http://www.sherylkline.com/blog
In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Veena Joji, Chief Human Resource Officer of Apexon, about what it truly takes to stay relevant in today’s ever-evolving business climate. Veena brings a deeply thoughtful and people-first approach to leadership, grounded in inclusion, continuous learning, and courage.
Veena’s passion for inclusive leadership was sparked during her childhood, attending an international school where diversity was a lived experience, not a buzzword. That early exposure to belonging shaped her view that inclusion isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s essential to business success and human transformation.
Now leading a global HR organization, Veena shared powerful, actionable strategies for emerging leaders, senior executives, and allies alike to remain not only visible but valuable in a fast-changing world. Her core message? Staying relevant is an intentional, ongoing practice of learning, connecting, and showing up fully.
Key take-aways from the interview:
0:01:22 – Veena’s experience growing up in an international school shaped her lifelong belief in inclusion as a way of being—not just an initiative.
0:04:28 – Relevance starts with cultivating a learning mindset and shifting from one-off training to personalized, on-demand development.
0:05:40 – Building executive presence and confidence—especially for women—must be intentional and supported by targeted development programs.
0:06:55 – Inclusion and purpose aren’t soft skills—they’re embedded in Apexon’s performance metrics and leadership values.
0:07:49 – Emerging leaders must believe in what they bring to the table and own their space in the room.
0:09:45 – A common mistake: heads down doing great work, but forgetting to look up and speak out—visibility matters.
0:14:02 – Allies must do more than open doors; they must actively speak up, sponsor, and help others earn their seat at the table.
0:20:35 – Veena’s top advice: Stay curious. Keep learning. Be vulnerable. Own your journey—and never stop asking for opportunities.
If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, or you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on ‘what’s next’, how to build more cohesive and high-performing teams, and lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation. http://www.sherylkline.com/meeting
Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl