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 Hema
made clear in our early conversation that the timing and nature
of our approach was ideal.She had life plans to consider and
wanted to really get behind a sustainable and high impact
social venture. CUF in its leadership, approach, values and
location made our discussions potentially very fortuitous.
Hema's story of turning around a failing family business,
putting peoples needs and aspirations and the company's needs
and aspirations on a common path and working at the micro
and macro level inspired and resonated. Hema's MBA, natural
talent, her commitment to meeting emotional, learning and
financial aspirations, resulted in some of the best practice
in corporate I've ever seen. She was unshakeable in her integrity
and boldness to stand up against hostile take-overs, bribery
and compromises to the ethics of the company she led. Her
father in law’s decision to make her CEO was most wise
although I'm sure not popular amongst many of the male family
members.
Chitra's stories of her work and achievements reflected her
own fearlessness in tackling systematic and personal barriers
for women and for children who are slum dwellers. Always building
on others growing confidence and energy and on previous work
in health, nutrition, child development, community work her
approach is steady, sustainable and entrepreneurial. Never
content to rest on previous achievements, Chitra leads from
a spirit willing to expand into areas of greater need as areas
improve as a result of CUF's work. She tackles many of the
issues we would all recognise around poverty, health, housing,
education, gender but specifically she raises the sensitive
issues about dowries, wedding costs, marriages between first
cousins, the treatment of widows and single mothers, transience
and the exclusion of children from education who come from
construction working families where older sibs have to stay
home and look after younger sibs.
She has negotiated with schools to admit these children accompanied
by their sibs so they can get schooling whilst fufilling their
care responsibilities. She delegates, supports, challenges
and inspires. Creating part time employment for all who work
in CUF so no one is without some recognition and dignity -
no hand outs, nothing free and no-one exploited - although
at times this costs her highly. At one stage she took no salary
for 2 years necessitating an additional part time job for
her to bring in some income to support her own household.
So in the presence of two truly great leaders I felt humble,
inspired, affirmed and motivated. I just know this meeting
will result in something bigger than anyone might have imagined
- Chitra and Hema a formidable and compassionate pair. The
remaining part of the day seemed shadowed by this experience
and yet had its own pleasures - shopping, a bollywood film,
a Keralan curry night with Kanika, Sandra, Sandra and new
friends. Much to reflect and act upon. But time for that in
the weeks and months to come. X
Day Six
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