Sujata Guin’s commitment to shaping extraordinary workplaces and working in leadership roles is known in the corporate industry through her professional association with the Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels as the chief human resources officer and senior vice-president. In her corporate career, spanning 24 years, she has spearheaded teams in a professional capacity as well as through her association with various recognised organisations over the years.
Besides her professional commitment, Sujata is now gearing up to commit to a new role at CII, an organisation that she has been associated with for nearly a decade, as the chairperson of CII-IWN, West Bengal, for the term 2024-25. She champions diversity, inclusion and empowerment through her professional role and has been dedicated to empowering women across industries. Giving back to the community, art, design and decor, and travel are her other interests. A t2 chat with Sujata as she takes up her new role today:
How do you feel about your new role at CII-IWN ?
With deep gratitude and a sense of responsibility, I have accepted the position as chairperson of the CII-Indian Women Network, of the West Bengal chapter for 2024-25. It is a privilege and honour to lead this network of brilliant women professionals and entrepreneurs. It is also an opportunity to further advocate for and empower women within this network and in our community. Being in such a position of leadership and influence, I hope to work towards positive change and create a supportive environment for all.
When did your association with CII start and how did it help you in your professional and personal journey over the years?
I have been associated with CII since 2015 when I joined the (then) Women’s Empowerment Taskforce. Later, around 2017, the CII-Indian Women Network was launched and the journey for me has been fabulous. I was vice chair of the IWN, WB chapter for 2020 and 2023. I was also the co-chair of the CII HR/IR sub-committee (East) 2022. The CII forum has been instrumental in creating empowerment and visibility. For me, it has been a platform for networking and meeting like-minded professionals, a space for collaboration and advocacy.
Can you take us through your goals for CII-IWN in the new term?
The main focus areas for the year 2024 would be leadership, entrepreneurship, ESG, diversity, inclusion and advocacy, health and wellness, mentor-mentee initiative and campus to career connect programme. We are also in the process of finalising a collaboration with a reputed legal firm as our research partner for the year 2024 for a publication on ‘women and law’. Additionally, we are collaborating with one of the big four consulting multinational firms as our knowledge partner for the year 2024. Together, we have an interesting and extremely value-adding calendar of sessions and events for our members as well as all others who would be interested. These would range from firesides with business leaders, professional development programs for our members, mentorship, outbound programmes as well as a business white paper.
What are the challenges you are looking forward to addressing during your tenure?
There are certain important advocacy initiatives that we aim to take forward for the rightful inclusion of women in the workplace in certain important industry sectors — it’s not a challenge but will definitely require a great amount of effort, conviction and advocacy. We look forward to making this a happy reality.
What would be your message to women who would like to be a part of this organisation? What kind of support and growth can they expect?
The mission of IWN is to be the largest network of women with careers — for promoting women’s participation, growth, networking and leadership in the workplace. Through IWN, West Bengal, our members join a strong platform that enables professional networking and a space for empowerment, strength, collaboration and advocacy— one that aims to foster an environment where every woman feels valued, heard and supported to achieve her best.
How do you plan to balance your professional life and this leadership role?
My organisation Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels has been a member of the Confederation of Indian Industry for decades. I am so grateful to our chairperson Priya Paul and our managing director Vijay Dewan. They have been instrumental in encouraging me to go ahead and be actively involved in CII and the Indian Women Network. Additionally, I am fortunate to have a strong and committed team at work. Further, I have learnt over the years the importance of setting boundaries, prioritising tasks, responsible delegation, effective time management, correct communication and, of course, practising self-care to avoid burnout.