The Mentorship Program is crafted to connect mentees with mentors, fostering both personal and professional development. Mentees have the unique opportunity to gain valuable insights, guidance, and extensive knowledge from their mentors, enabling mentees to navigate and excel in their respective industries.
This program primarily focuses on cultivating essential leadership skills for thriving in executive roles, sharpening strategic thinking and vision for effective decision-making, acquiring skills for effective contribution in boardroom settings, and developing strong executive presence and communication skills crucial for leadership success.
Prior to connecting with a mentor, the following information is needed from the mentee
Mentor of choice – Explore the list of mentors and their professional bios on Circle (choose 3, and the mentee will be connected with one or two of the chosen mentors)
- Mentee bio
- Company overview
- Problem statement
- Goals for the mentorship – set specific and achievable goals for the mentorship period.
LWL facilitates the initial meeting between the mentee and the mentor. Subsequent sessions occur directly between the two parties, with minimal LWL involvement.Mentor Availability: If the preferred mentor is unavailable, LWL will recommend another based on the mentee’s needs. If the mentor is unavailable for the current quarter, priority is given for the next quarter.
Duration: Quarterly
Meeting Timings: The mentor sets the first session’s timing. Session durations vary, depending on the mentor’s preference. Meetings will be conducted either in person or virtually.
The required information from the mentee is to be sent to the POC of the program
Daniela Barretto
+91 9819718195
daniela@ladieswholead.in
Community Manager: Operations & Engagement, Bengaluru
Executive Leadership Mentorship
Who
Emerging leaders with ambitions for Boards/C-suites
What
Mentorship initiative focusing on leadership development with the aim of nurturing executive-level competencies.
Why
Accelerate career growth, enhance leadership abilities, and facilitate successful transition to senior roles.
Rajiv Nair
Rajiv Nair is an accomplished business executive with extensive experience in the technology industry. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Lafayette College. He is renowned for his illustrious legacy as the first employee and President of Microsoft India, where he spent 13 years building Microsoft’s presence in the Indian subcontinent. During his tenure, he held several positions, including Managing Director, Regional Director, and Senior Strategic Advisor, and was credited with driving the company’s vision for e-governance.
Following his successful stint at Microsoft, he went on to serve as the Vice President and Managing Director of Autodesk India, where he was responsible for the company’s strategy and growth in the region. In his most recent role, he was the Managing Director of Mentor Graphics India Pvt Ltd, where he led the company’s operations in the NCR region.
His extensive experience and expertise have earned him numerous accolades and recognitions. He is the Chairperson of the CII committee on Security and E-Governance and a member of the Nasscom Executive Council, among others. Overall, his legacy is one of excellence, vision, and leadership, and his contributions have helped shape the technology industry in India.
Abhishek Goyal
Abhishek Goyal is a finance and investment professional with a diverse and accomplished background in the industry. He holds a Double Major in Finance and Economics from The University of Virginia and began his career as a Technology Analyst at Andor Capital Management in New York. Here, he covered hardware and internet companies, expanding his expertise in technology investments. He later moved to Hong Kong in 2008 to set up Andor’s office and manage investments in India as their technology analyst.
His impressive career path in finance and investment continued as he became the Portfolio Manager for India at White Elm Capital, a hedge fund with $700M AUM. In 2013, he co-founded OnCourse Vantage Pvt Ltd, one of India’s leading counselling and mentoring organizations. His entrepreneurial success inspired him to pursue it further as he co-founded Decimal Wealth Partners, a SEBI-registered PMS managing approximately US$20M for HNIs and Family Offices.
He holds the position of Chief Risk Officer at Grip Fixed Income Opportunities Fund, which provides debt capital to Series A+ start-ups. Moreover, he invests in and mentors over 15 start-ups, so he remains an avid Angel investor. Additionally, he has served on the Investment Committee of a large Family Office with an AUM of USD $150 million and on the board of India’s second-largest publicly listed export company, Pearl Global Industries. When not working, he enjoys collecting art, exploring fine wines, reading, travelling, and spending time with his family.
Deepa Dey
Deepa Dey is a communication professional with 29 years of experience in various industries such as Infrastructure, Consumer Electronics, Hospitality, Aviation, Telecom, Consumer Healthcare, and FMCG. She started her career as a journalist while pursuing her Master’s in English Literature in Kolkata. Deepa has held leadership positions in companies such as The Park, SpiceJet, Airtel, and GSK, and is currently leading communications and sustainability efforts for Nutrition and Special Projects (including advocacy) at HUL.
Aside from her expertise in communication, she has also worked on Online Reputation Management, Advocacy, CSR/sustainability, Culture building, and large-scale change management for company mergers and acquisitions such as GSK-Novartis, GSK-Pfizer, and GSK-Unilever. At her current organization, Deepa is a practicing Mental Health Champion and an LGBTQI+ ally.
