Former Veteran journalist Aabha Bakaya returns with new show Ladies Who Lead with Aabha Bakaya

In a world where the scales of professional leadership have historically been tipped against women, Aabha Bakaya, with her rich tapestry of experience as a business journalist and media personality, launched Ladies Who Lead (LWL) in 2021. This members-only platform emerges as a beacon of empowerment for women across various industries, aiming to dismantle the entrenched gender biases that skew opportunities. LWL is more than a networking hub; it is a cradle for growth, offering mentorship, intellectually enriching discussions with global leaders, workshops, and more, all designed to nurture women’s leadership in their fields.

Aabha Bakaya’s journey from a celebrated journalist to the visionary behind LWL is marked by her acute awareness of the gender disparities in the business world.

Having witnessed firsthand the challenges women face, she dedicated herself to creating a space where veteran and emerging women leaders could collaborate towards a more equitable future. Her extensive experience, including her roles with India’s top broadcasting networks and recognition as the Best Business News Anchor, informs the foundation of LWL. This platform not only reflects Aabha’s commitment to fostering change but also serves as a testament to her belief in the transformative power of community and shared knowledge to uplift women in the workforce.
In the lead-up to International Women’s Day 2024, “Ladies Who Lead,” a pioneering women-centric members-only platform founded by Aabha Bakaya, takes a significant step forward in amplifying the voices of women. This innovative platform is set to launch a captivating show on YouTube and Spotify, dedicated to sharing the powerful and previously untold stories of some of India’s most inspiring women. Aabha Bakaya, with her illustrious background as a Business Journalist and a staunch advocate for gender equity in the corporate world, brings her wealth of experience and passion to this endeavor. Having identified and challenged gender biases throughout her career, Aabha’s creation of “Ladies Who Lead” in 2021 marked the beginning of a movement aimed at closing the opportunity gaps for women. Her commitment to fostering a diverse community of women leaders is evident in the platform’s expansion into digital public media, promising to not only highlight the achievements of these remarkable women but also to inspire action and change towards a more inclusive future. This initiative by Aabha and her team underscores the mission of “Ladies Who Lead” to empower and celebrate women’s contributions across various sectors, making it a timely and pivotal contribution to the discourse around gender equality in the professional realm.

“Ladies Who Lead with Aabha Bakaya” is a groundbreaking series launched by Ladies Who Lead (LWL), a premier membership-based platform dedicated to fostering women’s leadership. Timed to coincide with the buildup to International Women’s Day 2024, this flagship series aims to highlight and celebrate the journeys of remarkable women leaders from India who have transformed challenges into opportunities for leadership. By sharing these stories, the series seeks to inspire and encourage a new generation of women entrepreneurs and professionals to pursue their ambitions and make a positive impact in their fields.
The first season of the show features 13 episodes, each focusing on a different veteran woman leader from a variety of industries, showcasing their achievements and the unique paths they’ve taken to leadership. The women featured in Season 1 represent a wide array of sectors, including technology, healthcare, film production, e-commerce, clinical psychology, journalism, hospitality, beverage concepts, law, design, energy services, nutrition, and luxury goods. This diversity not only highlights the multifaceted nature of women’s leadership but also provides a rich source of inspiration and learning for viewers and listeners across different interests and professional aspirations.
The choice of platform for airing the series—YouTube and Spotify—ensures that these empowering stories are accessible to a wide audience, leveraging digital media to reach and impact as many people as possible. By bringing to light the stories of women like Ghazal Alagh, Ameera Shah, Pragya Kapoor, and others, “Ladies Who Lead with Aabha Bakaya” plays a crucial role in amplifying the voices of women leaders, celebrating their achievements, and ultimately contributing to the broader movement towards gender equality and empowerment in the professional world.
The launch of the “Ladies Who Lead Show” with Aabha Bakaya at the helm represents a significant step forward in the platform’s mission to empower women professionally and personally. This initiative builds upon Ladies Who Lead’s (LWL) recent creation of a “Curated Content Library,” which was designed to give members and potential members easy access to a wealth of digital thought leadership resources. By introducing this conversational series to a public audience via platforms like YouTube and Spotify, LWL is broadening the reach of its unique content, making its insights and inspirational stories available to a wider audience beyond its members-only community. This strategic move aligns with LWL’s commitment to fostering a culture of community, content, and collaboration among women.
Aabha Bakaya, the founder of LWL and the host of the show, articulates that the series embodies the platform’s foundational principle of leveraging shared experiences to foster connection and empowerment among women. By focusing on the personal and professional journeys of some of India’s most influential women leaders, the show aims to highlight the qualities of resilience, tenacity, and success that these trailblazers have demonstrated. Bakaya emphasizes the importance of storytelling and connection as tools for empowerment, suggesting that hearing the stories of successful women can inspire and uplift others. The overarching goal of the series, and indeed of LWL itself, is to showcase the capabilities and achievements of women in the workforce, thereby encouraging a new generation of women to aspire to leadership and make their mark in their respective fields. Ladies Who Lead (LWL), since its inception in 2021 with the support of Aditya Ghosh, has been on a trajectory.

