What do you think?
Rate this book
Equal, Yet Different: Career Catalysts for the Professional Woman
Equal, Yet Different is exactly how women want to be treated, and need to be treated.
Despite the growing number of women acquiring professional degrees, they remain under-represented and almost invisible when it comes to top leadership positions or decision-making roles. While women have proved beyond doubt that they are just as talented and capable as men, they are still held back by expectations laid down by society and a largely unconscious bias on the part of colleagues and family members. Besides grappling with external challenges, women find that their own mindsets are also shaped by similar conditioning. The reasons for women not making it to the top echelons of the business world extend far beyond the known ones like marriage and maternity.
Based on in-depth interviews with career women, leaders and experts on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), Equal, Yet Different identifies catalysts that can help women achieve maximum potential and fulfilment. This book will benefit all those interested in women's careers-women themselves, their spouses, bosses and even organizations looking to succeed.
ADVANCE PRAISE
'A must-read for all working women who aim to rise to the very top of their game . . . also for the men who lead organizations or someday hope to, and men who have wives/partners. Bravo!' FAYE D'SOUZA, JOURNALIST
'There are many conscious and unconscious mindsets that manifest at home and in the workplace, which continue to hold women back. Equal, Yet Different offers a positive and balanced perspective on the catalysts that could enable career women to achieve their full potential' ANAND MAHINDRA, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA
'A book that does not speak in generalities and actually maps out an action plan for women in the workforce. I plan to implement a lot of her excellent advice and you should too' NAOMI DATTA, AUTHOR AND TELEVISION PRODUCER
'Anita, in writing this book, has gifted us all a true guide and created a new manifesto for an equal world' SHRADHA SHARMA, FOUNDER AND CEO, YOURSTORY MEDIA
' Equal, Yet Different is full of ideas on what career women need to do to become the best versions of themselves . . . she mentions not only areas such as networking and managing finances but gives equal importance to health, nutrition and exercise' RUJUTA DIWEKAR, NUTRITIONIST AND AUTHOR
'A book both men and women must read to bring true diversity to the home and workplace' RASHMI BANSAL, BESTSELLING AUTHOR
'A simple yet thought-provoking read that I recommend not only to all those who aspire to make a mark but also to those who support them in fulfilling their dream' RACHANA RANADE, ENTREPRENEUR AND FINANCE CONTENT CREATOR
Despite the growing number of women acquiring professional degrees, they remain under-represented and almost invisible when it comes to top leadership positions or decision-making roles. While women have proved beyond doubt that they are just as talented and capable as men, they are still held back by expectations laid down by society and a largely unconscious bias on the part of colleagues and family members. Besides grappling with external challenges, women find that their own mindsets are also shaped by similar conditioning. The reasons for women not making it to the top echelons of the business world extend far beyond the known ones like marriage and maternity.
Based on in-depth interviews with career women, leaders and experts on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), Equal, Yet Different identifies catalysts that can help women achieve maximum potential and fulfilment. This book will benefit all those interested in women's careers-women themselves, their spouses, bosses and even organizations looking to succeed.
