“Never say never to continuous learning, this is the key to stay ahead in this fast paced business environment.” Ankita Rishabh is Managing Director at MeJuvante. She is recognized as one of the top three women in HR and is a champion for diversity and inclusion. In her interview with Women Who Win, she shares her leadership journey as a Managing Director, how her academic background at Bangalore University influenced her career, and how a willingness to learn is crucial to success in a fast-paced venture. Enjoy!

1. Tell us your story. You are a managing director at Mejuvante and a talented HR professional. As a  hardworking individual, you must have a lot of experience to achieve many accomplishments. Tell  us about your journey. 

As the Managing Director at Mejuvante, an entrepreneur, and HR professional has been defined by dedication  to excellence.  From my early industry days to now, each step has molded my leadership and HR approach. While medicine  initially captivated me, college unveiled my passion for people interaction, team leadership, and networking,  leading me to embrace HR as profession.  

Beyond my professional pursuits, the role of motherhood has also been a paramount commitment that  cultivated discipline, time management, multitasking, and an indomitable spirit. These experiences provided  the confidence to venture into entrepreneurship leading to pave my way to help setup MeJuvante in India  from scratch and joined MeJuvante Private Limited as a Managing Director. 

From my early ventures into entrepreneurship to taking up the role of a Managing Director at MeJuvante, each phase has contributed to my growth. These encounters have not only refined my skill set and  encouraged innovation but have also been instrumental in driving the success of both my teams and the  organizations I've been associated with. 

2. What did you learn in your leadership journey? What challenges did you face in rising to a managing director level role? 

My career path has been a series of stepping stones, each one helping me to reach the next level. The biggest  stone I have stepped on so far is when I started my entrepreneurial journey and founded my Company in  2017. This was the time; I knew I am stepping into a leadership role from human resource domain.  As an HR, I always worked towards leadership decisions making and implementing change and process  improvement which contributed to my experience as a leader and my strong perspective towards  understanding people and organization culture.  

The realization that I wanted to become a Managing Director or top management, evolved over time, fueled  by the satisfaction of leading teams and orchestrating impactful changes. These experiences encouraged my  confidence and strengthened my aspiration to make a lasting impact on an organization's direction. The right opportunity clicked when MeJuvante Group CEO, Timo Traurig had an interaction with me, he believed in my abilities and then we worked towards setting up MeJuvante in India and then taking up this responsible  position of Managing Director. 

Ultimately, the allure of the role was born from a combination of my evolving career, my never give up  mindset, a genuine passion for leadership, and a compelling desire to shape organizational futures.

3. You have studied at Bangalore University. Tell us about your academic journey and how it influenced your career today?

Bangalore has played an important role in transforming my entire personality from being an introvert to  people person. This journey was not hard but challenging and everyday was a new learning experience. 

My academic journey at Bangalore University indeed required dedication and hard work, leading to  noteworthy achievements. My commitment to maintaining a consistently high level of academic performance  consistently gained attention. My determination to excel pushed me to consistently exceed expectations and  maintain a strong academic record, which always motivated me and brought confidence in me. 

I actively engaged in extracurricular activities that expanded my skill set beyond the classroom. Involvement  in leadership roles, volunteer work, and campus initiatives, attending training programs, handling petty cash  coming from home showcased my ability to balance academics, finances with broader personal and  professional development. 

Lastly, effective communication and collaboration skills were pivotal in my interactions with peers and  professors. By fostering positive relationships and embracing teamwork, I was able to create a supportive  academic environment that benefited everyone involved. 

4. What are the keys to success in a fast-paced organization? What are some tips you learned in your experience in your role?

Becoming a Managing Director of a company like Mejuvante, who is contributing to the Indo European  business corridor and excelling as a talented HR Strategic Partner indeed requires a combination of skills,  experiences, and qualities. Here's some advice to help individuals on their journey towards such roles: 

• Never say never to continuous learning, this is the key to stay ahead in this fast paced business environment. 

• Build a strong professional network by attending events and engaging with peers, mentors, and  potential employers. Networking can open doors to valuable opportunities. 

• Develop leadership qualities that inspire and motivate. Effective communication, emotional  intelligence, and decision-making are crucial as you lead teams. 

• Embrace change and setbacks with resilience. Use failures as stepping stones toward growth and  improvement. 

• Master clear and impactful communication. Engage stakeholders, listen actively to concerns, and  convey complex ideas convincingly. 

• Uphold ethical standards in all actions. Integrity builds trust, a cornerstone of successful leadership.

• Seek mentors who've achieved similar roles. Their guidance is invaluable. Also, offer mentorship to  others to contribute to your growth and the organization's culture. 

Remember that the journey to these roles requires consistent effort, dedication, and a willingness to learn.  Embrace challenges, seize opportunities, and stay committed to your personal and professional growth.

5. Were there any times when people overlooked your skills and talents because you're a woman?  How did you overcome these assumptions about you? 

In this scenario, I have been fortunate to cross paths with mentors, leaders, and peers who evaluated my  choices and abilities impartially, irrespective of my gender. My role as a women director overseeing pan India operations at MeJuvante stands as evidence of the recognition of my competence and expertise.  Nonetheless, I encountered difficulties during my maternity period, facing a denial of work-from-home  privileges, ultimately leading to a compromise on both income and job role at an alternate location. 

Yet, the landscape is evolving, and companies are displaying heightened sensitivity towards their female  workforce. They are actively fostering an environment of diversity, inclusivity, and fairness within the  workplace. 

6. Lastly, do you have any advice for women becoming HR professionals?

Certainly! For women aspiring to for leadership or top management level, my advice would be to consistently  invest in your skills and knowledge, cultivate a strong network of mentors and peers, embrace challenges as  opportunities for growth, and remain committed to your goals.  

Additionally, advocate for yourself, seek out supportive workplaces that value diversity and inclusion, and  remember that your unique perspective can bring invaluable contributions to your field.

Thank you Ankita for sharing your story with us! We are excited to have you in our global women’s network!

Bio: Ankita Rishabh is Managing Director at MeJuvante, an Indo-German Company that actively supports the India-EU Business Corridor. As a visionary and strategist, She is passionate about startups and have a diverse background, providing her with a unique perspective in formulating comprehensive recruitment and talent acquisition strategies.Additionally, she has extensive experience in new infrastructure set-up, building cohesive HR teams, and ensuring statutory compliance. Throughout her career, she has consistently delivered exceptional results in Leadership, Strategy management, HR operational performance, cost optimization, productivity, and quality.Her 15 years+ of expertise spans across various domains and industries, enabling her to understand and tackle complex business challenges. She is also a recipient of the Herrising award in 2019, recognized as one of the top three women in HR, and has been a Diversity Champion from 2019 to 2023.