Name: Usha Khatiwada

Title: Component Lead

Organisation: Urja, USAID, Nepal

Usha Khatiwada is team lead for Urja project funded by USAID focusing on the energy sector of Nepal. She served as CEO for NRN Infrastructure & Development Limited securing investment in more than five big hydropower projects of national priority along with other investment avenues.

She has more than 17 years of experience in the various sectors of Nepal. She has been actively involved in strategic management and planning focusing on investment portfolio and effective fund management. She has participated in several national and international conferences as a speaker in the USA, France, Netherlands, Norway, Korea, Japan, Srilanka, Vietnam and Nepal.

She has actively advocated for youths and female empowerment in various fields encouraging girls and women. Usha is very passionate about mentoring young professionals and enthusiastically participates in conferences and discourses in National and International Platforms.

Currently she has been in the key role of mentor for Women in Hydropower Mentorship Program- 5346 Stadium Trace Parkway Suite 110, Hoover, AL 35244, USA (10 Oct, 2022-10 Oct 2024), mentor for global womentech, 2023. She had led as a volunteer for Girls in Tech, Nepal, serving as ambassador for Global Tech, engaged as mentor in Gwnet and various other organizations.

She has represented as a judge numerous times for various Hackathons and Hultz prizes. She has been award winner as 50 Leading lights of Asia Pacific –Kindness and Leadership -2021, awarded with international diversity role model-2021 during Diversity in Tech Award-2021, World Changing Women 2020- organized by Conscious Media Company, Sonoma USA and listed as most influential women and corporate women of the year by RSTCA, Nepal, 2020 and many more awards.

She served as Board of Director for Sanima Middle Tamor Hydropower project (73 MW). She is founder member for Nepalese marketing Association since 2021.Recently she got awarded with Women with hydro vision award (July,2023) during the hydro vision Conference held in Charlotte, USA during July,2023.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Usha's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

As a female leader from a developing country representing the energy sector, there are numerous hurdles to overcome. Gender bias persists within male-dominated industries like energy, presenting a formidable challenge to combat stereotypes and biases against women's leadership capabilities.

Cultural expectations can further impede progress, as traditional gender roles may hinder women's advancement in leadership roles, particularly in sectors with predominantly male workforces. Limited access to resources, mentorship, and professional networks exacerbates the situation for women in developing countries, making it harder to build necessary connections and secure essential resources for career growth.

Balancing leadership responsibilities with family and societal expectations is particularly taxing, especially in regions where support for childcare and household duties may be lacking. Furthermore, the dearth of visible female role models in leadership positions within the energy sector compounds the challenge of inspiring aspiring female leaders to envision themselves in similar roles.

Socioeconomic factors, including economic disparities and limited access to education and healthcare, further hinder the progress of female leaders in developing countries.

Overcoming these obstacles demands resilience, determination, and a concerted effort to challenge societal norms and advocate for gender equality in the workplace. Building a supportive network, seeking mentorship opportunities, and continuously honing skills and expertise are essential strategies for navigating these challenges and thriving as a female leader in the energy sector.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

My journey to leadership in the energy sector, originating from a developing country entrenched in traditional gender roles, was far from easy. Battling pervasive gender bias upon entering the male-dominated industry, I faced constant skepticism and underestimation of my abilities.

Despite these obstacles, I persisted, fueled by my passion and determination to prove myself. Accessing resources and networks posed another challenge, with limited opportunities and support available for women like me. Balancing professional ambitions with familial and societal expectations demanded sacrifices and resilience, yet I persevered, viewing each setback as a lesson in resilience.

Overcoming numerous hurdles and setbacks, I embraced my role as a trailblazer, determined to inspire change and pave the way for future female leaders. Through unwavering determination and resilience, I emerged as a leader, defying odds and shattering stereotypes, a testament to the power of perseverance and belief in one's abilities amidst adversity.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

From 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM, I wake up to the chirping of birds, immersing myself in the morning's tranquility before launching into a rejuvenating jumba session to infuse the day with energy and positivity. Following this, yoga and meditation center my mind and foster mental clarity for the tasks ahead, before tending to family chores and enjoying quality breakfast time with loved ones.

Transitioning to office activities from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, I dive into tasks with priority emails and agenda planning, dedicating focused time to key projects while multitasking efficiently. Collaborative meetings with team members ensue, where innovative solutions are brainstormed and alignment on project objectives is ensured, punctuated by short breaks to recharge.

The lunch break from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM offers a chance to step away, recharge, and engage in self-care activities before resuming afternoon work from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, where tasks are executed, meetings with stakeholders are conducted, and mentorship is offered to foster a collaborative work environment. Managing evening calls with stakeholders or partners fills the transition into the evening wind down from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, where relaxation techniques, family time, and reflection on achievements and challenges take precedence.

Finally, the nighttime routine from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM prepares me for bedtime with calming activities, creating a peaceful sleep environment conducive to restorative rest. By striking a balance between personal wellness practices, professional responsibilities, and meaningful connections with loved ones, I aim to optimize productivity, foster holistic well-being, and cultivate a fulfilling lifestyle.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

A recent leadership lesson that I've been reminded of is the importance of fostering confidence and empowerment in others, especially young women, as they embark on their journey into the real world. During a recent career talk for 12th-grade students, I emphasized the significance of choosing topics and career paths that align with their interests, skills, and capabilities.

Encouraging them to explore diverse opportunities and pursue their passions can instill a sense of purpose and motivation as they navigate their future endeavors. By empowering them to identify their strengths and interests while providing guidance and support along the way, we can inspire the next generation of female leaders to confidently step into the real world and make meaningful contributions in their chosen fields.

This experience served as a reminder of the transformative impact of mentorship and encouragement in shaping young minds and fostering leadership potential.