We have a responsibility to ourselves and the future generations of women to live in a way that aligns with what we define as values and on our own terms.
In the ongoing journey towards making workplaces more inclusive and empowering for everyone, Varushka Singh stands out as a passionate advocate for gender equality, particularly in the financial world. Her story resonates with many who have faced obstacles in their careers, especially women striving to break through barriers and reach their goals.
Through Varushka's experiences, we gain insight into the challenges women often encounter in male-dominated industries and the inspiring resilience needed to overcome them. Her story is not just about professional success; it's about personal growth, determination, and the courage to stand up for what's right.
As part of INSEAD's ongoing Women's Limitless campaign, we delve into the inspirational journey of Varushka Singh, a senior financial markets specialist with a vision to redefine success and empower women in her industry and beyond.
Limitless Perspectives
Varushka embodies the essence of limitless potential, advocating for equal opportunities and challenging societal norms that often constrain women's ambitions. For her, limitless means transcending the boundaries imposed by gender, race, and culture to pursue one's aspirations with unwavering determination.
Reflecting on this theme, Varushka emphasises the importance of recognising the inherent capabilities of each individual, irrespective of societal expectations.
Limitless encapsulates the essence of feminism or gender equality. It acknowledges that we are capable of many great ambitions and only limited by the constraints we place over our own minds.
Personal and Professional Journey
Hailing from a minority background in South Africa, Varushka emerged as the first in her family to pursue a university education. Alongside her career in finance, Varushka nurtures a creative side, finding solace in drawing, singing, and exploring languages. Her love for animals transcends borders, as she actively supports domestic animal shelters.
Varushka’s career trajectory, spanning 12 years in capital markets, reflects her passion for numbers, keen interest in financial markets, and a natural aptitude for building professional relationships. Despite the challenges of working in a competitive and demanding environment, Varushka thrived, leveraging her unique blend of skills to excel in her field.
“While the financial markets sector can be a daunting place to work, I enjoyed meeting and collaborating with people of diverse personalities. The one aspect of my career that came easily to me was networking and keeping up a professional rapport with colleagues and clients in the industry. I tend to bring individuals out of their shells,” shared Varushka.
Role Models and Inspirations
Throughout her journey, Varushka draws inspiration from influential figures who embody qualities of compassion, resilience, and authenticity. Her mother, a seasoned banking professional, instilled in her the values of collaboration, resilience, and the importance of prioritising relationships over career success.
Additionally, Varushka admires leaders like former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, for their ability to lead with compassion and assertiveness, challenging traditional notions of leadership.
“She led in a nurturing way and struck a perfect balance between being compassionate and assertive. I hope to embody this balance in my leadership style,” said Varushka.
Empowering Women in the Workplace
Varushka recognises the systemic barriers hindering gender equity in her industry, from unconscious biases to cultural norms that perpetuate inequality. Drawing from her experiences, she advocates for mentorship programs, fostering a supportive environment for women to thrive and overcome barriers.
“Male counterparts, I have experienced, would be more respected and their opinions trusted while women, especially single or unmarried, have their opinions met with skepticism. As a woman, you are working a lot harder to get your work acknowledged or given credit for, but you may not see promotions or trust given as quickly as male counterparts,” shared Varushka.
Her commitment to women empowerment extends beyond professional endeavors, as she mentors young women entering the financial markets, encouraging them to embrace their voices and challenge societal norms.
"Women and men alike need to change their perspective on what defines strength and what makes a good leader.Qualities associated with femininity such as being compassionate, nurturing and being perceptive should not be met with ridicule or be interpreted as weaknesses. There is strength in these qualities.
What also needs to change are stigmas around unmarried and childless women, who feel the need to put in more hours to prove their value and earn a bit more trust that is given freely to male counterparts,” said Varusha.
Pursuing a Finance Master’s Degree at INSEAD
Varushka's pursuit of personal and professional growth led her to pursue the Executive Master in Finance (EMFin) at INSEAD, where she seeks to redefine her narrative and explore new opportunities beyond her comfort zone.
Pursuing a master’s degree at INSEAD was the first step to living life according to my own terms. I wanted to pivot in my career as well as experience working outside of South Africa. I wanted more exposure to different cultures.
The programme's international setting ignited her entrepreneurial spirit and broadened her horizons. Surrounded by a diverse cohort of peers, Varushka found herself immersed in a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and perspectives. This experience not only deepened her understanding of global markets but also instilled in her a newfound appreciation for collaboration and adaptability.
“Previously where I focused on the capital markets within the context of South Africa, my scope has expanded. And after being exposed to working with a diverse and opinionated group of personalities, I have become far more patient at work,” said Varushka.
Looking Ahead
Varushka Singh's journey is not just a story of personal triumph, but a testament to the power of resilience, authenticity, and determination. From her humble beginnings as the first in her family to pursue higher education to her thriving career in the male-dominated realm of finance, Varushka has defied the odds, shattered stereotypes, and rewritten her narrative with grace.
As Varushka continues to redefine her narrative, she reminds us that although the path to success is paved with challenges, it is through perseverance and self-discovery that we truly unlock our limitless potential.
“Women are gifted with intuition, and we need to trust this gift more. Celebrate your womanhood and be proud of what that means to you. Hold your head high in difficult situations and stand by your values. Speak up when you feel you are being treated unfairly and disrespected – do so with calmness and grace. Do not stay in environments or work settings where your mental health is suffering. We have a responsibility to ourselves and the future generations of women to live in a way that aligns with what we define as values and on our own terms,” shared Varushka.
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