Meet Mrs. Ankita Srivastava, an accomplished professional serving as the Assistant General Manager- Security at a prominent public sector bank in India. An army veteran and beauty pageant winner, Mrs. Srivastava embodies resilience, leadership, and grace. On this special occasion of International Women's Day, we celebrate her outstanding achievements and enduring commitment to empowering women in the workplace.
Her remarkable journey has been defined by excellence, from her decorated military service to her leadership role in one of India's leading banks. Mrs. Srivastava's success story serves as a testament to her unwavering dedication and vision.
"Mrs. Srivastava’s exceptional work in the security sector is not only inspiring but also highlights the crucial role of women in shaping the future of the industry. She has been an integral part of promoting diversity and inclusion, paving the way for future generations of women professionals."
Please share with us your journey and how you have navigated through the perception of the security and surveillance industry being predominantly male-dominated?
Hello, a very warm greeting to all of you. Thank you so much, Mrs. Mansi Shankar and Mr. Saksham Rajwanshi, for giving me this opportunity to share my personal views on my journey in this unique industry—security and surveillance.
When I joined this industry in 2010, I realized that I was one of the very few women—in fact, we were just four women across Pan India! I knew I had to stand out. Coming from the Indian Army, as a veteran who served the nation in uniform for 14 years, commanding men in the most challenging scenarios, I chose security and surveillance as my second career after I hung up my military boots.
In the early stages of my career in this industry, I definitely faced obstacles. My subordinates were initially reluctant to take orders from me or even consider me seriously as their boss. Some doubted whether I could truly do justice to the role I was assigned. However, I stood my ground firmly. I did everything that a male officer would do—and perhaps even more. For example, I conducted surprise night checks to ensure guards were alert and performing their duties properly. I would commend those who were doing a good job with a pat on the back, but I also initiated disciplinary actions when necessary.
I was constantly involved with my team—listening to them, addressing their welfare, guiding them, and grooming them. I made sure I didn’t behave like someone who needed special treatment or who couldn’t speak up. I stood shoulder to shoulder with all my male counterparts, my subordinates, and my seniors, without making excuses because I’m a woman.
Whenever there was a fire incident, I ensured I was the first officer to reach the site. In cases of robbery or theft, I would be there within the shortest time possible, interacting with the police, gathering details, and staying until normalcy was restored before leaving the site.
What specific challenges have you encountered in coordinating security and surveillance activities across various levels, from top management to ground-level technicians?
When it came to top management, I was very bold in telling them the crystal clear situation on the ground, whatever it was. I have never minced my words, and I’ve never made up anything. My USP, I can say with great pride, is honesty, transparency, and thirdly, following orders to the T. I’m a very thorough, disciplined soldier, albeit a veteran soldier now. These are qualities that I have carried from the Indian Army.
All your bosses will definitely applaud these characteristics if you exhibit them at work—honesty, transparency, and discipline.
Sometimes, in the civil sector, following orders strictly without giving any leverage to a particular group of people, community, or type of task can sometimes backfire. Gradually, I mellowed down and started giving some leverage, some benefit of the doubt, and at least listening to their issues.
I became more empathetic and didn’t use my military discipline every time. I started understanding their points of view as well. We both found a middle ground to balance the situation better.
Initially, when I joined this industry, my subordinates were not used to having a woman as their boss. I had to work alongside them, shoulder to shoulder, and make them believe that I was there to take care of them as well as to groom, guide, and train them. I made sure of their welfare by facilitating the benefits that the organization had provided for them. What else would a subordinate want? This is what they look for in a leader. They look up to a leader who can offer such a comprehensive package.
Language was another barrier. I joined in Delhi, and most of my subordinates were from the Haryana belt. I couldn’t understand their language initially, but they started speaking to me in Hindi, and I could begin to understand everything.
In the past, I have attended my subordinates' children's weddings. In fact, I announced that if any subordinate’s daughter outperforms in her 10th or 12th board exams, I would go out of my way to ensure she has a rewarding career. This, in turn, created a strong bond within the community, and my subordinates began to look up to me as their leader. After that, things became much smoother—it was like a cakewalk.
How do you stay updated and adapt to the rapidly evolving technology and advancements in the electronic security and surveillance industry in India?
We, in our industry, have continuously been subjected to various courses and training schedules, where we are introduced to the latest advancements in technology. During vendor empanelment, we thoroughly study and research. We collaborate data, study ourselves, and discuss with other banks or financial institutions where such provisions are used.
Personally, I have always shown a keen interest in learning. Being a ground soldier by nature, I naturally have a strong appetite for learning and adapting to new things. If I am unaware of something, I actively take notes, understand it, and apply it. Learning, for me, is a continuous process. I firmly believe that you stop growing the day you stop learning.
I also take pride in acknowledging my flaws. I don't hide the fact that I may not know something. Instead, I admit it. Once I admit this in front of someone, half the battle is already won. The other person often starts explaining it to me, and that’s when I gain insights into how that particular technology works. This knowledge helps me incorporate new technology into our plans, allowing me to evolve. That's my strategy for growth and adaptation.
What advice would you offer to women who are considering a career in the electronic security and surveillance field?
Okay, ladies, first of all, nothing is impossible. We can do everything if we put in proper, dedicated effort. If NASA can have women astronauts and ISRO can have women scientists sending rockets to space, then there’s no reason women cannot handle the security and surveillance field. This is a growing and very interesting field where you need to understand everything from the grassroots level to the highest level. Armed with this knowledge and confidence, women can be super successful. There is nothing that a woman can't do.
It’s not about fighting against men. These jobs can be gender-neutral. Why should we act like we are taking on men? We are simply taking on responsibilities that we are capable of. If you're dedicated, loyal, and a perfectionist who can find balance, you can do exceptionally well.
No one should expect this to be an easy journey, but for those willing to put in the work, the industry is incredibly rewarding.
My humble message to all the women entering this industry is this: Set aside any notion of competing with men. Instead, focus on working with dedication and integrity. Everything else will fall into place.
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