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The entrepreneurial journey is as challenging as it is
rewarding, and women Founder-CEOs often face an added layer of complexity as
they break barriers and shatter glass ceilings. From navigating systemic biases
to redefining industries, these trailblazing leaders have carved their paths
with grit, resilience, and a sharp vision.
In this discussion, five remarkable women Founder-CEOs
come together to share their insights into the realities of leadership, the
challenges they’ve faced, and the lessons they’ve learned while building
thriving businesses.
Ridhi Sharma - CEO & Founder of Thought
In A Dot
Ridhi
Sharma’s journey is a blend of passion, persistence, and empowering others.
From her early days as a campus reporter to co-founding DU Beat, she was always
driven by a love for startups and creating from scratch. This spirit led to the
birth of Thought In A Dot, which allowed her to balance career and motherhood.
Her entrepreneurial journey wasn’t easy, facing
challenges like gaining client trust in a new industry, but her determination
paid off. Inspired by her own experiences, Ridhi launched Project Sakhi to
support women entrepreneurs, providing them with resources and community
support. She believes in the power of mentorship and community, having been
guided by influential figures like Dhaval Gupta, Soubhik Mukherjee, and Manish
Taneja.
Ridhi’s leadership extends to nurturing her team,
focusing on creating a supportive work environment, especially for mothers
returning to the workforce. Her story is a testament to resilience, growth, and
empowering others.
Sakshi Jain - Founder @ Siraya: Mental
Wellness Centre
Sakshi
Jain, a psychologist and entrepreneur, is the founder of Siraya Mental
Wellness Centre, dedicated to providing holistic mental health
services.Throughout her journey, she has honed essential skills such as
leadership and creativity. For example, when launching a new service line, she
set clear objectives, delegated tasks based on team strengths, and encouraged
open communication to ensure a motivated workforce.
Sakshi views challenges as growth opportunities,
emphasizing resilience and a positive mindset to overcome obstacles. By
reframing problems, she explores creative solutions and adapts to changing
circumstances. Her impact extends to uplifting therapists by providing them
platforms to promote themselves and directly assisting individuals, families,
and groups in addressing mental health issues. Through counseling and community
outreach, she fosters open discussions and reduces stigma around mental health.
Sakshi's approach embodies the essence of young trailblazers making a positive
impact in their communities.
Pooja Bedi - Founder of Happy Soul India
Pooja
Bedi, a renowned Indian actress and television personality, transitioned
into entrepreneurship by founding Happy Soul, a wellness startup based in Goa.
Drawing from her rich familial legacy—her grandfather Baba Bedi was a respected
healer, and her grandmother Freda Bedi was a renowned Buddhist nun—Pooja was
inspired to create a platform that promotes holistic well-being.
Happy Soul serves as a multi-vendor e-commerce portal,
aggregating a curated selection of wellness products, services, and
experiences. Pooja emphasizes the importance of focusing on one's dreams rather
than fears, encouraging individuals to view setbacks as learning experiences
and stepping stones to future success. She advises the younger generation to
identify and break belief systems that don't serve them, embracing life's
journey with all its ups and downs
Shalini Singh -Founder of Galvanise PR
Shalini
Singh is the founder of Galvanise PR, an integrated communications firm,
and andwemet.com, a global matchmaking platform for urban Indians over
25. With nearly three decades of experience across various
industries and continents, Shalini began her career as a kindergarten teacher
and evolved into an entrepreneur.
Her journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of learning
and a commitment to delivering excellence to her clients. She emphasizes the
importance of inclusivity, teamwork, and maintaining a customer-first approach.
Shalini's adaptability has been evident as she navigated diverse work cultures
and business practices, always unlearning the old and embracing the new. Her
ventures reflect her dedication to creating meaningful solutions and fostering
genuine connections.
Pooja Gupta - Founder of Purple Docs
Pooja
Gupta, co-founder and CTO of PurpleDocs, embarked on her entrepreneurial
journey in 2010 from Vadodara, India, alongside her husband, Deepak Gupta.
Transitioning from a two-member team, she gained hands-on experience,
reinforcing her belief in her technical capabilities.
Establishing a startup in a tier-3 city presented unique
challenges, including a nascent startup ecosystem and cultural differences in
work ethics, especially as her husband had previously worked exclusively in the
U.S. Balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, Pooja often attended meetings
with her young child in tow, highlighting her dedication.
Opting for a customer-funded model over external
investments, PurpleDocs operated in bootstrap mode for five years. This
approach facilitated growth from a single city to 15 cities within four years,
serving over 130 hospitals and managing more than 6 million health records.
Pooja's story underscores the importance of continuous
skill development, embracing new opportunities, and fostering independence in
children to create a supportive environment for entrepreneurial pursuits.
These successful
women entrepreneurs have redefined leadership and entrepreneurship, proving
that success is not just about breaking barriers but also about leaving a
lasting legacy. For aspiring entrepreneurs, their journeys are a source of
inspiration, reminding us that perseverance, innovation, and purpose can turn
dreams into reality.