Despite the progress made by women entrepreneurs in overcoming societal barriers and limited opportunities, they continue to face resistance rooted in traditional mindsets. These women often encounter challenges in their social roles, lacking support and motivation from their families, which limits their potential.

In India, there are a few inspiring stories of women entrepreneurs who defied the odds, believed in themselves, and succeeded in breaking free from societal constraints. One such remarkable individual is Preeti Agrawal, the founder of Petville, a venture dedicated to serving the furry angels that enter our lives on paws instead of wings.

Preeti’s journey began with a profound love and care for animals when she adopted and rescued a cat named Snowy and a dog. Their unconditional love transformed her life in the most beautiful way imaginable.

Reflecting on her childhood, Preeti shared with TBW, “As a child, I was not allowed to be around cats and dogs due to hygienic concerns. However, my curiosity about these animals grew over time, fueling my fondness for them.

Now, my furry companions are my three-year-old son’s best friends. Every day, they teach me to see the world differently and love unconditionally. The bond I share with these companions is as enduring as any earthly connection can be. The more I get to know them, the deeper my love for them becomes.”

The Petville Journey

Raising a pet is akin to raising a child, and it all begins with their first paw imprints on the floor. When Preeti embarked on this journey, she had no foolproof plan but a deep desire to do something meaningful for these four-legged friends.

The wagging tails, sniffs, and barks served as her motivation to establish Petville. Initially, Preeti faced challenges in understanding proper pet care and finding the right pet food. She often felt dissatisfied after visiting pet shops, where she was frequently misguided.

Over time, Preeti realized the importance of educating pet parents about the dos and don’ts of pet care. With the well-being of these furry family members in mind, Preeti founded Petville in 2011 with the aim of guiding pet owners in making the right choices for their beloved pets and promoting pet adoption.

Petville’s store is always filled with the delightful sounds of sniffs, grunts, wagging tails, and wet noses. The team at Petville understands their clients and their pets, assisting them in selecting the best products and providing valuable advice.

Petville goes beyond simply selling pet supplies; it also addresses various pet-related queries that pet owners may have when their new companions enter their lives. Petville’s focus is on quality, recognising that it is the foundation of any successful business. The store offers world-class pet products, including pet food, accessories, and supplements.

Preeti reflects on her initial apprehensions, stating, “It seemed like a significant risk at the beginning, but it turned out to be the best decision I ever made. Overcoming my fear of failure was a personal accomplishment.” Initially, Preeti faced incorrigible and unethical competition that made her feel defeated.

However, she refused to give up. Women in leadership face numerous challenges, some of which stem from others, but the biggest challenge often comes from within themselves. Women must have confidence in their abilities to do anything that anyone, regardless of gender, can achieve. Preeti persevered, starting from scratch and working her way up.

There was no time for self-pity; she had to be prepared for what lay ahead. By continuously seeking feedback from customers and employees, Preeti was able to make improvements to Petville. Gradually, everything fell into place.

She attributes her success to her parents for instilling moral values, her family, her team, the animal welfare activists tirelessly caring for distressed animals, and all those individuals who selflessly care for stray animals in their communities, providing food and vaccinations without expecting anything in return.

Pillars of Petville’s Future

Preeti has laid the foundation for Petville based on the following principles:

Never stop learning: Constant improvement is crucial for remaining competitive in the ever-evolving business landscape.

Dive deep into your work: Stay attentive and open-minded, exploring all aspects of your industry.

Unity is strength: Building a strong team is essential for success, encompassing employees, manufacturers, partners, vendors, and more.

Customer is king: Understand the needs of your customers, offer them the best products available, and actively seek their feedback for continuous improvement.

Never compromise on quality: Petville always works with the best manufacturers and uses pet-friendly materials, refusing to stock any product that may harm pets’ skin or well-being.

Organise events: Petville is the only pet store in Pune that organises events for pet parents, providing a platform for them to interact with each other and spend quality time with their pets.

For Preeti, success means achieving her purpose, which is to make the world a better place for furry babies in terms of food and living standards. She believes that society needs to accept women as capable of accomplishing anything, ensuring that success is not determined by gender.

Preeti strives to reach more people and convey the message that pets are also beings deserving of a good life. She emphasises the importance of caring for stray animals, quoting Mahatma Gandhi: “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”

Preeti embodies the ideal balance between her personal and professional life, maintaining a positive attitude and exploring every opportunity that comes her way.

Petville’s Commitment to Society

Petville actively assists NGOs in promoting stray animal adoption. Preeti firmly believes that any business is incomplete if it fails to contribute to society. Petville’s goal is to reach a wider audience across India and make a significant difference in the welfare of animals.

This commitment extends beyond offering niche products; Petville aims to spread knowledge and awareness. Additionally, Petville plans to enhance its online presence, ensuring pet owners have a rewarding experience.

Preeti passionately supports pet adoption, firmly stating, “I truly believe that a stray dog or cat is as valuable as any pedigree animal. The worth of stray animals should not be diminished simply because they are strays. They deserve love and care.”

Preeti Agrawal is an inspiration, demonstrating how passion and dedication can lead to remarkable achievements. Her journey with Petville serves as a testament to the power of compassion and the need to create a better world for both humans and animals.

These remarkable stories have long been unheard of! Today, women entrepreneurs in India are breaking through the barriers of the corporate world, venturing off the beaten path, and exploring new avenues of economic participation.