ADVANCE PRAISE
'A must-read for all working women who aim to rise to the very top of their game . . . also for the men who lead organizations or someday hope to, and men who have wives/partners. Bravo!' FAYE D'SOUZA, JOURNALIST
'There are many conscious and unconscious mindsets that manifest at home and in the workplace, which continue to hold women back. Equal, Yet Different offers a positive and balanced perspective on the catalysts that could enable career women to achieve their full potential' ANAND MAHINDRA, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA
'A book that does not speak in generalities and actually maps out an action plan for women in the workforce. I plan to implement a lot of her excellent advice and you should too' NAOMI DATTA, AUTHOR AND TELEVISION PRODUCER
'Anita, in writing this book, has gifted us all a true guide and created a new manifesto for an equal world' SHRADHA SHARMA, FOUNDER AND CEO, YOURSTORY MEDIA
' Equal, Yet Different is full of ideas on what career women need to do to become the best versions of themselves . . . she mentions not only areas such as networking and managing finances but gives equal importance to health, nutrition and exercise' RUJUTA DIWEKAR, NUTRITIONIST AND AUTHOR
'A book both men and women must read to bring true diversity to the home and workplace' RASHMI BANSAL, BESTSELLING AUTHOR
'A simple yet thought-provoking read that I recommend not only to all those who aspire to make a mark but also to those who support them in fulfilling their dream' RACHANA RANADE, ENTREPRENEUR AND FINANCE CONTENT CREATOR
- GenresNonfictionFeminism
256 pages, Hardcover
Published November 8, 2022
32 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 20, 2023
This book is about the general challenges faced by women in the workforce, the hurdles they have to overcome to build and grow in their career. The book begins with an introduction into how women are equal to men, yet different. Each chapter deals with a theme and has anecdotes from many women who are in the workforce (including many leaders). It also has the author’s viewpoint about the reasons behind some of these trends and how they can be overcome. Each chapter ends with some questions that help you introspect and relate to your life.
The first 3 chapters were very good. They had interesting anecdotes and supporting statements, along with some potential solutions to some of the issues discussed. The topics discussed are very relevant and some of the solutions offered are smart. The questions at the end of the chapters are very good and thought-provoking.
However, from chapter 4 onwards, the delicate balance of the anecdotes and author’s opinions is lost. It seemed to me that the author’s opinions dominated. Also, many of the supporting statements don’t hold true in today’s society. There are also some blanket statements about how to identify a gender-liberal life partners. For example, a guy who may have lived abroad or independently would know how to manage a house and therefore is a potential gender-liberal life partner. Just because somebody lived abroad doesn’t mean they know how to manage a house and just because someone knows how to manage a house doesn’t imply they are ready to do that when they get married.
There’s a chapter about guilt tripping and work-life balance. It talks about how pregnant women tend to work as long as possible before the baby is born and that they tend to get back to work as soon as I can. It also gives a few examples of some women who got back to work in 2 weeks after childbirth. The author relates these to being competitive and trying to not miss out on things lest they may be viewed as being less committed or less competitive than their male coworkers. I know women who do this because they enjoy doing their work; not because they feel insecure. Also, the author suggests (after the initial weeks of rest during your 6-month maternity leave) making time to keep yourself updated with the industry news and be in touch with coworkers to understand where your current project is at, etc. While this sounds like the right thing to do, the mother needs the physical and mental rest for at least 6 months to heal physical injuries (for a lack of better word) and to get adjusted to having a new human being fully dependent on her for food and everything else. Though it’s mentioned somewhere else in the book, women need to get their priorities set at each phase of their life. As Michelle Obama puts it, “a relationship is never a 50-50 partnership; there are times when the women contributes 70 and the man only contributes 30 (especially during the first few years of your child). And there are times when it’s the reverse.” People need to understand this and not make everything a gender issue.
I understand the book is focused on the barriers and catalysts for women in the workforce. I find many of the opinions in this book to skewed and lacking in providing a solution to some of these problems. I personally don’t agree with some of these specific recommendations and find them to be not helpful. If you’re reading this book, have an eye open for the biases and outdated trends.
The first 3 chapters were very good. They had interesting anecdotes and supporting statements, along with some potential solutions to some of the issues discussed. The topics discussed are very relevant and some of the solutions offered are smart. The questions at the end of the chapters are very good and thought-provoking.
However, from chapter 4 onwards, the delicate balance of the anecdotes and author’s opinions is lost. It seemed to me that the author’s opinions dominated. Also, many of the supporting statements don’t hold true in today’s society. There are also some blanket statements about how to identify a gender-liberal life partners. For example, a guy who may have lived abroad or independently would know how to manage a house and therefore is a potential gender-liberal life partner. Just because somebody lived abroad doesn’t mean they know how to manage a house and just because someone knows how to manage a house doesn’t imply they are ready to do that when they get married.