She was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for Communications conferred by exchange4media in 2022. She also serves as Jury Chair for PR and Corp Comm Women Achievers Awards and an Advisor to Ladies who Lead. A postgraduate in English Literature, Deepa loves writing, reading, and travelling. Her purpose is to “open doors” to new ideas, connections, and learning. She is a nature lover who deeply believes in Shinrin Yoku and enjoys long walks and playing with her rescue dog Cookie. Married with a son, Deepa lives her life with passion and purpose.
Hariharan Premkumar
Hariharan Premkumar is a highly experienced Investment Director and is currently heading the India operations at DSGCP. With a diverse portfolio spanning private equity and venture capital, he has accrued a wealth of knowledge over his 12-year career, including seven years of private capital experience. In his current position, he is responsible for overseeing investments, leading the investment strategy and has been instrumental in closing several successful investments for the company such as Super Bottoms, Sleepycat, Power Gummies, Vistarooms, Nutrova, Belora Cosmetics, XYXX, Solethreads, and Supertails.
Before DSGCP, he spent four years at Peepul Capital as a Vice President, where he oversaw successful investments such as KLAY Child Care Chain, Voylla fashion jewelry, Medall diagnostics, Komli Media, and TeleDNA. Prior to this, he worked at Veda Corporate Advisors, Rothschild Private Equity, Accenture Management Consulting, and Oracle Server Technologies before pursuing his MBA. With a diverse background in fundraising transactions and private equity, he has developed a deep understanding of complex investment landscapes.
His academic achievements are a testament to his success at DSGCP. He holds an impressive MBA from IIM Bangalore, and a B.Tech in Information Technology, B.E. in Manufacturing Engineering from College of Engineering Guindy, where he was the University Gold Medalist. His expertise in investments combined with his academic credentials makes him an invaluable member of the DSGCP team and an integral contributor to the company’s continued growth and success.
Jaidip Khurana
Jaidip Khurana is an executive leadership coach associated with the Asian Leadership Institute, Chiang Mai, who combines his extensive understanding of the corporate world with a holistic and intuitive approach to leadership transformation. Jaidip’s focus is on establishing a personal, high-trust, open relationship characterized by genuine care, to achieve the best results from coaching. He is committed to empowering leaders to achieve dramatic personal and business transformation through authentic leadership, based on self-mastery from a place of inspiration and purpose.
With over a decade of experience in executive coaching and leadership development, he is passionate about facilitating the process of personal transformation among individuals and organizations to cultivate a growth mindset and foster innovation. He creates an environment of trust and authenticity for his clients to expand their perspectives and see blind spots. His coaching style is both challenging and nurturing, tailored specifically to the needs of the client, backed by neuroscience and grounded in mindfulness.
His clients develop a customized and creative practice that enhances their self-awareness, improves their ability to understand others, dynamically lead and manage teams with empathy, and communicate effectively.
Manisha Girotra
Manisha Girotra is an accomplished CEO with a career spanning over 30 years with UBS in London, Hong Kong, Mumbai, and Delhi. She has also made an impact in Moelis where she serves as the CEO in India. She has bootstrapped these organizations in India by setting up productive teams, acquiring necessary regulatory licenses, and building their brands, corporate governance, and business models. At the young age of 32, Manisha became the youngest CEO of a global investment bank in India, a reflection of her exceptional leadership skills.
Manisha is a seasoned advisor with an admirable track record in mergers and acquisitions, and equity and debt fundraisings. She has advised in more than US$ 500 Bn worth of such transactions, including Vodafone’s US$ 12 Bn acquisition of Hutch’s telecom business, Bharti Airtel’s US$ 10 Bn acquisition of Zain Africa, HDFC-HDFC Bank’s US$ 65 Bn merger, and Birla Group’s US$ 6 Bn acquisition of Novelis. Her domain knowledge and experience are unparalleled, as can be seen through noteworthy contributions throughout her career.
Manisha is an eminent business leader and serves as a mentor for ambitious working women. She represents the banking industry’s viewpoint on several panels of SEBI, CII, FICCI, and other industry associations. Over the years, she has received prestigious accolades, including being named “50 Women to Watch” by The Wall Street Journal and nominated in the “Top 50 Women in Business” by Forbes & Fortune. Additionally, she was named “Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business in India” by Business Today. In conclusion, Manisha Girotra is an inspiring leader, a seasoned expert, and an acclaimed mentor who has made a significant impact on the investment banking industry in India.
Rattan Keswani
Rattan Keswani’s distinguished career spans over 31 years with the Oberoi Hotels and Resorts, where he held several senior positions in India and internationally, including the Middle East and Sri Lanka. Notably, he served as the President of Trident Hotels (EIH Group) from 2008 to 2012. A seasoned hospitality professional with a wealth of experience in hotel management and operations, he served as the Deputy Managing Director of Lemon Tree Hotels and was the Co-Promoter & Director of Carnation Hotels till April 2022.
A graduate in Finance from Punjab University, Rattan pursued his post-graduate studies in Operational Systems for Hospitality Management (OSHM) from 1981 to 1983.
