Can your identity make you a stronger leader? Absolutely!
The obstacles you’ve overcome and the life you’ve lived give you a powerful lens to lead with empathy and purpose.
Neha Mahajan, Associate Director of Admissions at Box Hill Institute, shares how embracing her whole identity has enabled her to lead authentically and how her workplace supports others in doing the same:
“For me, intersectionality is about recognising that we each bring different layers of identity and experience to the table, whether that’s culture, gender, family background, or life circumstances. As a migrant, a woman in leadership, and a mum of two young kids, at Box Hill Institute, I’ve always felt like I could bring my whole self to work – and that’s shaped how I lead my own team.”
Below, Neha shares more about her experiences and how identity shapes her success in the workplace.
The challenges you face make you more empathic
The rise and popularity of flexible working shows how our working life and our personal life are intersecting more than ever. We are never just ‘an employee’ or just ‘a parent’ – we are both things all of the time. Considering our personal upbringing and cultural background, each of us has multiple aspects of our identity that shape who we are.
Neha understands what it means to have different strands to her identity, and as a leader, this experience has helped her create space for everyone in her team to celebrate their true selves.
“I was born in India and moved to Australia when I was twenty-three. I joined Box Hill Institute ten years ago and have never left! Navigating my role as a working woman with two young children while leading the admissions department in a fast-paced environment has given me insight into the challenges many people face when balancing career, family and cultural expectations.”
All of these things help to make Neha more aware and respectful of the challenges members of her team may face. And as a leader, she strives to create a workplace culture and environment where everyone can thrive in all areas of their life.
“I believe these intersecting parts of my identity allow me to see and support people more holistically, and they teach me to appreciate different perspectives. It’s not just about ticking diversity boxes; it’s about understanding how those things shape the way people experience work and making sure we create space for that.”
You respect the value of everyone’s input
Recognising each individual’s intersectionality is not just about empathising with the challenges they may face and helping accommodate them. Creating a diverse team, comprising individuals from various backgrounds and with diverse life experiences, leads to increased creativity and innovation.
With this in mind, Box Hill Institute encourages perspectives and contributions from everyone across the Institute and at all levels. Neha recalls a particular stand-out moment when she realised that Box Hill Institute truly lives by its values:
“Right at the beginning, I was actively involved in conversations about the future of the Institute. Even though I was new and hadn’t yet secured a permanent role, I was encouraged to share my thoughts and ideas. What stood out was that my input was genuinely listened to. It doesn’t mean everything I said was acted upon, but it showed me that everyone’s voice mattered, regardless of their title or position.”
At Box Hill Institute, open and honest conversations are embedded in the culture, and in her leadership role, Neha continues to welcome feedback and criticism from those around her. She recalls a conversation with her manager, shortly after returning from parental leave after her second child, that changed everything.
“I remember the moment vividly. It was just after 8 a.m., during a casual catch-up in the campus café, the kind of meeting where you expect to chat about day-to-day things, not career turning points. But that morning, my manager asked me a simple question that stayed with me: “Have you thought about your future goals, where you see yourself going?” We spoke openly, and I shared my interest in growing and contributing more meaningfully to the team. He told me he saw leadership potential in me and encouraged me to consider applying when a leadership role became available. It wasn’t a formal offer, more a genuine moment of belief and encouragement. That conversation sparked something. I realised how much I valued honest dialogue and feedback, and I made a commitment to always lead with that same openness. To this day, creating space for real, constructive conversations remains at the heart of how I lead – it’s what fuels growth, trust, and connection.”
Box Hill Institute wants you to succeed, whatever life throws at you. With flexible working options, as well as 30 days carers’ leave per year, they want to help you make it work.
Find out more about this and their other employee policies and benefits.
You find ways to support everyone to succeed
Equity and diversity don’t end during the recruitment process, and Neha is committed to ensuring that everyone on her team has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or personal circumstances.
“Equity is so important in our industry because we’re in the business of creating opportunities, and not everyone starts from the same place. People come to us with different backgrounds, barriers, and life experiences, and it’s our responsibility to make sure they have the support they need to succeed.”
Neha and Box Hill Institute aim to create a workplace culture where everyone can achieve their goals. They work to provide a supportive environment that encourages growth, without judgement.
“I try to create a space where people feel safe to share ideas, take risks and learn from mistakes. That’s what makes people feel like they belong, not just because we say it, but because we show it every day. It’s not about treating everyone the same; it’s about understanding what people need and meeting them where they’re at. Whether that’s students or employees, when people feel seen, heard and supported, they’re more likely to thrive.”
You don’t compromise who you are
Perhaps most importantly of all, when a workplace truly values you for who you are — in every aspect of your life — you should never feel the need to hide, shrink, or compromise any part of yourself. That kind of support isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s foundational to feeling safe, empowered, and able to lead with authenticity.
For Neha, that support was clear from the very beginning of her time at Box Hill Institute.
“As a working mother of two young children who are in childcare and early school years, unexpected challenges like sickness come up quite often,” she shares. “From the beginning, I felt genuinely supported and welcomed, which made a huge difference as someone new to the country and the sector.”
Juggling the demands of a leadership role with the unpredictability of parenting can often leave people feeling stretched or unsupported. But for Neha, flexibility wasn’t just offered; it was actively encouraged:
“When I’ve had to adjust my schedule at short notice, Box Hill Institute has always responded with empathy and flexibility. That kind of support has made a huge difference. I truly value being part of a team that understands life happens and supports you through it.”
It’s this culture of understanding, of truly seeing the whole person, not just the job title, that enables leaders like Neha to show up fully, lead effectively, and set the tone for inclusive leadership across the organisation.
