medium_1772179774262.jpg

small_1772179774262.jpg

thumbnail_1772179774262.jpg

1772179774262.jpg

From choosing independence to shaping people-first cultures — Roopashree’s journey is one of courage, clarity, and conscious growth.

<p style="margin-left:0px;">Namitha Gangaram began her career with a deep curiosity about people. With a background in psychology, she chose recruitment as her entry point into the professional world, seeking to understand human behavior in real organizational contexts. Over time, she discovered the broader influence HR can have — not just on individuals, but on culture, leadership, and business outcomes. This realization led her into strategic HR roles and eventually to SmartSoC, where her focus evolved from “doing HR well” to actively shaping people-first cultures, enabling leaders, and building workplaces where individuals and organizations can grow together.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>1. Background &amp; Career Path</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">I started my career as a recruiter because I wanted to gain deeper insight into people. With a background in psychology, I was keen to apply those learnings in my professional journey. Over time, I realized that HR has the power to truly influence people, culture, and business outcomes.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">This motivated me to move into broader, strategic HR roles and eventually led me to SmartSoC. My goals have evolved from simply “doing HR well” to actively “shaping culture, enabling leaders, and creating workplaces where people can grow.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>2. Challenges &amp; Overcoming Them</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">Like many women in tech-driven environments, I often had to put in extra effort to ensure my voice was heard. One significant challenge I faced early in my career was leading a complex organizational restructuring. Balancing empathy with business priorities not only tested my resilience but also taught me the importance of transparent communication and thoughtful decision-making.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>3. Achievements &amp; Milestones</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">I’m most proud of building strong, people-first cultures. At SmartSoC, a key milestone was streamlining our hiring, HR, and onboarding processes. This made us faster, more efficient, and enabled us to attract niche semiconductor talent. It also helped build a strong talent pipeline at Forum, contributing to both organizational growth and individual career milestones.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>4. Work-Life Balance</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">Work-life balance means working in a way that doesn’t let stress affect your health or personal life. It’s about enjoying your work in a manner that brings relaxation to your mind and heart. For me, balance also involves setting boundaries and learning to prioritize. I’ve learned to delegate and trust my team. My advice: don’t feel guilty about taking care of yourself—you can only support others when you’re well..</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>5. Mentorship &amp; Support</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">Mentors and support have played a huge role in my journey. They pushed me into opportunities I might have doubted myself for. For women, especially, sponsorship is a game changer—someone advocating for you in the rooms you aren’t in.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">I also received tremendous guidance from the SmartSoC leadership team, who supported me in running my role effectively and navigating challenges. I’ve learned the importance of paying it forward by mentoring others, creating opportunities for growth, and providing a safe space where team members feel confident to take risks and voice their ideas. Empowering others to take initiative, providing constructive feedback, celebrating achievements, and fostering strong networks are central to my approach.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>6. Diversity &amp; Inclusion</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">The landscape has improved—more women are entering tech, and companies are taking inclusion seriously. But there is still work to be done. Inclusion needs to be real, not symbolic. Leaders must be accountable for creating safe, fair, and equitable workplaces.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">I believe true inclusion goes beyond policies—it’s about fostering a culture where everyone feels heard, valued, and empowered to contribute. This includes mentoring diverse talent, providing equal growth opportunities, addressing unconscious bias, and ensuring representation at all levels of the organization. Creating forums for dialogue, celebrating different perspectives, and actively listening to employee experiences are also key to building a genuinely inclusive environment.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>7. Advice for Young Women</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">Don’t hold back. Speak up, ask for opportunities, and build your network early. Remember: confidence grows with experience, so keep showing up and stretching yourself.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Seek mentors and sponsors who can guide you and advocate for you. Embrace challenges they are the fastest way to learn and grow. Learn to negotiate for yourself, whether it’s for projects, promotions, or compensation. Build resilience, and don’t fear failure it’s part of the journey. Finally, support other women along the way; lifting others strengthens the entire community.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>8. Future Legacy &amp; Inspiration</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">Leadership is a journey, not a destination, and learning every day from every person is both important and essential for being an effective leader. True leadership is not defined by a designation it is reflected in how an individual approaches their work, drives impact, and fosters growth in themselves and others.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Going forward, I want to build leaders and shape people strategies that are future-ready. I hope to inspire younger women by demonstrating that empathy and strong leadership can coexist and that women belong in every room where decisions are made. We need to focus on<span style="background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0);font-family:-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, &quot;Fira Sans&quot;, Ubuntu, Oxygen, &quot;Oxygen Sans&quot;, Cantarell, &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><strong>Developing Self-Leadership</strong>,<span style="background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0);font-family:-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, &quot;Fira Sans&quot;, Ubuntu, Oxygen, &quot;Oxygen Sans&quot;, Cantarell, &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><strong>Leading Others Effectively, Continuous Learning,</strong><span style="background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0);font-family:-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, &quot;Fira Sans&quot;, Ubuntu, Oxygen, &quot;Oxygen Sans&quot;, Cantarell, &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><strong>Fostering Inclusive Cultures and ,Promoting Women in Leadership:</strong></p><p style="margin-left:0px;">What defines Namitha’s journey is her belief that leadership is rooted in empathy, accountability, and continuous learning. From navigating complex organizational change to building efficient, inclusive people systems, she has consistently balanced business needs with human impact. Strong mentorship, meaningful sponsorship, and supportive leadership have shaped her approach — and today, she is committed to paying that forward by creating safe spaces, empowering others, and fostering inclusive cultures.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">As she looks ahead, Namitha’s focus remains on building future-ready people strategies and inspiring more women to step confidently into leadership — proving that empathy and strong leadership not only coexist, but strengthen one another.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Thank you.</p>

medium_1769773843236.jpg

small_1769773843236.jpg

thumbnail_1769773843236.jpg

1769773843236.jpg

From understanding people to shaping culture — Namitha Gangaram’s journey reflects the real power of thoughtful HR leadership

<p style="margin-left:0px;">Anantshayana M Sanjeev’s journey reflects the power of steady learning and lived experience. Inspired early on by the stories of India’s IT pioneers, he pursued engineering with the belief that technology could offer both opportunity and purpose. Entering the workforce during the uncertainty of the global financial crisis, he began his career with persistence and adaptability — working night shifts, teaching alongside his job, and learning from leaders who shaped his approach to work and leadership. Over the past 15 years, his path has evolved through multiple organizations, global exposure, and complex projects, leading to deep expertise in supply chain analytics, business intelligence, and continuous learning.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">What follows is Anantshayana M Sanjeev’s complete spotlight — his answers, reflections, and experiences in his own words.A detailed look into his career, challenges, learnings, and growth journey.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>1. Background and Career Path</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to your current career path?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">I hail from a rural area that likely had a population of less than 5,000 around the year 2000, which has now grown to approximately 10,000. I left my village to pursue higher education in Hubballi and later moved to Belgaum for engineering studies. I was fortunate to be born into a well-educated, middle-class family that provided me with a solid foundation for my academic journey. I began my career around 2007-2008 and faced numerous challenges in securing a job due to the global financial crisis. However, I eventually got placed in Mysore. Over the course of 15 years, I have worked with four different companies, gaining valuable experience by interacting with diverse people, traveling abroad, and contributing to multiple projects.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What were your initial goals when you started your career, and how have they evolved?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">During my 9th grade years, around 1998-1999, I dreamed of becoming a software engineer. At that time, the inspiring success stories of Infosys, Wipro, and especially the remarkable journeys of Sir Narayana Murthy and Mrs. Sudha Murthy had a profound impact on me. Their achievements motivated me to pursue engineering and aim for Bangalore to start my career in software. When I arrived in Bangalore, I realized just how vast and dynamic the world is. Bangalore has given me an excellent life, both in terms of financial stability and the opportunity to meet amazing people.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>2. Challenges and Overcoming Them</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What significant challenges have you faced in your career, especially as a man in your field?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">The biggest challenge I faced was just before starting my career, during the global financial crisis when jobs were scarce. I have a passion for teaching, perhaps because both my parents are teachers, and I did some part-time work teaching computer science subjects at a college in Mysore. I began my career in Mysore working a night shift job. Despite facing difficulties such as low pay and working nights, I had the opportunity to meet some remarkable leaders, with whom I am still in touch and continue to learn from. Later, I moved to Bangalore for better career opportunities and am currently working in a Fortune 500 semiconductor company.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- Can you share a specific instance where you had to overcome a significant obstacle or setback?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">One of the most interesting—and challenging—parts of my life has been overcoming a significant obstacle: I used to stammer, and there were times when I would completely stop speaking because of it. I have always been someone who enjoys interacting and talking with people, and I am passionate about teaching—a skill I take pride in. Coaching others has always been a dream of mine, and I am confident in the value of what I teach. But how could I achieve this if I struggled to speak clearly? To overcome this, I started practicing by attending seminars and occasionally speaking on stage. Over time, I gained confidence and managed to conquer this challenge. Today, I am able to conduct sessions on my subjects for large audiences. Recently, I was invited to Christ University on Bannerghatta Road to deliver a session on stock market investment and trading strategies, and I was also honored to serve as a judge at one of their annual events.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>3. Achievements and Milestones</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What achievements are you most proud of in your career?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">I don’t yet consider myself a great achiever in my career because I measure myself against leaders who have achieved remarkable success. However, when I compare my journey—coming from a small village—with some of my friends there who are still struggling for a better life, I feel truly blessed by God’s grace. Alongside my IT job, I am deeply passionate about learning the stock market. This has become an exciting field for me to explore and experiment with the limited capital I have. I see tremendous potential here to achieve financial freedom. I even had the opportunity to speak on NDTV Profit about one of my successful investments—RVNL—which grew from 25 to 625, becoming a multibagger in my personal portfolio. This experience has given me great confidence to continue learning and exploring further. I am fully committed to this journey.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- Is there a particular project or initiative that you believe significantly impacted your career or your organization?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">I have worked in supply chain analytics at GENPACT and currently at Western Digital, where I believe I have made valuable contributions in the field of SCM Business Intelligence. One of the toughest challenges I faced was managing the SCM analytics projects during the company split when Western Digital divided into Western Digital and SanDisk. It was a demanding period, but I personally ensured that the transition went smoothly when we went live—and thankfully, it did.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>4. Work-Life Balance</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- How have you managed work-life balance throughout your career, and what advice would you give to others struggling with this?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">Work-life balance is a nuanced and personal experience that varies from person to person. I consider myself fortunate to work at one of the most ethical companies, Western Digital, which offers great workplace flexibility. I also feel lucky to have strong support from my family. While there are times when work-life balance feels off, I try to stay calm and trust that things will eventually settle down—in most cases, they do. Over time, I’ve learned—and continue to learn—the importance of letting things go sometimes. My advice for those struggling with work-life balance is to research companies with good ethical practices before accepting a job. When faced with a choice between a good workplace and higher pay, I recommend choosing the workplace. It’s important to accept that we can’t have everything in life and to find happiness with what we have. Of course, we should always strive to grow and improve, but not at the cost of destabilizing our lives.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>5. Mentorship, Sponsorship &amp; Support</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- Have you had mentors, sponsors or supporters who significantly influenced your career? How did they help you?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">I received invaluable mentorship and support from my first company’s (Theroam India Pvt Ltd , Mysore)&nbsp; co-founder and Managing Director, Mr. Chandrakant B.N., along with the dynamic leader Mr. Harsha Melanta. Their dedication to helping employees grow into leaders—encouraging us to take on greater responsibilities and lead teams—was truly inspiring. Many of my former colleagues have now reached CXO-level positions, and some have even started their own ventures. They guided me professionally to develop my leadership skills and effectively manage teams and projects.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- How important do you think mentorship, sponsorship and support is in career development, especially for women?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">Mentorship, sponsorship, and support are essential for anyone’s growth. Experienced experts share their knowledge and guide us in a simple, clear way, which is crucial for effective learning. Making complex things easy to understand is not simple, and having good mentors can truly transform our lives. As a lifelong learner, I continuously seek out great leaders who can mentor and support me, either directly or indirectly.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>6. Diversity and Inclusion</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What do you believe companies can do better to support diversity and inclusion in the workplace?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">I firmly believe that greater diversity leads to a healthier workplace and boosts productivity. A balanced representation of genders creates a positive environment that benefits the entire organization. I have personally witnessed this in both my previous and current companies. The best approach any organization can take is to provide opportunities to women based on merit and capabilities, not merely on gender. Throughout my life, I have seen many successful women entrepreneurs who have achieved remarkable results. Giving the right opportunities should always be merit-based, as gender alone should never determine access to responsibility or growth.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>7. Advice and Insights</strong></h2><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What advice would you give to young women starting their careers in your field?.</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">I have met many young women students and witnessed their enthusiastic desire to learn and achieve great things in life. Women today are showcasing their talents and capabilities on the global stage like never before. To all young women starting their careers—the world eagerly awaits your valuable contributions. Embrace the opportunities ahead and give your best.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- Are there any resources (books, courses, networks) you recommend to professionals aspiring to grow in your industry?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">Yes, absolutely. The first platform that comes to mind is the BAGGGEL Foundation, an excellent place to connect with inspiring leaders. I personally encourage the women I meet to explore, evaluate, and join such dynamic platforms where they can learn from real-world experiences and develop their leadership skills.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">I strongly encourage women to start thinking seriously about managing their finances and funds, an aspect I’ve noticed is often overlooked by many women I’ve met. Exploring the world of stock markets, listening to expert podcasts, and reading books on investment, personal finance, and trading can be incredibly empowering. Gaining financial literacy is a crucial step toward independence and security, and I urge women to explore the opportunities to take control of their financial future.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>8. Future legacy &amp; Sisterhood</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- Looking forward, what goals or objectives do you have for the next phase of your career?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">I am passionate about two things: data analytics and equity market trading/investment. I plan to continuously add value in both areas and elevate my skills to the next level. Specifically, in data analytics, I intend to learn AI and explore how it can enhance my career growth in this field, as well as improve my trading efficiency in the equity market.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- How do you hope to influence or inspire the next generation of women in your field?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">Lead by example. I believe in the English proverb, “Practice what you preach.” If the next generation is to be influenced, it should be through my actions rather than my words. That’s what I’m focusing on, and I hope to do justice to this responsibility by inspiring the next generation in a genuine way.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>9. Personal Growth and Learning</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- Can you share a lesson or piece of wisdom you've learned that has significantly influenced your personal or professional life?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">I live by the formula: Yesterday &lt; Today &lt; Tomorrow. This means striving to make daily progress in areas that contribute to my personal and professional growth. To achieve this, I read, watch podcasts, attend seminars, and connect with like-minded people every day.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- How do you approach continuous learning and staying updated in your field?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">The formula remains the same: Yesterday &lt; Today &lt; Tomorrow. Keep learning every day because the moment you stop learning, your wisdom stops growing.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>10. Impact and Contribution</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What impact do you hope to leave on your industry or community?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">I sincerely aspire to leave a meaningful legacy in my industry and community by leading through example and sharing valuable lessons with everyone connected to our field and community.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>11. Being CEO Ready</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What are top 3 skills or experiences that you believe are important for women to be CEO Ready?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">There are three key elements for success: first, domain or technical knowledge in our field; second, our individual character and behavioral traits; and third, a strong and meaningful network. Domain and technical expertise form the foundation, as they enable effective work and skill leverage. Trust, built through consistent character, is a vital asset that opens up valuable opportunities. Additionally, being part of a like-minded network allows for the exchange of meaningful opportunities and the ability to strike better deals.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What is next big step in your life to being CEO Ready?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">I see taking calculated risks as the next significant step in my life. I have a few plans ready to execute, and I am fully aware of the risks and rewards involved. I will share more details when the time is right, but for now, I am actively working on them.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>12. Experience with BAGGGEL</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- How has being a member of BAGGGEL impacted or added value to your career or personal growth?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">The Bagggel Foundation has significantly contributed to both my career and personal growth. Through this network, I have had the opportunity to connect with Directors, VPs, and CEOs across the corporate sector, gaining valuable insights that I can apply to my professional development. On a personal level, the support from Bagggel members helped me secure membership to the IIM Bangalore library, aiding my plans to pursue further management education from reputed institutions. This journey is ongoing, and I am confident I will continue to receive support from the Bagggel community. Additionally, I have benefited greatly from their regular Firechat events and in-person mixers like Quantly, which provide continuous learning and networking opportunities.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- Can you share a specific experience or aspect of BAGGGEL membership that has been particularly influential for you?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">One of the best experiences for me has been the quarterly mixer events, where I had the chance to meet several IT leaders and gain practical, executable lessons. I firmly believe that in-person meetings have an edge over online interactions, and I’m glad that Bagggel prioritizes these gatherings. Another highlight is their annual event held every April, which is truly fantastic. It provides a unique opportunity to connect with GCC leaders ranging from Directors and Senior Directors to VPs and CEOs. Overall, these events have been a great and enriching experience.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">What stands out in Anantshayana’s story is not just where he has worked, but how he has grown — overcoming personal challenges, embracing lifelong learning, and leading through example rather than words. Guided by the principle Yesterday &lt; Today &lt; Tomorrow, he continues to invest in his craft, explore equity markets with curiosity and discipline, and build meaningful networks. His experience with BAGGGEL — through in-person mixers, firechats, and shared learning — reinforces his belief in the value of community, mentorship, and authentic connections. As he looks ahead, Anantshayana remains focused on thoughtful risk-taking, continuous growth, and creating impact that is steady, meaningful, and rooted in integrity.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Thank you.</p>

small_1766474892422.jpg

thumbnail_1766474892422.jpg

1766474892422.jpg

Built on learning, shaped by experience, and driven by continuous growth — Anantshayana M Sanjeev’s journey.