In 2023, Rattan published the well-received book “Check In Never Check Out,” which explores management principles and adaptation strategies applicable across industries.
Since 2022, Rattan has been actively engaged as an independent advisor, offering consulting services in hotel design and aesthetics, balanced scorecards/KRAs, brand development and architecture, creative services, marketing and communications, business reviews, and coaching and mentoring for senior leadership teams.
Renu Basu
With over 30 years of experience in customer management, revenue management, brand building, communication, marketing (including digital marketing), CRM, and loyalty, she brings a wealth of expertise as a strategy consultant. She has collaborated with leading organizations to drive key strategic initiatives and has been instrumental in creating complete structural change and overhauls of sales, marketing, and customer-centricity. Her ability to enhance brand positioning has been recognized both nationally and globally, making her a highly sought-after expert in her field.
As a board member, she has built extensive and deep customer relationships with senior-level clients. Her unique ability to connect with captains of industry, promoters, and leaders in various fields has given her a great advantage in advocating for positive impact and leading industry associations and councils. Her passion for promoting diversity and inclusion of women is evident in her leadership of the Posh committee at IHCL, where she has enhanced processes and systems for effective complaint lodging and quick redressal to ensure that women are well represented in the workplace.
In her previous role as Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at Indian Hotels Co Ltd, she was responsible for driving significant structural change and overhauling of sales, marketing, and customer centricity for the organization. Her pioneering use of technology through the introduction of customized Salesforce automation enhanced productivity, contributing to the company’s growth and success. She has a wealth of experience in improving revenue management, sales, digital marketing, customer loyalty, and marketing communication for organizations across diverse sectors. Her ability to think strategically and implement effective solutions has helped organizations achieve their desired outcomes and grow sustainably. She is an expert in her field, and her expertise has made her a valuable asset in the industry.
Sanjay Kapoor
Sanjay Kapoor, a banker turned entrepreneur, Sanjay entered the Indian fashion Industry in the mid-90s and gets substantial credit for leading to the corporatization of the industry. Sanjay founded Genesis Luxury India’s only luxury retail conglomerate in 2008 as the international arm of Genesis Colors, becoming the first to introduce franchise opportunities for luxury brands such as Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani, Armani Exchange, Paul Smith, Bottega Veneta, Jimmy Choo, Tumi, Coach and Michael Kors in the Indian market and in 2009 the group expanded into joint ventures with Burberry and luxury Italian men’s brand Canali. Genesis Luxury is now a part of Reliance Brands Limited (RBL), a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited.
A graduate of Shri Ram College of Commerce in New Delhi, Sanjay earned an MBA from the University of Rochester in New York before embarking on a finance career with Citibank in Singapore and India before turning to retail in the mid-1990’s.
With his long-term vision of further expansion in the domestic and overseas market, coupled with his financial and market insights, Sanjay stands as an epitome of a distinctive and a dynamic business success story. Sanjay is a member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and is a recipient of several awards for his innovative initiatives in fashion retailing. An avid art collector, Sanjay likes to unwind with reading, working out, music and spending time with his family.
Sonu Bhasin
Sonu Bhasin is an accomplished businesswoman with over 30 years of experience in managing large businesses and diverse teams both in India and overseas. She is a trailblazer in the industry and one of the early and senior women professionals. She has held various senior leadership positions in the financial and non-financial sectors, including Director at ING Barings, President at Axis Bank, and Group President at Yes Bank.
Sonu is an Independent Director on several domestic and multinational companies’ Boards and has published five books as a Business Author. Her books, including The Inheritors and Unstoppable, are published by Penguin Random House, and Gujarmal Modi is the first in the multi-book series titled Entrepreneurs Who Built India, published by HarperCollins. She has also been a columnist with The Economic Times, India’s leading financial daily.
Currently, she is the Founder of Families And Business (FAB), a platform that focuses on family businesses. She is a family business historian and has worked extensively with patriarchs and inheritors of family businesses, enabling them to build multi-generational businesses. She was named one of the Global 100 Most Influential individuals for Family Enterprises in 2020 and was inducted into the FBU Family Business Hall of Fame in 2022. She holds a degree in B.Sc (Hons) Mathematics from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, and an MBA from the Faculty of Management Studies, Delhi University.
Vivek Mansingh
Vivek Mansingh is a pioneer in the technology industry with over three decades of experience. He is widely respected for his innovative ideas and leadership, and his contributions to the field have earned him a global reputation. Having worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Michael Dell and Steve Jobs, his expertise in emerging technologies, innovation, and entrepreneurship is second to none. His mentoring skills have led him to establish “Mentor a Million,” a mission to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators and leaders.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, he is also a dedicated philanthropist. He has established several programs to provide healthcare and education to disadvantaged families in his hometown of Fatehpur, UP. His commitment to giving back to society has had a positive impact on the lives of many people. He believes in the power of giving back to the community and endeavours to make a meaningful difference through his work.