Women are choosing to run organised enterprises driven by their skills, knowledge, talents, abilities, creativity, and a strong desire to make a positive impact. Women entrepreneurs play a significant role in the global pursuit of sustainable economic development and social progress.

It has taken time for Indian women to move beyond traditional roles and make their mark in various sectors of the corporate world. Women entrepreneurs are now a force to be reckoned with, driven not only by survival but also by their inner drive for creativity and the desire to showcase their capabilities.

Today, women are excelling as designers, interior decorators, exporters, publishers, and garment manufacturers and are constantly exploring new opportunities for economic engagement.

Among these exceptional women is Dipali Sikand, an approachable leader who celebrates her identity as a woman. With clarity, passion, and confidence, she embarked on her entrepreneurial journey by founding Les Concierges and Club Concierge.

Dipali Sikand, the awe-inspiring founder of The Concierge Group, one of India’s leading concierge service providers, recently engaged in a candid and exclusive interview with The Business Women’s correspondent.

During the interview, she delved into her unique entrepreneurial legacy and succession plans and shared previously undisclosed aspects of her personal life.

Every successful woman entrepreneur is driven by a strong determination to achieve her goals and ensure the prosperity of her organisation. Can you share your perspective on your entrepreneurial dream as a businesswoman? How do you cultivate a culture of change within your company?

Dipali- My dream has always been to establish a new profession with unique attributes that result from innovation. While steady professions like doctors, lawyers, engineers, and accountants are well-known in terms of inputs and outputs, my dream was to carve out a new profession: Concierge.

I wanted to build an industry around it and gain professional acceptance of the role of a Concierge in mainstream business. I am thrilled to witness this dream flourishing and growing. My work involves creating disruptive, innovative, and creatively engaging programs and experiences for forward-thinking clients.

From planning and strategising to implementing and optimising effective measures for my client’s marketing investments, my role requires me to foster a collaborative environment within my team to deliver the best outcomes.

What inspired you to start a new business venture or bring significant changes to an existing business or workplace?

Dipali- Opportunities have always been my inspiration. I am driven to create unique services, enhance convenience, bring delight, and help people engage better with their stakeholders. I seek opportunities where measurable results are reflected in happiness and the establishment of fruitful relationships. These opportunities motivate me to initiate new niche solutions within the scope of our work.

How do you define success, and who do you attribute your success to? What is your perspective on achieving long-term success? Who has been your greatest source of inspiration?

Dipali- To me, true success means being able to live life on your own terms. I attribute my success to time, team, family, friends, and faith. Each person’s definition of success may vary, but I find inspiration in the present moment.

I live with intention, pushing myself to the edge, listening attentively, embracing playfulness, laughing, making choices without regret, appreciating my friends, continuously learning, doing what I love, and living as if this is all there is.

What sets the Concierge Group apart and has contributed to its tremendous success in a country with a population of over a billion? What business problems has it successfully addressed?

Dipali- In today’s hyperlinked and hyper-aggressive environment, applying outdated models is no longer feasible. The days of using production assembly line techniques to build customer experiences are long gone.

Companies can no longer dictate what customers will experience with their product or service through advertising alone. Using a standardised customer service program poses inherent risks. In the past, companies focused on what worked for them and became self-centred instead of customer-focused.

CRM systems were designed to identify profitable and non-profitable customers, influencing resource allocation decisions. However, no one truly understood the soul of the customer—what they loved and what they despised.

At Club Concierge, we revolutionise customer engagement by adopting a concierge mindset. Today, we empower numerous companies that seek to enhance their outcomes with dealers, customers, and even residents.

Our other company, Les Concierges, primarily focuses on engaging employees of forward-thinking, HR-friendly companies. As the world’s largest and finest work/life benefits provider, Les Concierges introduced the first corporate concierge program in 1998. Serving over 600 clients across 1,300 client sites in 17 global cities, we provide on-site, work-focused concierge services to over 1.5 million employees.

Our services are limited only by imagination as long as they align with ethical and moral principles. We ensure employees can optimise their 24 hours by efficiently handling their to-do lists, acting as their personal assistants, travel guides, entertainment advisers, home maintenance gurus, errand runners, and party planners—all in one.

Les Concierges is the only company offering an integrated loyalty program, including concierge, travel, rewards, and benefit fulfilment functions that can be customised to meet specific client needs. Our services are boundless, limited only by imagination and guided by legality and ethicality.

This comprehensive employee benefit effectively addresses critical issues such as productivity, retention, and stress, enabling client companies to tackle hidden employment costs that impact their bottom lines.

What do you consider your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

Dipali- My greatest professional accomplishment is carving out three unique markets for the application of the concierge mindset. Firstly, on the employee front, the concierge has become an integral part of work-life balance in over 500 companies, not only in India but also in far-off countries such as Egypt, Nigeria, and the Philippines.

Secondly, on the residential front, the concierge has become a harbinger of happiness in hundreds of residential complexes, with top builders such as Godrej, Tatas, and Ireos recognising the significant added value the concierge brings to their properties.

Lastly, the application of the concierge mindset is now being used to transform guest, customer, and member experiences through intelligent personalisation. This application has immense potential to revolutionise guest service and enhance personalisation, leading to unprecedented levels of customer satisfaction.

What is the best decision you’ve ever made? What effective strategies have you implemented or initiatives have you taken to achieve success?

Dipali- The best decision I’ve made was to follow my passion and let common sense guide me. The most effective strategy that has worked for me is to know, love, and understand people.

Regardless of the nature or location of a business, be it manufacturing pipes in Lesotho or carving vegetables in Phnom Penh, success ultimately hinges on people and relationships. By prioritising kindness and ensuring it permeates every aspect of your business, you will always find success.

What are your guiding ideals? Where do you find the strength and stamina to excel in managing various entities? People look up to you and observe your journey closely.

Dipali- My guiding ideals revolve around four principles:

Passion with a Purpose: I believe in building a company as if I will own it forever. It’s not a hobby that funds my lifestyle. Every step I take in building my business is measured in terms of the value I am creating RIGHT NOW. I prioritise passion, but I also embrace common sense.

Personalisation: Regardless of the nature of our work, we are ultimately in the business of people. Whether I am a concierge or someone flying airplanes or constructing high-rise buildings, I always begin by understanding my customer. Starting with a deep knowledge of who my customer is, their preferences, and their needs is crucial for building an exceptional company.

I resist the temptation to focus solely on logos, websites, messaging, pricing, or marketing methods. Instead, I immerse myself in understanding my customers’ lives, their online activities, their worries, and their spending habits.

By putting the customer first, I can build an extraordinary company. If I face growth challenges or business plan difficulties, I don’t resort to reports and spreadsheets; I go and sit with customers.

Perspective: Today’s world thrives on innovation and creativity. Innovation doesn’t always have to come in the form of groundbreaking products or life-altering inventions (although I hope someone invents a product that promises eternal life and overnight weight loss!).

Take taxis, for example—they have existed in every corner of the world for ages. However, it was Uber’s fresh perspective that transformed the industry and turned the company into a multi-billion-dollar business. By changing the way we perceive things, we can find answers and unlock new possibilities. I have experienced this firsthand.

Profit is King: Profit cannot be delegated. As an entrepreneur, it is my responsibility to keep a vigilant focus on generating profit. Profit is the lifeblood of a business, and I must ensure its continuous flow. Understanding the financial aspects of my business is vital.

While I rely on accountants, auditors, and bookkeepers, I never shy away from understanding the accounting side of my business. Doing my own math allows me to truly comprehend the workings of my business and make informed decisions.

How many hours do you work on average each day?

Dipali- When you love what you do, work becomes a constant companion—365 days a year, 24/7!

Have you faced any failures in your initiatives? What have you learned from these setbacks?

Dipali- Failure is an integral part of the journey to success. Without facing challenges and experiencing failures, I would never have been able to create again. The ups and downs of my journey have been addictive, fueling my desire to create initiatives that deliver value.

Failure should never be a source of embarrassment or a reason to give up on the ever-burning drive and vision that entrepreneurs possess. Even if you are the best of the best, there is always a chance someone else will come along and surpass you. However, if you love what you do, you will continue to believe in yourself and find the strength to persevere.

Do you believe your personal life is influenced by your professional life? How does this intertwining impact you?

Dipali- Absolutely, and it is a pleasant intertwining. As an entrepreneur, I cannot wear different masks—I am who I am around the clock. My family accompanies me on this journey, growing alongside me.

Naturally, there are moments when work consumes me and prevents me from attending a parent-teacher meeting or when I yearn to rush home and play with my dogs. These instances may bring heartaches, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have no regrets.

Looking ahead, what are your plans for the future?

Dipali- I do plan for the future, but I approach it with a flexible mindset. Plans are made in pencil, allowing room for adaptation and evolution.

In 2017, women repeatedly demonstrated their capabilities. However, the fact that women still need to “prove” themselves remains an underlying issue. Is it challenging to be an honest businesswoman in India? What, in your opinion, is the biggest obstacle to female leadership?

The biggest obstacle lies in perceiving challenges through the lens of gender. There is no inherent difference in the challenges faced by any gender. The mind creates these distinctions. The greatest challenge in life is discovering who you are and finding happiness in what you discover.

Thank you for participating in this interview. Would you like to share your secret to success with our readers?

Dipali- Certainly! First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to your team for providing me with the opportunity to answer these thought-provoking questions. My secret to success is that successful people willingly do what unsuccessful people are unwilling to do.

See yourself on the threshold of definite success. Embrace a whole, clear, and glorious life that lies ahead of you. Go for it! Achieve! Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful drivers of success. When you embark on a task, do it with all your might. Infuse it with your unique personality.

Be active, be energetic, be faithful, and you will achieve your goals. Nothing truly great has been accomplished without enthusiasm. The fastest and surest path to success is by investing in yourself.

While it is commonly believed that women are outperforming men at all levels in today’s society, it is important to recognise that the contributions of women to the development of a nation have often been overlooked.

This is particularly evident in developing countries, where the presence of women entrepreneurs who make a significant impact on the country’s economy and contribute to nation-building is rare. The purpose of this study is to shed light on the substantial contributions made by women entrepreneurs in India.

By highlighting the collective efforts of women in the country, we aim to underscore the wide-ranging positive outcomes that have resulted from their increased presence in the workforce. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of women in the workplace, driven in part by their entry into the economic system to compensate for the male earning capacity lost due to the two world wars.

This rise in numbers has led to women occupying a much broader range of occupations, particularly in the corporate sector.

Aakanksha Gupta, the founder of The Other Circle, has made a remarkable name for herself in the Indian corporate sector and is a well-known figure in the field of PR and Marketing Agencies in India.

The Other Circle

The Other Circle, a prominent firm specialising in optimising public relations solutions for a wide range of enterprises, was conceived by Aakanksha Gupta. The company has successfully served numerous clients in the hospitality, lifestyle, and e-commerce industries.

Aakanksha leads a team of talented and enthusiastic young professionals at The Other Circle. She remains actively involved in every aspect of the business, from the smallest press note to important client meetings.

Providing PR and marketing solutions for the hospitality, lifestyle, and e-commerce sectors comes with its own set of challenges, but The Other Circle has overcome these obstacles by adopting a customer-centric approach rather than a traditional product-centric one. By thoroughly analyzing clients’ business needs, industry trends, and overall requirements, the company delivers tailored, cost-competitive, scalable, and robust solutions.

A Dream Realised

Aakanksha Gupta, the visionary behind The Other Circle, had a dream that began taking shape four years ago. In 2013, she observed that communication patterns in India differed significantly from international standards and trends. Determined to understand this phenomenon, Aakanksha embarked on a journey, albeit slightly disillusioned with societal expectations at the time.

She refused to believe that one had to conform to a predetermined image to contribute meaningfully to society. Instead, Aakanksha firmly believed that honesty, intent, and knowledge, supported by hard work, were the true ingredients for success. This belief became the driving force behind The Other Circle—an endeavour focused on telling people’s stories rather than merely being part of an exclusive circle.

Aakanksha aspires to amplify her impact in the days and years to come, dedicated to the pursuit of sharing more stories through The Other Circle.

Milestones Achieved

Aakanksha Gupta takes pride in her accomplishments, including the loyalty of her first clients, the high success rate of restaurant launches, and building a team of equals. The trust placed in her by clients, the recognition received by launched restaurants, and the collaborative team she has built stand as notable achievements in her journey with The Other Circle.

Aakanksha Gupta reflects on her significant achievements. The enduring loyalty of her initial clients stands out as her greatest accomplishment, despite starting with no team or office. Now, with two beautiful offices in Bandra and a team of fifteen people, their continued trust is a testament to her success.

Additionally, 70 per cent of the restaurants launched by The Other Circle receive nominations for prestigious awards like the Times Food Awards. Lastly, building a team of equals has been one of her notable accomplishments, recognising the crucial role of teamwork in leadership.

Overcoming Challenges

Aakanksha Gupta acknowledges that she experiences failures on a daily basis. Initially, it was challenging for her, given her strong academic performance and consistent ranking at the top of her class. Dealing with failure was not a natural process.

However, as time passed, she learned to approach failures as valuable lessons. Aakanksha now adopts a mindset of constantly seeking lessons in every situation she encounters. Furthermore, she has developed resilience over the past year, becoming more thick-skinned and maintaining her focus even when faced with failure.

Success for Aakanksha Gupta

Aakanksha emphasises two crucial strategies for success. Firstly, she highlights the importance of meditation as a means to eliminate unnecessary baggage and maintain mental clarity. Secondly, she strongly advocates for the establishment of a healthy support system.

In the initial stages, rather than solely focusing on building a billion-dollar company, Aakanksha believes it is vital to prioritise creating a supportive ecosystem that nurtures growth and provides a foundation for success.

When asked about the sources of her success, Aakanksha Gupta credits two influential figures in her life—her father and her father-in-law. Her father’s resilience and strength have greatly influenced her character, imparting valuable life lessons. On the other hand, her father-in-law’s kindness and selflessness have taught her the importance of giving without expecting anything in return.

However, when it comes to attributing her success, Aakanksha wholeheartedly attributes it to her team. Recognizing the collective efforts and contributions of her team members, she acknowledges their dedication and hard work as instrumental factors in achieving success.

Future Plans

Aakanksha Gupta reveals the future plans for The Other Circle. One of the upcoming endeavours is the launch of a research wing, aiming to transform the agency into a hub for circulating trends, white papers, and valuable insights. This expansion will further solidify its position as a knowledge-driven entity.

Additionally, The Other Circle intends to establish a financial wing in the near future. This new arm of the agency will provide financial services specifically tailored for startups and both first-time and existing restaurant companies. The services offered will encompass daily financial management and accounting, supporting these businesses in effectively managing their financial operations.

Biggest Challenge to Female Leadership

Aakanksha Gupta faces the challenge of being taken seriously in a male-dominated world. Societal expectations after marriage, assumptions based on age, and gender biases hinder her in senior leadership positions.

However, she remains focused on her goal of being recognized for her excellent work and competence. Aakanksha confronts these challenges with determination, emphasizing that her hard work compensates for any lack of experience.

Women across the world are redefining the world we live in, moving beyond the limitations imposed upon them, and working towards a future they envision. They are actively creating opportunities for themselves and their fellow women and girls, challenging preconceived notions of gender roles and collaborating with men to build a more inclusive and fulfilling existence.

In the past, women primarily pursued business careers in their late 40s, driven by their desire for success after dedicating their earlier years to other endeavours. However, the landscape has transformed significantly over the past few decades, witnessing a notable increase in the number of women engaging in early-stage entrepreneurship. Today, experts reveal that women in developing countries are responsible for running 40 to 50 per cent of small businesses.

The outdated concept of “Separate Spheres” relied on defining distinct, supposedly inherent characteristics for women and men. People considered women to be physically weaker but morally superior, which led to the expectation that they were best suited for the domestic sphere.

Their role was not only to counterbalance the moral shortcomings of the public sphere in which their husbands toiled all day but also to prepare the next generation to uphold this way of life. People used to deny women the right to vote, as their significant influence within the home was deemed sufficient.

However, significant changes have unfolded in recent decades, reshaping societal dynamics. Women now play a pivotal role in driving the global economy. Their contributions extend far beyond the domestic sphere, and they are actively participating in various industries, breaking barriers and challenging gender stereotypes. Women are leaders, innovators, and visionaries, and their impact can be felt across all sectors of society.

The empowerment of women has opened new doors for progress, fostering equality, diversity, and a more balanced society. With their increasing representation in entrepreneurship and leadership positions, women are reshaping the world by bringing fresh perspectives, nurturing collaboration, and championing social change.

The transformative efforts of women are not only benefiting themselves but also inspiring future generations to dream bigger and pursue their aspirations without limitations.

Koheli Puri: Transforming the Architectural and Project Management Landscape

Koheli Puri, the Managing Director of StudioXP, has emerged as a prominent figure in the Indian economy, gaining recognition from The CEO Magazine. Her significant contributions in the fields of Architectural and Project Management have brought about a remarkable transformation.

With a wealth of experience in the industry, Koheli has established StudioXP as a collective of talented Architects and Project Management professionals. The company offers comprehensive solutions to clients looking to establish their corporate offices across India, providing ready-to-move-in conditions.

The realm of architectural and project management solutions presents various challenges, necessitating a unique approach. Koheli’s expertise lies in adopting a customer-centric strategy rather than a traditional product-centric approach.

By thoroughly analysing the specific needs and requirements of businesses across industries, StudioXP delivers customised, cost-effective, scalable, and robust solutions. Koheli, who holds a Post-Graduate degree in Construction Management from IIT Delhi, brings a rich experience of eighteen years to the table.

She possesses exceptional skills in Project Budgeting, Contract Administration and Management, Project Scheduling, and Budget and Quality Control, which she has successfully employed in diverse projects within the Commercial, Hospitality, Educational, and SEZ sectors.

Additionally, she excels in Business Development, Project Strategy Formulation, Project Planning, Management, and Implementation, as well as conducting research and feasibility studies in the real estate domain.

Before her role as the Managing Director of StudioXP, Koheli Puri served as the Operation Head for North India in the Project Management Division of Jones Lang Lasalle India. She has also contributed her expertise to a renowned development firm, overseeing the management and delivery of large-scale Commercial Developments.

Building a Visionary Space at StudioXP

Koheli Puri, a successful businesswoman, has a multifaceted dream for her company, StudioXP. While growth and reputation are important, her vision extends beyond conventional success. Koheli aspires to carve out a unique space in the industry where StudioXP’s creations are not only functional and visually appealing but also evoke a sense of warmth and inspire repeat visits.

She also emphasises the importance of fostering a process-driven and ethical environment within her team, where precision and integrity are upheld. Koheli recognises that her team is instrumental in fulfilling her dreams, and she is committed to providing them with the ideal working environment and resources to unleash their full potential.

“Failures are the best teachers in our lives”- Koheli Puri.

Koheli shares, “Failures have been invaluable lessons in my journey. They have taught me about the path to success. While there were moments when things didn’t go as planned, we persevered and eventually achieved our goals, surpassing those challenges with flying colours.

Being among the top 25 female professionals in your esteemed magazine is my greatest achievement. It’s a testament to the journey I’ve embarked on with dedication and perseverance.”

Koheli Puri holds stringent ideals that revolve around perfection and an organised approach. She believes in executing tasks with precision and meticulous planning while also emphasising the importance of displaying humanity and compassion in all endeavours.

Koheli’s ideas for starting a new business venture or bringing significant changes to an existing business or workplace were stimulated by her prior experiences. During her seven-year tenure with a top multinational corporation, she learned about processes and systems, gaining valuable insights.

Working with a reputed developer group further shaped her mindset, instilling a strong sense of accountability, a passion for excellence, and a penchant for out-of-the-box thinking.

When Koheli embarked on her entrepreneurial journey, she combined the best elements from both experiences. Her primary focus was on creating the right environment, where the well-being of her team and adhering to commitments take precedence. 

Strategies for Success and the Pursuit of Excellence

Koheli Puri shares insights into the effective strategies and initiatives she has implemented to achieve success. One of their key strategies is focusing on repeat business, which currently accounts for 70% of their operations.

Koheli attributes this achievement to the discipline and work ethics upheld within the company, emphasising that repeat business reflects the credibility of the company. She outlines her 5-point agenda, which includes delivering a better quality product, building trust, reducing waste and defects, maximising value, and increasing user satisfaction.

Koheli believes that success is the driving force that propels individuals to strive for excellence, creating a rush of adrenaline and motivation. The fulfilment of accomplishing a goal, nurtured from its inception, is an indescribable feeling of success. According to her, long-term success requires motivation, proper orientation, and a never-give-up attitude in all aspects of life.

Future Plans

In the future, Koheli Puri aspires to venture into bigger development projects. With a strong project delivery team in place, she envisions taking a significant leap forward by undertaking larger-scale developments.

Her focus lies in ensuring timely delivery, honouring commitments, and building trust. Koheli aims to alleviate the challenges faced by common people due to false promises and a lack of trust in the industry.

Inspiration, Teamwork and Dedication

Identifying her father as her greatest inspiration, Koheli Puri attributes her career path as an architect with a construction management degree to his guidance. Since her early years in school, he instilled in her the belief that she was destined to have her own firm dedicated to building creative excellence and making a difference in the industry through timeless designs and commitment.

When it comes to her success, Koheli acknowledges the pivotal role played by her team. She credits the design team for their creativity and their ability to produce young and fresh designs. Additionally, she highlights the hard work of her project delivery team, whose dedication is indispensable to achieving success.

Koheli also expresses deep gratitude to Mr Jitendra Puri, the second director of the firm, emphasising his boundless dedication. She acknowledges his role in ensuring that all commitments to clients are fulfilled and that they become integral parts of the firm, entrusting StudioXP with more challenging opportunities.

Dipti Agrawal, the co-founder and CEO of Tudip Technologies, held a hands-on approach as an entrepreneur, firmly convinced that the primary focus should be on delivering value to clients, with revenues and profits being natural outcomes of this philosophy.

The company’s core values, as highlighted by their tagline, centred around “Integrity, Innovation, and Serenity.” Diligently dedicated, Tudip always strived to present their best efforts in product development, maintaining an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Her dream revolved around constructing an organization positioned as a global partner, consistently chosen by customers, boasting leadership expertise across diverse domains. The ultimate goal was to aid customers in accelerating their value-creation process.

At Tudip, their commitment lay in delivering flexible, customized, and cost-effective near-shoring solutions, while safeguarding the utmost confidentiality of sensitive business data and ensuring punctual and budget-friendly project completion.

From Idea to Success

Dipti found immense fulfilment in the process of transforming a one-line idea from clients into a comprehensive, market-ready product, all while requiring minimal guidance from them. Over the span of seven years, she had honed this iterative approach, diligently working on it day in and day out. Cultivating a culture centred around delivering value-added solutions became her most gratifying achievement to date.

Overcoming Challenges

Dipti and her team placed great importance on embracing failure as an invaluable learning opportunity. They firmly believed that a failure is only truly a failure if no lessons are gleaned from it. Every setback was embraced head-on, leading them back to the drawing board.

Through retrospection meetings, they meticulously dissected each failure, extracting valuable insights. This commitment to growth ensured that every failure contributed to their continuous improvement as a company.

Building a Supportive Network and Embracing Entrepreneurship’s Invigorating Challenges

Dipti acknowledged the invaluable support she received from her parents and co-founder, who served as her unwavering pillar of strength. As time passed, they successfully fostered a group of individuals who not only acted as a sounding board for initial ideas but also stepped into crucial leadership positions within the organization.

This nurturing of talent and delegation of responsibilities contributed to the overall growth and success of the company.

Dipti understood the adage that the higher one’s designations, the greater the responsibility. Each day demanded unwavering dedication and hard work, with no room for excuses. As an entrepreneur, she found one of the remarkable aspects to be the absence of falling sick, owing to the invigorating nature of the role.

A Journey of Building a Global Software Services Company

Dipti reflected on the decision to leave their well-paying jobs, acknowledging the courage that bordered on foolishness at times, to embark on the path of starting their own venture. It was undoubtedly one of the best choices they had made thus far.

Driven by a desire to establish something unique, Dipti had always been open to both the product and services sectors. Their mission centred around building a software services company capable of undertaking core development work from India, competing with global product development firms.

Their commitment to offering cutting-edge integrated services across various technologies, fueled by innovation, streamlined processes, and top-notch technology paved their way to success. Their ability to comprehend the ever-changing dynamics of the market and promptly respond to its demands was deemed their most pivotal strategic decision since the company’s inception.

Dipti shares, “Success for us is finally seeing a happy and referenceable client by ensuring a successful product launch and continuous product growth.”

Her Inspiration

Dipti attributed her inspiration to three influential figures, each accompanied by a meaningful quote:

Gandhi: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Aryabhatta: “The universal medicine for the soul is supreme reason and absolute justice, for the mind mathematical and practical truth, for the body quintessence, a combination of light and gold.”

Gautam Buddha: “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”

When asked about the key to her success, Dipti emphasized that her coworkers at Tudip played a crucial role and had been the driving force behind their remarkable journey. As a result, all policies at Tudip were designed to prioritize the betterment of their employees, while maintaining the utmost commitment to their core service offerings for clients.

Dipti’s Perspective on Entrepreneurship and Female Leadership

Dipti reflected on the unique perspective of entrepreneurship, where personal and professional priorities intertwine into a consolidated stack rather than separate entities. Acknowledging that her personal life had experienced some setbacks due to her professional commitments, she highlighted that entrepreneurs do not strive for work-life balance but rather seek work-life choices.

When asked about the biggest challenge to female leadership, Dipti shared that she did not personally encounter any such obstacles while leading an organization. She attributed this to being surrounded by individuals who valued skills and hard work as the determining factors, rather than focusing on gender.

Dipti emphasized that leadership is not dependent on physical strength but rather on mental prowess and the ability to multitask. In her view, women are inherently well-suited for leadership roles, as they excel in these two key parameters.

Future Plans for Tulip Technologies

Dipti envisioned future plans for Tudip Technologies as the company experienced remarkable growth in recent years. Two key focal points emerged: expanding into new markets and diversifying their technological offerings. These areas became the primary areas of emphasis in their strategic roadmap for the future.

Most individuals, whether they hold positions of leadership, management, teaching, or are professionals in various fields, often find themselves immersed in jobs primarily to meet their physical needs. They tend to overlook the exploration of their areas of interest and innate talents that could enable them to excel and make significant contributions to society.

Their primary focus on pursuing high-paying jobs not only leads to poor career choices but also has a detrimental impact on their daily lives. Doubts about their abilities arise, resulting in a subpar performance in the workplace, leading to a life filled with unhappiness and frustration.

Consequently, their bewildered minds drive them to seek numerous avenues in search of peace. It is during such moments in their lives that they require someone to guide them along the right path that leads to success.

Kiahra A Punjabi, a renowned life strategist, emerges as a beacon of hope for individuals facing such challenges. She inspires and encourages them to embark on a journey of self-discovery, delving deep into their interests and skills, allowing these innate qualities to guide their career aspirations.

Based in Bangalore, Kiahra is a learning strategist and co-founded Sankalp Academy alongside her husband, Amit Punjabi, in 2007. Their mission is to empower and enable individuals to achieve progressive results in all areas of life by helping them unlock their true potential and nurturing it.

Sankalp Academy offers a diverse range of training and coaching programs, as well as conferences, designed to assist individuals in strategising their lives using cutting-edge methodologies such as Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), People Skills, and Experiential Learning.

Kiahra’s journey into the world of facilitation, training, and coaching began in 2006 while she was pursuing her own education. During this time, she keenly observed the confusion and despondency experienced by individuals when it came to their ambitions and the path to achieving them. She tirelessly analysed various attitudes that fostered self-actualisation.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind establishing the academy, Kiahra explains, “I realised the immense value that the world of facilitation can add to an individual’s growth. I understood that with the right mindset, tools, resources, and skills, people could attain the success they have always yearned for.

After witnessing the tangible transformation in people through facilitating conversations in a few sessions and workshops, I simply knew that this was my calling. It was then that Amit and I decided to establish Sankalp Academy.”

Recognising the inevitable challenges that lay ahead, Kiahra and her husband braced themselves for the demanding journey of entrepreneurship. They understood that achieving early success would pave the way for the long-term prosperity of their academy. With this awareness, they assumed their respective roles to initiate their operations.

While her husband took on the responsibility of being the public face of the organisation, engaging with potential clients and stakeholders, Kiahra made a deliberate choice to become the foundation, the solid support system behind the scenes.

Her primary focus was to establish a strong and enduring groundwork for the academy’s growth. She believed that providing the right kind of support, even in the face of challenges, was crucial for the organisation’s survival and effective development.

Expressing her perspective on her role, Kiahra states, “It’s easy to support a cause or contribute to an organisation out of excitement, but understanding the nuances of providing the right kind of support and actively generating it can be extremely challenging.

As a businesswoman, this was my vision—to place pure focus on generating and adding value to my work and providing the necessary support that would enable an organisation to not just survive but thrive.”

As Kiahra anticipated, she encountered failures in some of her early initiatives. However, she recognised that these setbacks were stepping stones to success and growth.

They taught her the importance of seeking guidance from mentors before executing plans and avoiding premature judgment of the potential outcomes, whether positive or negative.

Reflecting on this, she shares, “I’ve learned that sharing my thoughts and plans with experts and mentors provides me with a clearer understanding of what to expect and how to move forward. It not only keeps me grounded but also ensures that I make informed decisions as I strive for further achievements.”

Driven by her desire to foster an environment conducive to effortless and organic success within her organisation, Kiahra remains motivated to learn, enhance the value of her work, and generate ideas for development.

Balancing her role as a businesswoman with her responsibilities as a mother, she typically dedicates ten hours a day to her work. However, even during her personal time, her mind is constantly seeking ways to improve the functioning of Sankalp Academy.

Additionally, being immersed in the professional realm has a positive impact on her personal life. Kiahra expresses, “The best aspect of this industry is the opportunity to connect with remarkable individuals who have achieved great things in both their personal and professional lives, even against all odds. Working with such inspiring people has always motivated me to become a better and stronger person every day.”

Now aiming for global collaboration, Kiahra and Amit seek to bring diverse perspectives to Sankalp Academy, fostering enhanced learning and growth. They believe that collaborating across borders will help them excel even further.

The Unwavering Support of Family and Spouse in Kiahra’s Journey

Kiahra credits her husband, Amit Punjabi, as her greatest source of inspiration. He introduced her to the industry and ignited her passion to embark on this meaningful venture.

Kiahra considers becoming a mother the most significant and rewarding decision she has ever made. Not only has it brought personal fulfilment, but it has also had a profound impact on her professional life. Drawing from her experiences and knowledge as a mother, she has been inspired to create her most successful program to date, “Build the Home Team.”

When asked about the key to their success, Kiahra acknowledges the pivotal role played by their family. Throughout their journey, they encountered numerous young individuals whose main hurdle was gaining their family’s alignment and support to pursue their dreams. In Kiahra’s case, her family provided her with the freedom and unwavering support necessary for her to become the person she is today.

Challenges that Come Along with Leadership

Kiahra highlights the significant challenge of heightened attention and increased pressure that comes with leadership roles. She believes that both men and women receive equal recognition for their accomplishments once they attain a certain position.

However, female leaders often face additional pressure due to the perception of a male-dominated world and the questions surrounding how to navigate this reality. While this challenge can be viewed from both positive and negative perspectives, Kiahra has learned that pressure always presents opportunities. Success, she emphasises, is the outcome of effectively leveraging these opportunities.

Fortune favors individuals who work hard, regardless of their gender. Historically, the male-dominated world hesitated to acknowledge that women were on par with men in terms of hard work, intelligence quotient (IQ), and leadership qualities.

However, the new generation of women worldwide has shattered these negative perceptions and proven themselves in various aspects of life, including the complex and challenging realm of entrepreneurship.

While there are some women who resort to shortcuts, there is no shortage of confident and self-believing women who possess immense determination to surpass the best in the business on their own terms. India, too, boasts a remarkable group of bold and fearless women who have achieved recognition within the country and beyond.

It is widely acknowledged that female entrepreneurs, even the successful ones, do not receive adequate media coverage. In this regard, The CEO Magazine has identified Poorvi Shah, the CEO of Katalyst, as an inspirational figure for all.

Poorvi Shah has defied inherent limitations and roadblocks on her path to success through unwavering zeal, an insatiable thirst for success, and a willingness to go the extra mile. She assumed the role of CEO at Katalyst, an initiative of Human Capital for Third Sector, in January 2015.

With over a decade of experience at The Akanksha Foundation, she excelled in leadership development, student enrichment, teacher training, fundraising, and reporting.

During her tenure as Director for Student Enrichment, Poorvi prioritized character and life skills development in students. She oversaw the Career Resource Centre, Mentor Program, scholarships, alumni engagement, and youth leadership programs like Learning to Lead and Service Learning.

Her responsibilities encompassed program design, review, research, planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment.

Poorvi, along with her students and alumni, actively represented Akanksha in various forums such as the UN Global Forum (WASH), RISE Round Table, InspirED, Youth Leadership Conferences, and Common Purpose.

She also served as a jury member for the Social Innovation Awards at IIT’s Techfest. Her co-authored Annual Report and proposal for Akanksha garnered recognition, receiving the Outstanding Annual Report Award from CSO Partners and the NGO of the Year Award from Resource Alliance and Rockefeller Foundation, respectively.

Equity in education and empowerment are Poorvi’s passions, and she thoroughly enjoys engaging with people from all walks of life.

Dreams and Aspirations

When asked about her dream as a businesswoman, Poorvi Shah reveals that her aspiration was to make a positive impact on society. Her focus goes beyond personal success, emphasizing the importance of creating a meaningful change in the world.

Professional Achievements

Poorvi considers her appointment as the CEO of Katalyst and subsequently taking the organization to new heights as her greatest professional accomplishment. This achievement holds significant value to her, especially considering that she never anticipated holding such a position.

Challenges to Female Leadership

According to Poorvi, the biggest challenge to female leadership originates within women themselves. She highlights the tendency for women to create mental and physical roadblocks that hinder their progress. She emphasizes the need for women to believe in their own capabilities as leaders and recognize their true potential.

Decisions and Turning Points

The best decision Poorvi ever made was transitioning from the corporate sector to the social sector. This shift marked a turning point in her life, offering her a profoundly enriching experience.

The satisfaction and fulfillment she gains from working in the social sector surpass any monetary rewards she could have received in the corporate world. Poorvi highlights the significant impact this decision had on her personal growth and the beneficiaries she serves.

Inspiration and Influence

Poorvi finds inspiration in the remarkable work of Shaheen Mistri, the founder of the Akanksha Foundation and Teach For India. She admires Shaheen’s passion, energy, creative ideas, and resilience. Having the privilege of working closely with her, Poorvi has gained valuable insights and motivation.

Furthermore, every student she has taught has served as a constant source of inspiration, pushing her to strive for continuous improvement.

Contributing Factors to Success

Poorvi attributes her success to various individuals and factors in her life. She acknowledges the pivotal role played by her parents in shaping her thinking and instilling strong values. Additionally, she expresses gratitude to her husband, children, and in-laws for their unwavering support and encouragement.

Poorvi also recognizes the importance of mentors and bosses who have provided her with opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully.

Strategies for Success

Initially, Poorvi dedicated time to understanding Katalyst’s operations and identified areas that required strengthening. Drawing on the support and insights of key individuals, she devised a one-year plan with timelines and began executing it alongside the existing team.

Through a systematic approach, Poorvi identified and addressed gaps, increased visibility for Katalyst, and implemented an end-to-end management information system (MIS) to enhance efficiency and accuracy in data and reporting.

Defining Success and Long-term Vision

Success, according to Poorvi, is not a static concept. She defines it as a journey marked by achieving milestones while consistently pushing boundaries. To achieve long-term success, Poorvi emphasizes the need for a clear vision and a well-thought-out plan. While challenges are inevitable, she advises not to give up and instead transform each challenge into an opportunity for growth.

Future Plans

Both Poorvi and Katalyst share a vision of seeing more women in leadership positions, especially in the workplace. To realize this vision, they aim to scale up their efforts by creating a replicable and sustainable model that can be implemented across India and internationally.

Poorvi highlights the need to enhance women’s competencies and expand the talent pool for Indian businesses, addressing the existing gender disparity in senior management roles.