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Leading with Grace and Grit
An Inspiring Story of Mithali Raj and Lessons for
Women Leaders in Internal Auditd
team with distinction. Under her captaincy, India
Introduction reached the finals of two Women’s Cricket World
Cups, signaling the rise of women’s cricket on the
In the world of sports, stories of extraordinary global stage.
women leaders abound—women who have not
only excelled in their respective fields but also Mithali’s leadership style is often described as quiet
shattered stereotypes, inspired generations, and yet powerful. She leads by example, demonstrating
led with remarkable courage and determination. strategic thinking, composure under pressure,
One such story is that of Mithali Raj, the and an inclusive approach that motivates her
legendary captain of the Indian women’s cricket teammates. Her ability to stay focused and inspire
team. Her journey from a young girl with a others through challenges has been pivotal to her
passion for cricket to becoming one of the most team’s successes.
successful women’s cricketers globally is a tale of
perseverance, leadership, and breaking barriers.
Overcoming Barriers: Lessons in
While sports and corporate domains like Resilience
Internal Audit (IA) may seem vastly different, the
leadership qualities and lessons from Mithali Raj’s Mithali’s journey was not without obstacles. When
journey resonate deeply with women professionals she began, women’s cricket in India lacked funding,
in IA. This article delves into her inspiring media attention, and professional opportunities.
story and connects it with the challenges and There were societal stereotypes that questioned
opportunities women leaders face in the Internal the place of women in competitive sports. Many
Audit profession today. It aims to motivate and young girls gave up on their dreams due to these
empower women in IA to lead with confidence, challenges.
resilience, and a vision for transforming their
field. Yet, Mithali persevered. She adapted by honing
her skills, maintaining mental toughness, and
Mithali Raj: The Making of a Cricket embracing continuous learning. Her career is a
Legend testament to the power of resilience — the ability
to face setbacks, learn from failures, and keep
moving forward.
Mithali Raj was born in 1982 in Jodhpur,
Rajasthan. From an early age, she showed a keen For women leaders in Internal Audit, Mithali’s story
interest in cricket, a sport traditionally dominated underscores the importance of resilience. Like
by men in India. Encouraged by her family, women athletes breaking into male-dominated
Mithali pursued her passion despite limited arenas, women in IA often face subtle biases, the
infrastructure and social expectations. Starting challenge of proving their capabilities repeatedly,
her international career at just 16, she was thrust and the pressure to balance professional and
into a world where women’s cricket struggled for personal responsibilities.
recognition and support.
Resilience becomes a critical trait — whether it
What sets Mithali apart is not just her cricketing is handling complex audit challenges, navigating
skills but her unwavering dedication and calm organizational politics, or pushing for leadership
leadership. Over a career spanning more than two roles. It is the ability to persist with integrity
decades, she became India’s highest run-scorer in and confidence that helps women leaders create
women’s international cricket and led the Indian lasting impact in their organizations.
55 INTERNAL AUDIT TODAY
