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She started working independently on content creation and established the Ladies Who Lead (LWL) community, leading to the formation of LWL the company in 2021.
She exemplifies the combination of beauty and intelligence, adept at discussing business affairs, stock markets, and shares. Aabha embarked on her professional journey as a correspondent at Business Today Magazine before transitioning to CNBC TV18 as a producer. Subsequently, she assumed the role of senior correspondent at NDTV Profit from 2004 to 2007, followed by a stint as associate producer at NDTV Good Times for a year.
ZOYA explores Aabha Bakaya’s path to successin ‘Finely Crafted Journeys
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Between 2008 and 2010, she anchored for ET NOW-TIMES GROUP, and from 2010 to 2016, she held the position of senior anchor and editor at Bloomberg TV India.
She continues to lead and work within her own company, Ladies Who Lead.
Let’s Get Inspired
In Conversation with Aabha Bakaya
– Preeti Juneja
Q. What are the common traits that influential leaders share? Which of these traits align most closely with your life story?
Discipline, humility, and perseverance are all extremely powerful traits I have seen among some of the finest leaders, including my father, who built one of India’s largest hotel management companies, Sarovar Hotels.
Q. Freedom fosters creativity. As an entrepreneur, could you share one innovative idea you initiated at Ladies Who Lead (LWL) that is thriving?
It’s not about one idea. It’s about a million ideas that all contribute to creating something greater. It’s an ever-evolving process, and that’s the best part about creativity. Today, we have one of the most diverse, inclusive, and powerful platforms that doesn’t just talk about empowering women. Every action actually makes a difference in people’s journeys and gives them access to leaders across fields who tell them it’s possible to believe. You can do it.
Q. Networking events take place across various sectors. LWL serves over 30 industries. According to you, why would individuals pay to network outside their sector unless they are seeking business opportunities? What value do you bring to the table?
In today’s VUCA world, interconnectivity is essential. To not just survive but thrive, everyone needs exposure to multiple disciplines. Roles like HR, Tech, Marketing & Sales are evolving across sectors. Intrapreneurship is a highly sought-after skill, and exposure to entrepreneurs and their business expansion strategies, tested and proven, is invaluable. Cross-industry networking offers a wealth of knowledge on economic trends and their broader implications, making it a strategic move for any professional.
Over the past year, LWL has doubled its member base to over 1000+. These members include business veterans, founders of unicorns, emerging entrepreneurs, and professionals from 30+ industries. Over the course of the past 12 months, LWL has significantly broadened its geographic reach, expanding from 4 cities (Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Pune) to more than 12+ cities now.
This also includes 6 international cities across the globe. LWL derives immense value and advantages for its members from cross-segment strategic partnerships. Its partner portfolio includes reputable brands such as Vertices, TMT, Harappa, Nuvama, Mint, Zen Co-works, and Taj Group Of Hotels
Q. In networking, authenticity is key. However, everyone wishes to present themselves favourably. How can one network to build genuine connections and lasting relationships? What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
Be vulnerable and ask for help when you need it. Although everyone you ask may not be able to help you, they will surely try.
Q. In the digitalized landscape of the creator economy and ed-tech for learning, where information is abundant, how do you curate content topics, events and more?
Today, people want in-person, intimate, and personalized engagement, and you’ll find that when you sit with someone in a curated safe space. When you take the time to attend and have each other’s attention for those couple of hours, you also walk away with meaningful takeaways. Nothing replaces that kind of learning.
Q. How do you know a plan is a good plan
Hahaha, You don’t; you’ll discover. But there is always another plan 🙂
Rapid-Fire:
- One area of specialization that interests you?
Storytelling
2.What do you mean by an equitable future for women?
Where they are no longer an exception to the rule
3.What is a day at work like?
Manic
4.What skills from Journalism are helping you now in your new venture?
Curation, Positioning, Questioning, Discovering and Relating
One-Liners:
1.My mentor is:
Life mentor – Ajay Bakaya.
2.Success to me is:
Fulfilling your dream. Though the path may be unexpected.
3.recommend studying Media and Journalism from:
Columbia School of Journalism.
4.Invest money to make money, Invest time to make:
Human Capital that lasts forever
About Author
Aabha Bakaya
As Founder & CEO of Ladies Who Lead, a members – only circle of women achievers, she is set out on this journey to co-create an equitable future for women in the workforce with an innate drive to speed up meaningful change.
1st May 2024
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Do you have a question for Aabha Bakaya ? Write to us at preeti.juneja@dreamwebindia.com