His academic background is equally impressive, with a Gold Medal from NIT Allahabad, a PhD from Queen’s University, Canada, and an Executive MBA from Stanford University. He currently serves as the General Partner at YourNest Venture Capital fund, where he focuses on creating three global unicorns from India in the deep technology and product space. As a board member of numerous non-profit and for-profit global organizations, his contributions to industry and society have earned him several prestigious awards, including India’s highest Chanakya Innovative Leadership Award and the IT Man of the Year 2016 from Enterprise Connect, USA. His remarkable journey and accomplishments continue to inspire entrepreneurs and innovators around the world, highlighting the positive impact that visionary leaders can have in shaping a brighter future.
Industry Insider Mentorship
Who
Professionals pursuing to seek diverse guidance and support across industries to foster both personal and professional growth
What
Tailored mentorship program designed to provide personalized insights, guidance, and resources for those looking to enhance skills and advance careers across specific industries.
Why
Connect with diverse mentors who offer expertise from different sectors to accelerate growth, navigate challenges, and achieve goals in a dynamic professional landscape.
Aabha Bakaya
Aabha is a career business journalist, news anchor, editor, writer and producer. Across her journalism career spanning 2 decades, Aabha has worked as a Senior Journalist and News Anchor with reputed networks such as India Today Group, NDTV Profit, ET NOW, and Bloomberg TV India, wherein she has been instrumental in the production of various celebrated shows. Reflecting her versatility, some of the shows that Aabha has hosted and produced include Boss’ Day Out, Gadget Guru, E-Inc, and Rising Stars. Aabha is also the recipient of the Business Today award for Best Business News Anchor.
As Founder & CEO of Ladies Who Lead, she has set out on this audacious journey to co-create an equitable future for women in the workforce with an innate drive to speed up meaningful change. She is a fierce advocate of incremental action and amped-up voices to drive impact.
She is building an unconventional members-only circle of like-minded women in positions of power who are willing to pay it forward. Through Ladies Who Lead, Aabha is empowering powerful leaders, executives and entrepreneurs to grow through curated learning experiences and breakthrough conversations. Today, the platform hosts a robust community of 1000+ members from over 30 sectors, which is shaping the narrative for women in leadership. The platform has built a robust presence across 4 major cities: Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Pune, and is poised to expand across the country.
Ayushi Gudwani
Ayushi Gudwani is a successful entrepreneur and the founder & CEO of FS Life- a house of brands that runs three premium brands – FableStreet, Pink Fort, and March. Her entrepreneurship journey started when she struggled to find comfortable and well-fitted Western workwear in the Indian market. This led her to undertake extensive research and development, including taking measurements of 200 women to understand the characteristics of sizes and body types among Indian women.
With her engineering degree from NSIT and MBA from IIM Calcutta, Ayushi built FS Life, catering exclusively to women’s wear and expanding across multiple categories, leading to the launch of two more brands, March and Pink Fort.
Under her leadership, FS Life has successfully set itself apart, customer-backwards as opposed to design-forward, and offers a wide range of sizes catering to Indian women’s body types. Recognitions awarded to Ayushi include BW 40 under 40 (2022), Fortune India 40 under 40 (2021), Business World Young Entrepreneur Award (2019), and many more. In 2022, she, alongside other women entrepreneurs, was invited to the prestigious Global Victoria Women’s 2020 Summit in Australia.
Amrita Barthakur
Amrita is an accomplished transactional lawyer and Partner & COO at Saama Capital. Over the past two decades, she has gained a wealth of experience and expertise in the Indian VC/PE ecosystem. At Saama, she leads the efforts on legal & regulatory affairs, deal structuring & execution, and portfolio management. Additionally, she is involved in the setup of the fund, its people, and its operations. She finds her work rewarding and enjoys interacting with entrepreneurs to drive change.
Before joining Saama, she headed the Fund Investments practice at Nishith Desai Associates, where she advised top venture capital and private equity funds in India. During this tenure, she witnessed the emergence of the Indian venture capital ecosystem and gained a unique vantage point on the industry. Through her accomplishments, she has acquired a broad perspective and understanding of the industry and its landscape.
Throughout her over a decade-long career with Saama Capital, she has contributed significantly to the establishment and growth of the fund, its team, and its operations. She plays an active role in managing Saama’s consumer portfolio. Her wealth of experience and expertise in the Indian VC/PE ecosystem makes her a notable figure in the industry. She is a valued member of the Saama Capital team and has helped build the fund into a leading player in the Indian venture capital market.
Archana Dutta
Archana Dutta is the CEO of The Second Act, a coach, and mentor who empowers leaders, particularly women, to unlock their full potential and invest in personal growth. With over 27 years of experience leading loyalty programs at Hyatt and Lufthansa, She has curated and designed 50+ workshops in areas such as leadership, imposter syndrome, and self-improvement. Her workshops have transformed individuals and organizations, equipping them with the skills and mindset to thrive in their personal and professional lives.
As the host of the “Discover Your Second Act” podcast, she has interviewed over 130 individuals, sharing their inspiring stories and providing motivation for countless listeners. She is also a part-time facilitator with Harappa & Jombay and a mentor with Aspire for Her, extending her reach to make a positive difference beyond workshops and podcasts. With her commitment to social impact and empowerment, She has empowered over 400,000 lives in underprivileged communities through her work with “Pedal On,” a women’s wellbeing center that champions personal growth. Her vast experiences and learnings inspire her to share her treasure trove of knowledge and skills with others as they start their own Second Act journeys.
Akanksha Mishra
Ar. Akanksha Mishra is a seasoned design professional with over 15 years of experience in the industry. Holding a Bachelor’s in Architecture and a Master’s in Furniture Design from NID Ahmedabad, alongside a Business Management degree from IIM Indore, Akanksha merges creative prowess with strategic acumen. As the founder of SpaceUnfold Ventures Pvt. Ltd., Ar. Akanksha leads a dynamic team, driving innovative projects on a global scale. Akanksha’s work has earned numerous awards and she has been featured in prestigious magazines, underscoring a reputation for excellence and innovation. Akanksha’s career is marked by a dedication to pushing design boundaries and achieving impactful, world-class results.
Bhavika Shah
Bhavika Shah is the founder and creative director of Beyondesign, an all-women design consultancy whose core strength is innovative communication, strategic design, branding and packaging. With over 19 years of experience in the industry, she has built a strong client base that includes iconic brands such as Taj Hotels, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, and St. Regis Mumbai. She is also a faculty member at ISDI Parsons Mumbai, where she teaches branding and design to aspiring designers.
Her passion for design and branding led her to start Beyondesign, which has grown from a one-client venture to serving over 700 clients today. She attributes this success to word-of-mouth marketing, where the quality of work speaks for itself. Her minimalist approach to design and her ability to define a brand’s journey are the hallmarks of her work. She firmly believes that the grace of Indian design can be adapted to suit a global audience.
Bhavika’s expertise in design and branding has led her to consult with several companies as an equity partner. By becoming an integral part of their stories, she has crafted branding strategies that have left a lasting impact on her clients’ businesses. With a postgraduate degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design and a reputation for punctuality and precision, she is a force to be reckoned with in the world of design.
Gauri Devidayal
Gauri Devidayal is not your average hospitality industry leader. She has a unique approach, driven by innovative ideas and exceptional creativity that has transformed the industry landscape. As a co-founder of Food Matters Group, she has spearheaded the launch of several acclaimed restaurants such as The Table Farm, Magazine St. Kitchen, Miss T, and Iktara, earning recognition as one of Forbes India’s 120 Leaders of Change and GQ’s 50 Most Influential Young Indians.
Gauri began her career as a tax consultant before discovering her true passion for the hospitality industry. Her entrepreneurial journey started with The Table, which quickly achieved international acclaim under her transformational leadership. Gauri’s love for food and wine is evident in her pursuing and excelling at the Wine and Spirits Education Trust’s (WSET) Level III exam. She also set up The Table Farm, a sustainable farm-to-table initiative that showcases her dedication to responsible sourcing and served as a distinguished jury member for the India Wine Awards, making significant contributions to the industry.
Beyond her exceptional entrepreneurial ventures, Gauri is also an accomplished author, co-authoring the memoir, Diamonds for Breakfast, with her husband Jay. Her contributions to the industry have earned her a privileged position as Joint Secretary of the National Restaurant Association of India. Further, Gauri’s talent for writing extends to her insights on food and travel, which she has published in several notable publications. In conclusion, Gauri Devidayal’s unwavering dedication to excellence, innovation, and pushing the boundaries of the hospitality industry make her a driving force and an inspiration to future leaders in the industry.
Garima Gulati Bhutani
Garima Gulati is a self-directed and motivated Business Leader with 18+ years of experience. Her insatiable curiosity and passion for learning have fueled her journey, pushing her to continually embrace new challenges and go beyond her comfort zone. She’s a peoples’ person carrying a strong bias towards employee and business value creation through action and impact.
Steering a wide range of functions including strategic business planning, employer branding, team building, employee engagement, leadership development, performance management, HR strategy, policy creation & implementation, team management, communication and marketing with global stakeholders. Leveraging deep business & functional knowledge for execution excellence.
Garima partners with leadership teams on priority projects that support organisation-wide transformation initiatives. She is skilled in interfacing with clients for delivering viable services & products and maintaining relationships with key business leaders for securing repeat business. An effective leader, Garima is known for her strong interpersonal, presentation, analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Minari Shah
Minari Shah is a communicator with three decades of experience, straddling business journalism and corporate communications, via a small detour into film-writing. She firmly believes in the power of strategic communications to make a tangible difference in how organizations are perceived, with clear brand and business impact. Minari advocates communications as a strategic partner to business, playing the role of a strong moral compass and brand reputation custodian while driving business priorities that matter to key stakeholders.
