Setting boundaries at work can help prevent burnout

If we go by the statistics, the tech industry is male dominated. However, things are gradually changing. Women are shattering the glass ceilings and defying stereotypes in many ways and across sectors. Harsha Solanki, Managing Director (India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka), Infobip, in an exclusive interview with Bizz Buzz, says, “I feel that one of the secrets to my success is that I have earned the trust of my team by demonstrating deep compassion and empathy in all interactions. By consistently approaching challenges and problems with a problem-solving mindset and a focus on opportunities, I motivate my colleagues to adopt a similarly optimistic outlook. I try to lead by example and not just preach. I am committed to mentoring and guiding my team members, promoting trust, teamwork, and transparency in their work. I have cultivated a culture of excellence, innovation, and success by fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment and employing an empathetic leadership approach”

How do you attain work-life balance as a woman?

Working in a high-pressure industry takes a lot out of you and demands patience. My typical day at work involves several brainstorming sessions, meetings, internal discussions, and multiple calls. Balancing work and personal life can be challenging, especially for those in leadership positions who may feel pressure to be available and productive constantly. However, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for both personal well-being and professional success.

As a leader, I try to prioritize tasks and delegate responsibilities to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Setting boundaries and clearly communicating availability can help manage expectations and prevent burnout. Additionally, I make conscious efforts for activities outside of work, such as pursuing my hobbies or spending time with loved ones. It can help recharge and increase productivity in the long run. Ultimately, finding a balance that works for you may require some trial and error, but prioritizing self-care and being intentional with your time can lead to a more fulfilling and successful life both personally and professionally. I am an avid yoga and meditation practitioner. So, I try to manage my time to attain a certain level of balance.

What are your goals, timelines, and measuring success? What are the secrets to your success?

My goal is to elevate Infobip to the status of an engineering giant, distinguished by its innovative CPaaS infrastructure and cutting-edge perspective. With a focus on post-pandemic needs, I am actively engaged in strengthening the core leadership team and developing creative services and solutions that empower businesses and individuals to connect and interact more effectively. By prioritizing innovation and collaboration, I am dedicated to helping Infobip reach new heights of success and influence in the tech industry.

I feel that one of the secrets to my success is that I have earned the trust of my team by demonstrating deep compassion and empathy in all interactions. By consistently approaching challenges and problems with a problem-solving mindset and a focus on opportunities, I motivate my colleagues to adopt a similarly optimistic outlook.

I try to lead by example and not just preach. I am committed to mentoring and guiding my team members, promoting trust, teamwork, and transparency in their work. I have cultivated a culture of excellence, innovation, and success by fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment and employing an empathetic leadership approach.

How do you motivate women to choose a career in the tech field?

If we go by the statistics, the tech industry is male dominated. However, things are gradually changing. Women are shattering the glass ceilings and defying stereotypes in many ways and across sectors. We just need to be the facilitator of this wave of change. I feel there is no one or two ways to motivate women to enter the tech sector. We actually need to get involved at the education level. The STEM model that makes otherwise ‘challenging’ subjects fun will drive the change as students, both girls and boys, would experience beyond the classroom life and be prepared to become future innovators. The younger generation is way smarter and has a different mindset. This will assist them in making decisions early on in life and be clearer about what they want to do.

I have been blessed to have worked in progressive companies where gender is not a factor in which your talent is evaluated. So, in my opinion, we must encourage young talent, irrespective of gender, to never be afraid to fail and be lifetime learners. The sector is gradually becoming a fair field for women and people across the gender spectrum. At a time like this, we must empower each other, take inspiration, and strive to make our workplaces more gender inclusive and equitable.

What are your tips for growing a company?

To grow a company, it is vital to re-evaluate organizational culture and foster innovation and empathy. I believe we can achieve this by bringing specific changes in culture, functionalities, strategies, and capabilities while ensuring cross-functional collaboration and open communication among team members. Investing in the right technology also helps the organization stay ahead of the game while balancing the interest rate, and Infobip is aptly positioned in this aspect.

Furthermore, motivating, and engaging employees is also essential. We must practice compassion and empathy, give them time to adjust to the new normal, and follow a people-first approach by valuing their team members and prioritizing their well-being. Creating a friendly, creative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth can also help boost morale and promote greater levels of teamwork. Infobip follows a similar approach as we strongly believe empathy is crucial in driving the company’s culture. We practice it throughout an employee’s journey.

Besides motivating team members, we must be agile in our communication approach and avoid creating unnecessary Microstress. For instance, if one of your teammates is driving back home, a message by you about a call in an hour to discuss something important can create Microstress. In such a scenario, not only will they be tense about the agenda, but the unnoticed Microstress might also hamper their driving skills. Therefore, setting clear agendas to reduce tension and allow for better preparation is important. By being aware of Microstress and taking proactive steps to address it, we can improve communication and our overall well-being.

How do you persevere through tough times?

Professional or personal, I have looked at challenges as opportunities instead of roadblocks. It has always been one of my strengths. As mentioned, I work in a high-pressure environment, and being patient is one of the prerequisites. Self-motivation, I feel, is the key to handling pressure and remaining calm. My physical workout is usually evening walks with my pet, Angel. It relaxes me and gives me a chance to destress. Spending time with my family is therapeutic for me too. I take one day at a time and know I will sail through.

What are your interests outside the office?

I am deeply passionate about two things in life - traveling and fitness. My global role in a European-based company provides me with countless opportunities to explore new destinations and cultures. When I'm not pursuing my interests, I love socializing with new people. As mentioned earlier, I am a true believer in maintaining a balance between my professional and personal life. While it may not always be possible, considering the high-pressure industry I am associated with, I spend quality time with my family and my pet, Angel, as much as I can. I ensure I make efforts to achieve this.