Our ERGs are part of what makes MiQ such a welcoming and inclusive place to work. Vidhya Sathyamurthy, Women iQ lead for India, discusses what leading an ERG has done for her, and why they matter so much in today’s workplace.
Tell us about your experiences with ERGs at MiQ and how it has nurtured you as a lead.
My experience with ERGs at MiQ has been deeply meaningful, both personally and professionally. ERGs at MiQ are built on the foundation of creating strong communities, where people can rely on each other for support, connection, and growth. As an ERG lead, I have the opportunity to create spaces where individuals feel encouraged to participate, collaborate, and grow together. This role has exposed me to diverse cultures, ethnicities, and perspectives, and has helped me learn how to navigate and resolve core challenges that surface within cross-cultural groups.
Leading the CoE Women’s ERG in particular has been especially nurturing. It has strengthened my ability to be inclusive, to listen actively, and to recognise the unique needs of different members. This role has helped me develop a deeper understanding of what people require to feel empowered and heard. It has also taught me to evaluate situations not only from my own viewpoint, but through the lens of others, which is essential for meaningful leadership.
Overall, my ERG journey at MiQ has shaped me into a more empathetic, collaborative, and thoughtful leader, and it continues to enrich my ability to build supportive and impactful communities.
Can you tell us a little about your ERG?
When I first heard from colleagues that Women iQ had been in a start–stop mode since 2017, it struck me how much potential was waiting to be unlocked. There were passionate pockets of work happening - tech circles, leadership discussions, informal learning groups - but they were all functioning in silos. In 2021, we saw an opportunity to bring these fragmented efforts together and create one unified, powerful platform: Women iQ India.
With a small but committed group of core members, we shaped our ERG around three pillars that reflected the realities of our ecosystem: mindful leadership, life lessons, and women in tech. Our vision was to build a space where women could learn, grow, and show up as their authentic selves while strengthening their brand and presence.
The journey hasn’t been easy. Supporting women required a tailored, empathetic approach. We focused on addressing the leaky pipeline, advocating for meaningful change, and building support structures inside and outside the workplace. Introducing men as allies, fostering gender sensitization, and promoting inclusive leadership became essential parts of our evolution.
Today, we are a proud, growing ERG of 20 members in India - and we’re just getting started. My inspiration comes from the belief that every woman’s journey deserves a community that uplifts her, and I am committed to building exactly that.
In what three ways does your ERG help to nurture MiQers?
Firstly, it creates a supportive and inclusive community where women and allies can come together, feel heard, and build a genuine sense of belonging. By offering safe spaces for open conversations, peer support, and shared learning, Women iQ India helps MiQers build confidence and feel like themselves at work. This emotional and community-driven support strengthens engagement and promotes overall wellbeing.
Secondly, Women iQ India promotes professional growth through structured learning, mentorship, and networking opportunities. With a focus on both personal and technical development - including women in tech initiatives, industry partnerships, and internal knowledge sharing - our ERG helps employees build new skills, expand their professional networks, and gain visibility. These opportunities allow MiQers to learn from each other, recognise emerging leaders, and grow beyond perceived limitations.
Thirdly, Women iQ India nurtures the broader MiQ culture by driving awareness, advocacy, and allyship. By engaging allies as active participants and communicators, Women iQ normalizes conversations around women-specific challenges and promotes equity over equality. Allies amplify initiatives, foster inclusive team environments, and advocate for diverse voices, helping MiQ strengthen its inclusive brand internally and externally.
How did the first Rise summit help to celebrate your work as a leader, and the work of the ERG?
The first Rise summit was a powerful celebration of my journey as a leader and of the collective impact of our ERG. It served as an important platform to highlight the work we’ve been doing to build community, strengthen belonging, and create safe, supportive spaces for MiQers. For the first time, we had the opportunity to share our initiatives, challenges, and successes with our global counterparts, allowing us to exchange ideas, learn from each other, and offer mutual support. This cross-regional visibility not only amplified the voice of our ERG, but also reinforced the global commitment to inclusion and diversity.
The summit acknowledged the effort, collaboration, and intention behind the programs we drive as leaders - whether it is mentoring, awareness-building, or enabling professional growth. It allowed me to reflect on the importance of empathetic and inclusive leadership, and the responsibility that comes with creating opportunities for others to thrive.
Overall, the Rise summit was both a recognition and a reinforcement. It celebrated how far we’ve come as an ERG, showcased the strength of our collective contributions, and strengthened our resolve to continue leading with purpose, empathy, and openness, while staying connected and aligned with our global community.
This year, Women iQ US delivered nine in-person events to bring your community closer. Why was that so important to achieve?
These in-person events allowed us to deepen connection in ways that virtual interactions simply can’t replicate. In-person gatherings create space for authentic conversations, real-time learning, and genuine relationship building - elements that are essential when nurturing a community centred on trust, support, and shared growth.
These events helped break down silos between teams, introduced members to new networks, and gave women and allies the opportunity to openly share experiences, challenges, and aspirations. Being physically present with one another fosters a sense of belonging and psychological safety that strengthens engagement and encourages more people to participate in ERG initiatives.
In-person events also allow us to celebrate milestones, recognise contributions, and create memorable experiences that reinforce the value of the ERG within MiQ. They help to energise the community, build momentum, and demonstrate the tangible impact of collective effort.
Most importantly, these gatherings serve as a reminder that empowerment and connection thrive when people feel seen and supported. By bringing the community closer in person, Women iQ US strengthened its foundation and created meaningful opportunities for members to learn, uplift each other, and grow together.
How will Women iQ continue to grow and connect MiQers next year?
We’re going to continue deepening our focus on allyship, leadership, and holistic wellness while strengthening our internal and external communities. We’re planning to expand our flagship initiatives (Hack4Her, inter-corporate ERG meetups, and He4She allyship workshops) to drive stronger cross-industry engagement and bring more voices into the conversation. A key priority will be increasing men’s representation in the core Women iQ group, ensuring allyship becomes an active, shared responsibility.
Our membership will continue to reflect the richness of MiQ, bringing together women from diverse roles, regions, and career stages. Through this, we’ll build greater psychological safety, representation, and connection across the business. Plus, we’re going to introduce a curated Women’s Leadership Cohort to nurture emerging leaders and strengthen leadership pathways.
Wellness will remain central to our agenda, with focused sessions on women’s health and hormones, financial wellbeing, and everyday holistic practices that help MiQers live with balance. In partnership with CSR, we’ll broaden our impact in the community through tech-fluency programmes and continued support for underrepresented groups.
Guided by our themes (stronger together, leading with purpose, living with balance) Women iQ will continue to create spaces where MiQers feel connected, supported, and empowered to grow.
How do you personally nurture your own passion for progress?
I nurture my passion for progress by staying anchored to purpose, continuous learning, and the impact I can create for those around me. I believe in the quote: “Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” It reminds me that growth begins with the willingness to evolve - personally and as a leader.
To fuel this passion, I intentionally invest in developing new skills, seeking diverse perspectives, and stepping outside my comfort zone. This keeps me adaptable, innovative, and equipped to solve complex challenges. I translate learning into action by setting clear goals, tracking outcomes, and celebrating incremental wins that create momentum.
Supporting others, understanding their experiences, and creating safe spaces for dialogue reinforces why progress matters. Every time someone feels encouraged, seen, or empowered, it strengthens my commitment to building environments where people can thrive.
I surround myself with people who inspire and challenge me, ensuring I continue to grow. Ultimately, I nurture my passion for progress by learning continuously, acting with intention, and helping others rise along the way.
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