In Episode 6 of Circle, hosts Gayatri Rangachari Shah and Jaya Mehrotra engage in a powerful conversation with Renuka Kirpalani and Pooja Choudary, two exceptional leaders who are redefining what it means for women to lead and excel in the traditionally male-dominated automobile industry.  Renuka shares her exhilarating journey as a car racer and journalist smashing speed records and challenging stereotypes, while Pooja opens up about the rise of her luxury car business in India, overcoming skepticism and societal expectations. They reflect on raised eyebrows, broken myths, and the determination it takes to take the wheel literally and metaphorically in leadership roles.  This episode dives deep into their challenges, triumphs, and the unique insights that come from steering careers in auto, offering inspiration to anyone striving to break barriers in male‑dominated fields. Location: BMW Infinity Cars, Worli HMU: Looks Salon Chapters 0:00 - Start1:51- Introduction3:32- First car they drove5:40- Teaching kids driving6:25- The test Gayatri failed7:17- Favourite cars9:56- Pooja’s Pivot13:04- Architecture & Automobile15:38- Renuka’s Journey19:01- Women & Automobile 20:44- Renuka’s critical point22:52- Importance of Pivoting23:55- Jaya’s Story24:58- Women pivot daily26:11- Expectations: Women Vs Men27:21- Breaking Stereotypes30:45- People Management 32:53- Women are underestimated 35:01- Women are safer drivers41:36- Driving the fastest car43:31 - Renuka’s fastest speed46:58- Are EVs the future?50:36- New Generation's buying behaviour 53:40- Sustaining an Automobile Business 55:41- Adapting to changing times1:02:25- Building Collaboration & Trust1:18:36- Closing Remarks & Takeaways

In Episode 6 of Circle, hosts Gayatri Rangachari Shah and Jaya Mehrotra engage in a powerful conversation with Renuka Kirpalani and Pooja Choudary, two exceptional leaders who are redefining what it means for women to lead and excel in the traditionally male-dominated automobile industry. Renuka shares her exhilarating journey as a car racer and journalist smashing speed records and challenging stereotypes, while Pooja opens up about the rise of her luxury car business in India, overcoming skepticism and societal expectations. They reflect on raised eyebrows, broken myths, and the determination it takes to take the wheel literally and metaphorically in leadership roles. This episode dives deep into their challenges, triumphs, and the unique insights that come from steering careers in auto, offering inspiration to anyone striving to break barriers in male‑dominated fields.Location: BMW Infinity Cars, WorliHMU: Looks SalonChapters0:00 - Start1:51- Introduction3:32- First car they drove5:40- Teaching kids driving6:25- The test Gayatri failed7:17- Favourite cars9:56- Pooja’s Pivot13:04- Architecture & Automobile15:38- Renuka’s Journey19:01- Women & Automobile 20:44- Renuka’s critical point22:52- Importance of Pivoting23:55- Jaya’s Story24:58- Women pivot daily26:11- Expectations: Women Vs Men27:21- Breaking Stereotypes30:45- People Management 32:53- Women are underestimated 35:01- Women are safer drivers41:36- Driving the fastest car43:31 - Renuka’s fastest speed46:58- Are EVs the future?50:36- New Generation's buying behaviour 53:40- Sustaining an Automobile Business 55:41- Adapting to changing times1:02:25- Building Collaboration & Trust1:18:36- Closing Remarks & Takeaways

CIRCLE

How Women are Steering Change in the Auto World Women Leadership | Ep 6

In Episode 5 of The Circle, we explore what it truly means to lead when no one else sees the vision — or believes in it. We discuss why your vision doesn’t need permission to be powerful, how timing beats perfection, and why disappointment often means you're pushing in the right direction.  We also take a closer look at entrepreneurship in the Indian market — the challenges, the opportunities, and what it really takes to grow in a space that’s always changing. Whether you're a founder, leader, or changemaker, this episode offers realvalue for your journey. Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction & Overview2:15 – The Landscape of Indian Entrepreneurship6:40 – Key Challenges Faced by Startups11:05 – Government Initiatives & Policies15:30 – Role of Technology in Business Growth20:00 – Success Stories: Inspiring Entrepreneurs25:45 – Funding and Investment Opportunities30:10 – The Future of Entrepreneurship in India35:00 – Expert Panel Discussion40:20 – Q&A Session with the Audience45:00 – Closing Remarks & Takeaways Hosted by: Gayatri Rangachari Shah– Journalist, Editor & Author: GRS Consultants Jaya Mehrotra – Leadership Coach & Founder of WLC Featuring Guests : Minal Vazirani- Co-founder at Saffron Art Mallika Parekh- CEO, Fluent Health; Owner, Physique 57 Venue Courtesy : Saffron Art Hair and Makeup : Looks Salon

In Episode 5 of The Circle, we explore what it truly means to lead when no one else sees the vision — or believes in it.We discuss why your vision doesn’t need permission to be powerful, how timing beats perfection, and why disappointment often means you're pushing in the right direction. We also take a closer look at entrepreneurship in the Indian market — the challenges, the opportunities, and what it really takes to grow in a space that’s always changing.Whether you're a founder, leader, or changemaker, this episode offers realvalue for your journey.Chapters:0:00 – Introduction & Overview2:15 – The Landscape of Indian Entrepreneurship6:40 – Key Challenges Faced by Startups11:05 – Government Initiatives & Policies15:30 – Role of Technology in Business Growth20:00 – Success Stories: Inspiring Entrepreneurs25:45 – Funding and Investment Opportunities30:10 – The Future of Entrepreneurship in India35:00 – Expert Panel Discussion40:20 – Q&A Session with the Audience45:00 – Closing Remarks & TakeawaysHosted by:Gayatri Rangachari Shah– Journalist, Editor & Author: GRS ConsultantsJaya Mehrotra – Leadership Coach & Founder of WLCFeaturing Guests :Minal Vazirani- Co-founder at Saffron ArtMallika Parekh- CEO, Fluent Health; Owner, Physique 57Venue Courtesy : Saffron ArtHair and Makeup : Looks Salon 

Decoding Entrepreneurship in India | The Circle Ep - 5

What does it really take to lead, scale, and stay creative in today’s business world? In this power-packed episode of Circle, hosts Gayatri Rangachari Shah and Jaya Mehrotra are joined by fashion entrepreneur Payal Singhal and content leader Priya Tanna for an unfiltered conversation on leadership, ambition, and reinvention. From the bold truths of building a fashion brand to navigating leadership in the media world, this episode unpacks why it’s never too late to learn about finances—and how women can start building a nest egg, even in middle age. Watch now and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more such conversations. ⁩Hosted by: Gayatri Rangachari Shah– Journalist, Editor & Author: GRS Consultants  Jaya Mehrotra – Leadership Coach & Founder of WLC Featuring Guests : Payal Singhal- Creative Director, Payal Singhal Design House, PR & Marketing Chair at WLC Priya Tanna- President at TRS Creative Consulting, Former Launch Editor-in-chief, Vogue India Watch now and don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes! Venue courtesy- Payal Singhal Design House Chapters:0:00 - Start0:25 - Guest Introduction 1:04 - Diving into Priya’s Background4:32 - Monetizing IPs & Building a PNL11:28 - Balancing Business With Creativity 16:19 - Importance of Saving17:49 - Myths about Ambitious Women19:27 - Gayatri & Priya’s Journey with Money26:15 - Fears while Scaling Up33:35 - Women & Self-Pressure35:23 - Breaking through Beauty Standards  45:22 - The Power When Women Unite 47:34 - Social Media - A Necessary Evil53:23 - Is Print Journalism Dead?57:02 - AI vs The Human Touch58:46 - The Role of Influencers1:00:54 - Great Leaders aren’t Always Liked1:05:25 - Being a New-age Leader1:05:52 - The Pursuit of Excellence1:07:12 - Having High Standards 1:08:01 - Respect is Earned, Not Commanded 1:08:48 - The Rapid Fire1:21:20 - Final Reflections & Learnings

What does it really take to lead, scale, and stay creative in today’s business world?In this power-packed episode of Circle, hosts Gayatri Rangachari Shah and Jaya Mehrotra are joined by fashion entrepreneur Payal Singhal and content leader Priya Tanna for an unfiltered conversation on leadership, ambition, and reinvention.From the bold truths of building a fashion brand to navigating leadership in the media world, this episode unpacks why it’s never too late to learn about finances—and how women can start building a nest egg, even in middle age.Watch now and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more such conversations.⁩Hosted by:Gayatri Rangachari Shah– Journalist, Editor & Author: GRS Consultants Jaya Mehrotra – Leadership Coach & Founder of WLCFeaturing Guests :Payal Singhal- Creative Director, Payal Singhal Design House, PR & Marketing Chair at WLCPriya Tanna- President at TRS Creative Consulting, Former Launch Editor-in-chief, Vogue IndiaWatch now and don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes!Venue courtesy- Payal Singhal Design HouseChapters:0:00 - Start0:25 - Guest Introduction 1:04 - Diving into Priya’s Background4:32 - Monetizing IPs & Building a PNL11:28 - Balancing Business With Creativity 16:19 - Importance of Saving17:49 - Myths about Ambitious Women19:27 - Gayatri & Priya’s Journey with Money26:15 - Fears while Scaling Up33:35 - Women & Self-Pressure35:23 - Breaking through Beauty Standards  45:22 - The Power When Women Unite 47:34 - Social Media - A Necessary Evil53:23 - Is Print Journalism Dead?57:02 - AI vs The Human Touch58:46 - The Role of Influencers1:00:54 - Great Leaders aren’t Always Liked1:05:25 - Being a New-age Leader1:05:52 - The Pursuit of Excellence1:07:12 - Having High Standards 1:08:01 - Respect is Earned, Not Commanded 1:08:48 - The Rapid Fire1:21:20 - Final Reflections & Learnings