There’s a chapter about guilt tripping and work-life balance. It talks about how pregnant women tend to work as long as possible before the baby is born and that they tend to get back to work as soon as I can. It also gives a few examples of some women who got back to work in 2 weeks after childbirth. The author relates these to being competitive and trying to not miss out on things lest they may be viewed as being less committed or less competitive than their male coworkers. I know women who do this because they enjoy doing their work; not because they feel insecure. Also, the author suggests (after the initial weeks of rest during your 6-month maternity leave) making time to keep yourself updated with the industry news and be in touch with coworkers to understand where your current project is at, etc. While this sounds like the right thing to do, the mother needs the physical and mental rest for at least 6 months to heal physical injuries (for a lack of better word) and to get adjusted to having a new human being fully dependent on her for food and everything else. Though it’s mentioned somewhere else in the book, women need to get their priorities set at each phase of their life. As Michelle Obama puts it, “a relationship is never a 50-50 partnership; there are times when the women contributes 70 and the man only contributes 30 (especially during the first few years of your child). And there are times when it’s the reverse.” People need to understand this and not make everything a gender issue.
I understand the book is focused on the barriers and catalysts for women in the workforce. I find many of the opinions in this book to skewed and lacking in providing a solution to some of these problems. I personally don’t agree with some of these specific recommendations and find them to be not helpful. If you’re reading this book, have an eye open for the biases and outdated trends.
October 24, 2023
Target audience:
For the well-off professional women, for whom the career ladder seems much more difficult to navigate than their counterparts. Climbing the career ladder is not an end but a journey in a society that is yet to get used to working women.
Conetxt to
It is still the time when one generation might never have worked while one generation has worked in a less demanding "women-oriented" jobs. However, there is an increasing presence of women who are working not just to support their families but to enhance their own personality. This means competing with men and their biological and psychological advantages.
For the well-off professional women, for whom the career ladder seems much more difficult to navigate than their counterparts. Climbing the career ladder is not an end but a journey in a society that is yet to get used to working women.
Conetxt to
It is still the time when one generation might never have worked while one generation has worked in a less demanding "women-oriented" jobs. However, there is an increasing presence of women who are working not just to support their families but to enhance their own personality. This means competing with men and their biological and psychological advantages.
March 9, 2025
This book, like the subtitle says (career catalysts for the professional woman) is a very practical handbook for the target segment- the professionally qualified woman who wants a fulfilling career. It is based on four sources- secondary research, the author's own experiences as somebody who managed a home and a career, interviews with industry practitioners of DIE, and interviews of women who have faced challenges dealt with them in their own way.
The intention of the book is to help a woman chart a professional career for herself, and this book serves the purpose perfectly. The author recognises that the world is not perfect and has practical offers practical advice and concrete strategies on how to balance the various demands that are made on a professionally qualified woman. it talks about the compromises which women are forced to make, it advices you on how you may have to focus on different things at different points of time, and it reminds you never give up on demanding what is right for you.
While there are other similar books, this has been written specifically for the urban Indian professional and it therefore contextualised to specific conditions.
Where I feel the book falls short is that, while it helps women navigate troubled waters, the book doesn't focus enough on how the field itself needs to change. While I understand that it is not the objective of the book, I would have liked if there was a chapter devoted the systemic changes that would make it a more level playing field. The book does speak about how greater diversity contributes to the bottom line, and of how some companies have addressed the issue, but to not imagine a perfect workplace/ society is, I feel, a missed opportunity. I also, at times, felt that women were asked to accept certain things rather than fight them.
It is a book I will recommend to young professionals because it will show them how they can and must not settle for second best. However, I will remain a little disappointed that it fell short of becoming a manifesto for change.
The intention of the book is to help a woman chart a professional career for herself, and this book serves the purpose perfectly. The author recognises that the world is not perfect and has practical offers practical advice and concrete strategies on how to balance the various demands that are made on a professionally qualified woman. it talks about the compromises which women are forced to make, it advices you on how you may have to focus on different things at different points of time, and it reminds you never give up on demanding what is right for you.
While there are other similar books, this has been written specifically for the urban Indian professional and it therefore contextualised to specific conditions.
