“Success is about the difference you make in people’s lives.”
While entrepreneurship comes with its own set of challenges, it offers a plethora of opportunities to female entrepreneurs.
With their businesses, female entrepreneurs can be financially independent. They enjoy the autonomy to run their operations the way they want, while balancing their personal lives. Furthermore, this ability to multitask enables them to tackle any challenge that comes their way.
Yet, the biggest breakthrough that entrepreneurship offers women is the opportunity to make a difference in the world around them - come what may.
Let’s hear from one of our partners, Pallavi Neville, Director – AS Equipment Pvt. Ltd. , on the impact female entrepreneurs can create and her advice to young aspiring professionals.
Why did you choose to become an entrepreneur?
I see myself as someone who is confident in her own skin. I believe that I have the ability to identify the skills required in people. What’s more? I’m willing to take calculated risks in order to maximize profits. That’s why, entrepreneurship seemed like a natural fit!
How has your journey been running a business?
It hasn't been easy to say the least. We still have a long way to go where women are taken as seriously as men.
But you know what the good news is? We are evolving at a phenomenal speed and this should pave the right path for our future female leaders.
In your opinion, why is it important that more women become entrepreneurs in the near future?
Being an entrepreneur opens up a wide horizon of opportunities for women! Not only does it make them financially independent but it also gives them the flexibility in their work schedule. This is especially important, if they have children.
And as you know, as women, our main forte lies in multitasking, which serves as a huge plus in being a successful entrepreneur!
What does the International Women’s Day slogan, #ChoosetoChallenge mean to you?
To me, it signifies challenging oneself to explore one’s complete potential. Women have struggled in every workspace since time immemorial. I feel that we have started to make a choice to challenge that regressive mindset of society.
What do you think helped you get so far in your career? How can we mentor young girls to dream big?
Till now, I think I got so far in my career because of my relentless desire to be able to make a difference.
As for mentoring young girls, we can inspire them to dream big by giving them a chance to prove themselves with equal opportunities in all fields. Young girls need to be empowered with adequate training, and support.
Along with that, their families should be understanding and give them guidance and access to proper resources.
Do you feel that you have achieved what you wanted to?
Honestly, I feel I have made a difference. But I still have a very long way to go!
What is one piece of advice you would share with aspiring entrepreneurs?
I think I’d like to tell them this: Go out there, challenge yourself, attend workshops and find what drives you and then passionately pursue it.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Find your passion and doggedly pursue it!
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
It is incredibly important for women to be supportive of one another as most of us are facing similar challenges and situations. In order to be successful and make a difference, its important that we are more understanding and compassionate towards one another!
On International Women's Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about pursuing entrepreneurship?
Pursue your dream, take on a challenge and make it count!