Scaling Up: Managing the Financial & Creative side of Running a Business ｜ CIRCLE EP 04

In CIRCLE | EP 03, Anita Bhogle and Aditi Dugar join host Gayatri Rangachari Shah and Jaya Mehrotra for a thought-provoking roundtable on redefining leadership on their own terms. From breaking barriers to making bold choices, they share the mindset shifts, pivotal moments, and strategies that have helped them sustain purposeful growth. Subscribe to Women Leadership Circle (WLC) for more leadership insights. ⁩Hosted by: Gayatri Rangachari Shah– Journalist, Editor & Author: GRS Consultants  Jaya Mehrotra – Leadership Coach & Founder of WLC Featuring Guests : Anita Bhogle - Partner, Prosearch consultants, Author - Equal and Advisory board member, WLC  Aditi Dugar- Director & Founder- Masque & Urban Gourmet India Pvt. Ltd. Watch now and don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes! Venue courtesy- Masque RestaurantHair by - Streax Professional Chapters  0:00 - Quick BTS and Trailer 2:00 - Guest Introduction 3:00 - Personal stories about the childhood and early years5:20 - Anita about her IIT & IIM experience7:30 - Aditi on her early years 10:15 - Aditi on building Masque Restaurant 13:00 - Anita on post IIT and IIM Journey ~ from a corporate setup to self-employment 16:22 - Aditi on her journey, career pivots and her book 18:36 - Gayatri on the title of Anita’s book “Equal, yet Different”19:32 - Anita on “What she could have done differently?”20:59 - Gayatri on women’s career graph and child care22:00 - Aditi on her family support and business 26:37 - Aditi in fighting the crit28:42 - Anita’s take on mentors 30:04 - Gayatri and Jaya’s take on mentors30:44 - Aditi on her mentors32:40 - Aditi on fundraising and capital 37:14 - Anita on women entrepreneurs and fundraising 38:36 - Jaya on women vs men on fund raising and capital 39:33 - Accountability and Risk41:37 - Lessons learned, Key takeaway and Challenges 54:04 - Women on rejoining work after a break 55:47 - Salary cut for women and women entrepreneurs guilt1:02:42 - Refections and Learnings

In CIRCLE | EP 03, Anita Bhogle and Aditi Dugar join host Gayatri Rangachari Shah and Jaya Mehrotra for a thought-provoking roundtable on redefining leadership on their own terms. From breaking barriers to making bold choices, they share the mindset shifts, pivotal moments, and strategies that have helped them sustain purposeful growth.Subscribe to Women Leadership Circle (WLC) for more leadership insights.⁩Hosted by:Gayatri Rangachari Shah– Journalist, Editor & Author: GRS Consultants Jaya Mehrotra – Leadership Coach & Founder of WLCFeaturing Guests :Anita Bhogle - Partner, Prosearch consultants, Author - Equal and Advisory board member, WLC Aditi Dugar- Director & Founder- Masque & Urban Gourmet India Pvt. Ltd.Watch now and don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes!Venue courtesy- Masque RestaurantHair by - Streax ProfessionalChapters 0:00 - Quick BTS and Trailer 2:00 - Guest Introduction 3:00 - Personal stories about the childhood and early years5:20 - Anita about her IIT & IIM experience7:30 - Aditi on her early years 10:15 - Aditi on building Masque Restaurant 13:00 - Anita on post IIT and IIM Journey ~ from a corporate setup to self-employment 16:22 - Aditi on her journey, career pivots and her book 18:36 - Gayatri on the title of Anita’s book “Equal, yet Different”19:32 - Anita on “What she could have done differently?”20:59 - Gayatri on women’s career graph and child care22:00 - Aditi on her family support and business 26:37 - Aditi in fighting the crit28:42 - Anita’s take on mentors 30:04 - Gayatri and Jaya’s take on mentors30:44 - Aditi on her mentors32:40 - Aditi on fundraising and capital 37:14 - Anita on women entrepreneurs and fundraising 38:36 - Jaya on women vs men on fund raising and capital 39:33 - Accountability and Risk41:37 - Lessons learned, Key takeaway and Challenges 54:04 - Women on rejoining work after a break 55:47 - Salary cut for women and women entrepreneurs guilt1:02:42 - Refections and Learnings

