“Since I researched the book, I think a lot about one of Kamala Harris’ quotes. She said, ‘we are so burdened by the way things have been, that we’re unable to see a brighter future or what could be.’ So, when I find myself defaulting to things that feel comfortable, I ask myself, am I sitting in my comfort zone because it’s familiar? And am I missing out on something that could be better for everybody?” said Hitha Palepu, Author, Healthcare Leader and Entrepreneur.
You could fill a library with advice about how to lead. Yet, many of us find the blueprint we learn in school, breaks in the real world. Leadership often means dealing with more complexity. Obstacles that drain emotional energy, not just our time. Often, when our kids needs are also more nuanced. If we challenge assumptions in professional settings, even in the most respectful way possible, antennas go up.
The reality is, there hasn’t been a lot of tolerance for female leadership despite how effective it is. And when you’re also a woman of color, there are even fewer templates to model from. Hitha, a self-described “multi-hyphenate” knew she wanted to lead in a different way.
Long before she became a CEO, in the very traditional pharma industry, she planned to create psychologically safe, flexible organizations. And retain her creative interests, which includes curating thoughtful content about news, lifestyle and culture. Ultimately, this led her to write a book about one of the most powerful female leaders in US history.
The Problems You’re Compelled to Solve
Hitha said, “Two years into the Trump administration, I noticed we had a really toxic relationship with the news. And we couldn’t look away, because the media wouldn’t let us. So, many people felt torn, like ‘if I choose to bow out of news it means I don’t care and then I can’t be informed.’ So, I wanted to do something about it.”
Following current events has always been a big part of her life. “I’m very curious and read a lot of news. So, I started sharing interesting articles that deserve more attention.” That led her to start a newsletter focused on underreported stories. And during the 2020 election season, she became particularly interested in the story behind our first Black and Asian American Vice President.
Often Become the Most Inspirational
Hitha wrote We’re Speaking to highlight leadership lessons from Kamala Harris’ life. She explained, “In many ways, this was a book I’d been writing for years. In my phone Notes app, I had a note titled ‘Kamalaisms’ filled with quotes, links to articles, and my own notes of things I admired about her to incorporate into my own life. My admiration of her has only grown in her time as Vice President and as the presumptive Democratic nominee.”
So, Honor Your Biggest Supporters
Like her other creative pursuits, Hitha dove into the book research to learn about parts of Kamala’s life, that weren’t visible in the mainstream media. “There were a few things that surprised me after researching and writing the book. The first, was getting to know her mother better, through Kamala’s own memoir and in my own research of Shyamala Gopalan Harris. She was a force of nature and someone who reminded me of my own aunts, and it was an honor to learn more about her.”
And Widen Your Village
Hitha said, “The other surprising moment was how I redefined “mothering” as a quality that anyone can cultivate and gift to others, regardless of them being a parent.” Traits that are largely dismissed as ‘soft skills’ when it comes to professional advancement. But caring deeply and generously, is its own superpower.
She added, “Kamala mothered so many people in her life, from her niece and godchildren to her own mother during her fight with colon cancer. It’s something I saw in her 2020 platform, and as a North Star in this particular election.”
Work in Concert with Your North Star
In the book Hitha links Kamala’s unique story with actionable themes we can use for our leadership journeys. Including: how to own the power of your multitudes, act on and embrace your ambition, develop your unique voice and style; and find your ‘North Star’ to guide your decisions.
Although it’s often a term used in business strategy, the concept can be applied to the rest of your life. She explained the importance of defining a ‘North Star’ to stay aligned with your highest priorities. When I asked about the framework she uses to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to opportunities, she explained focusing on things only she can do, within her family and businesses.
And Create Conditions to Support Your Growth
Hitha said, “I have to remind myself of the different seasons in life and stop beating myself up with the narrative many of us learn as women of color. That if we pass up an opportunity, it won’t go to someone else who looks like us. And I’m trying to embrace a new narrative, that ‘what is for me, won’t miss me.’” Many of us struggle with guilt when we set limits, because we’re often socialized to be accommodating and perfectionistic. But it’s an integral part of growth.
Even if You Have to ‘Fire’ Yourself
Hitha explained, “I constantly try to fire myself in everything I do now. I can’t remember who I first heard it from, but it was during a talk on leadership. And the speaker said, ‘if you are building something that isn’t just for your own personal passion or pleasure, the best thing you can do as a leader, is to constantly fire yourself.’ Because that validates what you built. And gives you some much needed separation.”
Change What Doesn’t Serve You
Women have been leading in families and communities for generations. And continue to make extraordinary contributions. As shared by the American Psychological Association, “Decades of studies show women leaders help increase productivity, enhance collaboration, inspire organizational dedication, and improve fairness. Despite these benefits, only 10% of Fortune 500 companies are led by women.” We tend to lead differently than our male peers, often with more empathy and compassion, yet those traits haven’t led to wage or leadership equity in the workplace.
And the gendered leadership divide goes beyond corporations. The most influential sectors, like government, healthcare and education, also fail to place women in top roles. So, having Kamala Harris enter the US presidential race, as the presumed Democratic nominee, has already injected the political conversation with new spark. And perhaps as we face this historic moment in US politics, we’ll begin to see increased recognition and reception for the many contributions women make in leadership roles.
Many thanks to the talented Hitha Palepu!
Check out Hitha’s amazing book, We’re Speaking: The Life Lessons of Kamala Harris: How to Use Your Voice, Be Assertive and Own Your Story. She is also the author of How to Pack: Travel Smart for Any Trip and curates the popular newsletter #5SmartReads. Follow her great adventure on Instagram.
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About Hitha:
Hitha Palepu is a consummate multi-hyphenate. She is an entrepreneur, author, and speaker. She is the CEO of Rhoshan Pharmaceuticals, whose lead product was acquired by Hyloris Pharmaceuticals. She is the author of We’re Speaking: The Life Lessons of Kamala Harris (Little, Brown Spark) and How To Pack: Travel Smart for Any Trip (Clarkson Potter). Hitha lives in NYC with her husband and two sons.
