Sandeep Mahal is the Interim Co-Executive Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company(RSC). With over 20 years of experience in the arts, literature, and libraries sector, Sandeep joined the RSC’s Senior Leadership Team as a Leadership Associate (Executive) in January 2022.
She comes from a humble background where her parents immigrated from Punjab, and settled in Derby finding employment opportunities in the foundries, where they worked tireless labour-intensive shifts. Growing up, she was immersed in a tight-knit South Asian community comprised of immigrant families and despite financial limitations, this upbringing had a huge impact on her.
Sandeep has held diverse leadership roles and beyond that, she currently serves on the advisory board of Warwick Arts Centre and the boards of Women's Prize Trust, World Book Day, and Jaivant Patel Dance Company.
Can you share with us your journey into the world of art and theatre?
My journey began with a deep passion for reading and books. We did not own any books at home, but the local library was conveniently close to my house and I immersed myself in borrowing and reading books. Leaving school with few qualifications, I attended university much later, as a mature student and a mother. I landed my first job as a library assistant in a mobile library. Working in this role, I fell accidentally and passionately in love with the work of libraries. My passion for making a difference grew from working in multicultural communities with significant social deprivation and limited cultural opportunities. I strongly believe in the transformative power of literature and storytelling to foster understanding and empathy among people. My personal experience with reading inspired me to bring literature to communities and empower them to utilise library services effectively.
In your opinion, what are some of the most significant barriers that women still face in the theatre industry today?
I believe the main barriers lie in the lack of opportunities for women in the industry. While we have many skilled women, they often struggle to find the support, mentorship, and nurturing needed to advance. There indeed is a growing number of mentors and sponsors willing to help, but the challenge lies in connecting them with aspiring women. Platforms like the one Asian Voice is creating on International Women's Day are essential for fostering ongoing conversations about women's issues and breaking down barriers. It's crucial to consistently centre women's voices and address the challenges they face. Personally, I've been fortunate to negotiate flexible working arrangements that accommodate my family responsibilities. However, not everyone has this privilege, and employers need to be more open to flexibility to attract and retain talent.
As a woman in a leadership role within the theatre industry, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
For me, it's about courage. As a South Asian woman, navigating an honour and shame-based culture, the stakes were high. While we're more progressive now, there was a time when those stakes were even higher. It can be challenging for those outside my culture to grasp the significance of honour and shame. The idea of choice becomes complex in such restrictive circumstances. Initially, there was tension between my cultural expectations and my aspirations when I entered the daunting world of publishing and the arts. Coming from a background where I didn't know anyone in those fields, it was intimidating, especially in an industry so different from what I was accustomed to. What made the difference was taking a leap into an unknown industry and the embrace and support I received. Despite moments of impostor syndrome, I realised the importance of staying at the table and finding my voice. This journey taught me the value of nurturing environments that empower women to be authentic and confident in their own skin. It's about finding the courage to be yourself and speak up with influence, even in spaces where you feel like you don't belong. Women need to have the platform and opportunities to be their authentic self.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to leadership roles in the arts and theatre industry?
My advice would be to practice, practice, practice. I've invested so much in self-development. Going to university after marrying young was my way of seeking education and the hunger to learn grew within me. The more I practised, the more confident I became. So don't be afraid and just go for it. Do the things you really want to do. Consider how you can practice and seek out opportunities to do so. Only through learning and doing will you gain confidence. Additionally, I've been fortunate to benefit from mentorship by other women. I've also mentored other women, and I understand the value of finding the right mentor. It's about shared values and finding someone who can help you achieve your goals. Seek out mentors and be generous with your time, skills and knowledge, especially with the next generation of leaders who give hope for the future. We must make the most of the opportunities we have.
