Leadership with Empathy is the Driver to Success for this Global Executive

During International Women’s Month, we turn the spotlight to Charisma Glassman, a New York-based Indian-American executive leader who has been driving global growth and innovation within Fortune 500 companies as a strategic and transformation leader. With a 20-year tenure, Glassman has propelled leading brands to new heights and leveraged advanced technologies to disrupt and redefine markets. Currently serving as the Portfolio Head of Consumer Products, Luxury, and Apparel at a top-tier global management firm, she and her team are at the forefront of delivering innovation and value.

Glassman’s career started at a family-owned marketing business, sharpening her pitch skills to global clients and showing early talent and ambition. She is a Harvard Alumni of an Executive Management Program, holds a Master’s in Technology Management degree from New York University School of Engineering, and is continuing an Executive MBA from Cornell University, showing her passion for continuous learning and innovation in her field.

Raised in an environment that valued hard work and entrepreneurial thinking, Glassman gained critical resilience and strategic insight leading the family business. She notes, “An entrepreneurial mindset influenced my approach to business challenges.” Her early involvement in boardrooms and as a C-Suite advisor for global brand launches in emerging markets affirmed her reputation as a visionary with a strategic and global perspective.

Inspired by other business leaders, Glassman’s leadership blends innovation with transformative principles. Her background—family entrepreneurship, extensive education, and diverse professional roles—has made her a pivotal figure. Beyond guiding businesses through major changes, she mentors future leaders, extending her legacy of impact and innovation.

Leadership and Innovation Amid Crisis: Steering Strategic Transformation at a Global Bank During COVID-19

Facing COVID-19’s challenges as the consumer banking leader at an international bank, Glassman led a strategic shift with an innovative credit extension program to mitigate financial impacts, which could have cost the sector millions. This program marked a significant operational and technological update, ensuring customer support. Glassman’s decisive leadership preserved financial stability and strengthened customer relations during times of global uncertainty. Motivated by making a real difference, Glassman said, “I knew we had to deliver, for the good of the company, and serve our customer base with humanity,” showcasing her empathetic leadership. Within five months, her team’s successful program execution attracted new business and turned challenges into growth opportunities. Glassman received the CEO’s Award for her impactful leadership and initiative during this crisis, underscoring her role as a leader who enhanced business practices to meet customer needs during tough times.

A Lifelong Learner’s Journey in Leadership

Glassman’s leadership is deeply influenced by the 70-20-10 model, focusing on comprehensive growth. She allocates 70% to hands-on leadership experience, 20% to building diverse industry networks, and 10% to formal education and skills development. This structured strategy enhances both her and her team’s expertise, preparing them for future challenges while aligning professional growth with personal goals. Glassman’s emphasis on continuous learning and its practical application enhances adaptability and proficiency, demonstrating its importance in navigating the dynamic global environment.

Catalyst, Bridger, and an Architect of Organizational Transformation

Glassman exemplifies the roles of Catalyst, Bridger, and Organizational Architect. As a Catalyst, she emphasizes the need for adaptability in the VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguous) business environment, fostering leadership that drives sustainable growth. As a Bridger, she connects diverse organizational segments to achieve superior results, navigating complex stakeholder landscapes with effective communication and collaboration. In her Architect role, she strategically aligns the organization’s structure, processes, and technology, adapting to business and technological changes with a clear vision. Her leadership showcases a blend of art and strategy, setting a standard for excellence and advancing her organization.

Charting the Future for Women in Executive Leadership

Leveraging her STEM background to champion women, particularly women of color, in STEM to reach top corporate roles, Glassman recognizes diversity as a strategic advantage for corporations. She believes in diversity of thought for better decision-making and innovation. Glassman plays a key role in the Harvard Business School Club of New York and the Harvard Business School Women’s Association, creating programs to elevate female leaders, thereby enhancing diversity in leadership. Additionally, as a board member of the American Indian Foundation, she supports economic empowerment programs for women in India, contributing to the development of a global workforce. Her efforts underscore her commitment to promoting diversity and empowering women in leadership across the globe.

In Reflection: A Testament to Unyielding Resilience, Boundless Innovation, and Inspirational Leadership

Influenced by the wisdom of other female trailblazers, Glassman adopts a philosophy that transcends the traditional view of reaching a CEO position as the ultimate career goal. Instead, she sees such milestones as invitations to continued personal and professional development. This perspective reflects her commitment to never becoming complacent, persistently seeking excellence, and embracing a journey of perpetual learning and leadership evolution.

On a personal note, Charisma is married to Dr. Brian Glassman, Ph.D., an innovator, published author, and Chief Product Officer at a renowned startup based in New York and Florida.