CIRCLE ｜ EP 03 – The Leadership Choices That Shape Success

In CIRCLE | EP 02, we dive into the world of leaders navigating and furthering family built enterprises - how they navigate resources , fundraise, and drive innovation. This episode offers invaluable insights into continuing family businesses, and overcoming challenges unique to women leaders. Hosted by: Gayatri Rangachari Shah– Journalist, Editor & Author: GRS Consultants  Jaya Mehrotra – Leadership Coach & Founder of WLC Featuring Guests : Purvi Sheth: CEO- Shilputsi Consultants & Advisory board member, WLC Aditi Kothari Desai: Vice Chairperson, DSP Asset Managers Watch now and don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes! Venue courtesy- The Clearing House Hair by - Looks Salon Chapters: 0:00 - Start of the podcast 0:17 - Introduction to women and investment challenges. 1:42 - Introductions and objectives of the podcast. 2:18 - Goals of the podcast to inspire future generations of women. 3:21 - Introduction of Purvi & Aditi, their professional background, and multiple roles. 4:36 - Purvi describes her identity and entrepreneurial journey & work across boards and passion for leadership. 5:51 - Aditi shares her family legacy and her role in the family business. 6:35 - Purvi talks about her involvement in wildlife conservation and philanthropy. 6:58 - Icebreaker question on fulfilling leadership moments. 7:20 - Purvi shares leadership program initiatives during COVID-19. 8:51 - Corporate and philanthropic initiatives for Diwali and Christmas. 9:32 - Aditi discusses launching her FinTech business and its challenges. 10:24 - Aditi reflects on personal growth through her sister's family. 10:42 - Importance of building ecosystems and mentorship through WLC. 12:06 - Discussion on women's workforce participation and challenges. 13:01 - Aditi and Purvi's alignment with their family businesses. 13:24 - Purvi discusses challenges in aligning personal purpose with business. 14:34 - Aditi shares her father's legacy in investment banking and personal learning. 15:59 - Story about Aditi learning finance concepts from a comic book. 16:01 - Aditi’s experience transitioning into asset management and banking. 16:43 - Aditi reflects on her time in the US and the challenges faced in her career. 17:45 - Aditi's take on investment management versus banking. 19:20 - Reflecting on mentorship, loneliness, and leadership roles. 20:18 - Women navigating their careers and balancing authenticity. 21:10 - Expectations and the mindset required to succeed in legacy businesses. 24:05 - Importance of authenticity and grit in leadership. 25:46 - Creative aspirations of Aditi and Purvi beyond their businesses. 26:11 - Aditi and Purvi’s passion for Indian crafts and cultural preservation. 29:15 - Gayatri's love for books, yoga, and creative pursuits outside work. 30:07 - Discussion on the role of passion and purpose in life. 31:21 - Parental influence on women's independence and financial literacy. 35:20 - Empowering your daughters through Financial literacy 36:22 - Authenticity in leadership and overcoming societal conditioning. 38:00 - Importance of unlearning and embracing one's authentic self. 41:14 - Insights into balancing personal and professional life for women. 44:36 - Aditi and Purvi share their unlearning journeys. 45:08 - Leave your Amazon at Work 48:47 - Purvi's FinTech initiatives and digital product development. 56:40 - Leveraging technology for scaling businesses and learning programs. 1:00:47 - Aditi's insights on women and investment decision-making. 1:04:09 - Challenges women face in raising capital and scaling businesses. 1:08:33 - Overcoming fears and scaling businesses as women leaders. 1:09:57 - Concluding discussions on authenticity and purpose-driven careers. 1:11:27 - Final reflections, podcasts recommendations, and ending remarks.