Her passion for the convergence of traditional and digital media, coupled with changing audiences, platforms, and channels, has led her to a deep understanding of creating content that balances corporate messaging with high credibility. With technology disrupting the industry, she believes that these are exciting times, redefining the reach and remit of communications to make it more effective, holistic, and powerful for large companies and young start-ups that are redefining aspects of our lives.
Leveraging her decades of experience and insights, she is committed to nurturing talent and building leaders for the future who are fearless in experimentation and committed to making an impact. She has a particular interest in mentoring women for leadership across companies.
Neeha Nagpal
Neeha Nagpal is a Founding Partner of NM LAW CHAMBERS with over 15 years of experience in commercial litigation. She earned her degree from the University of Warwick and has received numerous accolades, including the Forbes ‘Tycoons of Tomorrow’ Award in 2018, recognition on the 2021 Forbes Powerlist for Lawyers, and the BW LEGALWORLD 40 under 40 Awards for Lawyers. Beyond her legal expertise, Neeha is certified as a Gut Health Coach, is actively involved in philanthropic work, and is currently enrolled in a Leadership coaching program from Co-Active Training Institute. She works closely with organizations such as the Keshav Suri Foundation, KARM fellowship, and The Bigger Picture Foundation to promote the inclusion and empowerment of marginalized communities.
Aside from her professional achievements, she is also a fitness and wellness enthusiast. In addition to regularly practicing boxing, yoga, and horse riding, she is also an accomplished pianist and has studied sound healing techniques. Her passions and expertise make her a true trailblazer in the legal and wellness communities. She has also been featured in the UN India coffee table book on 75 women in leadership roles.
Nili Shah
Nupur Mehrotra Arora
Nupur Mehrotra Arora is a co-founding member of Premas Biotech, a pioneering 19-year-old organization dedicated to building novel platforms and translational technologies. Premas Biotech focuses on developing innovative vaccines and therapeutics through deep partnerships with like-minded professionals and organizations.
Currently serving as the Director and Chief Operations Officer at Premas, Nupur brings 25 years of diverse experience spanning general medicine, lab research, leading cross-functional teams, operations, global business development, and partnership building. Her expertise and leadership have been instrumental in driving the company’s growth and innovation.
In 2022, Nupur was honored to be selected among the ‘100 Women Entrepreneurs Building & Shaping India’: Changing The Narrative, an initiative co-powered by LiveMint and Invest India.
Nupur has been an active member of CII-Biotech and FICCI India for over a decade, contributing significantly to the evolution of the biotech industry in the country. She also serves on the School Advisory Committees of various universities in India and is a sought-after speaker at numerous scientific and leadership forums, both nationally and internationally.
Actively involved in scientific research at Premas, Nupur has numerous patents and peer-reviewed publications in reputed journals, further solidifying her reputation as a leading figure in the biotech industry.
Preeta Sukhtankar
With a career spanning more than 20 years, this industry professional has established herself as a leading figure in the world of fashion and entertainment. Having worked with high-profile brands such as ELLE, MTV, and Seventeen, she has developed an unmatched understanding of the modern Indian woman. Her unique insights and knowledge make her a valuable asset to any team.
Recognizing an opportunity in the market for everyday essentials that had enjoyed tremendous success internationally, she founded The Label Life. Drawing on her extensive experience and insights, she created a brand catering to the modern Indian superwoman juggling various demands in life. The Label Life quickly became a success, creating a unique bond with its consumers. As a first-time founder, she built The Label Life from scratch, assembling a team of celebrity stylists, all-female staff, and dedicated vendors. Serving over a million orders, The Label Life is one of the most successful direct-to-consumer brands in India, boasting one of the highest repeat customer retention rates and gross margins. In 2021, the company was acquired by G.O.A.T Brand Labs, cementing its position as a leader in the digital-first brand space.
Since leaving The Label Life, she has become an influential angel investor and mentor to founders, with a focus on promoting impact and inclusivity. She produced a powerful ELLE Breast Cancer awareness film directed by Zoya Akhtar and featuring some of India’s leading actors. Her latest project is a collective of ex-operators aimed at helping young consumer brands in India achieve their business goals. With a passion for helping and empowering others, she remains a highly respected figure in the industry.
Rati Shetty
The customer-centric approach is at the heart of BankBazaar’s philosophy, led by the co-founder and Chief Product Officer Rati Shetty. Her background in Business Administration earned from MOP Vaishnav College, Chennai, combined with her experience in managing the launch and go-to-market operations of several Kraft Foods’ brands in export markets, including Toblerone in Brazil and Milka in the US, have equipped her with exceptional consumer understanding.
As the driving force behind the product team, her vision for BankBazaar is to provide clean, innovative, and straightforward product experiences for challenging financial products such as loans, credit cards, and insurance, using intelligent interface design and smart technology. Her relentless focus on building a world-class user experience and a sharp emphasis on conversion has resulted in several industry-first innovations, such as paperless transactions. Indeed, she ensures that the company’s customers always have something great to write home about, no matter what the product or service may be.
