A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats-Empowering Women Leaders
I had the privilege of photographing Raina Gandhi, Founder and CEO of Rising Tide Consulting, LLC. She shared some of her story.
“I started my career in investment banking and worked in finance for seven years, with a two-year detour for business school. I’m a first-gen American and I’ll never forget one of my uncles asking my dad “Why does she work so late? Doesn’t the bank close at 3?” We explained what an investment bank was, but it was a learning process because no one in our community had chosen this career.
It was tough. I was the only Indian woman in the entire analyst program. But I valued my job and learned so much. I’ve carried that work ethic my whole career.
I took 11 years off from my career to raise my two daughters. When I went back to work, I worked at Wake Forest University - a different industry, in a different city, at a different pace, and now with two more humans I was responsible for! I was lucky though - we were a high-functioning team of women supporting each other. A few years later I took on a leadership role at American University’s business school and 4 years later, a position leading strategy at the School of Education at Johns Hopkins.
Things got bumpier and lonelier as I moved up, but I got better at advocating for myself and others. I faced barriers, lost a few battles, and learned how to be better at managing my career and relationships. I also realized my experiences were shared by many other women.
Now I empower women facing these challenges. I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to take a career hiatus, to feel like I’m not being set up for success, or to use my talents to fulfill my career.
Starting Rising Tide my dream is to help women stay in the workforce & take on leadership roles using their authentic feminine energy. Organizations benefit from increased productivity, fairness, and collaboration. Instead of competing with each other, let’s facilitate success. There’s room at the table. Let’s bring our feminine energy instead of fitting in with the men. They bring their authentic selves. Let’s bring ours too. It’s 2024.
A rising tide lifts all boats. This year, I’ve surrounded myself with supportive, powerful women with similar values and goals. It has been a game-changer for me. I want to share this with other women.
My best advice is to be authentic and live life on your terms. Choose the path that’s right for you. Don’t worry about what other people think or say.
I met Alissa through Bold Leadership Collective. She asked how she could help me as a newbie to the group. Those are the kinds of women I want to be around. Recently we met for coffee and a good conversation. She has such great energy and the warmest smile.
My headshot experience was so fun. Alissa and the makeup artist were so gracious and patient with me. They both know exactly how to make people comfortable in situations that feel uncomfortable. It went so fast. My headshots turned out beautiful!”