Women are redefining leadership and transforming the business landscape with their unique perspectives, resilience and strategic vision. As more women take on executive roles, they bring innovation, inclusivity, and a people-centric approach to decision-making, driving sustainable growth and workplace equity. Women leaders exemplify this shift—leveraging their expertise to break barriers, inspire change and create organizations that thrive on diversity and collaboration. Their journeys highlight how women are not just participants in the corporate world but key architects of its future, shaping industries with their ingenuity and determination.
Manjari Das is the Associate Vice President at WD Partners (l) Pvt. Ltd – She is a pioneering industry leader with more than 25 years of expertise in business development and HR practices for national and international businesses across India and Singapore. She has guided various businesses by managing the P&L, enhancing performances, probability, employee engagement and development and employer branding. With a background in Computer Science, Manjari started her eventful career as a UNIX/C developer and later transitioned to SAP HCM to gain insight into enterprise resource planning. In her current role as an Associate Vice President of the Regional Business Unit at WD Partners (l) Pvt. Ltd., a multinational corporation, she oversees on-site administration and comes up with effective strategic initiatives to drive the company’s values and profits. Alongside this, she also leads a diverse team of designers, architects, and electrical and mechanical engineers who deliver cutting-edge solutions to retail stores. She infuses her analytical skills and entrepreneurial mindset into every aspect of the business and integrates her unique perspective on business operations and technology into developing real-world strategies and solutions. Manjari Das’s personal and professional experience in a spectrum of fields culminated in one goal of joining an Independent Board of Directors, which was made possible by the implementation of women’s quota in 2018 due to the Atmanirbhar Bharat or Self Reliant Mission. Her eureka moment was when she qualified in the Independent Board of Directors exam conducted by the Government of India. Ms. Manjari Das grew up in a nondiscriminatory environment, which shaped her strong stance against gender inequality. One of the reasons for her joining the board of directors is to voice her opinion against the gender disparities in the corporate world.
Aabha Gupta is the co-founder of Ant mascot, where she plays an instrumental role in shaping the company’s culture and values. She is accountable for deciding the company’s strategic direction, daily operations, and the advancement of its vision. Aabha, as a leader, is committed to creating a workplace that mirrors the elemental values of the organization while guiding Ant mascot toward ongoing achievements. Aabha’s approach to leadership is deeply influenced by her experiences and the guidance she has received throughout her career. She credits “The Professionals,” a reflective book she received during her post-graduation, as a very important catalyst in the formation of her professional vision and one of the major sources of inspiration in line with how she exercises her leadership today. Her all-time favorite book, “Who Moved My Cheese,” continues to inspire her. Aabha attributes her success to the core ideologies of transparency, customer commitment, teamwork, and integrity. Looking ahead, Aabha envisions Ant mascot becoming a household name synonymous with comprehensive solutions for organizational needs, much like how Xerox is associated with photocopying. She prides herself on the unique blend of technology and genuine intent that sets Ant mascot apart from competitors, driving continuous research, upgrades, and improvement.
Dr. Sonam Kothari is the co-founder & CEO of Butterfly Learnings. With a strong educational foundation, Dr. Kothari earned her MBBS from Nair Hospital in Mumbai, followed by an MD-PhD in Clinical Neurosciences from NIMHANS in Bangalore. She also has a professional certification in Oral Placement Therapy and Special Education. In addition, she holds a unique position as India’s sole pediatric neurologist, who is also a BCBA.
After completing her educational qualifications, Sonam began her professional career working with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru for her Residency in Clinical Neurosciences (Pediatric Neurology). Later, she worked as a Consultant Pediatric Neurologist at B.J. Wadia Hospital for Children, in Mumbai after gaining a significant amount of experience, she decided to have something of her own, and this is where she founded her brainchild, Butterfly Learnings, a technology-enabled behavioral health solution, where she welcomes all Neurodiverse children with various therapies, treatments, and education.
Driven by the passion to elevate the everyday lives of children and parents, she understood the non-clinical issues that families face during the upbringing of their children. Beyond the boardroom, Sonam finds solace in painting, working out every morning, and having unstructured time with her daughter. This unique blend of academic excellence and extensive experience makes her a transformative leader who is poised to exemplify success patterns for Butterfly Learnings.
