Out Of The Comfort Zone

The first female managing director of LIC India, Usha Sangwan, takes new challenges in stride both in professional and personal life. She saw many an agonizing days when was posted to various cities for long periods and had to be away from her siblings. Says Sangwan: "Staying alone can be emotionally challenging. I had immense support, however, from my husband, children and in-laws. My parents, who wanted me to be financially independent, were my inspiration."

Once when she approached a senior officer regarding retention when posted out, she didn't expect the answer. "I was told to choose between family and career. That took me aback for a while, but strengthened my resolve that I'd look after my family and career and manage them well. I'd say, not only to women but to anybody, particularly the young generation, believe in yourself, your capabilities, your dreams," says Sangwan.

However, Sangwan always found immense satisfaction in her professional journey. Says Sangwan: "I look for more efficient ways to deliver results. Technology fascinated me. Today, it is changing how we do business. People have been my strength. With great support from my teams, I could add value at every position."

Usha started a direct marketing channel for LIC bringing it into social media, starting e-services and a customer helpline. Additionally, she has worked in almost all core areas of life insurance such as marketing, personnel, operations, investment-risk management and research, investment - monitoring & accounts, customer relationship, new business and re-insurance, among others.

When Sangwan joined LIC in 1981 as a direct recruiting officer, little did she know that she would have accomplished so much in so little time. Now she is also the board member of she is also a Board member of The General Insurance Corporation of India, LIC Housing Finance, Axis Bank, Ambuja Cements and the BSE. In LIC India currently, she overseas a lot of strategy as well as marketing, investment operations and information technology.

Her accolades are many. She was featured in Forbes' 50 Most Powerful Women in Asia. She also bagged the Institute of Public Enterprise's Women Leadership Award in BFSI.

Sangwan believes that if you want to do something, you should talk to people who can support you. Says Sangwan: "It could be your parents, your husband, your in-laws, your children, your friends or other family members. Also be open to any advice. Be always positive. In professional life, focus on solutions rather than problems."

Sangwan considers it important that every decision should be in the direction of strengthening the organisation you work for. Says Sangwan: "Understanding the DNA of your business is important. Equally important is to understand the needs of customers and provide solutions rather than products. The emphasis on customer service can go a long way in improving both the top and bottom lines."

For Sangwan, energy and positivity are key success mantras. "Bring energy, positivity, passion and professionalism to work," she notes, "and success will follow."