With her leading the product team, BankBazaar is on a journey to transform the financial services industry by making it more accessible and user-friendly for consumers. With her invaluable experience and deep understanding of consumer needs, BankBazaar is perfectly positioned to deliver innovative financial products and services that make a meaningful difference in customers’ lives.
Rimjhim Ray
Rimjhim Ray is an entrepreneur, board member and angel investor. Rimjhim is the co-founder| CMO of HeyoPhone which is using communication tech and generative AI to help SMBs deliver superior customer engagement. Heyo has attracted investment from leading angel investors including Lenskart founders.
Rimjhim also has been the Co-founder at Spotle.ai, where her work on building AI assisted hiring models has been featured in NASSCOM’s flagship AI report as one of the top AI innovations out of India.. Rimjhim is also board-member and investor at several start-ups including AI-based adaptive edtech startup Wise Owl Learning and school entrepreneurship platform School Sharks . She is a serial entrepreneur who also co-founded, sold and exited Unmarketeer – a digital-advisory firm. Rimjhim is the national president of WICCI Angel Investing council and an advisory board member at NASSCOM Insights. Rimjhim holds a degree in Computer Science and studied MBA at Imperial Business School, London and SPJIMR, Mumbai.
Rimjhim has been awarded with the top 30 women tech entrepreneur award in India She has been recognized as a ‘Woman of influence’ and one of the top 50 technology voices on Twitter India. Her debut book ‘7 Women 7 Secrets’ published in 2017 has been a Times Books best seller.
Rupali Kevin Shah
Rupali K. Shah is the Director of Kevin Enterprise Pvt Ltd (KEPL), a deemed NBFC and the holding company of Amor Fati Ventures LLP. KEPL is engaged in leadership coaching, realty, and financial investments, while Amor Fati Ventures LLP owns a concept Vietnamese vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurant and a bespoke bar.
In 2017, her company’s former business received an unsolicited acquisition offer from a NASDAQ-listed Scandinavian MNC. As Financial Director from 1993-2017, she facilitated due diligence activities, including negotiations, direct and indirect tax compliance, and other regulatory requirements. She continued with the MNC until 2018 to assist with financial integration and guide the new entity.
An avid investor since 1993, Rupali currently manages her NBFC’s portfolio with a focus on investing as an art, inspired by the principles in “The Psychology of Money.” She is well-equipped to guide her fellow Ladies Who Lead peers on their investment journeys.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Rupali is a nature enthusiast who enjoys mountain treks and hikes, as well as calligraphy and watercolors.
Roheena Nagpal
As the CEO of Plank and Weave, Roheena Nagpal blends luxury and functionality, redefining the design industry with her innovative approach. With a strong record of building successful brands, she exemplifies excellence in business strategy and creative design.
Roheena is passionate about mentoring emerging leaders, advocating for financial independence and equality in business. Her expertise in navigating complex markets and commitment to sustainability make her an invaluable mentor.
Aspiring professionals will find inspiration and guidance in Roheena’s journey of resilience and innovation. Her dedication to fostering a community focused on impactful business practices and design excellence makes her an exciting addition to any mentorship program.
Sunaina Talwar Khiani
Sunaina Talwar Khiani is an experienced business leader and INSEAD MBA with over 20 years of experience in the luxury brand sector. She has successfully launched and led prestigious global brands in India, such as Louis Vuitton, Ferragamo, and Conde Nast Traveller, while building high-performing teams that consistently meet business objectives.
As a strategic leader, Sunaina has developed numerous commercial and marketing plans for premium businesses, including retail strategies, P&L management, new IP development, brand strategies, and PR. Her strong track record demonstrates her ability to deliver on business objectives across cross-functional and multicultural teams.
Leveraging her extensive skills and experience, Sunaina founded Strategia, a marketing firm dedicated to helping Indian and international luxury brands grow their business in the country.
Srimoyi Bhattacharya
Srimoyi Bhattacharya is a highly experienced Public Relations and Communications expert, with a remarkable 25+ years of experience across three continents. Her success in helping fashion, luxury, and lifestyle brands build their image has resulted in her founding Peepul Advisory in 2018. The strategic consulting firm acts as outsourced strategic support to the aforementioned brands, catering to clients worldwide. As the Head of Communications and Strategy, she focuses on building pathways across categories and new markets, organizing resources, and creating and launching new labels for her clients’ portfolios of luxury brands.
Her accomplishments are not limited to her professional ventures. She is also the Founding Chairperson of the Luxury Committee for the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce. Her ability to effectively act as a liaison between local and global markets stems from her experience working in Paris, New York, and India. Her vast knowledge of the luxury and lifestyle industry has earned her the well-deserved reputation of a thought leader in her field. Sri, as she is lovingly called, currently lives and works in Goa, India, where she combines her international background with her deep knowledge of the Indian culture and market.