medium_1763741251214.jpg

small_1763741251214.jpg

thumbnail_1763741251214.jpg

1763741251214.jpg

From Google Map Maker to Indihood — Leya’s journey spans 197 countries and millions of users

<p style="margin-left:0px;"><i><strong>Coming from a humble background, Neelam learned early the value of education and perseverance. Her love for mathematics led her to pursue engineering at NIT Allahabad, setting the foundation for a successful career in the telecom and networking industry. Over the years, she has grown from developing core features to leading diverse teams, discovering along the way her true passion for leadership, mentorship, and creating inclusive workplaces. Today, she continues that journey at Broadcom — where technical excellence meets empathetic leadership.</strong></i></p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>1. Background and Career Path</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">I come from a humble background and realized the value of education early on. My love for&nbsp;Mathematics made engineering a natural choice, and after completing my B.E. from NIT Allahabad, I began my career in the telecom industry, developing features for telecom and networking products. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with several leading tech companies and now continue my journey with Broadcom.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Along the way, I discovered a passion for leadership and&nbsp;management, which steered me toward engineering leadership roles. Today, I get to blend my&nbsp;technical expertise with leadership skills to influence product strategy and positively impact people’s lives. What drives me is solving problems, creating meaningful experiences, and fostering growth—making this journey truly fulfilling.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>2. Challenges and Overcoming Them</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">One of the key challenges in my career has been navigating the biases I faced as a woman. In the&nbsp;early years, I often felt the need to constantly prove my capabilities and work harder to earn the&nbsp;same level of trust and recognition. Many a time I had to state openly that women's jobs are as&nbsp;important as men’s. While it wasn’t easy, these experiences built my resilience and pushed me to&nbsp;grow as an inclusive leader. Over time, I learned to turn challenges into opportunities—by building&nbsp;confidence, seeking allies, and supporting other women in their journeys. Looking back, those&nbsp;hurdles not only shaped my career but also strengthened my commitment to inclusive leadership.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">I once had a conversation with my manager about career growth, and he discouraged me, saying that as a woman it would be too stressful and difficult to balance work and family—even adding that women can’t handle pressure. While those words were disheartening, I chose to stay persistent.&nbsp; Eventually, I earned the promotion, and in time, the same manager acknowledged and appreciated my leadership.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>3. Achievements and Milestones</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">I’m most proud of the journey that took me from a humble background to leading engineering teams in top tech companies. Building innovative products in the telecom and networking space has been&nbsp; rewarding, but what I value most are the opportunities I’ve had to mentor people, create inclusive&nbsp;teams, and see others grow under my leadership. Turning challenges into milestones — whether it&nbsp;was earning promotions despite biases or driving impactful projects — makes me feel grateful and&nbsp;proud of how far I’ve come.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Leading DEI initiatives to promote gender equity was a defining moment in my career. By mentoring women and introducing inclusive practices, we helped many step into leadership roles and created a culture where everyone feels valued. It was inspiring to see the tangible impact and grow as a leader in the process.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>4. Work-Life Balance</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">Early in my career, I struggled to juggle long work hours with personal life, and it felt overwhelming at times. Over time, I learned the importance of setting clear boundaries, prioritizing tasks, delegating when possible, and not trying to be a superwoman—asking for help and making time for what truly matters outside of work. Having allies and a supportive team made a big difference. Today, I see&nbsp; work-life balance as an ongoing journey—or rather, work-life integration.&nbsp;My advice to others is to be mindful of your time, focus on what you can control, and remember that balance isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a rhythm that works for you.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>5. Mentorship, Sponsorship &amp; Support</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">I didn’t have mentors early in my career, but I quickly realized how valuable they can be. Mentors&nbsp;provide guidance, perspective, and encouragement—helping navigate challenges and make informed decisions. While I relied on allies for support, having mentors and sponsors can accelerate growth,&nbsp;open doors, and offer insights that are hard to gain on your own. Mentorship is very important for&nbsp;women—it helps break barriers, gives fresh perspectives, and boosts confidence.&nbsp;Sponsorship takes it a step further by opening doors and supporting skill and career growth. Both&nbsp;together can make a real difference in someone’s journey.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>6. Diversity and Inclusion</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">Over the years, I’ve seen things improve a lot for women in tech—more opportunities, more&nbsp;visibility, and more recognition for what we bring to leadership and innovation. Seeing more women in leadership has also inspired others to step up. But there’s still work to do, and biases remain.&nbsp;I believe companies can do better by creating inclusive policies, addressing gender biases, offering&nbsp;mentorship and sponsorship programs, ensuring fair opportunities for growth, and fostering a&nbsp;culture where diverse voices are genuinely heard. When people feel supported, everyone&nbsp;grows—and that’s when the workplace really thrives.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>7. Advice and Insights</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">My advice to young women starting their careers is to believe in your abilities, be curious, don’t be&nbsp;afraid to take on challenges, grab the opportunities that come your way, and don’t wait to be 100%&nbsp;ready for that opportunity. Find your allies, have mentors, ask for guidance &amp; help when needed, and remember that setbacks are part of the journey—they are stepping stones that help you grow.&nbsp;As for resources, I recommend connecting with professional networks and communities like Women in Tech, LeanInCircles, etc.; following people you admire; and exploring books or courses on both&nbsp;technical skills and leadership. Continuous learning, building networks/relationships, and staying&nbsp;Confidence is key to long-term growth.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>8. Future legacy &amp; Sisterhood</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">Looking ahead, my goal is to continue growing as an inclusive and empathetic leader while driving&nbsp;meaningful impact through the products and teams I work with. I also want to focus on mentoring&nbsp;and creating opportunities for the next generation of women in tech, helping them build confidence, navigate challenges, and step into leadership roles. If I can make it a little easier for others to&nbsp;navigate the challenges and feel supported, then I feel I’m truly making a difference.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>9. Personal Growth and Learning</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of persistence, a never-quit attitude, and&nbsp;treating setbacks as stepping stones i.e. every setback is an opportunity to grow. Professionally, it has helped me to take risks, lead with confidence, and keep pushing forward even when things get&nbsp;tough.&nbsp;For continuous learning, I try to stay curious and proactive. I follow industry trends, take relevant courses, read HBR and LinkedIn articles, attend webinars, and engage with communities in my field. Staying open to new ideas and constantly learning helps me adapt and keep growing, both personally and professionally.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>10. Impact and Contribution</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">I hope to leave a positive impact by helping create a more inclusive and supportive environment.&nbsp;Whether it’s through mentoring, championing diversity, or driving innovative projects, I want to&nbsp;inspire others—especially women—to pursue leadership roles and reach their full potential. If my&nbsp;A journey can motivate someone else to thrive, then I feel I’ve made a difference.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>11. Being CEO Ready</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">I believe the top three skills for women to be CEO-ready are strong leadership and decision-making,&nbsp;the ability to build and inspire high-performing teams with empathy, and strategic thinking with a&nbsp;clear vision for the business. Alongside these skills, experiences like handling complex projects,&nbsp;Navigating ambiguity, and learning from challenges are equally important.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">For me, the next big step toward being CEO-ready is continuing to expand my leadership&nbsp;impact—taking on bigger strategic initiatives, mentoring future leaders, and creating meaningful&nbsp;outcomes for both the business and the people I work with.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>12. Experience with BAGGGEL</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">Being a member of BAGGGEL has been incredibly enriching for my career and personal growth. It&nbsp;provided a supportive community where I could learn from peers, share experiences, and gain fresh perspectives on challenges and opportunities.&nbsp;One experience that stands out is participating in close circles within BAGGGEL—hearing diverse&nbsp;stories, exchanging ideas, and seeing how others navigate their careers has been truly inspiring. It&nbsp;has helped me grow as a leader and reinforced the importance of supporting and uplifting other&nbsp;women in their journeys.&nbsp;These questions are designed to delve into various aspects of your career and personal growth,&nbsp;offering a comprehensive view of your journey and the lessons you’ve learned along the way.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Neelam’s story embodies what it means to grow through challenges and lead with empathy. Her journey — marked by persistence, purpose, and a deep belief in equity — continues to inspire women in technology to believe in their abilities and claim their space at the table. Through her leadership, mentorship, and inclusive vision, she reminds us that when one woman rises, many others find the courage to follow.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Thank You.</p>

medium_1761568599496.jpg

small_1761568599496.jpg

thumbnail_1761568599496.jpg

1761568599496.jpg

From being told leadership was “too stressful” to leading at Broadcom — Neelam Batra’s journey defines resilience and inclusion

<p style="margin-left:0px;"><i><strong>From her first steps at Infosys in 2004 to leading large-scale ERP implementations and pursuing her MBA, Priyanka Mehrotra’s journey spans over two decades of growth, resilience, and continuous learning. She has worn many hats—consultant, leader, student, mentor, and mother—each role adding a new dimension to her story. Whether navigating global clients at Tech Mahindra, exploring the depths of retail at JCPenney, or embracing new perspectives through Proxima360 and Giant Eagle, Priyanka’s path reflects a balance of ambition, adaptability, and empathy.</strong></i></p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>1. Background and Career Path</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">I started my career journey in 2004 as an Associate at Infosys. We had 3 months of strict training at the Mysore campus, which remain some of the most memorable moments of my life—especially traveling to the USA. After 4 years, it was time to bid goodbye to Infosys, and I joined Oracle. At Oracle, I learned how a product is built and packaged, then moved to Tech Mahindra, which gave me the opportunity to travel and work for clients like Groupe Dynamite, Topshop, and Abercrombie &amp; Fitch.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Post my tenure at Tech Mahindra, I decided to stay with JCPenney, where I learned a lot about the retail industry and experienced the culture of GCC. My awakening call came during my tenure at Proxima360, when I decided to pursue an MBA. I joined Giant Eagle and was later awarded my degree. In 21 years, I have grown both as a person and as a professional.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>What were your initial goals when you started your career, and how have they evolved?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">When I started my career, my goals were very short-lived, but as I grew, they expanded and gained wings. I feel pursuing an MBA gave me a mission and vision in life.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>2. Challenges and Overcoming Them</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>What significant challenges have you faced in your career, especially as a woman in your field?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">The challenge every woman faces in her career is gender bias. Although I have never personally experienced it, I have seen many such incidents happening around me, which makes me feel that “Beti Padhao, Beti ka Bhavishya Ujwal Banao” is the need of the hour.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>Can you share a specific instance where you had to overcome a significant obstacle or setback?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">The major setback I faced was during my tenure at Tech Mahindra, when I was asked not to travel to Montreal because I was expecting my baby. Although I felt frustrated, I quickly understood that it was for my own good that I stayed back.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>3. Achievements and Milestones</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>What achievements are you most proud of in your career?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">Each career move is a gem in my crown, but the biggest achievement in my career has been completing my MBA. I come from a background where my mom and my sister are both PhD holders, and now my next move is to enroll for a PhD and complete it.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>Is there a particular project or initiative that you believe significantly impacted your career or your organization?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">The ERP implementation at JCPenney significantly impacted me, giving me immense learning and leadership qualities.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>4. Work-Life Balance</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>How have you managed work-life balance throughout your career, and what advice would you give to others struggling with this?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">There is no such thing as work-life balance. Still, I managed to handle both my work and my life with my darling daughter, with help from my family. My advice to others is not to try to “balance” work and life together—let them go in parallel, like two tracks of a railway line.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>5. Mentorship, Sponsorship &amp; Support</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>Have you had mentors, sponsors, or supporters who significantly influenced your career? How did they help you?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">I do have a few mentors in my life, and they have helped shape my career. All I can say is that mentors are the guiding torch in your life, but in the end, you need to be clear about your path and have faith in it.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>How important do you think mentorship, sponsorship, and support are in career development, especially for women?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">All three are very important, especially for women. They help you define yourself and your career path. The sisterhood feeling is a must in today’s world—let’s all grow and learn together.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>6. Diversity and Inclusion</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>In your experience, how has the landscape for women in your field changed over the years?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">The landscape for women has definitely changed from the time I started my career until today. But we still have far to go, and I believe women should stand for women—along with their male allies.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>What do you believe companies can do better to support diversity and inclusion in the workplace?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">The best way to promote diversity in the workplace is by showing empathy toward women—whether they are young mothers, single mothers, or single women trying to find their place. Supporting them in their journey is key.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>7. Advice and Insights</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>What advice would you give to young women starting their careers in your field?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">The only advice I would give young women is to have control of your career and finances. Never stop learning—knowledge is vast. Work on your personal brand and believe in the power of sisterhood and womanhood.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>Are there any resources (books, courses, networks) you recommend to professionals aspiring to grow in your industry?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">What helped me was my MBA course. I highly recommend executive courses from IIMB, ISB, or IPL, and lots of networking.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>8. Future Legacy &amp; Sisterhood</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>Looking forward, what goals or objectives do you have for the next phase of your career?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">My goal for the future is to help more girls and women grow in their careers. I am planning to launch a platform where like-minded women can mentor and guide girls fresh out of college, handhold them, and train them as they grow in their careers.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>How do you hope to influence or inspire the next generation of women in your field?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">I don’t consider myself an influencer, but I would say this to all women: “Don’t underestimate your power. Keep the knowledge torch on and be the phoenix of your life.”</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>9. Personal Growth and Learning</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>Can you share a lesson or piece of wisdom you’ve learned that has significantly influenced your personal or professional life?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">The piece of wisdom I keep sharing is: keep learning and be confident in what you do—both personally and professionally. No one is born perfect. Imperfection has its own uniqueness.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>How do you approach continuous learning and staying updated in your field?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">Continuous learning is the need of the hour. Talk to people, learn from their journeys, and seek help whenever you feel you are losing confidence in yourself. We are the game-changers of the world.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>10. Impact and Contribution</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>What impact do you hope to leave on your industry or community?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">The impact I hope to leave in the community is to have empathy, to enjoy others’ growth, and to keep reminding everyone that learning never stops.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>11. Being CEO Ready</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>What are the top 3 skills or experiences that you believe are important for women to be CEO Ready?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">The three most important things women should have are:</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Never let self-doubt overpower you. Having some doubt is fine, but never drown in it.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">The world is tough, so bring a flavor of empathy into it.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Learn from your peers and juniors, seek advice when in doubt, and remember—you are a superwoman, but with one power. Have a lending hand from other superwomen around you.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>12. Experience with BAGGGEL</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>How has being a member of BAGGGEL impacted or added value to your career or personal growth?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">BAGGGEL has been a blessing for me. Although I have only been a member for a few months, it already feels like home. The Mixer sessions add a different dimension to my personal life and learning. I look forward to many such sessions in the future.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>Can you share a specific experience or aspect of BAGGGEL membership that has been particularly influential for you?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">The last session by Nirupma on Powerfulife was an eye-opener. It helped me discover my strengths, and now I am able to channel them better in my growth journey.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">As she looks ahead, Priyanka is determined to create a platform that mentors and uplifts young women entering the workforce—passing on the lessons of resilience, sisterhood, and self-belief that have shaped her own career. For her, BAGGGEL has already been “a blessing,” offering a community where learning and growth go hand in hand. Her message to all women is clear:<span style="background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0);font-family:-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, &quot;Fira Sans&quot;, Ubuntu, Oxygen, &quot;Oxygen Sans&quot;, Cantarell, &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><i>“Don’t underestimate your power. Keep the knowledge torch on and be the phoenix of your life.”</i></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><i>Thank you.</i></p>