Where I feel the book falls short is that, while it helps women navigate troubled waters, the book doesn't focus enough on how the field itself needs to change. While I understand that it is not the objective of the book, I would have liked if there was a chapter devoted the systemic changes that would make it a more level playing field. The book does speak about how greater diversity contributes to the bottom line, and of how some companies have addressed the issue, but to not imagine a perfect workplace/ society is, I feel, a missed opportunity. I also, at times, felt that women were asked to accept certain things rather than fight them.
It is a book I will recommend to young professionals because it will show them how they can and must not settle for second best. However, I will remain a little disappointed that it fell short of becoming a manifesto for change.
April 2, 2023
Lean In (India Version)
April 25, 2024
This was practical to read - actually motivated me in a lot of aspects. But Anita mostly touches a different class of society - ignoring that too, she doesn't really touch upon women in unconventional careers, like oil and gas and others. I get that she is more comfortable speaking about the positions she is familiar with and she did a great job with this book. I hope a lot of other young women like me find this inspiring. Although I disagreed with a lot of things in the book as well, it is still a very much needed book in these dynamic times.
November 7, 2022
Good for freshers perhaps
June 29, 2023
Talking to various women from diverse backgrounds, who have done well in their careers, Anita explains the "career intentionality" for women. This is about the mindset change that is needed, and, the women she interviewed, bring that out with all their experiences.
A large number of women still are expected to play the role of a supporting partner with responsibilities at home! Call it social conditioning! Despite that, some women are doing very well for themselves and having great support from husband, parents and in laws, but a big population of women are not ambitious enough, she says! Anita has spoken to so many high achievers and i particularly liked the experience of Ramkumar from ICICI - the Bank has produced so many women leaders.
TCS just announced that a large population of women have resigned due to the company calling back their employees to get back to WFO! Post pandemic, WFH is the game changer!!! And, Anita speaks about how women should manage WFH!
The book has some references from cricket (why would that not be when her husband is the very popular Harsha Bhoghle)! The title of the book is also borrowed from Ste Waugh, who said that as a leader one needs to treat the team mates equal but different!
Women are part of almost allteams these days and while they need to be treated differently (read flexibility) due to their responsibilities, their performance need to be looked at the same way like everyone else!
A large number of women still are expected to play the role of a supporting partner with responsibilities at home! Call it social conditioning! Despite that, some women are doing very well for themselves and having great support from husband, parents and in laws, but a big population of women are not ambitious enough, she says! Anita has spoken to so many high achievers and i particularly liked the experience of Ramkumar from ICICI - the Bank has produced so many women leaders.
TCS just announced that a large population of women have resigned due to the company calling back their employees to get back to WFO! Post pandemic, WFH is the game changer!!! And, Anita speaks about how women should manage WFH!
The book has some references from cricket (why would that not be when her husband is the very popular Harsha Bhoghle)! The title of the book is also borrowed from Ste Waugh, who said that as a leader one needs to treat the team mates equal but different!
Women are part of almost allteams these days and while they need to be treated differently (read flexibility) due to their responsibilities, their performance need to be looked at the same way like everyone else!
February 8, 2025
This is an important book. But only because of the lack of books addressing this important topic. I've been long searching for a book that addresses the issues covered in this book. That way it is immensely helpful to hear the experiences of all the women who came before me. However, this book isn't evidence based. It is full of anecdotes and opinions - it is like reading a 200 page magazine article. But this is also an area where there hasn't been much research. It's a topic that is severely missing from our public discourse. Because of this reason, Anita Bhogle's effort is an important one.
Reading this book is like chatting with your neighbourhood aunty who tells it like it is. Aunty tells you all the stories from her friends and what worked and didn't work for them. Aunty tells you what kind of husband to choose, how to manage the maid, how to keep the kids in check, what to do about annoying in laws and sexist managers. This book gives you loads of tips about these very important and oft ignored topics.
It will be a useful read if you calibrate your expectations regarding what to expect.
I love chatting to aunties who've tread the same path. So I enjoyed reading this book. But if you are one for evidence based writing, this isn't for you.