Her commitment to the industry is further exemplified by her co-authorship of “Pitch Perfect: How to create a brand that people cannot stop talking about,” a book written in collaboration with Chinmayee Manjunath. The book provides valuable insights for creating a memorable brand and is a testament to her passion for helping brands reach their full potential. Her in-depth understanding of the industry has inspired numerous professionals and entrepreneurs alike to emulate her success.
Ketaki Suklikar
Ketaki Suklikar is an experienced legal professional with over 19 years of expertise across law-firm and in-house roles. Currently, she serves as the Legal Head of Mergers & Acquisitions at Mahindra Group, where she is responsible for all legal and regulatory aspects of M&A transactions across the Group.
Prior to joining Mahindra Group, Ketaki was the General Counsel at Mayfield Fund, a Silicon Valley-based venture capital fund making early-stage investments in India across various sectors. In this role, she was responsible for all Fund legal, regulatory, compliance, and governance matters, including diligence, internal controls, deal structuring, investment and divestment transactions, and the legal and governance aspects of portfolio management.
Before her tenure at Mayfield India, Ketaki was the General Counsel, India, for Acumen Fund, a global social venture fund investing in early-stage social enterprises in India. Prior to Acumen, she was a corporate and transactional lawyer with Wadia Ghandy & Co., a full-service law firm in Mumbai, where she led several cross-border transactions across various sectors.
Ketaki holds an LLM in International Commercial Law from Kings College, University of London, and an LLB from ILS Law College, Pune, India.
Swapna Gupta
A visionary leader, who is driving investments in technology-led start-ups focused on climate solutions and sustainability, along with backing some of the top innovative companies such as Locus, Shadowfax, Ninjacart, Zuddl, Moveinsync, Reverie, and Stellapps. With an extensive background in investing, investment banking, and corporate finance with over 13 years of experience, she has driven her passion for sustainability and eco-friendliness by leading investments towards such companies.
Earlier, she served as the head of India investments at Qualcomm Ventures, where she went on to pioneer the Qualcomm Women Entrepreneurs India Network (Qwein), aimed at supporting female early-stage entrepreneurs. Her work and dedication towards the promotion of ventures led her to recognition as one of the Top 50 emerging leaders in the corporate venture community by GCV (Global Corporate Venturing).
Our leader’s invaluable experience and expertise support her belief in driving investments towards technology-led sustainable growth, and she continues to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Namrata Malu
Namrata Malu holds an MBA and is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) from the US. She began her career in banking, gaining extensive experience in private banking and investment banking across India and Singapore. Her work has included mid-market fundraising for European clients, and she has held key positions at ICICI Bank, DBS Bank, and L&T Capital Markets.
Transitioning from banking, Namrata ventured into real estate and hospitality, focusing on both Indian and international markets. Over her decade-and-a-half-long career in real estate, she has overseen the inception to completion of residential and hospitality projects totaling over half a million square feet.
An avid entrepreneur, Namrata has leveraged her vast business network to establish a significant presence in the industry. She is a director and promoter of real estate companies with interests in Mumbai and Goa and co-promoter of a hospitality company in Spain. Notably, she is the first Indian to co-own a vineyard in Spain.
Namrata has also served on the boards of over ten listed and unlisted companies, providing guidance on corporate governance and strategy. She has furthered her expertise by earning a certification in Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies from HarvardX.
Radhika Butala
Radhika Butala is a seasoned brand strategist and marketing leader with over 20
years of experience across Mumbai and New York. She is the founder of The Better
Collective, a brand consultancy that partners with consumer companies and emerging ventures to develop and transform brands for undeniable customer love
and business growth.
Radhika previously headed marketing for the Future Group’s Rs 300-crore luxury food
retail format Foodhall, including the company’s private label brands.
Prior to that, Radhika held global leadership roles at WPP-owned Geometry Global US
(now VMLY & R Commerce) and Havas Worldwide (New York). A former CNBC business journalist, she also developed creative content for TV-18, UTV, and Disney Star, among others.
She founded The Better Collective in 2020 to offer world class brand building know-
how to ambitious startups and evolving legacy businesses across the spectrum of
beauty and personal care, premium food and beverage, hospitality, luxury real estate,
health and wellness, and consumer tech.
Sonali Mongia Amla
With over 30 years of experience across various industries, Sonali has excelled in managing business operations, corporate reputation, and brand communications. Her journey has now led her to embrace entrepreneurship with the launch of her own venture, “Mystic Events by Sonali,” which specializes in corporate events, retreats, exhibitions, and destination weddings.
Sonali brings over a decade of experience in PR and marketing from her tenure at India’s leading law firms, where she excelled in strategy development, reputation management, operational efficiencies, and systems integration.
As Chairwoman of CII-IWN Delhi, Sonali successfully expanded the organization from 40 to 100 members within a year. Her efforts in streamlining policies, systems, and processes have solidified its reputation as a significant force in the industry.
In addition, Sonali has been deeply involved in the day-to-day operations and brand building for parts of her family’s hospitality business.
Her commitment to social responsibility is evident through her support for initiatives like One Step Greener, Pins & Needles, and The Angel Network.
