The Power of Giving: Lessons from Women Who Lead
Great leaders don’t grow alone. They gain momentum through trust, support, honest feedback and opportunities that challenge them. Inspired by this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Give to Gain, this perspective highlights how career growth is strengthened through shared trust and intentional investment in others.
When we give thoughtfully, we gain stronger teams, deeper trust and meaningful progress in return. With that mindset, we connected with two Actalent leaders, Thejas Sree and Priya UN, to reflect on how what they’ve received from others continues to shape the way they lead.
Priya U N is a technical lead in India with over a year at Actalent. She specializes in embedded software for electronic control modules used in off highway vehicles and leads a team delivering application-level solutions for a U.S. based construction and mining equipment manufacturer.
Q: Can you share a moment when you took on an unexpected or unique opportunity, and how that experience shaped your confidence?
A: I remember that moment clearly, my first project management role, leading a seven-member team while our organization transitioned to a completely new appraisal system. At the same time, I was asked to handle presentations for an additional team of more than ten people. I felt unprepared, but I knew my team deserved my best.
I began gathering data with their support, prepared presentations for senior leadership review even though it was not my strongest skill, and sought guidance from a software expert who generously offered full support. With their help, I pushed through, and both teams performed better than expected.
That experience taught me that confidence does not come before the challenge. It grows when you step into it. With the right teamwork, even the toughest situations can become defining milestones.
Q: What does "Give to Gain" mean to you, and how has it influenced your growth and the way you lead today?
A: To me, “Give to Gain” means leading with openness, trust and genuine support. I practice this by sharing knowledge freely, being present and dependable during challenging moments, and offering timely, honest feedback on both strengths and areas for improvement. By giving consistently in these ways, I’ve gained stronger team cohesion, deeper trust, and a more connected, supportive culture.
Thejas Shree is a business operations leader based in India with more than 14 years at Actalent. She oversees end-to-end operations across people, projects and payroll, leading teams that manage the full employee lifecycle and project management operations.
Q: What is one thing a leader gave you that changed the direction of your career, whether it was time, trust or a difficult conversation?
A: Not just one, but three things from my leaders have truly shaped my career.
First, trust. The trust my leaders placed in me gave me the confidence to lead a team, make bold decisions and take on greater responsibility. That trust consistently pushed me to the next level.
Second, time. Especially during challenging situations, they gave me the space to think things through, stepping in when needed to coach and guide me. Those experiences strengthened my sense of ownership and responsibility.
Finally, difficult conversations. They were never easy, but always necessary. Those honest, sometimes uncomfortable discussions delivered the most meaningful feedback and helped me grow.
Q: What is something you intentionally give your team today to help set them up for success?
A: I believe success begins with what we intentionally give our teams every day. For me, that begins with real time recognition. A sincere thank you or simple shout out goes a long way in motivating people, celebrating progress toward goals and reinforcing a positive mindset that encourages their best work.
I also focus on giving team members ownership through small initiatives. This builds trust in their abilities and empowers them to find more effective ways to deliver with confidence.
Meaningful support is another priority. I work to remove roadblocks, keep the team focused on core priorities and ensure they are not stretched by unnecessary tasks. Finally, emotional support matters just as much. Being present, listening thoughtfully and understanding their challenges helps build genuine connection and trust within the team.