In CIRCLE | EP 02, we dive into the world of leaders navigating and furthering family built enterprises - how they navigate resources , fundraise, and drive innovation.This episode offers invaluable insights into continuing family businesses, and overcoming challenges unique to women leaders.Hosted by:Gayatri Rangachari Shah– Journalist, Editor & Author: GRS Consultants Jaya Mehrotra – Leadership Coach & Founder of WLCFeaturing Guests :Purvi Sheth: CEO- Shilputsi Consultants & Advisory board member, WLCAditi Kothari Desai: Vice Chairperson, DSP Asset ManagersWatch now and don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes!Venue courtesy- The Clearing House Hair by - Looks SalonChapters:0:00 - Start of the podcast0:17 - Introduction to women and investment challenges.1:42 - Introductions and objectives of the podcast.2:18 - Goals of the podcast to inspire future generations of women.3:21 - Introduction of Purvi & Aditi, their professional background, and multiple roles.4:36 - Purvi describes her identity and entrepreneurial journey & work across boards and passion for leadership.5:51 - Aditi shares her family legacy and her role in the family business.6:35 - Purvi talks about her involvement in wildlife conservation and philanthropy.6:58 - Icebreaker question on fulfilling leadership moments.7:20 - Purvi shares leadership program initiatives during COVID-19.8:51 - Corporate and philanthropic initiatives for Diwali and Christmas.9:32 - Aditi discusses launching her FinTech business and its challenges.10:24 - Aditi reflects on personal growth through her sister's family.10:42 - Importance of building ecosystems and mentorship through WLC.12:06 - Discussion on women's workforce participation and challenges.13:01 - Aditi and Purvi's alignment with their family businesses.13:24 - Purvi discusses challenges in aligning personal purpose with business.14:34 - Aditi shares her father's legacy in investment banking and personal learning.15:59 - Story about Aditi learning finance concepts from a comic book.16:01 - Aditi’s experience transitioning into asset management and banking.16:43 - Aditi reflects on her time in the US and the challenges faced in her career.17:45 - Aditi's take on investment management versus banking.19:20 - Reflecting on mentorship, loneliness, and leadership roles.20:18 - Women navigating their careers and balancing authenticity.21:10 - Expectations and the mindset required to succeed in legacy businesses.24:05 - Importance of authenticity and grit in leadership.25:46 - Creative aspirations of Aditi and Purvi beyond their businesses.26:11 - Aditi and Purvi’s passion for Indian crafts and cultural preservation.29:15 - Gayatri's love for books, yoga, and creative pursuits outside work.30:07 - Discussion on the role of passion and purpose in life.31:21 - Parental influence on women's independence and financial literacy.35:20 - Empowering your daughters through Financial literacy36:22 - Authenticity in leadership and overcoming societal conditioning.38:00 - Importance of unlearning and embracing one's authentic self.41:14 - Insights into balancing personal and professional life for women.44:36 - Aditi and Purvi share their unlearning journeys.45:08 - Leave your Amazon at Work48:47 - Purvi's FinTech initiatives and digital product development.56:40 - Leveraging technology for scaling businesses and learning programs.1:00:47 - Aditi's insights on women and investment decision-making.1:04:09 - Challenges women face in raising capital and scaling businesses.1:08:33 - Overcoming fears and scaling businesses as women leaders.1:09:57 - Concluding discussions on authenticity and purpose-driven careers.1:11:27 - Final reflections, podcasts recommendations, and ending remarks.

Strengthening an entrepreneurial legacy ｜ CIRCLE EP 02

Kicking off our Circle roundtable series, Jaya Mehrotra, alongside Gayatri Rangachari Shah, Shilpa Bhagat, and Shivani Bhasin Sachdeva, explores the journey of turning ideas into impactful ventures.  In this episode, they share personal experiences on entrepreneurship, funding, and the challenges that come with breaking barriers in business. INSTAGRAM :  / womenleadershipcircle   GMAIL : jaya@wlc.org.in(For business inquiries )

Kicking off our Circle roundtable series, Jaya Mehrotra, alongside Gayatri Rangachari Shah, Shilpa Bhagat, and Shivani Bhasin Sachdeva, explores the journey of turning ideas into impactful ventures. In this episode, they share personal experiences on entrepreneurship, funding, and the challenges that come with breaking barriers in business. INSTAGRAM :  / womenleadershipcircle  GMAIL : jaya@wlc.org.in(For business inquiries )

EP 1 - The Journey Behind Transforming Vision into Successful Ventures

Welcome to CIRCLE- a podcast where women lead the conversation. Hosted by two dynamic leaders, Gayatri Rangachari Shah and Jaya Mehrotra. This podcast brings together thought leaders to explore innovative approaches to leadership. Each episode dives deep into real stories and hard-earned lessons around business growth and inclusive leadership. A must-listen for aspiring leaders and seasoned executives alike!

Welcome to CIRCLE- a podcast where women lead the conversation.Hosted by two dynamic leaders, Gayatri Rangachari Shah and Jaya Mehrotra. This podcast brings together thought leaders to explore innovative approaches to leadership. Each episode dives deep into real stories and hard-earned lessons around business growth and inclusive leadership. A must-listen for aspiring leaders and seasoned executives alike!

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CIRCLE

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