The third day of the International Startup Festival 2024 (ISF) featured an engaging roundtable discussion titled “Women in Business,” moderated by Jyoti, a core member of ISF. This session brought together a remarkable group of women leaders who shared their unique journeys and insights as entrepreneurs in an ever-evolving landscape.
Breaking Through Challenges
The panelists included:
- Devika Penekelapati, Founding Partner of Borders Law
- Prashanthi Reddy, Founder of Law Offices of Prashanthi Reddy
- Monika Misra, Founder and CEO of iKeva
- Rashmi R Kumar, MD of dCode India
- Sreedevi Reddy, CEO of Zithara Group
- Sundari R Pisupati, Co-Managing Partner of Tempus Law Associates
- Vinotha Jarvis Khobor, Chief Strategic Advisor from the Netherlands
As the discussion opened, each panelist shared their early challenges in the business world. Rashmi Kumar reflected on her journey as a first-generation entrepreneur, expressing how entering the industry without a solid network posed significant hurdles. “I jumped in without knowing what it was about,” she admitted, emphasizing the steep learning curve.
Sundari Pisupati echoed this sentiment, noting her experience in the legal profession over the past 30 years. She highlighted how women were historically restricted from practicing law in India, but celebrated the progress made today, where women are increasingly seen in leadership roles across various sectors.
Sreedevi Reddy, CEO of Zithara Group, spoke about her challenges as a startup founder and the complexities of understanding the Indian market. “Resilience is key in overcoming these obstacles,” she emphasized, pointing to the importance of adaptability in business.
The Importance of Networking
The topic of networking emerged as a crucial theme throughout the discussion. Devika Penekelapati highlighted the barriers women face in traditional networking opportunities, often missing out on informal settings like smoking breaks or golf outings, where many business relationships are formed. She encouraged women to create their own avenues for connection.
Monika Misra, founder of a co-working space company, shared her experiences in building relevant products for clients. “Forming a solid team and retaining talent are among the greatest challenges,” she noted, particularly for women who often juggle multiple roles.
Support Systems and Mentorship
Mentorship was underscored as a pivotal factor in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Prashanthi Reddy discussed her experiences facing biases as a young lawyer and how mentorship helped her overcome these hurdles. “I had to prove myself constantly,” she recalled, emphasizing the value of guidance and support from others.
The panelists encouraged younger entrepreneurs to actively seek mentors and build supportive networks. “Find someone who inspires you and learn from them,” Sreedevi advised, reinforcing the idea that collaboration among women can lead to mutual growth.
Embracing Uncertainty and Change
The panelists shared insights on embracing uncertainty in their entrepreneurial journeys. Monika urged attendees to take things one day at a time, stating, “It’s okay not to be 100% sure of your path,” and emphasizing the importance of adaptability.
As the session opened up to audience questions, participants inquired about balancing work and life, the role of mentorship, and strategies for women to support one another in business. The panelists reiterated the necessity of fostering collaboration over competition, encouraging women to uplift each other and share resources.
As the roundtable concluded, the overarching message was clear: while challenges remain, the landscape for women entrepreneurs is evolving. The panelists’ stories of resilience and empowerment serve as a beacon of hope for those navigating their paths in business.
“Your journey may be unique, but you are not alone,” Jyoti reminded the audience. Together, women can build a future where they thrive in business, breaking down barriers and forging new paths.
The inspiring session at ISF 2024 showcased the strength and tenacity of women in business, highlighting that with support, mentorship, and self-belief, anything is possible.