Taruna Seth

Founder, Encompass Experiences LLP
Awarded the prestigious Premiere Aussie Specialist for New Product Development for 2022-2023 at the Australian Marketplace. A University of Michigan graduate with 20 years of experience, she passionately explores the world, founding an experiential travel company with a global network of luxury travel designers. Recognized for her exceptional contributions, she was honored with the ‘Exceptional Women of Excellence creating a better world for all’ award by the Women’s Economic Forum.

Tarini Nirula

Founder, TN Accessories
An accomplished Indian Accessory Designer, entrepreneur, and Yoga teacher, founded Tarini Nirula Accessories, debuting at the 76th Festival de Cannes. Blending fine Indian craftsmanship with contemporary design, her accessories graced Paris Fashion Week, India Fashion Weeks, and Bollywood’s “83″. Through her intricate designs and the transformative essence of Yoga, Tarini aims to share Indian artistry globally, enriching lives with beauty, functionality, and timeless style.

Swapnali Kadam

Founder, COVIE
Founder, COVIE A distinguished entrepreneur and Eklavya Award recipient, she’s known for agile thinking in diverse sectors, with Harvard’s Owner/President Management completion. Her impactful projects at ABIL and Bharati Vidyapeeth include Pune’s first 100m tower, pioneering educational and healthcare initiatives and launching COVIE, a luxury co-living venture in 5 cities.

Surbhi Aggarwal

Digital creator
A celebrated digital creator, author, and TEDx speaker, renowned for influential contributions in fashion, lifestyle, and travel. Diversifying from a mom-blogger to a recognized figure, the author of “The Rose with A Hundred Petals” addresses mental health innovatively. Recognized with the prestigious Times 40 under 40 award, she amplifies awareness on mental health through podcasts and TEDx talks, emphasizing empowerment without compromising gender rights.

Saniya Sugla

Creative Entreprenuer

A 23-year-old entrepreneur and creative strategist, this professional visionary, a University of Bath master’s graduate, launched a boutique marketing company amid the pandemic. Specializing in empowering women-owned businesses, she curates clientele from fashion, luxury, and lifestyle brands. Adept at fostering opportunities, her mission extends to shaping the next generation of female talent.

Sahar Mansoor

Founder, Bare Necessities
She is a leading advocate for zero-waste living. Recognized as ‘The Most Inspiring Indian of the Year’ by Google India, she received the 2023 Green Entrepreneurship Awards – Circular Economy Grant for her commitment to promoting a sustainable circular economy model. Her accomplishments include authoring “Bare Necessities – How to lead a Zero Waste Life” and receiving the Circular Economy Grant from IKEA Foundation, Adelphi, and SEED.

Reena Sachdev

Founder, Travel Arena
Recognized for her profound love for travel, she achieved the prestigious Premiere Aussie Specialist for New Product Development for 2022-2023 at the Australian Marketplace. With a business family background, she expanded horizons after working for SOTC/Kuoni, seamlessly blending passion with work and family.

Prerna Rajpal

CEO & Chief Designer, Amaris
An inspiring woman leader, celebrated for her exceptional fine jewelry adorned on the Cannes Red Carpet. Recognized in 2023 with the ET Inspiring Women Leaders Award, her creations grace Bollywood stars and international publications, affirming her status as a top entrepreneur in India’s luxury industry. With over a decade of experience, Prerna has made high-fashion couture jewelry accessible, drawing inspiration from India’s cultural richness.

Preeti Jatia

Founder, Fayon Kids
Krishna Tamaila VoraCelebrated as one of the Top 10 Women Leaders in Retail 2023, gracing the cover of Women Entrepreneur Magazine. Passionate about art and design, her brands, Fayon Kids, Label by Fayon, and Beyondallter, epitomize comfortable and creative fashion.

Petrushka Dasgupta

Partner, ALMT Legal
A Partner at ALMT Legal, she was recognized as the recommended lawyer for dispute resolution and litigation in the Legal 500 – 2021 edition, along with being invited to speak at prestigious events, including the Aviation Week Asia 2014 in Singapore.

Neeha Nagpal

Partner, NMD Law Chambers
A seasoned lawyer for over 15 years, she excels in commercial litigation. Forbes ‘Tycoons of Tomorrow’ Awardee (2018), Forbes Powerlist for Lawyers (2021), and BW LEGALWORLD ’40 under 40′ Awardee. Certified Gut Health Coach and passionate philanthropist, Neeha actively supports causes for gender inclusivity, LGBTQI+ rights, and community welfare. As a Partner at NMD Law Chambers, Neeha continues to receive accolades, including the BW Legal World ’40 under 40′ Award in 2022 and Forbes Tycoon of Tomorrow’s Next Gen Icon Award in 2018.

