How to get help, sponsors and your shot at success

How does a journey from a banking career to academic leadership shape one’s approach to diversity and inclusion? In this episode of “Rewrite the Rules, we delve into the inspiring journey of Dr. Rao, Executive Director of INSEAD Africa Initiative and Hoffman Institute for Business and Society Asia. Discover how her early career in banking led to pivotal changes, steering her towards a significant role in education focused on leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Dr. Rao shares insights into the challenges and transformations she faced, from being a “trailing spouse” to becoming a thought leader in creating equitable educational and corporate environments. Tune in to learn how personal choices and professional shifts can profoundly impact leadership and innovation in the field of business and society!

Discussion Topics: How to get help, sponsors and your shot at success

• How did a career switch from banking to academia shape Dr. Rao’s views on diversity and inclusion?
• What impact did becoming a trailing spouse have on personal identity and career direction?
• How can pivotal life decisions, like relocating for a spouse’s job opportunity, influence career paths?
• How does teaching align with Dr. Rao’s passion for leadership and inclusion?
• How can women redefine their roles in leadership and corporate environments?
• How can you balance your personal life while pursuing professional ambitions?
• Summing it up

Our Guest: Dr Vinika Rao

Vinika started her career with a multinational bank in India, went on to become General Manager of an American Asian JV in the field of industrial chemicals, and later became the Managing Director of a listed company in Indonesia. She co-founded a boutique advisory firm working with mid-cap SE Asian companies, before making a serendipitous transition to Education. Prior to joining INSEAD, she was Associate Professor of Strategy at the S.P. Jain Centre of Management, Singapore. She is frequently invited to speak on her research interests and has been quoted / published in leading business publications including Forbes, Economist, Business Times, South China Morning Post, Harvard Business Review and INSEAD Knowledge.

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.

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.