medium_1759169610223.jpg

small_1759169610223.jpg

thumbnail_1759169610223.jpg

1759169610223.jpg

Priyanka Mehrotra: From Infosys to Retail Leadership — Resilience in Setbacks, Strength in Sisterhood, and Power in Learning

large_1755856214286.jpg

medium_1755856214286.jpg

small_1755856214286.jpg

thumbnail_1755856214286.jpg

1755856214286.jpg

<p style="margin-left:0px;">“When you meet someone who’s led innovation across continents, launched India’s first rice-based whiskey, and navigated factory floors—often as the only woman in the room—you pause, listen, and learn. With over 17 years of experience across the US, Europe, Australia, and ASLA, this award-winning global leader has driven transformation across the supply chain, innovation, and sales in some of the world’s most complex industries. But beyond the business outcomes and global programs, what stands out most is her belief in lifting others as she climbs—and her unwavering conviction that ambition should be celebrated, not silenced, for women everywhere.”</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>1. Background and Career Path</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to your current career path?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">Award-winning Global Leader with over 17.5 years of experience in the consumer goods/FMCG and retail industries across the US, Europe, Australia &amp; ASLA within Supply chain, Innovation &amp; Sales. Recognised for managing capital projects, including greenfield and brownfield developments, and launching new products using the stage-gate process. Proven expertise in building Centres of Excellence within GCC formats, optimising end-to-end operations, fostering cross-functional teams, and driving continuous improvements. Demonstrated success in delivering multimillion-dollar savings through innovative solutions and process enhancements</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What were your initial goals when you started your career, and how have they evolved?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">I began my career as an executive in the GCC within the sales function. Over the years, I have grown organically while also making deliberate career moves to step into leadership roles within Supply chain &amp; Innovations managing operations on a global scale. These roles evolved as I got more curious to know things end to end and raised hands to experiment by doing many pilots. Many of roles I did recently were 1st of its kind &amp; then bloomed into wider teams</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>2. Challenges and Overcoming Them</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What significant challenges have you faced in your career, especially as a woman in your field?</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- Can you share a specific instance where you had to overcome a significant obstacle or setback?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">Leading older or more experienced team members as a young female professional often comes with resistance, especially in traditionally male-dominated fields. Challenges include overcoming biases, gaining credibility, and ensuring team alignment. The key to success lies in demonstrating expertise, fostering collaboration, and leading with confidence while respecting the team's experience. By focusing on results, building trust, and maintaining a clear vision, I was able to navigate these dynamics and drive meaningful impact</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>3. Achievements and Milestones</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What achievements are you most proud of in your career?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">Launched India’s 1st rice based whiskey “ Epitome Reserve” which was the 1st of its kind for industry in record time. It was launched in 95 days, the fastest launch in the history of Diageo India. This product received several awards including “Best Malt Whiskey of the Year.” best new product of the year. My name is mentioned on each bottle as an honour.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>4. Work-Life Balance</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- How have you managed work-life balance throughout your career, and what advice would you give to others struggling with this?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">Balancing work and personal life has been an evolving journey, especially while managing a demanding career and pregnancy &amp; post maternity phase. I am learning&nbsp; to prioritise effectively, set boundaries, and delegate where possible. Leveraging support systems—both at work and home—has been crucial in ensuring I stay focused on what matters most.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">My advice to others struggling with work-life balance is to be intentional about their time, communicate their needs openly, and embrace flexibility without guilt. It’s important to recognise that balance isn’t about perfection but about making conscious choices that align with personal and professional priorities.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>5. Mentorship, Sponsorship &amp; Support</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- Have you had mentors, sponsors or supporters who significantly influenced your career? How did they help you?</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- How important do you think mentorship, sponsorship and support is in career development, especially for women?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">Mentors, Sponsors have been extremely important &amp; they have played a very crucial role in my journey right from building my confidence, providing me opportunity to shine, giving me key projects, speaking/recommending me in a room in my absence. I can't be where I am if I had not met them</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>6. Diversity and Inclusion</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- In your experience, how has the landscape for women in your field changed over the years?</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What do you believe companies can do better to support diversity and inclusion in the workplace?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">There are efforts done in this area to change &amp; Improve landscape for women. Over the years, I’ve seen the landscape shift—though not uniformly—when it comes to women in supply chain, manufacturing, and transformation leadership. When I started, it was rare to see women on factory floors, managing Greenfield , in engineering conversations, or leading multi-country transformation programs. Today, that’s changing. There’s more visibility, more advocacy, and more examples of women in supply chain roles.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">However, progress is uneven. While representation has improved at entry and mid-levels, the transition to senior leadership still sees a drop-off. I’ve personally navigated situations where I was the only woman in the room, and over time, I’ve also had the opportunity to mentor and sponsor other women stepping into operational and strategic roles. The narrative is evolving—but we still have ground to cover</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>7. Advice and Insights</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What advice would you give to young women starting their careers in your field?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>Balance is Not Perfect—It’s Personal</strong><span style="background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0);font-family:-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, &quot;Fira Sans&quot;, Ubuntu, Oxygen, &quot;Oxygen Sans&quot;, Cantarell, &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><strong> </strong></span>Especially for women, questions around balance come up early and often. I’ve managed large programs while raising two children, including a toddler. It wasn’t always perfect—but it was purposeful. Know that your definition of balance may evolve, and that’s okay. What matters is that you build support systems at work and home and be kind to yourself along the way.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>Lift as You Climb</strong><span style="background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0);font-family:-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, &quot;Fira Sans&quot;, Ubuntu, Oxygen, &quot;Oxygen Sans&quot;, Cantarell, &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><strong> </strong></span>As you grow, bring others along—especially women who may be navigating the same doubts or challenges you faced. One woman’s voice in the room can open the door. A few can shift the culture.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>8. Future legacy &amp; Sisterhood</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- Looking forward, what goals or objectives do you have for the next phase of your career?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">My focus is on leading high-impact programs that not only deliver business outcomes but also build internal transformation muscle—empowering cross-functional teams, integrating digital solutions, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">I also want to shape the<span style="background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0);font-family:-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, &quot;Fira Sans&quot;, Ubuntu, Oxygen, &quot;Oxygen Sans&quot;, Cantarell, &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><i>people's side</i><span style="background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0);font-family:-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, &quot;Fira Sans&quot;, Ubuntu, Oxygen, &quot;Oxygen Sans&quot;, Cantarell, &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span>of transformation. Change doesn’t succeed through systems alone—it requires belief, behavior shifts, and trust. That’s where I want to leave a lasting mark.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>9. How do you hope to influence or inspire the next generation of women in your field?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">I hope to lead by example. I want women to see that it’s possible to lead multi-site projects, drive transformation across geographies, and still be present for their families. That you can be strategic<span style="background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0);font-family:-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, &quot;Fira Sans&quot;, Ubuntu, Oxygen, &quot;Oxygen Sans&quot;, Cantarell, &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><i>and</i><span style="background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0);font-family:-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, &quot;Fira Sans&quot;, Ubuntu, Oxygen, &quot;Oxygen Sans&quot;, Cantarell, &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span>empathetic. I want women to know: you don’t have to trade off ambition for balance.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">I actively mentor young women, and I want to expand that—by creating forums, reverse mentoring circles, and development pathways tailored for women in frontline and technical careers.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Most importantly, I want to normalise ambition—without guilt. If I can help the next generation believe that they<span style="background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0);font-family:-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, &quot;Fira Sans&quot;, Ubuntu, Oxygen, &quot;Oxygen Sans&quot;, Cantarell, &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><i>don’t have to choose</i><span style="background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0);font-family:-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, &quot;Fira Sans&quot;, Ubuntu, Oxygen, &quot;Oxygen Sans&quot;, Cantarell, &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span>between career growth and personal fulfilment, that would be a legacy I’d be proud of</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>9. Being CEO Ready</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What are the top 3 skills or experiences that you believe are important for women to be CEO Ready?</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What is the next big step in your life to being CEO Ready?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>Enterprise Thinking &amp; Strategic Agility</strong><span style="background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0);font-family:-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, &quot;Fira Sans&quot;, Ubuntu, Oxygen, &quot;Oxygen Sans&quot;, Cantarell, &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><strong> </strong></span>A CEO must see the whole chessboard—understand how decisions in one part of the business ripple across finance, people, operations, and culture. I seek roles that cut across silos, manage complexity, and tie operational performance to long-term value creation.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>Resilience with Empathy</strong><span style="background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0);font-family:-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, &quot;Fira Sans&quot;, Ubuntu, Oxygen, &quot;Oxygen Sans&quot;, Cantarell, &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><strong> </strong></span>The best CEOs don’t just deliver under pressure—they do it while holding the human side of leadership. Women often bring natural emotional intelligence to the table, but the challenge is to pair that with resilience, clarity in tough moments, and the ability to rally people through ambiguity.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>Result Ownership and Influence Beyond Authority</strong><span style="background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0);font-family:-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, &quot;Fira Sans&quot;, Ubuntu, Oxygen, &quot;Oxygen Sans&quot;, Cantarell, &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><strong> </strong></span>Ultimately, a CEO must drive results. Having larger business impact,&nbsp; leading large teams, or delivering transformation at scale are critical. But equally important is influencing across ecosystems—boards, governments, unions, customers—without formal control. That’s the mark of readiness.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">For me, the next big step is moving into a<span style="background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0);font-family:-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, &quot;Fira Sans&quot;, Ubuntu, Oxygen, &quot;Oxygen Sans&quot;, Cantarell, &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><strong>global transformation leadership role</strong><span style="background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0);font-family:-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, &quot;Fira Sans&quot;, Ubuntu, Oxygen, &quot;Oxygen Sans&quot;, Cantarell, &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span>where I can drive strategic change at enterprise scale. I want to be at the helm of building agile operating models, shaping people strategies, and influencing the broader business direction.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">I also see this upcoming phase as a time to sharpen my<span style="background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0);font-family:-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, &quot;Fira Sans&quot;, Ubuntu, Oxygen, &quot;Oxygen Sans&quot;, Cantarell, &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><strong>boardroom exposure</strong>, strengthen commercial acumen.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">“In her journey of driving enterprise-level transformation, strengthening organisational capabilities, and mentoring the next generation—she reminds us of what’s possible when purpose, performance, and empathy intersect. At BAGGGEL, we’re proud to spotlight women like her who redefine leadership not just by what they build, but inspire the people around them to dream bigger, lead bolder, and rise together.”</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Thank you.</p>

Supriya: From Greenfield Projects to strategic leadership — Building Systems, Leading People, and Championing Balance

<p style="margin-left:0px;"><i><strong>Bindya Narayan’s journey spans continents, cutting-edge technologies, and leadership at the highest levels — but at its heart, it’s a story of speaking up, staying adaptable, and lifting others as she rises. From starting as a network software engineer and diving headfirst into new fields like Hadoop and OpenDaylight, to becoming a trusted leader, mentor, and diversity advocate, Bindya’s path has been shaped by curiosity, resilience, and continuous learning. She knows firsthand the challenge of walking into a room where you’re the only woman — and she’s turned those moments into fuel for growth, innovation, and creating space for others to thrive.</strong></i></p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>1. Background and Career Path</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to your current career path?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">I did my Bachelors in Computer Engineering from Mumbai University and worked with Patni (iGate) for a few years and went on to do Masters in Computer Science with a specialization in Networking and Computer Security from Portland State University, USA. I worked with Intel Corp. for almost 12 years in the USA and for 4 years in India in the Networking Division.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What were your initial goals when you started your career, and how have they evolved?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">I started as a Network Software Engineer writing tools for the Network Adapter (NIC) and moved on to being the team lead, project lead, project Manager and Engineering Manager. My goal has always been to move ahead and learn new technologies on the way. When HADOOP was all new, I dove right into it, and learnt and designed and programmed a performance tool. Followed by ODL (OpenDaylight), Openstack, VNF (Virtual Network Functions) and so on. All these were absolutely new in the industry and I started from scratch and became an expert in these.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>2. Challenges and Overcoming Them</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What significant challenges have you faced in your career, especially as a woman in your field?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">This incident dates back to several years ago when I was new and I entered a meeting only to find 22 men in the meeting and I was the only woman in there. I was completely quiet in that meeting and learnt to speak up after that one meeting.&nbsp; I have had a very supportive work environment especially having raised two children while working full-time. Sometimes, we are the ones that limit our own selves by bringing in the mother’s guilt, questioning our own capability, etc. We need to rid ourself of these to rise.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- Can you share a specific instance where you had to overcome a significant obstacle or setback?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">Frankly, on the work front, I have dealt with a lot of obstacles and set-backs, but none of them were because I was a woman.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>3. Achievements and Milestones</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What achievements are you most proud of in your career?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">Hadoop Big data – spearheaded the effort at Intel&nbsp; -Designed and implemented a tool to optimize network configuration settings in a HADOOP/Open Stack environment, enabling performance improvements for 10G and higher speed NICs. This tool was used by other teams in Intel, notably PCSD’s IDF demo. HADOOP was completely new at that time. And I was very happy that I could help contribute to this effort.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- Is there a particular project or initiative that you believe significantly impacted your career or your organization?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">The OpenDaylight (ODL) Project - Provided the first Intel patch committed upstream to ODL by fixing a critical error in the OVSDB project and helped integrate OpenStack with ODL, and demonstrated the ODL controller managing Open vSwitch. Open Source Contributor to ODL OVSDB MD-SAL(Model Driven SAL) Project and DPDK enablement.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Established credibility for Intel in the ODL community by submitting the first patch accepted in the ODL community.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>4. Work-Life Balance</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- How have you managed work-life balance throughout your career, and what advice would you give to others struggling with this?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">Work-life balance is essential. I always remember this, “You will not see your children growing up again. So, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity”. I have always had a good work-life balance and I am very thankful to all my managers for this.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">One advice:</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">“Work hard, but ensure you spend time with, and for the family and society as well.”</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>5. Mentorship, Sponsorship &amp; Support</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- Have you had mentors, sponsors or supporters who significantly influenced your career? How did they help you?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">Yes, I have had multiple supporters throughout my career. A few names pop into my head right away. My manager supported me thoroughly during the first few months when my child was very little. This helped me immensely as I was able to contribute in the same manner before this life changing event in my life. I have had mentors from different groups with whom I have worked to gain an understanding of what they do and guided me through the initial stages, which helped me transition to the next phase in my career.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Many managers have said this, “You have the empathy and leadership skills to lead.”</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">These positive words have helped me move forward.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- How important do you think mentorship, sponsorship and support is in career development, especially for women?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">Mentorship is essential for everyone, irrespective of men or women. It gives them a different perspective and lets them think beyond what they think they can achieve. I have myself mentored many people throughout my career.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>6. Diversity and Inclusion</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- In your experience, how has the landscape for women in your field changed over the years?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">Yes, it definitely has. From being one of the two women in a conference room of 25 men, we grew to 8. I see many women as managers and top leaders.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What do you believe companies can do better to support diversity and inclusion in the workplace?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">I have myself led the diversity and inclusion program at Intel, where if I have found the right talent, I have got them on board in our diverse teams. Many Companies already have programs in place.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>7. Advice and Insights</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What advice would you give to young women starting their careers in your field?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">Please stay strong and work to the best of your ability and grow in your path technically. Be aware of the latest in your field and keep upgrading your skills. “Do not quit.”</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- Are there any resources (books, courses, networks) you recommend to professionals aspiring to grow in your industry?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">There are many that I have read in the last few years.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">“Lean In” – Sheryl Sandberg</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Coursera has a lot of courses on leadership.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Networks – Women in Engineering</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>8. Future legacy &amp; Sisterhood</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- Looking forward, what goals or objectives do you have for the next phase of your career?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">My primary goals are to deepen my expertise in my field, take on more leadership responsibilities, and contribute to high-impact projects that align with my values. I'm also interested in mentoring others and helping build a strong, collaborative team culture"</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- How do you hope to influence or inspire the next generation of women in your field?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">I hope to inspire the next generation of women by leading with confidence, and resilience. By sharing my experiences—including the challenges I’ve faced and how I’ve overcome them. We can succeed without compromising who you are. I aim to be supportive, and approachable, offering mentorship and creating safe, inclusive spaces for women to grow.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">I want to encourage women to pursue leadership roles, take risks, and advocate for themselves and each other.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>9. Personal Growth and Learning</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- Can you share a lesson or piece of wisdom you've learned that has significantly influenced your personal or professional life?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">Speak up for that recognition that you deserve. Speak up for the work that is solely yours. During appraisal, do not shy away from speaking directly and finding out how you can grow in your career.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Do not quit an organization because of your current team or manager. Explore.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- How do you approach continuous learning and staying updated in your field?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">Please keep yourself up to date with the latest courses in your field. Make sure you keep some time aside for these. This will help with self-growth.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>10. Impact and Contribution</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What impact do you hope to leave on your industry or community?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">I hope to leave a lasting impact by driving positive change—whether through innovation, mentorship, or advocacy for equity and inclusion. I want to be known as someone who not only delivered results but also uplifted others and helped create a more collaborative, ethical, and forward-thinking environment. In my community, I currently give back by supporting education, especially for underprivileged groups. I want to continue doing what I do and more, with empathy, and excellence.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>11. Being CEO Ready</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What are the top 3 skills or experiences that you believe are important for women to be CEO Ready?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">&nbsp;</p><ol><li>Resilience and Adaptability - Women must be able to navigate adversity, handle pressure, and adapt quickly while staying grounded in their values and not compromising on their style of leading. I have observed that this is the quality that takes them to the top.</li><li>Communication and being present in high-level-meetings: Women must build the confidence, clarity, and the ability to influence stakeholders at every level. We must be able to clearly speak about the vision that we have and be able to inspire others. The ability to say “No” is also something to learn early-on.</li><li>Strategic Decision-Making: The ability to think long-term, analyze complex data, to be able to decide which project should be scrapped (for the right reasons) -These are tough decisions, but it is very important that these be conveyed strongly. CEOs need to balance vision with execution. That is the core.</li></ol><p>&nbsp;</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What is the next big step in your life to being CEO Ready?</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">The next big step for me is expanding my leadership scope—taking on roles that require high-level strategic oversight, cross-functional collaboration, and decision-making with broader impact.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">I'm focused on building a strong executive network, and continuing to seek out mentorship from experienced leaders. These steps will ensure I’m not only ready for a CEO role, but positioned to lead with vision, resilience, and purpose.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>12. Experience with BAGGGEL</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- How has being a member of BAGGGEL impacted or added value to your career or personal growth?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">Being a member of BAGGGEL has been incredibly valuable to my growth. It’s given me the opportunity to collaborate with diverse, high-performing individuals, expand my perspective, and strengthen my leadership and communication skills.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- Can you share a specific experience or aspect of BAGGGEL membership that has been particularly influential for you?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">. I’ve learned how to navigate complex group dynamics, influence certain decisions. It has connected me with people from various backgrounds and has boosted my confidence to march ahead.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">At BAGGGEL, we’re proud to walk alongside members like Bindya — women who don’t just navigate the complexity of their industries, but actively shape them for the better. Her journey reminds us that leadership isn’t just about technical achievements or climbing the ladder; it’s about showing up with empathy, building strong networks, and making sure the next generation has a clearer, more inclusive path.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Thank you.</p>

