When Women Win

A small, personal decision can sometimes change the world. When 23-year old Nibhaya was gang-raped on a moving bus in Delhi, film-maker Vibha decided to make a documentary about rape in India. Nothing had prepared her for the heart-wrenching stories she was about to hear or the everyday heroes she was about to meet. And then the film took on a life of its own, growing into a national movement and cultural beacon that has united millions of people from all corners of India. The people's message was clear: it is time to break the silence and shift the shame from the victim to the perpetrator.

Bosslady Vibha is an award-winning film director & producer. A former business reporter for CNBC, Vibha studied Journalism and Broadcasting at Boston University and New York University. Vibha's films have been aired on HBO and Lifetime TV in the United States. Her latest film "Daughters of Mother India" is the winner of the National Film Award for Best Film on Social Issues, awarded by President of India. This is the highest honour in Indian Films. The film has also been named the Most Awarded Social Campaign in the World.

This episode is about one woman who acted on her passion and used her platform to combat a rampant social problem. We discussed the value of changing just one person at a time and its multiplier effect. We talked about society's view on rape and how it is evolving. We discussed the hugely important role that the Delhi police force played in the making of the film - and its dissemination afterwards. We discussed how "Daughters of Mother India" turned into a national movement... and what happens next.

23 years old and running a booming online business... How do you go from zero business knowledge to manufacturing a garment to marketing with zero $s to converting into sales on Amazon.com? Bosslady Tatiana Buree started her business, Luxx Health, at the age of 20. She iterated her product offering as she learned from the market and finally settled on waist trainers, a very niche product. During our conversation, Tatiana talked about her motivation behind setting up the business, the challenges she faces as a seller on Amazon.com, and how to market in a crowded place - using no money. We discussed the power of social media like Instagram and YouTube, and also talked about practical business issues like the beauty of outsourcing. I loved Tatiana's biggest learning: focus on adding value to the marketplace.

Have you ever thought about setting up a business with your husband? Seeing them all day at work, and every evening at home… What about doing that for 15 years? Bosslady Sophie Le Ray has done just that. Sophie is an entrepreneur and an experienced business facilitator. In 2002 she co-founded Naseba, a business facilitation company specializing in emerging markets. Sophie is the founder of the Global WIL Economic Forum a platform that promotes women's economic empowerment. She also co-authored a book called "Game Changers: How Women in The Arab World are Changing the Rules and Shaping the Future". During our chat, we explored her path as an entrepreneur and discussed how to mix business with marriage. I learned more about the Women In Leadership Forum, its background and intention - and why she is taking it to Saudi Arabia in December. Sophie also shared her plans for the future - once your business is a success and is running itself, what do you do?!

Diversity training does not work. So what do we do to overcome unconscious biases that keep women out of leadership roles across society? We have to change everyday processes in order to circumvent bias. Simple steps - big impact.

Bosslady Iris Bohnet is Professor of Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School and is the Director of the Women & Public Policy Program at Harvard University. A behavioral economist, she has literally written the book on de-biasing how we live, learn and work. What Works: Gender Equality By Design, a 2016 Financial Times Best Business Book of the Year and 800-CEO Business Book of the Year, provides decision-makers with scientific insights on how to redesign organizations, school and society.

During our conversation, Professor Bohnet deconstructed the unique challenges that women face in the corporate world and talked about process improvements that have been proven to yield positive results. She also gave tactical advice on how to communicate in a way that acknowledges and overcomes unconcious biases.

Whether you are a female employee trying to understand the world around you or a CEO serious about gender equality, this episode has some gems for you.