BY J.M. LEE
Sima does not consider herself a traditional leader but a colleague and peer. Her approach is rooted in collaboration and mutual respect. Having a healthy balance between life and career, she stays ambitious, confident, and a lifelong learner.
“To know who you are and to ask questions is essential. Thus, my biggest inspirations, whom I could ask, would be my Mom, Parkash Kaur, my dearest best friends, Ramandeep Mangat, and Sherry Dhaliwal. These extraordinary women fill my cup differently. They demonstrate love and strength.” Maa, Rumsters, and Sherry consistently teach, listen, guide, encourage, and inspire her daily. They are all foodies and love a good belly laugh with good company.
One of Sima’s most vulnerable moments was transitioning from the oral healthcare profession to the non-profit sector at United Way BC. Both are rewarding and challenging fields. “As I grow older, I become more comfortable and confident with who I am. Knowing who I am and what I want and taking chances is okay.”
Embracing challenges, seeking mentorship, and continuous learning are crucial for Sima. She believes that a commitment to growth, openness to feedback, mutual respect, clear goals, and a proactive attitude ensure a beneficial and rewarding mentoring relationship for both parties.
Sima’s journey has focused on developing her leadership, confidence, and voice. It began with embracing opportunities to step out of her comfort zone and face new challenges. “I sought mentorship from experienced leaders who provided valuable guidance and feedback. Continuous learning and self-reflection have been crucial in staying true to my values and being authentic in my interactions. This combination of experiences has helped me grow into a confident and bold leader.”
To help women achieve a more prominent role in their organizations, Sima believes they should seek mentorship, build a strong network, develop leadership skills, communicate their ambitions, remain curious, stay informed and adaptable, advocate for themselves, and support other women.
“These strategies can help women build confidence, visibility, and influence within their organizations. As a leader, one must be a teammate by leading by example and showing dedication, respect, and integrity. I encourage collaboration, recognize and celebrate successes, and ensure team members feel comfortable. By setting a positive tone, I aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their best. This will lead to individual contributions. By prioritizing respect and inclusivity, I strive to build trust and ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered to achieve their full potential.”
As a leader, Sima sets the tone for the team by leading by example and demonstrating values and behaviors such as dedication, respect, and integrity. “I encourage collaboration, recognize and celebrate successes, and create a safe space where team members feel comfortable and safe. By setting a positive tone, I aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their best. Fostering open communication ensures everyone’s voice is heard. By promoting a culture of trust and accountability, I strive to empower my team to take ownership of their work and achieve their full potential.”
Balancing work and life responsibilities can be challenging for many women. Being married for 24 years, raising 3 children, and working full-time can sometimes be quite trying. However, for Sima, setting priorities and establishing clear boundaries to ensure time to recharge is crucial. Planning, organizing, delegating tasks at work, and sharing responsibilities at home are also essential. Practicing self-care that promotes well-being and communicating with loved ones and colleagues about needs and commitments are obligatory.
Sima has this advice for the next generation of younger women: “Believe in yourself, never give up, pursue your passion, and fill your cup first and recognize those who fill yours. Remember, you can shape your future and make a meaningful impact on yourself and others.”
Inclusion is essential for creating a fair and equitable society, regardless of background, actively removing barriers, and ensuring everyone has equal opportunities to succeed. Sima also believes that fostering an inclusive environment can harness one’s full potential and create a more innovative and compassionate world when one becomes a mentor someday.
Sima appreciates her mom’s sacrifices to ensure she and her siblings grew up in a country with opportunities. Leaving their home to establish roots in Canada is courageous. “My mother has a heart of gold, giving back to all communities. Her smile is beautiful, and her love is endless. She strongly believes in her faith, sees good in everyone, and is extremely generous in helping those in need.”
