By: Michael Beas
In an era defined by rapid technological change and evolving workplace dynamics, the need for authentic, resilient, and human-centric leadership has never been greater. Dr. Banya Barua, founder of EsseMC Pty Ltd and MyCoach-ee Pty Ltd, has dedicated her career to guiding executives and organizations toward leadership that is both effective and empathetic. Through her research and coaching, she empowers leaders to cultivate environments where employees feel valued, engaged, and inspired to thrive.
The Power of Authentic and Collaborative Leadership
Dr. Barua believes that authentic leadership begins with positivity. “It’s the energy I bring to my work and the foundation of the methodology my clients follow,” she explains. Central to her approach are two practices: self-awareness and self-regulation. By helping leaders understand their own responses under pressure and recognize what energizes them, she equips them to act with intention rather than react unconsciously.
She shares an example of a client who struggled with micromanagement. Rather than simply instructing delegation, Dr. Barua explored the mindset behind the behavior. They discovered a deep-seated need for control, and through trust-building exercises with both the leader and their team, delegation became a natural, sustainable practice. She likens this process to planting seeds in fertile soil—growth is faster, stronger, and longer-lasting when leaders tap into their inherent strengths.
Integrating Employee Wellbeing into Culture
Dr. Barua emphasizes that leadership is the linchpin for successful employee wellbeing initiatives. “When leaders genuinely walk the talk, well-being stops being just an HR initiative and becomes part of the culture,” she says. Small, intentional practices—like beginning team meetings with a three-minute silent pause—can dramatically shift energy and engagement.
Leaders play a key role in normalizing these rituals, ensuring that well-being is woven seamlessly into day-to-day operations. Additionally, tailoring programs to individual strengths allows initiatives to resonate deeply, creating lasting impact rather than superficial compliance.
Empowering Women Leaders in Male-Dominated Spaces
Dr. Barua has extensively studied the role of women in social entrepreneurship and male-dominated industries. She believes women thrive when they give themselves permission to be authentic. “Even small acts, like carving out an hour for yourself, signal strength,” she notes. Authenticity, coupled with courage and the ability to draw and maintain boundaries, empowers women to step fully into leadership roles.
Understanding one’s inherent leadership strengths provides a foundation that is unshakable, even amid disruption. Awareness brings clarity, confidence, and resilience, allowing women leaders to navigate uncertainty while celebrating their uniqueness.
Balancing Technology with Human-Centric Leadership
Technology is reshaping organizations, often at a pace faster than humans can adapt. Dr. Barua emphasizes that leadership must define the boundaries between what technology handles and what remains human. Human-centric leadership, she asserts, involves maintaining meaningful engagement, nurturing employee strengths, and cultivating adaptability in the face of change.
“Think of it like technology itself—you have your base model, and then you can add features to enhance performance,” she explains. By focusing first on inborn leadership strengths and then layering training and tools, organizations develop leaders who are both future-ready and deeply human.
Measuring Leadership and Well-being Impact
Assessment and feedback are critical to refining leadership development programs. Dr. Barua highlights the importance of combining formal tools—like 360-degree assessments and exit interviews—with informal feedback from casual conversations. “Some of the most valuable insights come from spontaneous, candid discussions,” she notes. When leaders remain open to listening, reflecting, and acting on feedback, engagement deepens, team cohesion strengthens, and organizational resilience grows.
Her approach demonstrates that leadership is not a one-size-fits-all model. By cultivating awareness, integrating wellbeing practices, and leveraging individual strengths, organizations can create a culture that is both high-performing and human-centric.
A Vision for Resilient, Human-Centric Workplaces
Dr. Barua’s work is a roadmap for leaders seeking to build authentic, resilient, and inclusive organizations. She combines rigorous research with practical strategies to empower leaders to act with intention, foster meaningful engagement, and support women in leadership roles. Her message is clear: when leaders invest in authenticity, well-being, and the human potential of their teams, everyone benefits.
In today’s complex business landscape, Dr. Barua’s insights serve as a timely reminder that leadership is not just about managing tasks—it’s about inspiring people, nurturing growth, and embedding a culture of resilience and care at every level. By prioritizing human-centric leadership and leveraging individual strengths, organizations can thrive while cultivating workplaces where people feel valued, empowered, and motivated to succeed.
For more insights into Banya Barua’s approach to authentic and collaborative leadership, and to explore her programs for executives and organizations, visit her professional platforms:
EsseMC Pty Ltd: https://www.essemc.com/
MyCoach-ee Pty Ltd: https://mycoach-ee.com/