Krupa Dalal

Sales Manager - Legal Media Business - India & Middle East, Thomson Reuters
As the Sales Manager – Legal Media Business at Thomson Reuters, Krupa Dalal received The Circle for Excellence award for surpassing revenue numbers by over 100% YoY. With 18+ years of experience, she brings consultative expertise, focusing on renewals, innovations, and year-over-year sales growth.

Krishna Tamaila Vora

Founder, Mom's Therapy

She was acknowledged among the 100 Emerging Women Leaders by YourStory, adding pride and distinction to her name. Additionally, her feature on Sony Television’s Shark Tank India Season 1 marked a significant milestone in her journey.

Kanika Gupta

Vice President, Colorbar Cosmetics
Recently promoted to Vice President Retail at Colorbar Cosmetics, Kanika brings over 18 years of expertise in Product Development, Sourcing, Retail operations, Marketing, and Fashion retailing. Recognized for her empathetic leadership, she pioneered Colorbar’s international expansion and is spearheading the launch of a new Luxury Home & Lifestyle brand.

Jasmine Bedi

Chief Editor & Publisher, Interglobix
As President, she elevates InterGlobix Magazine, seamlessly blending technology and luxury. Recognized as an International Business Ambassador, Bedi’s strategic efforts have attracted foreign direct investment, fostering economic development in Loudoun County. Honored with the prestigious ‘IM100’ award by Infrastructure Masons and ‘The President’s Volunteer Service Award’ by the US India SME Council.

Hiral Mehta

Contemporary Artist & Founder of God Of Onions Podcast
A celebrated contemporary artist, gained recognition as one of the 33 Women Achievers of India. Her artwork, showcased at the Festival of Architecture and Interior Design, exemplified her talent. Additionally, she was honored as one of the 99 WomEn Achievers of India 2023 by the Indian Achiever’s Club.

Harpreet Kapoor

Co Founder & Practice Leader, HR Tech
Demonstrating innovation and expertise, SHE successfully launched Konverz—an AI product transforming hiring decisions with conversational intelligence. With a profound background spanning HR transformation and organizational development, their extensive experience has shaped impactful solutions across diverse industries in India, MENA, and ASEAN regions.

Gauri Monga

Founder, Anaash
A Business Management graduate, achieved commendable recognition with the brand featured on Lifestyle Asia’s cover and worn by notable actors, including Sanjana Sanghi, Kajol, and Vidya Balan. Born from a profound love for pearls, Anaash embodies elegance and sophistication in the world of jewelry.

Foram Shah

Lawyer
A seasoned lawyer with 18 years of expertise in corporate laws, trademarks, copyright, real estate, shops and establishments, and labor laws. Notably, she achieved a remarkable single-handed acquisition valued at 30 crore, setting a benchmark in the legal industry.

Eesha Sukhi

Founder, The BlueBop Cafe
She received the Economic Times F&B Leaders 2023 Award. With a brand-building background at Yahoo, Starbucks, Vero Moda, and Vogue, Eesha excels in the F&B sector, notably with BlueBop Cafe and BlueBop Bakes. Previously honored as an Emerging F&B Woman Entrepreneur, her commitment resonates.

Dr. Sonia Lal Gupta

Neurologist and Director, Metro Group of Hospitals & Co-Founder, Voice of Health
Recognized as the “Best Neurologist” in 2014 and a “Rising Star in Healthcare” in 2017, she continues to excel. Recently, Dr. Gupta added another accolade to her impressive repertoire – the prestigious “40 Under 40 Exceptional Leaders” award by the Times of India in 2023, further solidifying her impactful leadership in the healthcare domain.

Bhakti Kapoor

"Neurologist and Director, Metro Group of Hospitals & Co-Founder, Voice of Health"
She was honored with the “Most Promising Nutrition & Wellness Expert Award 2023.” Recognized at the Global Business Conclave & Awards, London, she also received accolades from Women Iconza Awards and India Icon Awards, solidifying her authority in holistic nutrition.

Benaifer Jal Kapadia

"Vice President, The Club Mumbai & Taj Resort and Spa, Bekal, Kerala"
Renowned for hotelier expertise, she was honored as ‘The Most Admirable Marketeer in 2023’ by the World Marketing Congress and CMO – Asia. Passionate about hospitality, a dedicated food enthusiast, with a life mantra: “To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone!”

Akanksha Mishra

Founder & Principal Architect, Space Unfold Ventures

She earned the “Under 40 Elite Trendsetter Architect and Designer of the Year 2023” award. Her profound work in architecture, interior design, and art showcases meticulous attention to design, client needs, and vendor relationships, redefining luxury interior design and architecture.