been for you?
Wealth management has always piqued my interest, whether it involves financial products or real estate. Another topic that piques my interest is the growing number of women in corporate and leadership roles. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed managing real estate wealth while also working on gender diversity issues specific to women in corporates when I ventured on my entrepreneurship journey!
Q. Has it been going as you had planned or was it more like you tapped opportunities as they came along?
It’s a combination of the two. Career planning allows you to take control of your life by keeping you focused, evolving, and improving your talents. Opportunities will knock on your door if you are good at what you do.
Q. Not intending to stereotype, but as a woman, how has the journey been so far?
I’ve never believed in gender stereotypes in business, and I’ve seen numerous women shatter these norms in the last few years by entering traditionally male-dominated businesses. Real estate is no different. I have a couple of women in my team who are handling some of the most complicated land and commercial real estate transactions, which are traditionally handled by men.
I am confident that young women in real estate who demonstrate extraordinary talents and knowledge will be appreciated, regardless of society’s gender construct. Networking and relationship-building can assist women in meeting sponsors and mentors who can have a significant impact on their careers, as well as open doors to business prospects in commercial real estate..
Q. How do you view yourself? more of a risk-taker or risk-averse person?
We all know that women are more risk-averse than men, as evidenced by numerous research studies. We take a more conservative approach to money. We have evolved as a key contributor to family income when combined with a very cautious approach to investments, increasing female labor-force participation, and rising female net worth.
The shift in women’s educational levels has altered the dynamics of wealth and financial decision-making for women. I’ve worked as a banker for the past 15 years and have shared a wealth of knowledge about the finer points to consider when making any type of wealth investment for women.
Q. Over the years, how has your risk taking capability changed?
I’ve always been interested in wealth management, so I’ve always been willing to take risks. I am a firm believer that knowledge is your greatest asset in any situation, and you should always rely on it.
Q. Where do you seek inspiration/motivation from to get going in what you want to achieve?
Throughout my career, my family and closest friends, who are also my coworkers, have been a pillar of support. My own mentality of ring fencing my mind in the face of all the curveballs I’ve faced throughout my career has also been a tremendous help.
Q. Lastly, any advice/message to young women out there trying to rise in their career trajectory be it corporate life or entrepreneurship?
Women often face many hurdles juggling work and home. An unfortunate reality in today’s work culture is that we often see women with excellent degrees from prestigious universities become dissatisfied with corporate culture, the long hours and stress, and quit their jobs.
However with better support systems as well as HR and company policies coming into effect, women will soon be able to cross these hurdles and manage better. So I would tell young women starting their careers to not be disheartened, learn from experience, embrace the challenges and don’t look at quitting as a solution.
