Abstract
This study aims to shed light on authentic leadership traits in women leaders within India’s automobile Industry and their influence towards building allies with co-workers in creating an inclusive workplace. The study would contribute to the large body of literature on leadership and growing studies on gender perspectives on authentic leadership. This paper engages by looking into a comparative perspective, first from the angle of the women leader and second from the angle of the co-worker. Using narrative research techniques, in conjunction with in depth interviews, activities, and focus groups, this study seeks to establish the enablers, list the barriers, by focusing and bringing into surface the informal spaces experienced by women leaders and how authentic leadership traits influence co-workers in creating an inclusive workplace within the organization. The paper looks into the intrinsic factors which would be used as enablers in developing women into leadership roles.