SHEROES AMONGST US – Real Women, Real Stories By Falguni Desai, Dr Amit Nagpal

“Sheroes Amongst Us- Real Women, Real Stories“, an inspiring anthology co-authored by Falguni Desai and Dr. Amit Nagpal with a foreword by Shardha Sharma, Founder & CEO of YourStory, is a book that showcases the extraordinary stories of 32 trailblazing women who have broken barriers and redefined success.

With stories spanning leadership, entrepreneurship, technology, and social impact, this book offers inspiration, guidance, and reassurance to anyone seeking mentorship or navigating uncharted paths. Each narrative offers a glimpse into struggles, breakthroughs, and unwavering dedication to making a difference. Here is one such story of Falguni Desai, who is also the co-author of Sheroes Amongst Us.

Anjali Paradkar is a highly accomplished technology leader with over 25 years of experience. She is an IICA certified Independent Director. Currently she is on the advisory board of Long Live King, a company engaged in green computing. With a successful track record of driving strategic initiatives, Anjali brings valuable insights to support organizational growth and development. She is committed to driving innovation, delivering impactful solutions, and contributing to the success of the advisory board by leveraging her diverse industry experience and business acumen. Her previous roles as the Executive Director at J.P. Morgan, VP at Nomura reflect her extensive leadership experience. She has received several awards and accolades for her delivery excellence.

Early Life and Education Anjali’s early years in Mumbai were marked by warmth, security, and nurturing relationships. Raised in a family that epitomised the value of togetherness, she shared an unbreakable bond with her parents and sisters. Her childhood was not only pampered but also remarkably sheltered. “I was free to focus entirely on my academics and extracurricular interests, without the distraction of household responsibilities,” she recalls fondly. This foundation of unconditional support laid the groundwork for her confidence and ambition.

However, life has a way of teaching lessons when least expected. Anjali vividly remembers a pivotal moment from her early years that shaped her sense of responsibility. One seemingly ordinary day, she was tasked with receiving guests at a train station—a simple enough responsibility for a young girl. But her day took an unexpected turn when she witnessed a man being run over by a train. The horrifying sight froze her in her tracks, leaving her unable to fulfill her task. By the time she regained her composure, the guests had already arrived at her home on their own.

Her parents, understanding the gravity of her experience, chose not to scold her. Yet, Anjali carried a profound sense of failure and regret. “I felt as though I had let everyone down,” she reflects. This incident instilled a lifelong lesson in her: responsibilities must be met, no matter the obstacles. This principle became an anchor throughout her career, influencing her professional ethos and unwavering commitment to delivering results.

Anjali’s childhood, enriched by her father’s transferable job, exposed her to a variety of schools, educational systems, and cultural environments. With each move, she faced the challenge of starting afresh—making new friends, adjusting to different teaching methods, and adapting to unfamiliar surroundings. These experiences, though daunting at first, turned into a treasure trove of lessons on flexibility and adaptability.

“Every new school was like starting over,” she explains. “But instead of feeling overwhelmed, I began to see it as an opportunity to reinvent myself and learn from new people.” These formative years instilled in her a unique ability to thrive in unfamiliar situations, a skill that became invaluable in her professional journey. By the time she entered the workforce, she was adept at forming connections quickly, understanding team dynamics, and hitting the ground running—a trait that set her apart in an increasingly competitive world.

Career Beginnings and Challenges

With a degree in technology in hand, Anjali embarked on her professional career, securing an entry-level role at a software consultancy firm. She was drawn to the challenge of using technology to solve complex business problems and quickly demonstrated her ability to innovate and excel.

Anjali’s early career was marked by a relentless commitment to excellence. She excelled at delivering innovative solutions, earning accolades from clients and colleagues alike. “I knew that to be taken seriously as a leader, I needed to consistently exceed expectations,” she explains. One of her proudest accomplishments was heading an Offshore Development Centre for a marquee client, a role that showcased her ability to handle high-stakes initiatives with poise and precision.

Yet, her journey wasn’t without its share of obstacles. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, she encountered gender biases and stereotypes. “I often felt the need to justify my hours and productivity in ways my male peers didn’t,” she recalls. Instead of succumbing to these pressures, she used them as fuel to push harder, relying on her resilience and ingenuity. Ralph Waldo Emerson’s words, “Don’t be pushed by your problems, be led by your dreams,” became her guiding mantra.”
Pivotal Experiences and Turning Points

As her career gained momentum, her personal life also underwent significant changes. Marriage and motherhood introduced new
responsibilities, creating a delicate balancing act between professional aspirations and societal expectations. While her in-laws supported her career within the confines of a conventional “9-to-5” framework, they disapproved of her extended working hours.

“The pressure to quit my job after my son was born was immense,” she confides. However, Anjali stood firm in her decision to continue working, driven by her deep passion for her career. Managing the demands of a nuclear family, a growing child, and a fast-paced career wasn’t easy, but she succeeded with a mix of support from her spouse, reliable domestic helpers, and unwavering determination.
“There were moments of guilt and self-doubt,” she admits. “But I realised that I couldn’t pour from an empty cup. Self-care and clear boundaries became essential for my emotional resilience.” To women facing similar challenges, she advises, “You need to define what success means to you and unapologetically pursue it.”

Becoming a Leader

Over the years, Anjali rose through the ranks, transitioning from Software Engineer to Vice President, Executive Director, and Board Advisor. Her journey was marked by steady upward momentum, driven by a philosophy of continuous learning and leading with empathy. “I believe leadership is about inspiring others to reach their full potential,” she says. Mentorship became a cornerstone of her approach, as she actively worked to uplift aspiring leaders and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Beyond her corporate achievements, Anjali dedicated herself to causes close to her heart. Her involvement with NGOs and sustainability councils, including the WICCI Coaching and Sustainability Councils, exemplifies her commitment to social and environmental impact. “Giving back to society aligns with my values,” she shares. “It’s a way of ensuring that my success has a broader purpose.”

(Extracted with due permission from author, publisher)