medium_1752735578326.jpg

small_1752735578326.jpg

thumbnail_1752735578326.jpg

1752735578326.jpg

Bindya Narayan: From Quiet Engineer to Industry Influencer — Leading With Resilience, Innovation, and a Commitment to Lifting Others

small_1751268556055.jpeg

thumbnail_1751268556055.jpeg

1751268556055.jpeg

<p style="margin-left:0px;"><i><strong>Swetha Chakravarthy’s journey is one of quiet determination, fearless pivots, and a deep belief that success is never a solo climb. She walked away from the family legacy of law to carve her own path in engineering, learning early on that textbooks couldn’t teach her what the real world could.</strong></i></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><i><strong>She’s faced boardrooms where her leadership was recognized, led teams that didn’t always welcome her at first, and built trust not with words but with results. From helping Intel launch its first edge platform to drawing strength from her daughter on hard days, Shweta’s story is proof that progress comes in small, committed steps — and that true leadership is about leaving the door open for others to follow.</strong></i></p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>1. Background and Career Path</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">I pursued my engineering degree in Electronics and Communication, though my original aspiration was to become a lawyer. I come from a highly accomplished family of lawyers and bureaucrats, but I made a last-minute, impulsive decision to shift to engineering. However, I quickly realized that traditional education didn’t align with my learning style—I thrive on understanding the practical applications of what I study, something I found lacking in both school and college. This led me to focus more on self-learning rather than formal academics.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Initially, my career goal was financial independence, but as I progressed in my career, I discovered that my ability to continuously learn, understand people, and bring teams together was a unique strength. This realization propelled me up the corporate ladder faster than I had anticipated. In retrospect, my most valuable lessons didn’t come from any educational institution but from observing my father, my real-world experience and on-the-job learning.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>2. Challenges and Overcoming Them</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">When I enter a discussion, I don’t think about gender—neither my own nor anyone else’s. I focus purely on the value people bring to the conversation. What I’ve realized is that even if someone initially judges me based on gender, they eventually have to drop that perspective because I don’t engage with it. My approach has always been to assess and engage with ideas, not biases, and this has been one of my greatest strengths.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Luckily, I’ve also had the privilege of working with incredible senior leaders of both male and female who have guided me through difficult times, encouraged me, and pushed me to never give up. Of course, I’ve encountered situations where senior, traditionally-minded men have tried to strong-arm me in discussions, sometimes even when their technical knowledge and management perspectives were outdated. At the end of the day, what truly matters is focusing on the problem at hand and delivering results and it’s essential to surround yourself with supporters. The right people and the right culture make all the difference in sustaining success.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">It always amuses me how men supporting other men is an easier familiar choice than backing an unknown but capable alternative. This thankfully, is slowly but surely changing!</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>3. Achievements and Milestones</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">Throughout my career, I have followed opportunities that aligned with my interests, sometimes taking on roles that others might not have considered traditionally. These experiences have been incredibly enriching, and I have thoroughly enjoyed every role I’ve taken on. Whenever I find myself no longer excited about the work, I am honest with myself and move on. I don’t stick around just for money, there needs to be some other reason: although money is an important factor.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">What has truly excited me through all these transitions is building large organizations and fostering teams that trust and collaborate with each other—even when they didn’t start off easy. Many of my achievements stem from helping people grow and raising the bar for the organization in terms of business impact. I’ve found great fulfilment in earning the trust of teams that were initially resistant to change. Some of my most cherished experiences have come from joining organizations where I was unknown and, at first, unwelcome as a new leader, only to build strong long lasting relationships over time—many of whom are now valued colleagues and friends.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Beyond the people aspect, I also take great pride in my recent work, where I lead in developing Intel’s first edge platform—from strategy and go-to-market planning to launch. It was one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of my career.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>4. Work-Life Balance</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">I don’t believe there’s a fixed formula for work-life balance. Each of us has a set of priorities, and how we allocate our time among them varies from day to day. Some days, I may focus more on my career, while on others, I might prioritize being a mother, wife, citizen or homemaker, depending on the circumstances. There are also times when I take on the role of a student, dedicating time to learning and personal growth. Trick is to not feel guilty about discounting other roles while focusing on one. I’m still mastering that.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">To stay organized, I begin each day by listing what I want to accomplish across all aspects of my life. This approach helps me navigate my responsibilities effectively, ensuring that I give attention to the different roles I play while staying adaptable to the demands of each day.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>5. Mentorship, Sponsorship &amp; Support</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">In a large corporate ecosystem, it’s easy to feel lost or discouraged, and the challenges can be even greater for women. This is where mentors, sponsors, and supporters play a crucial role in helping navigate and advance in one’s career.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">I have been—and continue to be—fortunate to have many such mentors and supporters, to whom I am immensely grateful. These are the people I reach out to with heartfelt gratitude, every year during Thanksgiving, as they have guided me when I felt stuck and encouraged me to pursue my passions.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Among the many valuable pieces of advice I’ve received, one that has profoundly shaped my decisions—both professionally and personally—is: “If the future comes in conflict with the past, the future will always win.” This insight has helped me embrace change with confidence and make choices that align with growth and progress.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>6. Diversity and Inclusion</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">Over time, certain aspects of women’s experiences have evolved significantly, while others have remained largely unchanged. In some cases, transformation has been comprehensive, yet not necessarily for the better.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">On the positive side, I see a notable shift in the confidence, clarity, and self-assurance of young women today. They are more purpose-driven and actively support one another, fostering a strong sense of sisterhood and allyship—something that was far less prevalent when I started my career. This collective empowerment is a significant and encouraging development.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">However, challenges persist. Many enterprises still fail to adequately plan for maternity transitions, leading to reluctance in hiring young women and contributing to a leaky talent pipeline. Additionally, a longstanding issue remains unresolved: at the senior middle management and lower executive levels, large corporations often take on the characteristics of a boys’ club, reinforcing systemic barriers to women’s advancement.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>7. Advice and Insights</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">Cultivate a strong network of allies, including male allies. Research suggests that daughters who receive unwavering support from their fathers develop greater resilience and set higher standards in their personal and professional relationships. Similarly, women who have strong male allies are often better positioned for success because there are times when we may not fully recognize or navigate the nuances of systemic barriers of patriarchal nature, and having trusted allies can provide invaluable perspective and strategic guidance.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">One of my favorite books is Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles. This book offers profound insights into discovering one’s purpose. What makes it truly remarkable, much like the Bhagavad Gita for me, is its relevance across different stages of life—each reading unveils new layers of meaning, making it a valuable companion throughout one’s career journey.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>8. Future legacy &amp; Sisterhood</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">A career journey is long and full of ups and downs—something everyone experiences, but often even more so for women. Whenever I’ve felt exhausted or discouraged, I’ve looked to my daughter for inspiration. She reminds me why it’s important to keep going, to push just a little further, and to help create a future where what feels like an exception today becomes the norm. My goal isn’t just personal success—it’s about making sure women’s achievements in the corporate world are expected, not surprising.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>9. Personal Growth and Learning</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">My mentor once introduced me to the concept of the “Miracle of Commitment,” and it has stayed with me ever since. The moment you truly commit to something, clarity and focus follow, cutting through the distractions that might otherwise dilute your energy. And when you keep chipping away at your goal with consistency, success becomes a natural outcome.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">One of my favorite quotes, which ties beautifully into this idea, comes from Martin Luther King Jr.: “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving.” Progress doesn’t have to be massive every day—some days you’ll take big leaps, other days just small steps. But what matters is that you keep doing a little bit towards your goal, every single day. You deserve it!</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>10. Impact and Contribution</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">I want every girl to look at me and think, “If she could do it, I can too!” But more than that, I want them to see that I had fun along the way and brought my tribe with me. Success isn’t just about reaching the top—it’s about enjoying the journey and making sure no one has to climb alone.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>11. Being CEO Ready</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">The first step to being CEO-ready is understanding that no one is ever truly ready in the perfect sense. Leaders bring experience and strategy, but every company has its own unique DNA and success formula. If you wait until you feel fully prepared, you might wait too long.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">For senior women, building strong professional networks is just as critical. Not just peer groups or cohorts, but real networks—people who trust you, who are willing to stake their reputation to bring you into a CEO role. Just as importantly, who will follow you, believe in your vision, and join you in driving your next big mission? These are the questions every aspiring leader should consider.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">They’re certainly on my mind.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>12. Experience with BAGGGEL</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">Being CEO ready and my thoughts about it are a great Segway to why I joined Bagggel. I love the 3Gs and how Bagggel helps in bringing powerful women from across industries to weave this strong network. It really empowers my belief that “Success isn’t just about reaching the top—it’s about enjoying the journey and making sure no one has to climb alone.”</p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>At BAGGGEL, we believe in stories like Swetha’s— stories that remind us why we do this work, why we build these networks, and why it matters to stand together. She teaches us that leadership isn’t about waiting to feel “ready” — it’s about showing up, staying the course, and making sure no one has to walk the path alone.</strong></p>

Swetha Chakravarthy: From Breaking Through Resistance to Building Unshakable Trust — A Journey of Leadership, Learning, and Lifting Others

<p style="margin-left:0px;"><i><strong>Eshaa Patnaik’s career journey has been anything but predictable — and that’s exactly how she’s shaped her path. From an early start in HR, gaining confidence to push for approvals and liaise with global leaders, she made the bold shift into program/ Delivery management to keep growing and challenging herself.</strong></i></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><i><strong>Over the years, Eshaa has moved across roles, functions, and industries, embracing agility, resilience, and constant learning. She’s led transformation programs, turned around team performance, and managed multimillion-dollar revenue impact — all while figuring out how to balance career ambitions with home life. Her story is a real-life reminder that growth comes when you invest in yourself, take risks, and show up every single day, no matter what.</strong></i></p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>1. Background and Career Path</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to your current career path?</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What were your initial goals when you started your career, and how have they evolved?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">I started my career as an HR professional around 16 + yrs ago after completing my PGDBM . This after having dedicated 2 full yrs to preparation for Civils post my MA in Sociology.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">My stint in HR lasted exactly 5 years where I learnt to have the confidence to liaise with Global heads as an HR/ Recruiter and also to push for approvals. This came naturally to me as the role of an HR gives you that confidence and expectation.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">But I realized early on that to have long innings in an IT MNC and also to satisfy my passion toward professional growth , I decided to move into Project management. It is one role that gives you the opportunity to explore multiple skills like creativity, problem solving, agility, resilience, team management etc.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Through this role I realized there is so much more that I wanted to explore and was capable of. Also , working in large MNCs I got exposed to multiple roles, an open and flat organizational structure which welcomed anyone who was open to learn and explore.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">This led me to move into my next organization which gave me the opportunity to explore Agile project management as a Scrum Master. This again was something new and exciting and I left no stone unturned to give it my whole.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Though my career has been like a roller coaster ride so far ,finding balance between career and home; it has helped me understand organizations through changes, through new set ups and their unique cultures and challenges and much more.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">All these designed me for the next role of Program/Service delivery mgr in an IT product MNC. This has been a whirlwind where the learning and growth has been 360 degrees.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>2. Challenges and Overcoming Them</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What significant challenges have you faced in your career, especially as a woman in your field?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">Typically, as it is in the case of many women, I was expected to be ‘adjusting’ but that same nature is a drawback and was used to push me around.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>3. Achievements and Milestones</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What achievements are you most proud of in your career?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">The fact that I have navigated my career the way I had envisioned for myself right at the start. The learning and growth have been tremendous</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- Is there a particular project or initiative that you believe significantly impacted your career or your organization?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">There have been a few that have brought about transformation in me and my career—</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">&nbsp;</p><ol><li>leading the RPO program in my 1st organization successfully. This was also the 1st RPO for the organization.</li><li>front-ending with challenging BFSI customer requirements to improve overall CSAT</li><li>Turned around the team performance and improved SLA by incorporating best practices at every stage of the deployment.</li><li>Turning around PnL through good customer expectations management, streamlined hiring ,managed the technical issues at customer end and helped increase business revenue by 0.5Mn USD every quarter</li></ol><p>&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>4. Work-Life Balance</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- How have you managed work-life balance throughout your career, and what advice would you give to others struggling with this?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">It was not easy but gradually I have learnt to invest in house help so that my work is not hampered due to tasks which can be delegated to her which has in turn enabled me to grow. I have changed my mindset from ‘investing when I have’ to ‘investing to be able to gain’.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">I would advise women struggling in this area to start small in new investments (aka asking for help/appointing a help/daycare etc) and then consciously sharing evidence of the improvements in life through these small changes.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Also, sometimes it just helps to take the leap without thinking of the consequences . That in itself leads to personal growth/maturity.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>5. Mentorship, Sponsorship &amp; Support</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- Have you had mentors, sponsors or supporters who significantly influenced your career? How did they help you?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">I have never had any mentor/sponsor. Would love to have one.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- How important do you think mentorship, sponsorship and support is in career development, especially for women?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">It’s a game changer as I know how one can enjoy the growth journey and have quick learning and growth if you have a mentor /sponsor.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>6. Diversity and Inclusion</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- In your experience, how has the landscape for women in your field changed over the years?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">There has definitely been improvement but there is room for genuine respect</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What do you believe companies can do better to support diversity and inclusion in the workplace?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">Leaders must consciously work on ensuring an equal playing field and showing genuine respect for performers.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>7. Advice and Insights</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What advice would you give to young women starting their careers in your field?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">Please explore and take chances. Most importantly work on your confidence and presentation.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- Are there any resources (books, courses, networks) you recommend to professionals aspiring to grow in your industry?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">Work on having overall knowledge (tech/Politics/news/Social affairs) as that helps you standout. This also helps you connect more with seniors via meaningful/informative conversations and also helps you enjoy life in general.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>8. Future legacy &amp; Sisterhood</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- Looking forward, what goals or objectives do you have for the next phase of your career?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">I am still in the exploration mode but I wish it to be something around serious writing/mentoring /creating a niche for myself (self branding) /grow into a Sr director role in my space.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- How do you hope to influence or inspire the next generation of women in your field?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">I believe in ‘showing up’ daily- no matter what. That’s something that makes team members have faith in you. There are no shortcuts in life.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>9. Personal Growth and Learning</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- Can you share a lesson or piece of wisdom you've learned that has significantly influenced your personal or professional life?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">I was once told that someone who enjoys the mundane things in life is blessed. It helps to keep things in perspective and give your best.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Also, I try to incorporate knowledge, values and compassion in myself so that helps me takes the best decisions in every aspect of my life.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- How do you approach continuous learning and staying updated in your field?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">I observe and accept learnings from everyone. The fire for growth and to express myself keeps me motivated towards continuous learning.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>10. Impact and Contribution</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What impact do you hope to leave on your industry or community?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">To be able to showcase that in spite of massive role changes&nbsp; from backend roles to sales focused roles (HR to Project mgt to Technical team mgt to Sales&nbsp; focused delivery manager) and personal struggles, one can still navigate well and chart a growth chart for oneself.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>11. Being CEO Ready</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What are the top 3 skills or experiences that you believe are important for women to be CEO Ready?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">To believe that they are good enough</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">To conduct themselves with confidence</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">To be ready to take career risks</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- What is the next big step in your life to being CEO Ready?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">To identify my TG (target) in terms of women OR topics that I want to target and write about.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">I want to explore new areas and be the CEO of my life</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>12. Experience with BAGGGEL</strong></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>- How has being a member of BAGGGEL impacted or added value to your career or personal growth?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">I found the BAGGGEL team to be extremely humble, respectful and without doubt curating meaningful sessions on leadership. The topics and panel sessions were very effective /there was a lot of learning for everyone. It looks like a serious organization which wants to bring about change.</p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>-Can you share a specific experience or aspect of BAGGGEL membership that has been particularly influential for you?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;">I realized that BAGGGEL is purposeful and conducts sessions where they invite panel members who are industry leaders committed to growth and that gives a very good networking and learning opportunity to everyone.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">At BAGGGEL, we celebrate journeys like Eshaa’s — not just because of the milestones she’s hit, but because of the way she’s stayed true to her own design for growth. From investing in house help to free up space for career progress, to dreaming of writing, mentoring, and creating her personal niche, Eshaa shows that being CEO-ready isn’t about waiting for permission — it’s about boldly shaping the next phase of your own life.</p>

