Founders
Aditi Seshadri
Aditi Seshadri
Journey so far
A journalist-turned-marketer-turned-business person. I’ve worked in print media, nonprofit organisations and social entrepreneurship in a variety of roles. I am an unintended entrepreneur who is determined to create lasting value.
Path not taken
I spent my childhood years doing imaginary fashion shows.
Way ahead
Run my business empire from my dream home in Goa.
Areas of expertise
Communications and marketing, business advisory, gender action, social impact research and assessment.
Priya Thachadi
Priya Thachadi
Journey so far
From anti-arms trade to public policy to social entrepreneurship, my quest to build a more equitable planet, has taken me down interesting roads. Now, I’ve taken the plunge to build institutions that can bring people together to address these generational issues.
Path not taken
The only path I wanted to be on was to become a politician. Never say never?
Way ahead
To build coalitions to empower the collective voices of women.
Areas of expertise
Gender smart strategy, early-stage investments, designing multi-stakeholder partnerships, startup advisory.
Team and Ninjas
Aditi Dharmadhikari
Aditi Dharmadhikari
Journey so far
I am an independent journalist, writer, and communications professional based in Goa. I advise publications, agencies, and non-profit organizations in stories that most represent them. While I am happy to take up commissions for any kind of wordcraft required, I thrive in discovery and exploration. Through working independently, I have been able to indulge my varied interests and enjoyed the freedom to write about a wide range of things, from gender and mental health to wellness to electronic music — all in the same month. You can find my work at https://www.noughtsandcrosses.in/
Path not taken
Professional curator of moody Spotify playlists.
Way ahead
I am constantly questioning the impact of my work as a writer. I want to understand the myriad roadblocks that stop people from living with freedom and dignity and participate in creating and documenting solutions at a systemic level that inform discourse, behavior and policy change.
Area of expertise
Articles, website content, content strategy, and brand storytelling, facilitating creative collaborations, helping brands find their own voice.
Aditi Ravi Krishnan
Aditi Ravi Krishnan
Journey so far
I knew I wanted to work in the social sector from the time I was very young. Writing has always been a passion and a skill. It took me a few years to realize I could make both a part of my work! Today, I tell stories, create content and drive engagement for nonprofits at work.
Path not taken
I’ve always wanted to be a writer. Still have to work on that one.
Way ahead
To create measurable results for nonprofits through content (there are so many stories waiting for an audience) and generate high quality regular engagement with their communities.
Area of expertise
Social media, newsletters, blogs, website content.
Amina Azad
Amina Azad
Journey so far
Began my career on the shores of the Red Sea in advertising, and moved to the idyllic Arabian Sea shores in 2001 where I’ve been a copywriter, a hotelier, content head of a lifestyle magazine, and an Airbnb host.
Path not taken
I belong on stage.
Way ahead
Master French, become a stock market expert with my own small case.
Area of expertise
Editing, content development, content strategy, social media management, storytelling.
Devika Soman
Devika Soman
Journey so far
For 17 years I took the path life led me to, which was working in media companies. And then, I led the way to what is slowly progressing into what I want my life to be. I am currently working towards having a more fulfilling career focusing on mental health and women empowerment.
Path not taken
I have been fortunate to follow my dreams.
Way ahead
To have a successful private practice focussing on mental health and women empowerment.
Area of expertise
Sales, marketing & interpersonal skills.
Dhairya Bhatt
Dhairya Bhatt
Journey so far
I come from an Entrepreneurship background but my interest and passion grew in writing and social media. Following my passion, I started working with entrepreneurs, brands, and corporates. My journey started as an educator and marketing coordinator and from there today I take up writing and social media projects.
Path not taken
For me getting into finance or any professional career was always a question. But I always wanted to be creative with my work and was curious to know what I led to. With experience, I choose writing and digital marketing as a profession. And today I am very glad for the choice I made which was totally different from what I have studied.
Way ahead
I look forward to learning Designing and getting my hands on writing a book.
Area of expertise
Writing and Editing, Social Media Management, Marketing, and Advertising.
Johanna Brillantes
Johanna Brillantes
Journey so far
From fintech, to social entrepreneurship, to edtech, I was able to empower Filipinos to do more, one way or another. I’m currently doing and learning visual design and user experience, helping companies provide seamless experiences. I have yet to discover my ikigai but I’m a creative person with a mission to improve the lives of people.
Path not taken
I once dreamed of becoming a forensic psychologist.
Way ahead
Creating seamless customer experiences and owning and running a boutique hotel resort!
Area of expertise
Program design and management, visual design, website development, and product design and development.
Mangala Ramamoorthy
Mangala Ramamoorthy
Journey so far
I have spent over 15 years traversing through the lanes of media and communication, covering print journalism, strategic corporate communication, and global communication advisory. Leveraging my core content skill, I have gained expertise in using content marketing and social media to create awareness, drive engagement, support customer acquisition, and build sales pipelines for both B2B & B2C businesses.
Path not taken
The unrequited love for the law.
Way ahead
Starting a digital marketing agency. Building something I can call my own.
Area of expertise
Content Marketing, Leadership Communication & Social Media Marketing.
Nidhi Singh
Nidhi Singh
Journey so far
As a marketing professional with close to 10 years of experience, words for me are the best form of expression with a slight grammar obsession. From living in 7 countries, and learning Japanese to volunteering in Cambodia, the world always offers enriching experiences to learn from.
Path not taken
Nursery teacher or clinical psychologist. My mom still insists on writing that elusive book!
Way ahead
By giving are we able to receive more than we already have. Explore the social sector and create compelling strategies to help elevate social causes through promotion and engagement.
Area of expertise
Content creation, editing, social media marketing, and website content.
Preeti Bansal
Preeti Bansal
Journey so far
Loved literature-studied economics. Combined my love for both by working on the business desk of a leading business news channel and then switching to corporate public relations. Gave it all up for a bit to go the family way. In a constant battle to find the elusive work-life balance!!
Path not taken
Role of a business journalist with a leading newspaper.
Way ahead
Start my own content writing network/agency.
Area of expertise
Corporate storytelling and thought leadership articles.
Preeti Seshadri
Preeti Seshadri
Twenty years as a consultant, researcher, business operations and marketing person across global teams, MNCs, startups, in different sectors.
Path not taken
Travel blogger, potter.
Way ahead
Happy to see where life leads me.
Areas of expertise
Scaling and growing teams, converting strategy to plans, project and budget management, qualitative research.
Preetika Soni
Preetika Soni
Journey so far
A media industry person all the way – from producing for a 24×7 news channel to teaching at a postgraduate level media course and now, a communication specialist.
Path not taken
There has always been a path to take, just had to be brave enough to relearn and reinvent myself!
Way ahead
The learning process must never stop…
Area of expertise
Communication strategies and implementation, news and video production, transcription and translation.
Poornima Menon
Poornima Menon
Journey so far
Studied finance & commerce but working in the social development space helped me identify my passion of working with women and exploring the gender dynamics that exist in society. I feel a strong sense of belonging working towards empowering women from all walks of life. I find joy in travelling, dancing and in art! I believe in a world where everyone has the freedom of choice and resources to be the best version of themselves.
Path not taken
My childhood ambition of becoming a Pediatrician!
Way ahead
I am on a quest to explore and see the macro-level structures that can create impact, build networks, partnerships and gain an in-depth understanding of a sustainable and scalable project-and possibly build one of my own one day! Travel the world and never stop learning!
Area of expertise
Training content development, effective facilitation and program management.
Rupa Barua
Rupa Barua
Journey so far
As a brand communication expert, my journey has been exciting and dynamic. I’ve honed my storytelling skills, working with diverse clients to create impactful narratives that engage audiences. My passion for effective communication drives my success in shaping brand messages and capturing product essence.
Path not taken
Unexplored communication strategies, missed opportunities.
Way ahead
I’m committed to creating compelling stories that inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.
Area of expertise
Brand strategy, storytelling, content creation, digital marketing, social media management, and audience engagement.
Shivani Bail
Shivani Bail
Journey so far
On completing my schooling, I studied “visual communication”, a term that was used to describe art and graphic design in the 90s. My career path has meandered quite considerably since and over the years I have found that my writing skills outshine the visual ones so I worked as a journalist and as a communications officer for a wonderful non-profit that celebrated the arts (an unforgettable experience). I suddenly switched from comms to working in education for a while (did a Masters in Education) where I discovered that all my ideas circled back to somehow finding a way to infuse art into education. I have since realized that I want to infuse art and literature into everything I do and that is what I try to do through my work.
Path not taken
I wonder what life would have been like if I had pursued my interest in visual communication over written communication?
Way ahead
I would love to write and illustrate children’s books.
Area of expertise
Content writing, storytelling, website planning and design, curriculum planning and design.
Sneha Ullal
Sneha Ullal
Creative writer who started out in digital advertising, when it meant only emailers and banner ads. Gave magazine journalism a shot and stuck with it – reviewed cameras, interviewed everyday heroes, wrote stories on health, food, travel, pop-culture. Dove into design journalism, which also opened up avenues in events, brand solutions and marketing. Discovered there ARE cool career choices apart from journalism. Today, help design, education and social impact brands tell their stories with heart and premise. Also teach writing, marketing and criticism courses to undergrad fashion and design students.
Path not taken
Secret side hustle in music or food.
Areas of expertise
Brand storytelling, content strategy and development, marketing, scriptwriting for brand solutions, personal branding, strategic creative and collaborative partnerships.
Sumeet Gokul
Sumeet Gokul
Journey so far
A bachelor’s degree in advertising and an MBA in marketing, I’m fascinated by the world of advertising and content creation as evolving mediums to communicate and influence. I create advertisements and social media campaigns.
Path not taken
Sketching and doodling!
Way ahead
The ability to assist underprivileged women to achieve their dreams.
Area of expertise
Marketing, content creation.
Tahasin Atar
Tahasin Atar
Journey so far
Studied journalism and mass communication, donned the hat of a print media reporter, edited everything from blogs to books, dabbled in content writing and now exploring the world of digital marketing.
Path not taken
Quit my corporate job to pursue my passion for language and literature.
Way ahead
Touring the globe to meet people, be awe inspired by unique landscapes and explore different cultures.
Area of expertise
Copy-editing, content writing, social media marketing.
Vyshnavi Kuppuswamy
Vyshnavi Kuppuswamy
Journey so far
Life has come a full circle. From beginning my career in journalism and then being with advertising, I moved to where the budget was – the client’s side and later became an accidental hotelier, a job I enjoyed until I quit to get married and begin a family. Nine years hence, I am where it all began – dabbling with journalism and marketing communications.
Path not taken
Loco pilot, Indian Airforce, operations in hotels.
Way ahead
Slow-paced living in a small town doing organic farming, teaching English and eating right to the local children as I am a firm believer in food is medicine.
Area of expertise
Content creation, creative ideation, brand management, strategizing marketing communications, hospitality.
Friends of Unlock Impact
Michelle Thomas
Michelle Thomas
Journey so far
With 15 years of experience in working with small and medium-sized businesses, I have supported the growth of the Indian social enterprise ecosystem by engaging with multiple stakeholders. I graduated from School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), Columbia University with a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) and specialization in Gender and Public Policy.
Path not taken
Co-founded a social enterprise, ProjectKHEL, a novel program that uses sports and activity based games to achieve development outcomes.
Way ahead
I am very driven and passionate about growth and transformation of businesses and hence wants to play a pivotal role as advisor, mentor and coach to leaders and their leadership team.
Area of expertise
Entrepreneurship, strategy development, leadership and people development, fundraising, operational support in HR and finance, B2B and B2C businesses.
Kavita Rajagopalan
Kavita Rajagopalan
Journey so far
I decided pretty early on that I wanted to work in education and I have stayed on this path ever since. I’ve navigated different aspects of the sector but am firmly committed to improving education systems.
Path not taken
I could have, would have been a doctor.
Way ahead
Finding a slower, more intentional way of life.
Area of expertise
Teacher and leadership development, programme management, education delivery.
