Lavanya VNV

Who is a female inspiration/role model to you, and why?

I look up to Leena Nair (CHRO Unilever). She is an entirely different woman who did tough jobs and had difficult times, but all the while accepting responsibilities and enhancing her credibility. She inspires us to dream big and go for it. What makes her stand out is her aversion to pessimism. Her philosophy is: “You don’t have to have change done to you; you can embrace the change and feel in control of your own story". She inspires me with her grit, determination, and vision for the future of the workforce and skills revolution.

Why does inclusion matter to you?

Inclusion matters to me because it’s the right thing to do. In order to drive innovation and continue to be a leader in changing times, we need to nurture our business with the input and vision of people who represent diverse views. Without inclusion, diversity is hollow. Leading with a culture of inclusion, I believe, is key to driving a more diverse organisation.

How are you inspiring women to achieve their ambitions at JLL?

Throughout my journey with JLL, I’ve been fortunate to have had opportunities to lead critical projects and teams. These are instances when I interact with women at JLL on day-to-day issues, and the opportunity to inspire comes naturally. I try to be a role model for young women and share my story of being a leader in technology, as well as being a woman and a mother. It’s imperative for me to help other women grow and thrive in the workplace and for them to see that balancing it all is possible!