large_1748706291859.jpeg

medium_1748706291859.jpeg

small_1748706291859.jpeg

thumbnail_1748706291859.jpeg

1748706291859.jpeg

Eshaa Patnaik: Navigating Reinvention, Finding Balance, and Stepping Boldly Into Her Next Chapter

large_sreepriya.jpg

medium_sreepriya.jpg

small_sreepriya.jpg

thumbnail_sreepriya.jpg

sreepriya.jpg

<h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>At BAGGGEL, we celebrate the extraordinary journeys of women leaders whose resilience and visionary thinking inspire meaningful change. Today, we're delighted to feature Sreepriya a distinguished finance leader whose remarkable journey spans banking excellence, family office stewardship, and impactful mentorship. Driven by unwavering determination and a passion for purposeful wealth management, Sreepriya continues to shape the financial landscape while empowering the next generation of leaders. To dive deeper into her inspiring story, we invited her to share pivotal experiences, challenges overcome, and lessons from a career defined by courage and adaptability.</strong></h3><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>1. Background and Career Path</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to your current career path?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">My career began in 1997 with ICICI Bank, fresh out of college, at the Kochi branch. While my personal interest was in IT and solving the Y2K challenge, my parents believed banking was a great career for women and encouraged me to pursue it. Looking back, I am grateful for their guidance, as it led me to a fulfilling journey in finance. I was fortunate to have incredible mentors who trained me across various divisions, including retail and corporate banking, forex and trade, NRI services, Credit and finally transitioned to become a multi-faceted Private Banker. My strong foundation in banking and finance, shaped me as a leader and now happy in a company co-founded with my husband – Entrust Family Office.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Life took its course, and with marriage came multiple relocations—from Chennai to Bangalore and later to Delhi—following my husband’s career progression. Each move required me to take a personal request transfer, which, while accommodating, meant that I had to navigate challenges in career progression. Despite this, I continued to perform at a high level, taking on leadership roles and building a strong reputation in banking.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">My journey into the family office space was driven by a passion for helping families navigate wealth with purpose. With a strong background in finance and investment management, I found myself drawn to the nuances of multi-generational wealth, legacy planning, and impact-driven investing. Over time, my role evolved beyond wealth management to focus on empowering families with knowledge, fostering collaboration, and creating a lasting legacy beyond financial capital.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>2. Challenges and Overcoming Them</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>What significant challenges have you faced in your career, especially as a woman in your field?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">One of the most challenging phases of my career was in 2006 when I took up a branch leadership role at ICICI Bank while also being a mother of two year old. Balancing the demands of a high-performance role with the responsibilities of a mother was incredibly tough. I often left home by 7:45 AM and returned only by 8:45 or 9:00 PM. My daughter adapted to my schedule, spending time with me late at night and falling asleep only after 3 AM. While this allowed me precious moments with her, it also impacted my health due to sleep deprivation. However, like many working mothers, I embraced the challenge, ensuring I gave my best to both my career and family.</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>Can you share a specific instance where you had to overcome a significant obstacle or setback?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Another challenge came in 2008 when my husband’s promotion required us to move to Delhi. Although ICICI Bank was supportive of my personal transfer requests, these transitions inevitably impacted my promotions and career trajectory. Despite this, I remained committed to excelling in every role I took on, proving that perseverance and adaptability are key to long-term success.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Being in the financial industry, where leadership roles have historically been male-dominated, I encountered moments where I had to assert my voice, establish credibility, and navigate biases. One of the biggest challenges was earning trust in a field where relationships are deeply personal and long-term. Overcoming this meant continuously proving my expertise, being persistent, and demonstrating the value of a fresh perspective in wealth stewardship.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>3. Achievements and Milestones</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>What achievements are you most proud of in your career?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">One of the most significant milestones in my younger days was winning the&nbsp;President’s Award – Rashtrapati Puraskar for Girl Guides in year 1992. Coming from a small town in Kerala and a middle-class background, this achievement was a defining moment in my journey. Balancing my studies with Girl Guides instilled in me confidence, resilience, and the ability to thrive under challenges—qualities that have been instrumental throughout my career.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I still cherish the moment and the certificate honoured by&nbsp;Shri R. Venkataraman, the then President of India. This was followed by the&nbsp; Rajyapuraskar Award, felicitated by the&nbsp;Kerala Chief Minister&nbsp;during a special visit to my school. These experiences shaped my belief in&nbsp;all-round development, leadership, and perseverance, which continue to guide me in both my professional and personal life.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Leading high-performing teams and consistently delivering excellence in my banking career remain some of my proudest achievements.&nbsp; Me taking up my post-graduation studies with IIM Kozhikode during 2011 to 2013 and successfully completing with masters in strategy &amp; Finance was another great milestone for me.</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>Is there a particular project or initiative that you believe significantly impacted your career or your organization?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Transitioning into the family office space and being part of Entrust Family Office’s journey has been another significant milestone. Helping families navigate wealth with purpose, shaping investment strategies, and driving impactful conversations around legacy planning have been incredibly fulfilling aspects of my career.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">One of my proudest achievements is leading Entrust Family Office towards its 12th anniversary, creating a trusted ecosystem for families to grow beyond wealth. Another milestone has been organizing thought-leadership events, such as the Family Office Conclave, that bring together founders, next-gen leaders, and global experts to shape the future of wealth and purpose-driven investing.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>4. Work-Life Balance</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>How have you managed work-life balance throughout your career, and what advice would you give to others struggling with this?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Work-life balance is a continuous journey – a dynamic equation requiring constant adjustment, rather than a fixed goal. As a young mother and banking professional, I experienced first-hand the sacrifices and resilience required to manage both worlds. Over time, I learned that balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about prioritization, support systems, and embracing flexibility. My advice to women struggling with this is to set realistic expectations, seek help when needed, and remember that every phase of life demands a different approach. &nbsp;I’ve learned to prioritize effectively, delegate where necessary, and carve out time for personal well-being and family. My advice to others would be to set clear boundaries, embrace flexibility, and remember that balance looks different at various stages of life. &nbsp;It's important that as women we keep trying to make it good , make everyone happy, make whatever we do at our best ... .we will ensure we try and not be perfect! And this is the beauty!</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>5. Mentorship, Sponsorship &amp; Support</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>Have you had mentors, sponsors, or supporters who significantly influenced your career? How did they help you?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Mentorship has played a crucial role in my career. I’ve had the privilege of learning from industry veterans who shared invaluable insights and opened doors of opportunity. I have been fortunate to have mentors who guided me early in my career, shaping my leadership skills. Their advice, encouragement, and faith in my abilities helped me push through challenges. This has inspired me to pay it forward by mentoring young professionals, particularly women looking to build careers in finance and leadership.&nbsp; I strongly believe in paying this forward by mentoring fresh graduates and MBA students, emerging leaders at work place, and supporting networks that encourage women’s professional growth.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>6. Diversity and Inclusion</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>In your experience, how has the landscape for women in your field changed over the years?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">The financial sector has evolved significantly, with more women taking on leadership roles. However, there’s still work to be done in ensuring that women do not have to choose between career progression and family responsibilities. Companies can foster inclusivity by creating supportive policies, mentorship opportunities, and leadership pipelines that encourage long-term career growth for women.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>7. Advice and Insights</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>- What advice would you give to young women starting their careers in your field?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">To young women entering the finance or family office space, my advice is: “stay resilient, build strong professional relationships and deep expertise, and don’t hesitate to take up leadership roles”.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Challenges are inevitable, but every experience—whether smooth or difficult—contributes to personal and professional growth. Some resources I recommend include<span style="background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0);font-family:-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, &quot;Fira Sans&quot;, Ubuntu, Oxygen, &quot;Oxygen Sans&quot;, Cantarell, &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><i>Lean In</i><span style="background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0);font-family:-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, &quot;Fira Sans&quot;, Ubuntu, Oxygen, &quot;Oxygen Sans&quot;, Cantarell, &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span>by Sheryl Sandberg and professional &amp; sisterhood networks like Bagggel, CII IWN , TiE etc.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>8. Future Legacy &amp; Sisterhood</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>- Looking forward, what goals or objectives do you have for the next phase of your career?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I aim to continue shaping the next generation of family office leaders, advocating for responsible wealth, and expanding the impact of purpose-driven investing. By mentoring and creating collaborative platforms, I hope to inspire more women to take leadership roles in finance and legacy planning.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>9. Personal Growth and Learning</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>- Can you share a lesson or piece of wisdom you've learned that has significantly influenced your personal or professional life?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that success isn’t just about financial acumen—it’s about building trust, embracing adaptability, and fostering meaningful relationships.&nbsp; Growth comes from adaptability and continuous learning. Whether it was navigating career shifts due to family relocations or transitioning from banking to wealth management, embracing change has been critical to my success. I stay updated through global finance forums, leadership development programs, financial publications and industry thought leadership.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>10. Impact and Contribution</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>- What impact do you hope to leave on your industry or community?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I aspire to leave a lasting impact by driving conversations around wealth with purpose, sustainability, and long-term legacy planning. My goal is to bridge the gap between financial success and social responsibility.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>11. Being CEO Ready</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>- What are the top 3 skills or experiences that you believe are important for women to be CEO Ready?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">The three most important skills for being CEO-ready are:</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">1. Strategic Vision – The ability to think long-term and align business goals with purpose.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">2. Resilience and Adaptability – The ability to navigate uncertainties and pivot when needed.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">3. Leadership with Empathy – Building strong teams and fostering an inclusive culture.</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>- What is the next big step in your life to being CEO Ready?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">The next step in my journey is to scale Entrust’s influence in the Multifamily office space, and shaping thought leadership that drives meaningful change fostering more collaborations that drive meaningful impact.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>12. Experience with BAGGGEL</strong></h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>- How has being a member of BAGGGEL impacted or added value to your career or personal growth?</strong></h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">BAGGGEL has been a powerful platform for connecting with like-minded leaders, exchanging ideas, and fostering professional and personal growth. One of the most impactful aspects has been the opportunity to engage with inspiring women, not just in my financial world, but got the chance to meet many from diverse fields like IT, AI, HR manufacturing etc. who challenge norms and drive change in their respective industries. &nbsp;I enjoy the opportunity to exchange experiences and support fellow women professionals on their leadership journeys.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">As she continues to scale Entrust’s influence and advocate for responsible, legacy-driven wealth, Sreepriya’s journey is far from finished. With empathy as her compass and resilience as her strength, she is forging pathways for future women leaders—proving that true leadership is not merely about financial acumen, but about building trust, embracing adaptability, and shaping lasting legacies.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">At BAGGGEL, we’re proud to support and celebrate leaders like Sreepriya, whose stories illuminate the path forward for countless women seeking their own unique blend of success and purpose.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Thank you.</p>

From banking floors to family boardrooms, Sreepriya’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and purposeful wealth stewardship.

medium_shallu.jpg

small_shallu.jpg

thumbnail_shallu.jpg

shallu.jpg

<h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">To dive deeper into her inspiring journey, we asked Shallu a series of questions about her experiences, challenges, and vision—here are her insights.</h3><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">1. Background and Career Path</h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to your current career path?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I was born in a small town in Rajasthan and did my schooling in Nepal. Destined to marry at 16 and start a family, my parents defied societal norms by prioritizing my education. As a bright student, the expectation was to pursue engineering or medicine, but my passion lay in entrepreneurship and finance. Now, after 20 years in the field, I continue to enjoy my work and am a constant learner of the possibilities technology can enable in the finance function.</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">What were your initial goals when you started your career, and how have they evolved?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Initially, I aimed to establish myself in a stable finance role, breaking away from traditional expectations. Over time, my goals have evolved to focus on leveraging technology to drive financial innovation and mentoring other women to achieve financial independence.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">2. Challenges and Overcoming Them</h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">What significant challenges have you faced in your career, especially as a woman in your field?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Societal expectations often questioned my interactions with male classmates, assuming I might "elope" with one of them. Later, living in a Delhi hostel, concerns about my safety as a young woman were prevalent. Choosing a corporate career over traditional paths also brought skepticism.</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Can you share a specific instance where you had to overcome a significant obstacle or setback?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Despite societal pressures to pursue a traditional CA practice, I ventured into the corporate world, carving my unique path. Facing resistance and skepticism based on gender stereotypes, I used these challenges to strengthen my resolve, transforming obstacles into opportunities for growth.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">3. Achievements and Milestones</h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">What achievements are you most proud of in your career?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I take pride in consistently identifying opportunities for process improvement, leading to enhanced efficiency and reduced costs.</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Is there a particular project or initiative that you believe significantly impacted your career or your organization?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Leading an audit last year, we reviewed supplier payments made during COVID-19, identifying significant financial gaps and implementing corrective processes. This initiative not only safeguarded the organization's finances but also reinforced the importance of vigilance and continuous improvement.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">4. Work-Life Balance</h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">How have you managed work-life balance throughout your career, and what advice would you give to others struggling with this?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Achieving a healthy work-life balance has been a priority. Building a strong support system, delegating non-essential tasks, and establishing clear boundaries have been key strategies. Open communication with family members has also been instrumental in maintaining this balance.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">5. Mentorship, Sponsorship &amp; Support</h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Have you had mentors, sponsors, or supporters who significantly influenced your career? How did they help you?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">My parents instilled a "can-do" attitude, and choosing my life partner elevated my support system. During demanding times, such as long office hours, my partner took charge of our son's studies, allowing me to focus on my career. At work, I was fortunate to have leaders who believed in me, providing encouragement and opportunities for growth.</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">How important do you think mentorship, sponsorship, and support are in career development, especially for women?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">A strong support system is crucial, especially during challenging phases. Mentors and sponsors can provide guidance, pull you out of impasses, and elevate you to the next level.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">6. Diversity and Inclusion</h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">In your experience, how has the landscape for women in your field changed over the years?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">When I started, women working night shifts was taboo; now, parents take pride in their daughters' careers. While progress has been made toward a more equitable world, there is still work to be done.</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">What do you believe companies can do better to support diversity and inclusion in the workplace?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Recognizing that men and women are built differently is essential. Companies should understand that events like maternity leave are not statements on a woman's capability. Investing in women's growth, regardless of personal milestones, and creating a level playing field that respects life events are crucial steps toward true inclusion.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Shallu's journey exemplifies resilience, continuous learning, and the profound impact of a supportive network in overcoming challenges and achieving professional excellence.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">At BAGGGEL, we are proud to support leaders like Shallu, who are driving change and inspiring others through their resilience and determination. Together, we continue to break barriers, foster growth, and create a more inclusive future.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Here's to empowering dreams, one step at a time.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">We celebrate such inspiring journeys, where our members thrive as leaders and changemakers, overcoming challenges at every step.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Thank you.</p>

