In today’s rapidly evolving technological and economic landscape, women professionals are breaking barriers and redefining traditional norms to set new benchmarks for leadership and innovation. With their visionary thinking, these trailblazing leaders are not only ruling the startup world but also extending their influence over international global firms fostering creativity, fuelling progress and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and executives.
In its first and ongoing campaign, Business Frontier honours these trailblazers who have made a mark for themselves across different industries.
Debarati Guha
Debarati Guha is the Director Programmes for Asia, Deutsche Welle, a German media organisation that provides journalistic content in 32 languages. Born and brought up in Kolkata, India, Debarati pursued journalism in New Delhi and completed her PhD in the field. Initially an intern at Deutsche Welle in 2005, she completed a journalism course in Germany. After freelancing for DW, she started working full-time with the organisation and went on to grow by leaps and bounds in it.
Daisy Mauhay
Daisy Mauhay, the compassionate Managing Director of The Nightingale Placement Agency, has strived to help the company emerge on top in the recruitment industry, providing talented manpower to diverse sectors spanning healthcare, IT, agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and hospitality. The organisation has now also branched out into Nightingale Homecare Services, Serenity Care with HIQA approved facilities, PCRJ Property Management and My Lovely Horse Rescue, which provides sanctuary and care to rescued animals. With a journey fuelled by a steady passion to help others and nurture a society brimming with hope and love, Daisy prioritises connecting with her diverse teams, understanding their challenges, and collaborating to find solutions.
Ju Young Shin
A passionate leader in the real estate industry, Ju Young Shin not only deals with high finance, but also treats her team with motherly care and love. The Finance Director of Weave Living, Asia Pacific’s living sector specialist which owns, develops and manages properties to world-class standards, the diligent business leader and loving family person has even received an award from the former USA President Barack Obama for her volunteering services.
Karen Cook
A notable figure in the field of finance and business, Karen Cook is often dubbed as the ‘Queen of M&A’ thanks to her strong track record of leadership and expertise in investment banking. Starting her professional journey at the Foreign Office, Karen soon joined Goldman Sachs and has been working at the investment major for over three decades. Currently the Chair of the Investment Banking Division at Goldman Sachs, London; the 70-year-old has worked in the field of banking since the 1980s and proves that age is just a number in any field.
Maja Torun
One of the most successful investment bankers in the world, Maja Torun is the Co-Head of Investment Banking, JPMorgan, Paris. With an MBA from INSEAD, Maja started her professional journey in 2003 with the prestigious strategy consulting firm Boston Consulting and has worked with top international companies such as Merrill Lynch and Deutsche Bank. In May 2020, she joined JP Morgan and has been involved in several major transactions. Renowned for helping clients navigate through a complex financial scenario, and has a deep understanding of the global financial market.
Roshni Nadar Malhotra
Often cited as one of the world’s most powerful women, Roshni Nadar Malhotra heads the Indian IT giant – HCL Technologies, which was founded by her father Shiv Nadar. The billionaire businesswoman and philanthropist spearheads HCL’s strategic initiatives in digital transformation, cloud computing, and AI and created history in 2020 by becoming the first woman to head a listed IT company in India.
Tina Ghafurian
With over two decades of experience, Tina Ghafurian, Chief Operations Officer of Tips and Toes, has been a prominent figure in the beauty and wellness industry. Tina’s journey from fashion designing to the beauty industry is a testament to her adaptability and thirst for knowledge. From establishing her own fashion house at a young age to seamlessly transitioning into the realm of beauty, her story resonates with a blend of ambition and tenacity.
V Amrutha
In the dynamic realm of the technology solution industry, V Amrutha, Head of Product at ISABEL Health Tech, stands out as a trailblazer with a wealth of knowledge and experience. With over eight years of expertise in Agile methodologies, project and product management, data management, technology operations, and business finance, the certified project and product consultant has been instrumental in planning and managing multimillion-dollar, multi-geographical projects, aligning business objectives with cutting-edge technology solutions.
Vandana Chopra
With a flair for sales and marketing, ace saleswoman Vandana Chopra has carved a niche for herself in the industry with her immense dedication, perseverance and people skills. Currently the Head of Business Development for India and South East Asia for the UK-based partition manufacturing company APTON, Chopra’s role involves travelling across various regions, networking with industry insiders and improving the brand presence and adoption in South East Asia and India.
