Azni Risa shares her experience as one of the few female leaders in the telecommunication industry and her advice for retaining women in the workplace.
Chapter: Retaining female talent
About: Azni Risa is the vice president of business innovation and technology at Telekom Malaysia. She has more than 20 years of experience in the telecommunication industry. She is also a part of ICAEW, a Malaysian-based leadership support group for women.
What first attracted you to the technology industry?
I am fascinated by the rapid pace of change in technology. When I was starting out, technology was just beginning to take shape, and now it is rapidly transforming the way we live, work, and think. Being in the driver’s seat for something so fast-moving is truly inspiring.
I have been keen on a challenge since I was young. I remember saying to myself that I’d like to crack a non-traditional pathway for women, so it gave me great satisfaction when I was finally able to enter the telecom industry.
My decision was reaffirmed when I derived so much satisfaction after successfully executing my first project: a large project for the Commonwealth Games that Malaysia hosted in 1988. Since then, I have grown with Telekom Malaysia, transitioning into multiple roles, meeting the country’s most influential CTOs, and working alongside the best and brightest in the industry. The job has not always been easy, but I cherish it.
“I believe in gender equality—that women are just as capable as men—even in technology. The best way to demonstrate capability is to actually deliver on the work that you do.”
What are some of the most effective strategies for retaining female talent, especially in digital technology or infrastructure-related fields?
The hardest part of my career has been finding a balance between work and home. I have been blessed with an understanding husband and supportive kids. That said, I am aware of the need to prioritize and the painful reality of making trade-offs between career and family.
As a leader, too often I see women being forced to choose between career and family. So as a superior and colleague at work, I try to instill a culture of empathy: to listen more, understand better, find a compromise, and start conversations that matter. I don’t have control over their familial matters, but as a leader, I can influence the issues they face at work. Eventually, I hope I can help create a more inclusive workplace to nurture female talent.
“At any difficult moment, whether it’s personal or work issues, you need someone who understands. So as a leader, if you put yourself in a position to listen and empathize, you can unlock the loyalty and capabilities of female talent.”
In the end, the company thrives when our female colleagues thrive, and the business will suffer if women leave. If we can help them align their work and home lives, the business will benefit, and the company will gain the loyalty of many talented women.
What are some of the main things that women need to invest in to become good leaders?
First, always invest in yourself. Keep yourself abreast of major changes in the industry through professional networks, seminars, and other social events.
Second, cultivate good habits. Whatever good habits that you have in your personal life can be useful in your professional life. For example, I enjoy reading, so I spend a lot of time reading psychology books and papers on leadership
Lastly, always be aware of your surroundings. Telekom Malaysia has more than 3,000 people who are always evolving. In such an organization, your ability to deliver is influenced by other people. Understand the key changes so that you know how they will impact you. In my case, I have also been fortunate because Telekom Malaysia consistently invests in female leaders through leadership programs and certifications. I hope other companies are doing the same.
What is your message to the many women out there who are not realizing their full potential because they feel as if they aren’t good enough to be leaders?
Many strong female leaders are hidden behind a shadow of self-doubt. Many are already leaders without even realizing it. As mothers, we are leading our children, and if you are active in your community, you are a community leader. In that respect, all women are already leaders. My advice is to try being a leader at home, and once you are comfortable, try taking charge at work. Don’t be afraid to take chances; that’s how you learn and grow.
“Not everyone is a born leader, and that’s okay as long as you care enough to invest the time and energy to become a good leader.”
mismanaged a team once where I was putting pressure on a “non-performing” staff without knowing that he was dealing with a very sick partner. It was a mistake on my part, but I owned it and grew to become more empathetic. Don’t be afraid to take chances; it will make you a better leader.
How can young women seek out a mentor and expand their networks?
The most important thing is to demonstrate professionalism, deliver, and do your best at work. This is the most effective way to get noticed by senior management, and in exchange, they will offer you mentorship and other professional opportunities.
We have also seen great leaders doing informal social activities, such as running, playing golf, or cycling. Even though many people don’t realize it, these activities can help you expand your network. Find something that distracts you from work while building informal support systems.
Request a free copy of the Empowering Women: A Collection of Thoughts from Women Leaders to Advance the Workplace.
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