Leadership Reimagined: Youth, Women, and the Age of AI | Dr. Mahima Bakshi | TEDxMRU
Mahima Bakshi shares her perspective on how leadership has evolved and is continuing to evolve in today’s world. She emphasizes that modern leadership is deeply rooted in youth empowerment. The need of the hour is for young leaders who not only take charge but also inspire and nurture others around them. She poses a thought-provoking question: What will leadership look like in 10 years? Will it be seasoned bureaucrats giving commands from their corner offices, or will it be algorithms influencing decisions in real-time?
As the world shifts, Mahima highlights how leadership today is a blend of human values and technological advancement. She contrasts the past, where bureaucratic leaders were often detached and unapproachable, with the present, where technology has made leadership more connected and human-centered.
She particularly points out how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this transformation, especially for women. The rise of work-from-home culture gave women an unprecedented opportunity to take on leadership roles while managing personal responsibilities. She stresses that leadership is no longer about hierarchy, but about self-improvement, grooming, and preparing oneself for the real world.
According to her, modern leadership is dynamic, empathetic, and emotionally intelligent. It’s about being adaptable, learning constantly, and balancing IQ with EQ. Mahima advises having a role model, someone whose footsteps you can follow, as it provides direction and inspiration.
She further explains essential leadership traits, starting with the importance of feedback — true leaders welcome feedback and use it to improve. They are also present on social media, engaging actively with people. She explains the significance of reviews, rewards, and recognition, mentioning that dynamic leaders recognize talent at the right time to keep the organization thriving.
Mahima also talks about how Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play a crucial role in leadership by enhancing efficiency, personalization, creativity, and data accuracy. Importantly, she celebrates how more and more women are entering the startup ecosystem, breaking barriers, and leading successfully.
Finally, she touches on four key qualities every leader must have: collaboration to foster innovation, curiosity to keep learning, courage to do things differently, and communication, which must always be two-way. Through this, she beautifully redefines leadership as a blend of heart, mind, and technology.
A pioneer in maternal and child wellness, Dr. Mahima Bakshi is an award-winning author, activist, and global advocate for women's empowerment. As India’s first Dancing for Birth-certified instructor and a Water Birth Coach, she founded Birthing Naturally Queen, the largest platform promoting maternal mental health. Her books, Birthing Naturally and Empowering You Beyond Birthing, have transformed perspectives on pregnancy and postpartum care. Honored by the Governor of Haryana and FOGSI, Dr. Bakshi is also a TEDx speaker, fashion model, and vocal advocate for breastfeeding in public. Her global accolades and unwavering passion continue to inspire and empower millions. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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