Leading with Purpose: Shallu's Impact on Financial Inclusion and Diversity

small_jh.jpg

thumbnail_jh.jpg

jh.jpg

<p style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><i>At BAGGGEL, we celebrate the exceptional journeys of women leaders who inspire change and make an impact. Today, we are delighted to feature Pooja Sachin, a trailblazing entrepreneur who has carved her path in the fields of Robotics, AI, and Coding, proving that passion and perseverance can turn challenges into opportunities.</i></p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>Pooja’s journey began with a deep curiosity for Electronics and Physics, which she channeled into founding Robomations in 2015. Starting with just ₹90,000</strong><span style="font-family:var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-family-sans);"> </span>earned from a summer camp, she defied societal norms and built an all-women organization that has transformed how students learn about technology. From operating out of her home for six years to establishing labs in schools and launching robotics kits, Pooja has constantly evolved her vision to reach thousands of students across Bangalore and beyond.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Her resilience is inspiring—whether overcoming financial and societal hurdles, adapting during the pandemic, or supporting other women in achieving financial independence. Pooja’s commitment to creating a platform for learning and growth is matched only by her determination to empower the next generation of innovators.</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">To dive deeper into her inspiring journey, we asked Pooja a series of questions about her experiences, challenges, and vision—here are her insights.</h3><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">1. Background and Career Path</h3><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to your current career path?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I am an Electronics and Communication Engineer by qualification. Since childhood, I have been curious and always driven towards Physics. During my academic journey, I discovered my passion for Robotics, Electronics, and Coding.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">When I started as an intern at a company named Electrono, I realized I could turn my passion into reality. This led me to found Robomations in 2015, a year after completing my degree in 2014.</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What were your initial goals when you started your career, and how have they evolved?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">My initial goals were to evolve into different business models and reach more students in Bangalore. Now, the vision has expanded to go nationwide with our upcoming vertical, offering kits to students to explore and learn more.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">From starting with just 130 students in 2015, we now have 7,000 students enrolled in our courses. This growth reflects our commitment to bridging the gap between industry needs and school curriculums through quality education in Robotics and Coding.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">2. Challenges and Overcoming Them</h3><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What significant challenges have you faced in your career, especially as a woman in your field?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">1) Lack of family support, as the expectation was to get married the year after graduation. Choosing to start a company led me to leave my parents' home at 22 with only ₹90,000 that I earned from a summer camp in 2015.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">2) No financial or emotional support from my family.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">3) Constant societal judgment, as people valued stories of success and money over stories of struggle.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I overcame these challenges with discipline. I understood that with discipline, anything could be achieved over time. Gradually, financial stability improved, and we now have an office after operating from home for six years.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I also envisioned supporting other women in achieving financial freedom, making ours an all-women company. This brought its own challenges, as some team members left due to marriage or starting families, but the vision remained strong.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">What started with just one female employee has now grown into a strong team of 15, all of whom contribute to achieving our vision of empowering women through financial independence.</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Can you share a specific instance where you had to overcome a significant obstacle or setback?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">During COVID in 2020, my husband lost his father to a heart attack, and we faced a financial crunch due to business shutdowns. My husband worked two jobs to stabilize us while I focused on bringing the company back.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">We introduced online coding classes and started sending robotics kits to parents, which marked a turning point.</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">3. Achievements and Milestones</h3><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">What achievements are you most proud of in your career?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><ol><li>Receiving two scholarships at IIMB, sponsored by Goldman Sachs.</li><li>Sustaining the company for a decade as an all-women organization.</li><li>Adapting to the new normal during COVID by initiating online classes for coding and robotics.</li><li>Successfully evolving through different business models:</li></ol><p>&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Is there a particular project or initiative that you believe significantly impacted your career or your organization?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">The introduction of online classes significantly impacted us. It provided parents with clarity about our work, leading to recommendations to other parents and schools. This allowed us to establish labs in schools, growing our reach from 700 students to 7,000 students across Bangalore.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">We’ve sustained and grown the company over the last decade through bootstrapping, relying entirely on word of mouth and prioritizing the quality of our services above all else.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">4. Work-Life Balance</h3><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- How have you managed work-life balance throughout your career, and what advice would you give to others struggling with this?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Work-life balance during the hustle is more of a myth. Sacrifices and learning are inevitable. For me, having a supportive partner who understands the need for long working hours has been essential.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">My advice to others is to avoid guilt and stay clear about their goals. The steps taken today will have a positive impact in the future. Reducing guilt makes the journey more fulfilling and content.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">5. Mentorship, Sponsorship &amp; Support</h3><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Have you had mentors, sponsors or supporters who significantly influenced your career? How did they help you?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Yes, the heads of institutions I worked with became mentors. I observed and learned from them, never hesitating to ask for advice. Their perspectives, especially as women in education, deeply influenced me and helped me grow wiser with time and experience.</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- How important do you think mentorship, sponsorship and support is in career development.</h3><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">They are crucial and should follow this order:</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><ol><li>Mentorship</li><li>Support</li><li>Sponsorship</li></ol><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Without wisdom from mentorship, sponsorship cannot be utilized effectively. Emotional support provides clarity and strength to pursue goals, aligning all three elements for impactful results.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">6. Diversity and Inclusion</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- In your experience, how has the landscape for women in your field changed over the years?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">There are still very few women entrepreneurs in robotics. The field of AI, Robotics, and Coding remains male-dominated. Change is yet to come, as I know only a couple of women in this field who work with schools.</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What do you believe companies can do better to support diversity and inclusion in the workplace?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">As an all-women company, we prioritize inclusion and diversity, offering opportunities for team members to grow. Companies should create similar spaces and encourage women to thrive in technology fields.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">7. Advice and Insights</h3><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What advice would you give to young women starting their careers in your field?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><ol><li>Self-confidence is key.</li><li>Upgrade your knowledge every six months.</li><li>Start your career with clear intent and stay committed to your path.</li></ol><p>&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Are there any resources (books, courses, networks) you recommend to professionals aspiring to grow in your industry?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">In the growing era of technology, the internet is your best friend for exploring and learning new trends in Robotics and AI.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">8. Future legacy &amp; Sisterhood</h3><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Looking forward, what goals or objectives do you have for the next phase of your career?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I aim to grow the company, spreading knowledge nationwide and introducing new courses. This will help students explore technology and shape their careers, leaving a lasting impact.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">To grow the company to spread knowledge to more students across the country and expand to new geographies of the country with bringing in new courses for students to explore not just that also to diversify our reach to students who are aspiring to have a career in the same field so this way it is not just a course at school but a course that is making an impact in students lives for their career</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">As we approach our 10th year, our aim is to expand our reach to 100,000 students, providing them with the tools and knowledge to explore technology and prepare for careers in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- How do you hope to influence or inspire the next generation of women in your field?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">By emphasizing that technology and knowledge are not gender-biased. It's about learning, implementing, and overcoming skepticism about making mistakes.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">9. Personal Growth and Learning</h3><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Can you share a lesson or piece of wisdom you've learned that has significantly influenced your personal or professional life?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Personal: Embrace the glorious mess you are. There is no universal right or wrong; everyone has unique experiences. Don't judge yourself, even if others do.</li><li>Professional: Never stop learning. In this fast-paced technological era, staying updated is crucial. The attitude of "I know it all" is detrimental.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- How do you approach continuous learning and staying updated in your field?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Avoiding laziness and resisting the comfort zone are critical to thriving in the rapidly evolving field of technology. It's essential to focus on upgrading relevant skills and setting aside dedicated time for targeted learning. By identifying the key areas of development required for career advancement, one can avoid unnecessary distractions and concentrate on mastering what truly matters.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">10. Impact and Contribution</h3><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What impact do you hope to leave on your industry or community?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><ol><li>Train more educators to spread knowledge in Robotics and Coding.</li><li>Simplify technology for students and adults.</li><li>Develop impactful courses that shape students' careers.</li><li>Empower more women to join the technology field.</li></ol><p>&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">11. Being CEO Ready</h3><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What are the top 3 skills or experiences that you believe are important for women to be CEO Ready?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">1) Time management</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">2) The skill of letting go of failures, ( forgiving self for making any mistakes in decision making so that in the future the failure doesn’t cloud their judgement for decision making)</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">3) trusting the process that they have put in place and people they have assigned to get the process done.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What is the next big step in your life to being CEO Ready?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Having been a CEO for a long time, my goal is to continuously improve and learn from the best.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">12. Experience with BAGGGEL</h3><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- How has being a member of BAGGGEL impacted or added value to your career or personal growth?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">As a new member, the two meetings I attended reassured me about my ideologies. BAGGGEL has inspired me to dream big and follow my unique path.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Can you share a specific experience or aspect of BAGGGEL membership that has been particularly influential for you?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">In one meeting, a coin activity led by Ms. Aparna asked us to share a significant event from the year on our coin. Coincidentally, I got 2010, the year I declared to my classmates that I would become an entrepreneur. People laughed then, but now, a decade later, I’m living that reality. This experience gave me the strength and confidence to grow further.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">This experience gave me strength to be reassured which influenced me confidence to grow more and doubt to disappear.</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Looking Ahead: Pooja Sachin’s Vision for Impact</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">As Pooja reflects on her remarkable journey, her unwavering commitment to empowering women, advancing technology education, and bridging the gap between industry and schools shines through. From humble beginnings with just one employee and 130 students to a thriving community of 7,000 learners, her vision continues to expand.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">With a goal to reach 100,000 students by the 10th anniversary of<span style="font-family:var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-family-sans);"> </span><strong>Robomations</strong>, Pooja is not just building a company—she’s building a legacy. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, discipline, and the belief that meaningful change begins with a single step.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">At BAGGGEL, we’re proud to support leaders like Pooja, who are driving change and inspiring the next generation of innovators and changemakers. Together, we continue to break barriers, foster growth, and create a more inclusive future.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>Here’s to empowering dreams, one step at a time.</strong></p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>At BAGGGEL, we celebrate such inspiring journeys, where our members thrive as leaders and changemakers, breaking barriers every step of the way.</strong></p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Thank you</p>

From Passion to Progress: Pooja Sachin's Impact in Robotics and Learning

large_1734944485264.jpg

medium_1734944485264.jpg

small_1734944485264.jpg

thumbnail_1734944485264.jpg

1734944485264.jpg

<p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">At BAGGGEL, we are committed to sharing stories of determination, growth, and leadership. This week, we’re excited to highlight Kavita Jha, an entrepreneur who has turned her passion for technology into a journey of solving real-world problems. Her story is one of resilience, learning, and inspiring others to take bold steps toward their dreams.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">What makes Kavita’s journey truly remarkable? From being the first entrepreneur in her family to building a groundbreaking platform that’s transforming fashion retail, she has continuously broken barriers and redefined possibilities. Read on to discover how Kavita’s vision, passion, and perseverance have shaped her journey and inspired countless others in the process.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">A Trailblazer in Technology and Entrepreneurship -</h2><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Kavita Jha’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and innovation. As the first entrepreneur in her family, Kavita has carved a unique path in the startup ecosystem, combining her love for technology with a knack for solving real-world challenges. With an impressive career spanning various startups, she has proven herself adept at navigating the uncertainties and dynamics that define the entrepreneurial landscape.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">The Foundation of a Visionary -</h2><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Raised in Malaysia and India, Kavita's formative years were shaped by diverse cultures and a robust education. She completed her schooling at Bishop Cotton, followed by her undergraduate studies at Wadia College, Pune, and an MBA from Pune University. These experiences laid the groundwork for her fearless pursuit of entrepreneurial success.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Her professional journey began in startups, where she played pivotal roles as a founding member or early employee. As Vice President of Engineering at Ramyam Labs, a Big Data analytics-driven Customer Experience Management company, Kavita built the technology stack from scratch. Her efforts culminated in the acquisition of Ramyam Labs by Bertelsmann’s Arvato CRM division, a significant milestone that underscored her expertise in product development and strategic execution.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">The 'Aha' Moment: KiksAR’s Genesis -</h2><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">The idea for KiksAR was born out of a personal pain point during kavita’s tenure at Ramyam Labs. Frustrated by hours spent commuting in Bangalore’s infamous traffic and the dissatisfaction of impersonal online shopping, she envisioned a solution that could bridge these gaps.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Kavita's vision was clear: a platform powered by AI and AR technologies to deliver highly personalized products with Virtual Try-On capabilities for fashion retail. In 2018, this vision materialized with the launch of KiksAR. Today, the platform boasts over 130 team members, diverse offerings, and annual revenue exceeding $1 million, making it a game-changer in the fashion retail industry.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Balancing Life and Entrepreneurship</h2><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">For kavita, entrepreneurship is more than a career—it’s a transformative journey that aligns passion with purpose. She gracefully balances the demands of her entrepreneurial life with personal relationships, often framing challenges as opportunities and inspiring others with her optimism and determination. Her ability to communicate the excitement of “shaping our own future” has left an indelible mark on those around her.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Empowering Women Entrepreneurs</h2><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">As a woman entrepreneur in India, kavita recognizes the resilience and determination required to thrive in this space. While societal perceptions might present additional hurdles, she firmly believes that the evolving business ecosystem is increasingly supportive of women pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Quoting Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, kavita emphasizes the importance of purpose in entrepreneurship:<span style="font-family:var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-family-sans);"> </span><i>“You must pursue whatever you are doing with a very deep sense of purpose.”</i><span style="font-family:var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-family-sans);"> </span>With the right mindset and adaptability, she inspires women to break barriers and redefine success.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Words of Wisdom</h2><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">kavita’s advice to women entrepreneurs is both simple and profound:</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><ul><li><i>“Do not compare yourself to anyone else. Your journey is uniquely yours. Focus on your vision, embrace your individuality, and follow your dreams with confidence and determination.”</i></li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Looking Ahead</h2><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">kavita Jha’s journey exemplifies resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership. Her story is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, proving that success lies in staying true to one’s vision and navigating challenges with courage and adaptability.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">What resonates with you most about Kavita's journey? Share your thoughts below!</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Thank you.</p>

