Exclusive: Neerja Birla says the key to mental well-being is accepting "the uncertain changes"

Neerja Birla recently discussed the numerous obstacles women encounter in leadership positions and the value of fostering a compassionate and encouraging work environment in an interview with Times of India.

Given her background in both business and mental health, she offered a practical perspective on how women can lead effectively while simultaneously attending to their own needs.

Work and life don’t always balance perfectly
Birla talked directly about how difficult it can be to manage multiple roles concurrently. She stated, "I don't want to sugarcoat it and say that it is a cakewalk—it is not."

She revealed that it's not always feasible to maintain a perfect line between work and personal life. Rather, she favored "flexible boundaries" and highlighted the importance of achieving some form of "harmony" among various aspects of life. She clarified that everything in life is interconnected and that we should embrace the fact that "you are one whole and not compartments."

Workplaces need to be more supportive of women
She also discussed the need to make workplaces safer and more accessible for women. According to her, businesses ought to have policies and environments that help women advance in their careers. "We must create support groups and implement policies that empower women. Simple issues like menstrual health leaves and menopause problems are not discussed, and we shouldn't avoid them," she said.

What makes women good leaders
Further, in the same conversation, Birla pointed out the strengths that women naturally bring to leadership. “Stability is the first thing, and women have an innate emotional intelligence,” she said.

She also mentioned that women are often better at connecting with people, organizing tasks, and managing their time. These abilities, she feels, help create a positive and respectful work environment.

Being okay with change
Speaking about how to stay mentally strong, Birla shared her view on life’s ups and downs.

“Life is very uncertain, and when we get to understand this and accept the uncertain changes, and not want a fixed path, we can be at peace,” she said.

She believes that once we accept that we can’t control everything, we start to feel calmer and at ease.

A message for change
Neerja Birla's ideas serve as a reminder that workplaces need to be kinder and more accommodating if we are to better support women. Small actions can have a significant impact, whether they involve being more understanding, permitting flexible work schedules, or having an honest conversation about health. Her thoughts serve as an appeal for everyone to create a society in which women can lead with assurance and also look after their mental health.

Watch the video here: