Pushpa Bhaskar

This month we’re highlighting WPFN Member Pushpa Bhaskar, business manager for Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.

What Leadership style do you find to be most successful and why?
Personally, I find inspirational leadership style in government service the most successful because it builds trust, motivates public servants, and fosters a culture of accountability and innovation. When leaders inspire rather than dictate, they cultivate a shared sense of purpose, encouraging individuals to go beyond routine duties and contribute meaningfully to the public good. This leadership style enhances morale and collaboration, even in challenging or resource-constrained environments. Moreover, inspirational leaders are often effective communicators who can unite diverse communities and stakeholders around common goals, making  government policies more impactful and sustainable. Ultimately, their ability to lead with vision and integrity drives long-term success in public services.

What is a challenge that you had in your career and how did you overcome it?
Managing and working with different personalities effectively is an ongoing challenge. To work with different personalities effectively requires emotional intelligence, active listening, and adaptability. Every individual brings unique strengths, communication styles, and work habits to a team. Recognizing these differences is key to building strong relationships and fostering collaboration. A good leader creates an inclusive environment where each personality type feels valued and understood, adjusting their approach to meet individual needs without compromising team goals. By promoting open dialogue, setting clear expectations, and encouraging mutual respect, leaders can turn diverse personalities into a powerful asset, driving creativity, problem-solving, and overall team success.

What are your favorite ways to relieve stress and/or decompress?
One of my favorite ways to relieve stress during the workday is to step outside for a quick walk. It gives me a chance to clear my head, breathe in some fresh air, and take a mental break from whatever is piling up. Even just a few minutes away from the screen helps me to feel more refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of the day with a better attitude. Having a sense of gratitude to all the blessings in my life makes me focus on the positive aspects of life and sets my mood to be at calm and at peace. Regular meditation and deep breathing exercises has immensely helped me to stay grounded and relaxed. Volunteering has helped me realize that I am much happier when I give my time and resources without expecting any returns.