Kavita Jha – Crafting Success with Purpose and Innovation

medium_1732265504725.jpg

small_1732265504725.jpg

thumbnail_1732265504725.jpg

1732265504725.jpg

<h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">A Career of Exploration and Growth&nbsp; -</h2><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">With expertise in Marketing, CRM, Digital Strategy, and Inside Sales, Aruna’s journey has taken her across diverse industries like Retail, E-commerce, Consumer Durables, Telecom, Travel, and Technology. Her roles with organisations such as Airtel, Titan, Dell, Metro Wholesale, and Lumata UK reflect her adaptability and ability to thrive in dynamic environments.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Over the years, she has gained valuable insights into the ever-evolving nature of business. Her most enriching experiences have been in E-commerce, Omnichannel, and Traditional Retail—culminating in her role as Chief Marketing Officer.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Her contributions to the field of marketing have been widely recognized. Aruna was<span style="font-family:var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-family-sans);"> </span><strong>adjudged among the Top 100 Marketing Leaders of India in 2018</strong><span style="font-family:var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-family-sans);"> </span>and received the<span style="font-family:var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-family-sans);"> </span><strong>Best PR and Communication Professional award by ARDA, USA, in 2019</strong>.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Facing Setbacks with Strength -</h2><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Eleven years ago, Aruna faced a defining moment when an MNC she worked for underwent restructuring. Despite being a strong performer with two promotions under her belt, she lost her job due to headcount reduction.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">This experience shook her confidence but also gave her time to reflect on what truly mattered. “My family was there to support me all the way. I decided to take a step back, spend more time with my children, and figure out what was next,” she shares.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">During this time, Aruna tapped into her creative side, launching Eersha – Creations that Spark Envy. This jewellery line became a symbol of resilience, supporting the education of the karigars’ children. It was more than just a venture—it was a discovery of passion she never knew existed.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Balancing Roles and Redefining Success&nbsp; -</h2><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">As a corporate professional, mother, homemaker, and independent thinker, Aruna has always believed in self-confidence, continuous learning, and finding joy in work.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Her personal motto includes:</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">1. Self-confidence shapes you—both its excess and lack can be equally detrimental.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">2. Be your own best judge while learning from the rich experiences of colleagues, mentors, and friends.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">3. It’s perfectly fine to wear rose-coloured glasses when you're immersed in the joy of your work and the moment.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">A New Chapter: Vir Tech Consulting</h2><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Today, Aruna works as a Management and Marketing Consultant, collaborating with CEOs of established companies and startups. Keeping her consultancy small and selective has given her the freedom to enjoy life—whether it’s travelling, watching a play, or spending time at the club.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">With her children now independent and her husband immersed in his career, Aruna describes this phase as a “honeymoon with time and herself.”</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Lessons and Advice for Leaders&nbsp; -</h2><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><i><strong>Aruna’s journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring leaders:</strong></i></p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Build a network beyond workplace hierarchies—allyship matters.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Define yourself and your success; don’t let others dictate your path.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Embrace creativity—it can open doors you never expected.</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">For those preparing to take on leadership roles, Aruna emphasises:</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">1. Keep learning—curiosity fuels growth.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">2. Start as a mentor or advisor to sharpen your skills.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">3. Ask boldly for what you want—opportunities often come to those who take initiative.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Looking Forward -</h2><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Aruna’s career and personal journey reflect her resilience, adaptability, and passion for continuous growth. As she looks to the future, she remains committed to evolving, sharing her expertise, and redefining success on her terms.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Aruna Jathar’s story inspires us to embrace every phase of life with confidence and purpose. What resonates with you most about her journey? Share your thoughts below.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Thank you.</p>

Aruna Jathar: A Journey of Reinvention, Resilience, and Redefining Success

Forging Her Own Path: Preethi Guruswamy's Inspiring Journey from Aspiration to Leadership

medium_sj.jpg

small_sj.jpg

thumbnail_sj.jpg

sj.jpg

medium_meenakshi Y.png

small_meenakshi Y.png

thumbnail_meenakshi Y.png

meenakshi Y.png

<h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Meet Meenakshi Yeri, a leader who embodies the power of will and the courage to challenge one's own limits. Her journey is not just about breaking societal norms; it's about pushing personal boundaries and evolving with every step. Meenakshi's story is a testament to the belief that the only true barriers are the ones we place on ourselves. Her life reflects the importance of constant self-assessment, ensuring that every decision aligns with her true purpose. Through resilience, introspection, and unwavering ambition, Meenakshi has carved a path that inspires others to believe that where there is a will, there is always a way.</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">1. Background and Career Path</h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to your current career path?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">My high school teachers thought I would study arts because I was a voracious reader and really good at languages. But I knew back in the 1990's the only way to earn decent money was to be in sciences and do either medicine or engineering. I was all set to become a doctor when my Gynaecologist aunt told me how tough it is to get a master’s degree in India and how many more years I would have to study. My dad would have retired by the time I finished MBBS and given lack of financial support, I knew the best choice was to complete engineering and start working before he retired. So that’s how I landed in Engineering! Of all the engineering streams, the one that appealed to me the most was Mechanical engineering, but since that would mean I would be the only girl in my class, my parents strongly recommended I do Civil Engineering. After 1st year of Engineering, I had the opportunity to change streams and without asking anyone for permission, I applied and moved over to production engineering. That was probably the first time I revolted against gender prejudices and since then I have worked hard to ensure any biases, gender, social status or otherwise do not stop me from achieving what I want.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What were your initial goals when you started your career, and how have they evolved?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">In my final year of engineering, I readx` Lee Iacocca’s Biography and since then, I have always wanted to become a CEO. Though there was a time in my career where I wanted to stop at 3 levels down from the CEO, because if you held a C level position in a publicly traded company your salary and stock positions would have to be published in company annual returns and I thought I wouldn’t want people to know my salary, so better stay at a lower level.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">As to how my career goals evolve, I would say yes, may be more so from a sense of realism seeping in. I have always been a family-oriented person and especially after my son was born, given the value I placed on spending time with him, I realized I cannot raise a child and be a CEO at the same time given how demanding those two roles are. So, I figured, one day I will get there, but that the focus on being a CEO has to be put on the side burner until my son is off to college. So as such the goal hasn’t changed. What has changed is the timeline in which I believe I can achieve it.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">2. Challenges and Overcoming Them</h2><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What significant challenges have you faced in your career, especially as a woman in your field?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I don’t know if this is a gender specific challenge. I am an introvert and extremely disciplined when it comes to eating and drinking habits. So, I found it very difficult to go on smoke breaks / tea breaks/ dinner commitments. I believe that has significantly hampered my career growth as I was always left out of the grapevine.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Can you share a specific instance where you had to overcome a significant obstacle or setback?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Like I said earlier, I have always wanted to be a CEO and one critical skill for becoming a CEO is showing proficiency in managing large teams. Being able to achieve that in the US was much harder and when I moved to India, I thought that would be possible given that most operations managers managed teams with 300 or more people. But when the time came to give me the role, the constant objection was you haven’t led teams in India and the people dynamic is very different here. Fresh graduates out of MBA schools were getting the opportunity to lead 10/15 people teams while I, in spite of 20 years of experience in banking in the US, a master’s degree in Production Engineering and an MBA in Finance was deemed unfit to lead even a 100 people team. I knew I had to change that and I was fortunate enough to get support from my mentor Bill Pinkerton who helped me rephrase my experience and tell in a way such that operations managers could see what I could bring to table. In addition, I was lucky to get support from our my L&amp;D (Anand Palekar) , Talent Development (Muralikrishna Raghupathy) and HR (Vivek Sarna) partners to make it happen. Unfortunately, after being in that role for about 2 years, I had to give it up due to some personal obligations, but till date that role was my most fulfilling role ever. I am tech savvy, but I really love working with people and building processes. That was just the right role for me.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">3. Achievements and Milestones</h2><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What achievements are you most proud of in your career?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Managing through layers needs a lot of connecting with people on a regular basis and being an introvert was challenging for me. When I was able to maintain top scores on team member satisfaction surveys even when team size was roughly 350 people, I knew I had figured it out.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Is there a particular project or initiative that you believe significantly impacted your career or your organization?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I don’t think there is a single project that would define my career. I have worked hard to establish myself as a dependable leader, no matter how technical or non- technical a project/ task process is. “Someone who can get it done” is my brand. I take even the smallest task assigned to me very seriously.&nbsp; Over time I have had to learn to balance between being dependable and yet not being a crutch for someone</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">4. Work-Life Balance</h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- How have you managed work-life balance throughout your career, and what advice would you give to others struggling with this?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I don’t think I do a very good job of balancing work-life. I usually focus on work for a couple years and then life for a couple years, which partly explains why I am on a career break right now. I just wanted to be around my son and my husband as they appeared for their board and PhD defence respectively. So, I quit working for money and busied myself, helping out non-profits where I can. I am hopeful sometime in 2025, I will be back in the workforce.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">5. Mentorship, Sponsorship &amp; Support</h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Have you had mentors, sponsors or supporters who significantly influenced your career? How did they help you?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Every year or two I have had mentors who gave me a ton of practical advice. They are my sounding boards. I don’t believe I ever had a sponsor per say. But I always learn from people in all rungs of the ladder. I have had very little formal mentoring support, but at the same time when I have needed support, I have reached out to appropriate people and have been very lucky in finding the support I needed.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- How important do you think mentorship, sponsorship and support is -in career development, especially for women?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I don’t think this is gender specific. In my mind everyone needs a Guru (a mentor) – you can read a thousand books and gain knowledge, but just a couple conversations with a Guru/ mentor helps you convert that knowledge into long lasting insights. Sponsorship again is important; it is like we pray to lord Ganesha and he makes it easier to reach other gods. Without sponsorship you may not have access to the right opportunities. I grew up believing family is the support system. No matter what I did, I always knew my family had my back. But only after having a child and honestly after moving to India, I realized that while family will always be there for emotional support, we all need a support system that takes care of your mundane tasks like cleaning/ironing/doing the dishes etc.&nbsp; One advice I would tell my young self is, just like we do in business, at home create business continuity plans. Hire two cooks even if you really need one. Your backup system reliability will jump from 50% to 90%. By the way, the credit for this idea of hiring multiple people as a fail safe goes to my dear husband, Naveen Yeri</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">6. Diversity and Inclusion</h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- In your experience, how has the landscape for women in your field changed over the years?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">A big chunk of my career was spent in the US Financial sector and honestly, I haven’t seen much gender-based biases in my career. Both Indian and US financial sectors have fairly balanced male/ female diversity ratios, but when you look at GCCs in the financial sector, it is a very different story. There are some structural reasons for that and some environmental reasons as well.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What do you believe companies can do better to support diversity and inclusion in the workplace?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Work from office and shift hour mandates are harder on women than on men because of the cultural biases and male vs female role definitions in India. With that in mind, firms should be willing to give more flexibility in terms of remote working / shift hours. Supporting women, especially during the young family stages of life is critical for improving long term participation of women in GCCs. This is a radical thought, but maybe, just like we run campaigns on LGBTQ inclusivity, it is time to run campaigns that show men taking charge of the dishes or waking up early in the morning to make breakfast or packing lunch boxes.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">7. Advice and Insights</h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What advice would you give to young women starting their careers in your field?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">It is a helical path to the top. So, keep learning, keep experimenting and raise your hand when an odd job comes your way, especially when no one wants to take it because it is risky. Nothing else, you will have a sense of accomplishment when you try your hands at something new. Remember no risk no reward and reward doesn’t always mean better title or more money, many times it is the sense of achievement that makes risk taking so worth it.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Are there any resources (books, courses, networks) you recommend to professionals aspiring to grow in your industry?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">If I consider my role in the broader sense of running operations (irrespective of which sector it is in), the books that have had lasting impact on me are: “The Goal” by Eliyahu M. Goldratt, “Toyota Production Systems”, “How to Lead” by David M. Rubenstein. One book that has become by go to when I am agitated and need lesson on being patient is “The professor and the Housekeeper” by Yoko Ogawa</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">8. Future legacy &amp; Sisterhood</h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Looking forward, what goals or objectives do you have for the next phase of your career?</h3><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- How do you hope to influence or inspire the next generation of women in your field?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I just want to be a role model if not for everyone, at least for a handful of women. I want to be lay a path for women to succeed at motherhood, being a great leader, not just in corporate set up but also in the community.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">9. Personal Growth and Learning</h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Can you share a lesson or piece of wisdom you've learned that has significantly influenced your personal or professional life?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">When I was 18 and read Bhagwat Gita for the first time, I realized that there is not a single act that anyone can do which is truly selfless per say. At the very least you derive satisfaction from doing any deed. That has stuck with me. I keep reminding myself that I am here to serve the people around me and to make the world a better place for all of us. Doesn’t mean I never feel selfish, but as often as possible, I try to remind myself that the end goal is for each of us to be collectively better than we were before.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- How do you approach continuous learning and staying updated in your field?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I don’t really focus on staying updated in my field per say other than following news for the sector in which I am working. As for continuous learning, I usually listen to Freakonomics radio and really random stuff every day. I make it a point to read (or listen to audio books) at least for an hour every day.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">10. Impact and Contribution</h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What impact do you hope to leave on your industry or community?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Gosh, I am not that smart to have an impact on the industry. But as far as impact to the community is concerned, I want to leave behind a group of volunteers who consistently give a couple hours a week (about 40 weeks in a year) to help the underprivileged people.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">11. Being CEO Ready</h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What are the top 3 skills or experiences that you believe are important for women to be CEO Ready?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">People Management, Understanding Balance sheets and Tech-aware.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What is the next big step in your life to being CEO Ready?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I really do need to have some P&amp;L and Sales experience to be truly CEO ready. Next big step will be finding a role where I am responsible for a business unit.</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">12. Experience with BAGGGEL</h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- How has being a member of BAGGGEL impacted or added value to your career or personal growth?</h3><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">-Can you share a specific experience or aspect of BAGGGEL membership that has been particularly influential for you?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Like I said earlier, networking for me is very hard especially if it requires that I go out on drinks /dinners/smoke breaks. Thankfully BAGGGEL is a place where I don’t have to do any of these things and still network with some really well-established men and women leaders. My evenings and weekends are dedicated to my family, friends and my social work. BAGGGEL has allowed me to network, while keeping those boundaries intact.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">It is hard to point to one instance. Every masterclass or networking event that I have attended has helped me learn more about myself and about how others have overcome some of the obstacles I am facing.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>For Meenakshi, success has never been just about climbing the corporate ladder; it’s about staying true to her values and finding fulfillment in every step of the journey. Her story is a powerful reminder that real leadership is about making choices that align with who you are and what you believe in, no matter the obstacles. Meenakshi’s path is one of authenticity, showing us all that it’s possible to lead with both strength and heart.</strong></p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Thank you.</p>

