Ritu Favre, President at Emerson, shares her remarkable journey from an Indian immigrant household to the executive suites of global tech companies. Ritu opens up about pivotal career moments, managing billion-dollar businesses, and balancing authenticity with ambition. She delves into the challenges of being a woman in tech, embracing vulnerability as a superpower, and why leadership is more about belief and service than control.
Her philosophy? “If you’re feeling too comfortable, you’re probably not growing.”
This episode is a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and emotional intelligence for anyone navigating career transitions or redefining success on their own terms.
QUESTIONS FROM THE EPISODE
- Have you ever felt like an imposter early in your journey? (4:24)
- What are some failures that shaped your leadership? (6:53)
- How do you prioritize “how” the work is done vs. just “what” is done? (12:37)
- How important is emotional intelligence in professional life? (20:38)
- What piece of sci-fi tech might become real in 10 years? (24:44)
- How do you command trust and energy in a room? (29:21)
- One piece of advice you’d give to the next generation of leaders? (35:38)
- How can younger professionals find their voice? (38:06)
Learnings From The Episode
- Why stepping outside your comfort zone is essential for true growth
- How to process feedback without losing your core authenticity
- The three pillars of leadership according to Ritu: Grit, Persistence & Resilience
- How to build high-performing, self-sustaining teams that thrive with or without you
- How motherhood, meditation, and mentorship shaped her emotional intelligence
- The importance of “finding your voice” and speaking up — especially for women in tech
- Why building belief in others is just as important as achieving results
- What future leaders must know to survive in an AI-driven, rapidly changing world
