HerStory: A Life That Inspires Others — Sirisha Kota
by Sirisha Kota and Caroline Pao
“Do what you believe in.” That’s my advice for those who are navigating their careers.
I was raised in India by my father and grandfather. They both encouraged me to develop my strengths and follow my passions. A passion for technology led me to pursue a career in software development, ultimately leading me to join the SF Fed in 2019.
The software industry is traditionally dominated by men–a fact that could hardly escape my notice as a woman in the field. But my commitment to heartfulness and positivity has helped me move gracefully through these challenges and build emotional resilience.
Doing what I believe in means integrating the tenets of heartfulness meditation into the workplace and at home. I choose to challenge the reflexive ways that I might respond to adversity and replace them with intentional heartfulness practices. These practices are an integral part of my identity, providing me with the grounding to withstand whatever a particular workday might bring.
So, what is heartfulness? The core practices include relaxation, heart-based meditation, and inner connection. Through these practices, I’ve developed heightened self-awareness and clarity on how to embrace my weaknesses and amplify my strengths. They have also helped me to achieve improved focus and an increased capacity for dynamic leadership.
What It Means To Be a Leader
Today’s leadership is asking for more empathy, emotional intelligence, and compassion. So I employ several leadership styles based on the situation as one style doesn’t fit all.
The heartfulness meditation practice influenced me to become a conscious leader, where leadership comes from within — it allowed me to moderate impulses and transform behavior. Leading through this lens evokes a feeling of love and compassion, and it empowers me to inspire others.
These leadership practices can be employed by anyone, in any situation. Leadership is not solely the domain of people managers. Anyone can begin to act like a leader, modeling behavior long before promotion. All of us have the potential to lead in whatever stage or position we are in.
To be a leader means to live a life that inspires others, whether in the family, the workplace, or the world at large.