Reading this book is like chatting with your neighbourhood aunty who tells it like it is. Aunty tells you all the stories from her friends and what worked and didn't work for them. Aunty tells you what kind of husband to choose, how to manage the maid, how to keep the kids in check, what to do about annoying in laws and sexist managers. This book gives you loads of tips about these very important and oft ignored topics.
It will be a useful read if you calibrate your expectations regarding what to expect.
I love chatting to aunties who've tread the same path. So I enjoyed reading this book. But if you are one for evidence based writing, this isn't for you.
December 25, 2022
Verdict: Recommended
Insightful read right before I begin my maternity leave.
What works in this book - the non-preachy tone and self-reflection gesture of the author. This subject is so everyday that EVERYONE has an opinion and the author has managed to make sure to narrate hers with full detail and context.
Book has examples/instances of what works, questions to ask oneself and motivational stories to make sure you a) give your 100% before complaining, b) never give up in the face of adversity, c) appreciate your alies, enablers and catalysts, and d) stand up for yourself - unapologetically!
This topic will continue to evolve, so book might become irrelevant at one point of time, but not the issue. Would love the author to continue to write on how this space evolves and how men/women need to as well!
Insightful read right before I begin my maternity leave.
What works in this book - the non-preachy tone and self-reflection gesture of the author. This subject is so everyday that EVERYONE has an opinion and the author has managed to make sure to narrate hers with full detail and context.
Book has examples/instances of what works, questions to ask oneself and motivational stories to make sure you a) give your 100% before complaining, b) never give up in the face of adversity, c) appreciate your alies, enablers and catalysts, and d) stand up for yourself - unapologetically!
This topic will continue to evolve, so book might become irrelevant at one point of time, but not the issue. Would love the author to continue to write on how this space evolves and how men/women need to as well!
July 30, 2023
There are many generic statements and some outdated assumptions. Few things which stuck with me were anecdotes like a parent advising daughter in finance domain not to marry HR manager because her career graph would be better than his and cause issues in future. There are many functional experts who have had fruitful careers from finance , HR and other “ support” functions - case in point Leena Nair , HUL CHRO who is now Chanel CEO . Some chapters were good , motivational with handy tips others just felt like broad brush approaches.
Good to read if you are starting your career.
Good to read if you are starting your career.
April 18, 2025
The book was absolutely 100 percent relatable. Having faced most of these discriminations/situations myself at different times as part of growing up, starting a career and trying to move up the ladder, the book seemed like a collection of thoughts from different spheres of my own life. Men should be encouraged to read this book more than women so that at-least a few who are part of the group with the unknown bias have a revelation and realisation.
December 17, 2022
Very practical advice in an easy-to-read book. It's not exactly a Lean In for the Indian woman, but it's still pretty great to read about personal experiences of various professionals in the Indian context. As someone who is starting out in her career, I found it very insightful. Would recommend to every Indian for a read, irrespective of who they are and where they are in their journey.
September 9, 2023
Interesting book with good insights at the end of chapters that make you reflect on your own actions/inactions as a woman in the 21st century. Anita Bhogle obviously has lots of experience in the business and sports industries so her anecdotes were useful to set the scenes. Seems tailored towards young women and their careers.
November 21, 2022
Anita Bhogle put in words what every working woman goes through all day and provides solution for those. Must read for every man and woman
June 2, 2023
A must read for every young girl to be prepared but not to absorb the stereotypes 😊😇
Read
April 6, 2024It gave me an honest & realistic view of the challenges a working woman goes through, which I enjoyed learning about. Anita sprinkled stories throughout the book to keep it engaging.
July 24, 2024
Good read
November 24, 2023
Equal yet Different
A great book by Anita Bhogle who shared stories of many successfull women around the world in many areas. Gender does not a matter, we are all equal.
It’s a great book that every young women should read.
A great book by Anita Bhogle who shared stories of many successfull women around the world in many areas. Gender does not a matter, we are all equal.
It’s a great book that every young women should read.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews