ReWrite The Rules Ritu G. Mehrish

In this episode of "Rewrite the Rules," Rajita welcomes Arpita Pal Agrawal, MD and CEO of Dia Vikas Capital, to discuss her journey from electronics engineering to leading a social impact investment firm. Arpita shares insights from her pivotal career decisions, her approach to navigating male-dominated fields, and the challenges she faced when shifting her focus towards impact investing without a concrete plan. Join us as we explore the importance of aligning career goals with personal values and the power of networking effectively!
IN THIS EPISODE(00:00) How does a tech engineer switch to social impact investing?(03:29) What drove Arpita to leave a stable job without a backup plan?(04:25) How does impact investing differ from philanthropy and traditional investing?(08:54) What's it like to navigate a male-dominated industry as a woman?(11:09) How can effective networking advance your career?(12:30) Where do you find mentors and support during career challenges?(13:55) How do you balance a demanding career with personal life?(20:26) How can organizations support women in balancing work and family life?(23:54) Wrapping up

Our Guest: Arpita Pal AgrawalArpita has a diverse background as an industry practitioner in telecom and risk management, as a strategic leader of professional services firms in consulting, an advocate for better governance at the board level, and a champion of the power of technology to transform life chances and create impact at scale. Now, through her full-time role as an Impact Investor and through her Board roles, she focuses on working with organizations that help build pathways out of poverty with smart, sustainable, resilient and scalable solutions that address the complex nature of poverty impacting millions of the excluded. She is a lifelong learner and is very passionate about gender empowerment. 
Your Hosts: Ritu Gupta MehrishRitu Gupta Mehrish is a speaker, executive coach and author, with 20 years of corporate experience working in companies such as P&G, GE Capital and GE spin-off Genpact. In her last role, Ritu ran a multimillion-dollar business vertical with 1000 people across eight countries and five continents. Throughout her extensive career, Ritu has had the opportunity to work, coach and converse with leaders across the globe from diverse industries. Her business and leadership experience has enabled her to bring in a pragmatic approach to leadership development. Her client list of Google, PayPal, Swiss Re, JP Morgan, Applied Materials, Intel, Knight Frank, Johnson & Johnson, AIA, Medtronic, Wharton Executive Education highlights the level of expertise she brings to the leadership topic.https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritugmehrish/https://www.ritumehrish.com/ 
Rajita Saxena is a leader and people manager with over 20 years of business experience in sales, sales support, strategic operations, and learning & development. She builds strong, high-performing teams and believes in being a Level 5 leader to unleash the potential and performance of teams. She thrives in an environment that provides an opportunity to problem solve or create impact, whether it is a situation that is full of change and ambiguity or one that requires creating a strategy.
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How does a passion for reading transform not just lives but careers, too? Join us in this episode as Nora Nazerene, the publisher of Penguin Random House Southeast Asia, takes us through her journey from being a teacher to steering one of the most prestigious publishing houses in the region. Nora shares the pivotal moments of her career, the challenges of balancing motherhood with professional life, and the joy of impacting the literary world. Tune in to hear her story of change, resilience, and the enduring power of books to shape our destinies!
IN THIS EPISODE(00:00) How Does a Teacher Become a Leading Publisher? Dive into Nora's unique journey from her roots in teaching to becoming a key player in the publishing industry.(00:33) Can Your First Job Predict Your Future? Nora reflects on her unexpected transition from education to publishing.(02:16) Is It Possible to Turn Your Passion Into Your Profession? Explore Nora's lifelong love for reading and how it seamlessly transitioned into a career of reading raw manuscripts and shaping the future of literature.(05:29) What Challenges Do Women Face in Leadership Roles? Nora shares the hurdles she faced as a woman making her voice heard in the early days of her career.(07:18) How Do You Balance Motherhood and Ambition? Delve into the personal story of Nora's battle with mother's guilt and the societal pressures of balancing a demanding career with being a present parent.(10:31) Finding Your Voice: How to Speak Up and Make an Impact? Gain insights from Nora's approach to speaking her mind in professional settings, emphasizing the importance of timing, wisdom, and impact in communication.(15:39) The Leap of Faith: Changing Companies After a Decade - Witness Nora's pivotal career decision to leave a long-term position for a new challenge at Penguin.(17:36) What Advice Would You Give to Your Younger Self and Others? Advice to her younger self and to anyone at the crossroads of their career, highlighting the importance of kindness, self-forgiveness, and the pursuit of passion.(22:29) Wrapping up 
Our Guest: Nora Nazerene Abu BakarNora Nazerene Abu Bakar is the executive editor at Penguin Random House SEA, responsible for discovering and publishing different voices across the region. With over 12 years of experience in the publishing industry, her network of relationships and keen knowledge of the region will be key in establishing a publishing presence for Penguin Random House SEA in the market.https://sg.linkedin.com/in/nora-nazerene-abu-bakar-7568425a
Your Hosts: Ritu Gupta MehrishRitu Gupta Mehrish is a speaker, executive coach and author, with 20 years of corporate experience working in companies such as P&G, GE Capital and GE spin-off Genpact. In her last role, Ritu ran a multimillion-dollar business vertical with 1000 people across eight countries and five continents. Throughout her extensive career, Ritu has had the opportunity to work, coach and converse with leaders across the globe from diverse industries. Her business and leadership experience has enabled her to bring in a pragmatic approach to leadership development. Her client list of Google, PayPal, Swiss Re, JP Morgan, Applied Materials, Intel, Knight Frank, Johnson & Johnson, AIA, Medtronic, Wharton Executive Education highlights the level of expertise she brings to the leadership topic.https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritugmehrish/https://www.ritumehrish.com/
Rajita Saxena is a leader and people manager with over 20 years of business experience in sales, sales support, strategic operations, and learning & development. She builds strong, high-performing teams and believes in being a Level 5 leader to unleash the potential and performance of teams. She thrives in an environment that provides an opportunity to problem solve or create impact, whether it is a situation that is full of change and ambiguity or one that requires creating a strategy.

How do you turn a passion for technology into a powerful tool for inclusivity and change? In this episode, Pratima Amonkar, Area Lead for Cloud and AI Strategy at Microsoft, shares her remarkable 25-year journey in tech. From her early fascination with computers in India to leading transformative projects across ASEAN, Pratima delves into the pivotal moments and insights that shaped her career.
She discusses the synergy between passion and purpose, the impact of organizational support, and the importance of mentorship and a learning mindset in overcoming challenges and making meaningful contributions. Join us as Pratima reveals how technology can empower businesses, governments, and individuals to create a more inclusive society!
IN THIS EPISODE(00:00) What ignites a lifelong passion in tech? Pratima Amonkar recounts her initial fascination with computers and the beginning of her tech journey in India.(02:12) How is Pratima using Cloud and AI to empower the Microsoft ASEAN region? Learn about Pratima's role in leading Cloud and Artificial Intelligence strategies to supercharge ASEAN's transformation.(04:25) Where do passion and purpose intersect in technology? Discover how Pratima's dedication to inclusivity and accessibility merges her passion for innovation with a meaningful purpose.(07:20) Navigating career changes: Chance or strategy? Hear about the pivotal moments in Pratima's career, including navigating through company acquisitions and the evolving tech landscape.(09:05) What role does organizational support play in career growth? Delve into how flexibility and empowerment within organizations have been crucial to Pratima's development and success.(15:44) Why are mentors and sponsors vital for career advancement? Learn from Pratima's experience how mentors and sponsors can shape the professional journey, offering both guidance and opportunities.(20:05) Staying sharp in tech: Just how important is a learning mindset? Discover Pratima's approach to continuous learning and the importance of embracing a "learn it all" culture in a fast-paced industry.(22:35) Advice for female leaders starting out on their journey 
Our Guest: Pratima Amonkar, Business Strategy Lead, Microsoft ASEANAs Microsoft’s leader for Business Strategy, Pratima spearheads the work Microsoft does to empower customers, partners, governments and startups to digitally transform their businesses using Microsoft Cloud and artificial intelligence technologies.
She chairs the ASEAN Microsoft Diversity and Inclusion Council and the Council on Accessibility and Assistive Technology and is a core member of Microsoft’s Global Commercial Accessibility Council that influences Microsoft product and tools design.
Pratima established and led the Microsoft Enabler program that seeks to improve employability for People with Disabilities, in collaboration with Microsoft commercial partners in the region. She’s a member of Singapore Enabling Technology Advisory Group (ETAG) as well as Singapore Business Network on Disability (SBNOD) and works with Microsoft’s customers and partners to help them establish accessibility inclusive practices.
Over the last 20 years, Pratima has held leadership roles at various technology firms like Rational Software, IBM, and Sun Microsystems. She has built and led technical teams that have delivered high growth cloud revenues across emerging and developed global markets.https://www.linkedin.com/in/pratima-amonkar-a8a2283/
Your Hosts: Ritu Gupta Mehrish Ritu Gupta Mehrish is a speaker, executive coach and author, with 20 years of corporate experience working in companies such as P&G, GE Capital and GE spin-off Genpact. In her last role, Ritu ran a multimillion-dollar business vertical with 1000 people across eight countries and five continents. Throughout her extensive career, Ritu has had the opportunity to work, coach and converse with leaders across the globe from diverse industries. Her business and leadership experience has ena

How did Nicole Tan climb to the top of the beauty industry during a global pandemic? In this episode, Nicole Tan, the President & CEO of Shiseido Asia Pacific (APAC), delves into her journey, the challenges as a woman leader, and the keys to her success. From joining Shiseido amidst the turmoil of 2020 with a rich 25-year background in beauty, to balancing the demands of career and family, Nicole’s story is one of perseverance, networking, and the crucial role of support. As Shiseido's first female regional CEO, she shares valuable advice for aspiring leaders, emphasizing the importance of calculated risks and patience in achieving professional growth!
IN THIS EPISODE(00:00) Introduction to Nicole Tan and a brief overview of her career trajectory.(00:46) Joining Shiseido During a Pandemic - Nicole discusses the unique challenges and opportunities of stepping into her leadership role amid the global pandemic.(01:07) Trailblazing as Shiseido's First Female Regional CEO - Exploring Nicole's achievement as the first female regional CEO at Shiseido, reflecting on the significance of female leadership in the beauty industry.(07:32) How to Balance Career and Family - Insights into Nicole's personal journey balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities and the choices that have shaped her path.(08:59) Overcoming Professional Challenges - Nicole shares her experiences with overcoming obstacles in her career, emphasizing resilience and strategic problem-solving.(12:37) The Power of Networking and Seeking Support - The importance of building a strong network and seeking support and the role these factors have played in Nicole's career development.(16:35) Advice for Emerging Women Leaders - Nicole’s advice to aspiring female leaders, focusing on the value of not trying to solve everything alone and the importance of taking calculated risks.(21:39) Looking Ahead: Goals and Aspirations - Reflections on the future, including Nicole's personal goals, aspirations for Shiseido, and her vision for the beauty industry's evolution.(24:29) Wrapping up

Our Guest: Nicole TanNicole Tan is President & CEO of Shiseido Asia Pacific (APAC), regional headquarters of leading Japan-based beauty group, Shiseido. Ms Tan is the first female Regional CEO at Shiseido and member of the Global Leadership Committee.
In her role, Ms Tan is responsible for driving the strategic vision, transformation and growth for Shiseido’s business in APAC – a region that includes more than 5,000 employees spread across eight markets offering iconic makeup, skincare and fragrance brands including Shiseido, NARS, Cle De Peau Beaute, Drunk Elephant, D&G and Anessa, amongst others.https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-tan-928a40/
Your Hosts: Ritu Gupta MehrishRitu Gupta Mehrish is a speaker, executive coach and author, with 20 years of corporate experience working in companies such as P&G, GE Capital and GE spin-off Genpact. In her last role, Ritu ran a multimillion-dollar business vertical with 1000 people across eight countries and five continents. Throughout her extensive career, Ritu has had the opportunity to work, coach and converse with leaders across the globe from diverse industries. Her business and leadership experience has enabled her to bring in a pragmatic approach to leadership development. Her client list of Google, PayPal, Swiss Re, JP Morgan, Applied Materials, Intel, Knight Frank, Johnson & Johnson, AIA, Medtronic, Wharton Executive Education highlights the level of expertise she brings to the leadership topic.https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritugmehrish/https://www.ritumehrish.com/ 
Rajita Saxena is a leader and people manager with over 20 years of business experience in sales, sales support, strategic operations, and learning & development. She builds strong, high-performing teams and believes in being a Level 5 leader to unleash the potential and performance of teams. She thrives in an environment that provides an opportunity to problem solve or c

Have you ever wondered why, in the vast landscape of leadership, we only hear a handful of women's voices, especially from Asia? In "Rewrite the Rules," we delve into the stories of extraordinary women leaders whose achievements and insights are seldom brought to light. Each episode is an intimate conversation, shedding light on the paths they've carved and the barriers they've overcome. This podcast is more than just storytelling; it's an invitation to challenge norms and support a growing community of women and their allies. Join us, as we uncover these inspiring journeys, redefine success, and inspire one another to aspire for more!
Your Host: Ritu Gupta MehrishRitu Gupta Mehrish is a speaker, executive coach and author, with 20 years of corporate experience working in companies such as P&G, GE Capital and GE spin-off Genpact. In her last role, Ritu ran a multimillion-dollar business vertical with 1000 people across eight countries and five continents. Throughout her extensive career, Ritu has had the opportunity to work, coach and converse with leaders across the globe from diverse industries. Her business and leadership experience has enabled her to bring in a pragmatic approach to leadership development. Her client list of Google, PayPal, Swiss Re, JP Morgan, Applied Materials, Intel, Knight Frank, Johnson & Johnson, AIA, Medtronic, Wharton Executive Education highlights the level of expertise she brings to the leadership topic.https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritugmehrish/https://www.ritumehrish.com/ 
Rajita Saxena is a leader and people manager with over 20 years of business experience in sales, sales support, strategic operations, and learning & development. She builds strong, high-performing teams and believes in being a Level 5 leader to unleash the potential and performance of teams. She thrives in an environment that provides an opportunity to problem solve or create impact, whether it is a situation that is full of change and ambiguity or one that requires creating a strategy.
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This podcast is powered by CrazyTok: We help experts become influencers by helping launch, produce and grow your custom-branded audio and video podcast channels. Connect with us through the Crazytok website, LinkedIn, or Instagram

As we wrap up this season of Rewrite the Rules podcast, we reflect on the inspiring stories shared by our guests. From overcoming challenges to redefining success, each conversation has been a journey of growth and empowerment. We hope you've found valuable insights and encouragement to rewrite your own rules in life, career, and relationships. Remember, the power to create change lies within you. Join us again in season 2 for more uplifting conversations!
IN THIS EPISODE(00:00) Introduction(00:47) What Inspired Rewrite the Rules: Identifying the Gap(03:41) What’s the Power of Connection?(04:06) Our Key Pillars: Confidence, Networking, Balance, Visibility, Growth(06:30) My Personal Reflections and Learnings from the Podcast(10:27) Our Aim is to Create a Supportive Community for Women(12:26) What’s in store for Rewrite the Rules Season 2?
Your Host: Ritu Gupta Mehrish Ritu Gupta Mehrish is a speaker, executive coach and author, with 20 years of corporate experience working in companies such as P&G, GE Capital and GE spin-off Genpact. In her last role, Ritu ran a multimillion-dollar business vertical with 1000 people across eight countries and five continents. Throughout her extensive career, Ritu has had the opportunity to work, coach and converse with leaders across the globe from diverse industries. Her business and leadership experience has enabled her to bring in a pragmatic approach to leadership development. Her client list of – Google, PayPal, Swiss Re, JP Morgan, Applied Materials, Intel, Knight Frank, Johnson & Johnson, AIA, Medtronic, Wharton Executive Education, highlights the level of expertise she brings to the leadership topic.https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritugmehrish/https://www.ritumehrish.com/ 
Rajita Saxena is a leader and people manager with over 20 years of business experience in sales, sales support, strategic operations, and learning & development. She builds strong, high-performing teams and believes in being a Level 5 leader to unleash the potential and performance of teams. She thrives in an environment that provides an opportunity to problem solve or create impact whether it is a situation that is full of change and ambiguity or one that requires creating a strategy.
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This podcast is powered by CrazyTok: We help experts become influencers by helping launch, produce and grow your custom-branded audio and video podcast channels. Connect with us through the Crazytok website, LinkedIn, or Instagram.