A Path Less Traveled: Meenakshi Yeri's Journey of Breaking Stereotypes

large_24cb8acc-5dde-4315-aaa7-6dc85b29d54e.jpg

medium_24cb8acc-5dde-4315-aaa7-6dc85b29d54e.jpg

small_24cb8acc-5dde-4315-aaa7-6dc85b29d54e.jpg

thumbnail_24cb8acc-5dde-4315-aaa7-6dc85b29d54e.jpg

24cb8acc-5dde-4315-aaa7-6dc85b29d54e.jpg

<p style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><i><strong>"In a world where traditional career paths often feel limiting, Iqbal charted her own course by blending her passion for STEM with a strategic MBA, ultimately finding her calling in the dynamic field of data science. Her career has been marked by a relentless pursuit of challenges and a commitment to nurturing talent. As part of our Member Spotlight series at BAGGGEL, we delve into Iqbal's inspiring story—a testament to overcoming gender barriers, fostering inclusive environments, and leading with both intellect and empathy."</strong></i></p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">1. Background and Career Path</h3><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to your current career path?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I was interested in STEM subjects and knew that I wanted to have a career in one of those. However, when I was finishing high school, we had very few options as careers to choose from (doctor, engineer, teacher etc). But instead of selecting from one of these limited options, I chose to do an MBA post my graduation. I didn’t know much of marketing or finance or HR but logical thinking and data interpretation have always been my strong suit. The exposure to programming during my MBA made me realize how logical the programming languages are. In addition, all my roles (prior to analytics) required me to analyze data to make business decisions. So, when I had the opportunity, early on in my career, to branch out to an actual data scientist role, it was easy for me to make the transition and I really enjoyed learning the new skill set.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What were your initial goals when you started your career, and how have they evolved?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><ul><li>When I graduated from B School, the job market wasn’t very good, to say the least. So much so that in spite of being in the top 5 academically, I was the last one to get hired during campus placements. But I am glad that my first job focussed a lot on converting my theoretical knowledge into its practical applications. While the job paid peanuts, I had a lot of fun learning new things and applying my existing knowledge. This kind of set the tone for the rest of my career – I have always looked for assignments and roles that would challenge me and force me out of my comfort zones. To be honest, this is what I continue to look for in everything I do – be it career goals, fitness goals or adventure :)</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">2. Challenges and Overcoming Them</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What significant challenges have you faced in your career, especially as a woman in your field?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Even during my first job as a management trainee, I noticed that camaraderie built between male trainees and our male boss over shared smoke breaks, resulted in them getting better assignments as compared to a couple of us women who had no opportunity to connect with the boss outside the strict confines of office. And I noticed this trend, well into the following decades.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Fortunately for me, I was brought up by parents who did not believe that I was any less just because I was a girl. In my household, my father would make the morning tea and my mother was the primary breadwinner. I was as adept at fixing a fuse or hammering a nail as I was at cooking dinner.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">So, when it came to the work environment, I never felt that I lacked anything to make my place in the then male-dominated analytics world. This belief reflected in my behaviour and as a result it also reflected in the responses &amp; reactions of the people around me.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">On top of that, thanks to the GE Women Network, I got to meet and spend time with many strong leaders. Their pearls of wisdom on how to get your seat at the table, helped me a lot in my professional journey.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Can you share a specific instance where you had to overcome a significant obstacle or setback?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><ul><li>I believe whatever obstacles or hurdles I faced, may have felt significant or huge at that point in time but looking back there is nothing that really stands out. And honestly, more than remembering the frustrations of dealing with those obstacles, when I look back, I mostly remember the learnings each of those tough situations gave me.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">3. Achievements and Milestones</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What achievements are you most proud of in your career?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">10 years ago, if I was asked the same question, I would have said something along the lines of “building data and analytics capability for a multibillion-dollar general merchandise retailer” or “creating analytics vision and roadmap for a multibillion-dollar home improvement retailer”.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">But over the years; as I have seen folks that I had personally hired from various campuses – wet behind their ears, struggling to answer questions like which error they would reduce - are today leading data and AI arms of some of the most prestigious organisations; I realised that providing them with an environment where they could learn and apply and grow has been my biggest accomplishment.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Is there a particular project or initiative that you believe significantly impacted your career or your organization?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Significant portion of my career has been focussed on building capabilities for organizations. Projects and initiatives come and go but when you are in the capability building business, what matters most is choosing the right team, seeding the right culture and allowing this ecosystem to learn and evolve and grow. And I have always stayed focussed on the same.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">4. Work-Life Balance</h3><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- How have you managed work-life balance throughout your career, and what advice would you give to others struggling with this?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Ah – the much-asked question especially to women! As a child, I saw my mom struggle with work-life balance a lot. She would have to do a lot at home while being the primary breadwinner. It highlighted a few things for me early on – a lot of us fall prey to this superwoman syndrome. We want everything to happen and we want it to happen perfectly and more often than not this means that we end up doing it ourselves.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Thanks to some childhood lessons and some great women mentors at GEWN network, I accepted that everything in my life will not be perfect. Depending on what is important to me – that day, that week, that month, that year, that stage of my life – something will take priority over everything else.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">While I am a person who has given 80 hours a week to her job, I am also a person who has refused US meetings after 7 pm India time on Fridays even as a lowly analyst. Both were my conscious choices and I made decisions accordingly.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">In summary, choose what needs your personal focus and time (sometimes that is your own self) and delegate the rest!</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">5. Mentorship, Sponsorship &amp; Support</h3><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Have you had mentors, sponsors or supporters who significantly influenced your career? How did they help you?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><ul><li>When you spend more than half of your waking hours at a place, it's hard not to get influenced by the powerful, the great, the charismatic! The leaders and colleagues that I looked up to and took advice from the ones who were loved by their teams. Some of them had probably not realised their full potential (as someone sitting in a CHRO office would say) but each and every one of them had left an indelible mark at the organization they had worked for. I don’t think anyone ever took me under their wing and chances are that if I had a mentor of that sort, I would have risen much faster and higher. However, I did find the right amount of support at the times when I really needed it.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- How important do you think mentorship, sponsorship and support is in career development, especially for women?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Assignments, jobs, roles – all are limited and deserving candidates are plenty. So, it does help if someone making decisions knows you because they are your mentor or sponsor. While it is important that you are capable of doing that next role or job, it becomes a secondary variable if you are not even being considered for it.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Sadly, a lot of us women do not enjoy networking and some of us consider it a waste of time. For some of us networking is very hard as well – doesn’t come to us naturally. But if you put effort and time, it will start happening and before you know it, it will provide you with opportunities that you would have otherwise missed.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">6. Diversity and Inclusion</h3><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- In your experience, how has the landscape for women in your field changed over the years?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Women make up half the population, yet the lack of women in STEM is well documented, and those figures can be discouraging and so is in overall corporate leadership. I witnessed the same in corporate jobs that I held early on in my career and then with my analytics job, the trend continued. The company where I started my analytics career in 2001, did not have a female analytics leader ever. And, whenever I would speak at the analytics conferences, I used to find very few fellow women speakers.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">But keep in mind that analytics is beyond mathematics or statistics – areas where historically men have greater presence. Women’s ability to connect more across left and right brain hemispheres, makes them better at generating ideas/solutions using the right side of the brain and analysing them using the left side of the brain through math and statistics.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Given the fact that data and AI is a key fabric of any organization across departments and functions, it provides a great entry point for women to enter the corporate leadership from that route. No doubt, every viable organization is craving for fresh blood of thinkers who are more data driven with enough emotional intelligence to strike a balance in this age of AI &amp; automation.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What do you believe companies can do better to support diversity and inclusion in the workplace?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Majority of policies and processes were put in place early on and they never really accounted for women in the workforce. What worked for the majority (i.e. men) was written down and implemented. Even basic things like the temperature of AC in the office doesn’t take into account the fact that a significant proportion of the workforce are now women and that they need slightly warmer temperatures physiologically. We still maintain the frigid temperatures suitable for a fully-suited male workforce</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">While over the years, policies have been amended to account for increasing women's presence in the workforce, none of them have been rewritten from a co-ed perspective. Maybe it is time we redo them from scratch.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">7. Advice and Insights</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What advice would you give to young women starting their careers in your field?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Don’t fall prey to “<i>Imposter Syndrome</i>” – While this is advice for any woman, in any field, at any stage in her career, this is really important when it comes to women in STEM careers. It will happen that at times your male colleague may be considered more capable of solving a particularly challenging problem and those instances can make you doubt yourself. Just Don’t!</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Are there any resources (books, courses, networks) you recommend to professionals aspiring to grow in your industry?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><ul><li><i>The Signal and the Noise: Why So Many Predictions Fail–but Some Don’t</i><span style="font-family:var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-family-sans);"> </span>by Nate Silver</li><li><i>Thinking fast and slow:</i><span style="font-family:var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-family-sans);"><i> </i></span>by<span style="font-family:var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-family-sans);"><i> </i></span>Daniel Kahneman</li><li><i>Authentic Leadership</i><span style="font-family:var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-family-sans);"> </span>by Bill George</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">8. Personal Growth and Learning</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Can you share a lesson or piece of wisdom you've learned that has significantly influenced your personal or professional life?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">A senior woman leader at GE once said that if our careers are important to us, we should invest in a support system so that mundane tasks don’t take up our mental or physical energy. And till date if the monetary cost of doing something is lesser than the opportunity cost of doing it myself, I always outsource it.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- How do you approach continuous learning and staying updated in your field?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Just stay curious – question, research and apply!</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">9. Experience with BAGGGEL</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- How has being a member of BAGGGEL impacted or added value to your career or personal growth?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><ul><li>I love being able to tap into a much broader group of women professionals, learning from their diverse experiences and hopefully also benefiting a few through my experiences.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>"Iqbal’s journey is a shining example of how passion, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous learning can reshape a career and make a lasting impact. Her story not only highlights the transformative power of data science but also serves as an inspiration for others to pursue their dreams and break through barriers. As we celebrate her achievements in our Member Spotlight series, we hope Iqbal’s experiences inspire you to embrace challenges, seek growth, and lead with both confidence and compassion."</strong></p>

Iqbal’s inspiring ascent from STEM enthusiast to data science leader breaking new ground

small_1721821923685.jfif

thumbnail_1721821923685.jfif

1721821923685.jfif

"From global leadership to transformative coaching, Manisha Singh’s journey is a beacon of resilience and inspiration."

medium_1718879728601.jfif

small_1718879728601.jfif

thumbnail_1718879728601.jfif

1718879728601.jfif

<p style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>In this BAGGGEL Member Spotlight, we celebrate the inspiring journey of Pankaj Rai. His path from early career aspirations in management consulting to significant achievements across banking, global delivery strategy, analytics, and digital transformation is a story of curiosity, adaptability, and purpose. By sharing his experiences, we aim to inspire and motivate others in their own professional journeys.</strong></p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;"><strong>Delve deeper into Pankaj Rai's incredible journey and insights as he shares his responses to our spotlight questions, reflecting on his career milestones, challenges overcome, and aspirations for the future.</strong></p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">1. Background and Career Path</h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to your current career path?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Over the last 30 years, I started off in Management consulting (Feedback Ventures), moved to Banking in the Indian market (ICICI, GE Capital India) then worked in Global delivery strategy, analytics &amp; digital teams for offshore centers for global corporations (StanChart, Dell, Wells Fargo) and finally in an Indian MNC (Aditya Birla Group).</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What were your initial goals when you started your career, and how have they evolved?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I haven’t had tenure, hierarchy or compensation based goals since the very beginning and hence they were more about enjoying the work &amp; creating value. In the first decade there was a focus on growing my income given that I got married and had kids and wasn’t sure what my needs will be but over time I realized that our family needs remained middle class and hence the relevance of compensation in my career became low. I have taken up assignments in my career based on the advice / recommendation of my mentors / friends which were unpredictable and my career journey doesn’t resemble anyone else in my peer group (that’s not by design though, it's just so happened).</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">2. Achievements and Milestones</h2><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What achievements are you most proud of in your career?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I once came across a leadership model that spoke about 3 stages of pride ie doing it yourself, leading through others and leaving a legacy. I can relate to this as early in my career I was proud of deals that did as a industry first eg lending money to software (HCL tech) and media (TV 18) industries which was uncommon those days, then in the next stage it was more of developing leaders in Dell who went on to take leadership position in the industry as also leaving a legacy of a open, collaborative &amp; innovative culture in the teams that I was a part of. For me culture building starts with alignment of a common purpose and manifests itself by having the right process, rituals and behaviors repeated over time so that it becomes a habit.</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Is there a particular project or initiative that you believe significantly impacted your career or your organization?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I have been part of capability building teams and hence my measure of impact has been creating the right culture which is agile and continues to evolve so there is no one project but a self evolving culture that continues much after I am not there.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">3. Challenges and Overcoming Them</h2><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What significant challenges have you faced in your career, especially in your field?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I had my share of challenges that in hindsight appear very common in the industry i.e. alignment of my “why” with the manager / team / organization. There would be clashes on the “what &amp; how” and at times irreconcilable differences which now I can trace back to a lack of alignment of the value system / goal.</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Can you share a specific instance where you had to overcome a significant obstacle or setback?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Fortunately or unfortunately I haven’t had a major setback or obstacle but the answer for me has been a better understanding of my own self and choosing a new company or a new role / manager that aligns with my “why”.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">4. Mentorship, Sponsorship &amp; Support</h2><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Have you had mentors, sponsors or supporters who significantly influenced your career? How did they help you?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">There are innumerable folks who have contributed to what I am today – some have taught me what to do and others have taught me what not to do I think if we are looking to learn and are curious the entire world is our teacher.</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- How important do you think mentorship, sponsorship and support is in career development, especially for women?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I think it is very important but is not very well understood and more importantly how to do this. So I think this is a topic which needs to be brought up even in our education and continue in corporate life although I think many folks realize this much later, usually mid-career and it doesn’t have to be so.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Young people should start to form their own board of advisors (folks in their organization as also others in the industry) from a young age and evolve that as they move along. This can happen via social networks eg sports (run, cycle, badminton etc), hobbies (book club, pottery, dramatics, arts etc), industry forums or through linkedin.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">5. Work-Life Balance</h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- How have you managed work-life balance throughout your career, and what advice would you give to others struggling with this?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I think we start our careers without fully knowing what we are good at and what we may enjoy or even what our goals might be so for me the early career was hectic, spent in lots of different things in the office with little time for family / self. Over time my personal optimization equation i.e. role of self, family, job, friends etc started to become clearer through experience and reflection and I have been able to prioritize what I will focus on, delegate that others can lead and let go which is not really critical. I think this is an ongoing process as our pie chart of time spent will continue to evolve as our priorities will continue to evolve. Hence continued reflection and prioritization is the answer I have found almost the same way we do in agile product development.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Time spent coaching / developing / managing kids and extended family seems to be an area where there is an opportunity to engage other family members as also external help as this responsibility falls disproportionately on women.&nbsp; Society seems programmed this way and women have to put in extra efforts to change mindsets and get help.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">6. Diversity and Inclusion</h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- In your experience, how has the landscape for women in your field changed over the years?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">In the past there was a perception that women are not as good at / interested in managing money and STEM – that has changed a lot.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">These are also the two industries that i have spent considerable time in i.e. banking and technology - women are far more represented in both areas globally as also in India including several CEOs/CXOs.</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What do you believe companies can do better to support diversity and inclusion in the workplace?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">While women have taken the top slot in the industry, many of that has happened by chance and therefore there is an opportunity to think of the careers of women and challenges that they face at specific milestones in life and ensure we alleviate those to make the journey smooth and fix the leaky pipeline.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">7. Advice and Insights</h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What advice would you give to young women starting their careers in your field?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I have this 5C model : curiosity leading compassion (expanding our horizon to include more variables beyond self) leading to conviction (determining where do we play basis our strengths / market demand) leading to creativity (continuous improvement is not enough anymore) leading to communication (articulating to others provides feedback/ new questions) leading to curiosity back again and repeat.</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Are there any resources (books, courses, networks) you recommend to professionals aspiring to grow in your industry?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I think the Invisible Women is a book that should be read by all irrespective of gender as it provides a good understanding at a deeper level what's happening in our society and why since many a times we only observe the what and unable to fathom the why.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">8. Future legacy &amp; Sisterhood</h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Looking forward, what goals or objectives do you have for the next phase of your career?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I am hoping to give back more in the next phase of my career as also to influence more to give back since I think we don’t need to have this notion that our initial life is all about taking and the later life is all about giving – we can have a combination of give &amp; take all the time to be able to create a more wholesome life and a sustainable society.</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- How do you hope to influence or inspire the next generation of women in your field?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I have found the best way to be able to connect one on one and exchange ideas so I have a walkversation approach to meet folks</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Anyone can reach out to me via linkedin and I respond as I also end up talking to them many times.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">9. Personal Growth and Learning</h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Can you share a lesson or piece of wisdom you've learned that has significantly influenced your personal or professional life?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">My wellbeing framework (SEEE) I think is a good one for all to keep in mind from a early age :</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Sleep : for me it's 8 hours but folks can find their sweet spot through experimentation</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Eating : “eat less” is the mantra so I keep my caloric intake at a level that don’t gain weight</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Exercising : running, cycling, badminton is what I enjoy and have formed groups to ensure it’s a ritual</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Expression : living by the mantra of sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwaas, sabka prayas ie collaborative action in an environment of trust for collective progress</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- How do you approach continuous learning and staying updated in your field?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">The 5C framework mentioned above and its first C curiosity is the key. So for me everyone around me is a sensor from where I can tap into all kinds of knowledge</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">10. Impact and Contribution</h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What impact do you hope to leave on your industry or community?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I hope to inspire as many to embrace a culture of collaboration, trust and collective progress as mentioned earlier.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">11. Being CEO Ready</h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What are the top 3 skills or experiences that you believe are important for women to be CEO Ready?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Intentionally develop cross functional skills ie one need not be an expert in each function but being aware of how they work and how they are interconnected is key. A CEO has direct reports who are experts in sales, marketing, finance, HR, corporate communications, government relations, legal, CSR etc and being able to appreciate how these capabilities create value and interact with each other are important skills to have. If it’s a public company, engaging with a Board is another critical skill to develop.</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- What is the next big step in your life to being CEO Ready?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Continue to focus on developing capabilities and let your ambition be known to as many people since a lot of opportunities come through networks.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">12. Experience with BAGGGEL</h2><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- How has being a member of BAGGGEL impacted or added value to your career or personal growth?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Just the sheer diversity of members and their perspective is amazing coupled with the fact that everyone is vulnerable and able to share what they think and are all willing to help others.</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">- Can you share a specific experience or aspect of BAGGGEL membership that has been particularly influential for you?</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">I found the annual event particularly useful as we covered very diverse topics and had deep domain experts who openly shared their experiences.</p><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">&nbsp;</p><h3 style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Pankaj Rai's journey is an inspiring example of how aligning one's personal values with professional goals can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career. His dedication to mentorship, continuous learning, and building inclusive cultures has left a lasting legacy in every organization he has been a part of. As he continues to inspire and guide the next generation of leaders, Pankaj's story reminds us that true success lies in the pursuit of purpose, not just profit.</h3><p style="margin-left:2.4rem;">Thank you.</p><p><i>- Pankaj Rai</i></p>

Crafting a Legacy: Pankaj Rai's Path to Leadership

small_1718189111332.jfif

thumbnail_1718189111332.jfif

1718189111332.jfif

"From Setbacks to Success: The Inspirational Story of Kavitha Ashtakala"

small_1721183441881.jfif

thumbnail_1721183441881.jfif

1721183441881.jfif

From student struggles to corporate triumphs: Vibhuti Agrawal's tale of resilience and achievement.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT