Atalanta Diaries

Conversations With Breakthrough Women

Embark with me on inspiring journeys as I delve into insightful conversations with Trailblazing Women from around the world.

Listen to their stories of resilience as they overcame biases, advocated for themselves, and secured their rightful place at the table.

Atalanta Diaries takes its name from the legendary Greek figure Atalanta, who challenged gender norms and showcased unparalleled courage and capability. Her story serves as a symbol of female empowerment and resilience in the face of adversity.

Through Atalanta Diaries, I invite you to meet modern-day ‘Atalantas’, discover their unique journeys and find inspiration to carve your own path and secure your place at the table.

Listen in order of release or tailor your podcast experience based on the themes below.

Influenced by Mentors, Driven by a Deep Sense of Purpose: Dr. Amrita Bahl Inspiring a New Mindset in Education

EP 99: Influenced by Mentors, Driven by a Deep Sense of Purpose: Dr. Amrita Bahl Inspiring a New Mindset in Education

Amrita Bahl is the Chief Education Officer at the GD Goenka Group, where she leads innovation in pedagogy, curriculum development, and academic strategy. An alumna of Columbia University and a certified Climate Reality Leader trained by Vice President Al Gore, Amrita has spent over two decades driving transformative education and social reform.
In 2020, she joined the Education Research Center at the Druk Gyalpo’s Institute in Paro, Bhutan, where she contributed to developing the Bhutan Baccalaureate—a visionary education system inspired by His Majesty the King of Bhutan’s vision for a just and harmonious society.

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Finding Purpose, Building a Legacy: Denise Mannix’s Commitment to Gender Equity

EP 98: Finding Purpose, Building a Legacy: Denise Mannix’s Commitment to Gender Equity

Denise Mannix is a pioneering leader in DEI, renowned for her expertise in leadership, talent, and transformation, with a deep commitment to advancing gender equity and inclusion.
Her passionate interest in difference and gender equity has seen her find Equity in Leadership purposed to achieve executive and board equity for women and to be President of Lean In Network Energy a global, nonprofit dedicated to challenging, changing, and collaborating elevating women and advancing gender equity in the energy sector and beyond.

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Blending Musings and Mastery: Ellaeenah on Self-Awareness and Transformation

EP 97: Blending Musings and Mastery: Ellaeenah on Self-Awareness and Transformation

This is a unique episode of Atalanta Diaries, where Enma’s musings take an insightful turn as she delves into another powerful success factor—self-awareness—through her conversation with Ellaeenah Niloufer.
In her previous musings, Enma promised to explore self-awareness as a critical ingredient for success. Today, she delivers on that promise through a candid and thoughtful dialogue that bridges personal reflection with Ellaeenah’s deep wisdom.
For over 30 years, Ellaeenah has dedicated her life to helping others transcend patterns of unconscious living that lead to stress and conflict. A spiritual mentor, teacher of meditation, and practitioner of Bach Flower Remedies, she focuses on fostering self-motivated transformation and empowerment.

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Dr. Loretta Chen: A force of nature and trailblazer in the Metaverse

EP 96: [Republish] Dr. Loretta Chen: A force of nature and trailblazer in the Metaverse

DR LORETTA CHEN is a multi-hyphenate: creative producer, theatre director, professor , entrepreneur and author. She is also Co-founder & CEO of Smobler Studios, a metaverse architecture firm and established the first Sandbox Academy in Singapore. Loretta’s personal tagline is People, Purpose, Possibilities. She is on a mission to use her 24 years of hard-won, diverse experience to educate and accelerate the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers.

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From Finland’s North to the World Stage: Director General Anna-Kaisa Heikkinen’s Diplomatic Journey

EP 95: From Finland’s North to the World Stage: Director General Anna-Kaisa Heikkinen’s Diplomatic Journey

Anna-Kaisa Heikkinen has over two decades of experience in diplomacy and international relations. As Director General of the Department for Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, she is responsible for advancing Finland’s strategic interests and fostering partnerships across these regions. Her career includes ambassadorships in Mozambique and Palestine, as well as serving as Special Adviser to the Prime Minister on International Affairs.

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From Global Markets to Boardrooms: Marija Zivanovic-Smith’s American Dream Unfolded

EP 94: From Global Markets to Boardrooms: Marija Zivanovic-Smith’s American Dream Unfolded

Marija Zivanovic-Smith is a seasoned technology executive with extensive experience across both Fortune 500 companies and startups. Her expertise spans international market access, digital transformation, and growth marketing strategies. Throughout her career, Marija has been instrumental in driving business growth by modernizing brands and increasing market influence. As a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), she led the re-imagination of NCR’s brand, driving a 91% positive engagement in employee communications and generating significant revenue through digital marketing initiatives.

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Building a Better Tomorrow: Merlia Shaukath on Transforming Education and Mental Health

EP: 93 Building a Better Tomorrow: Merlia Shaukath on Transforming Education and Mental Health

Merlia Shaukath, Founder and CEO of Madhi Foundation, is a passionate advocate for equity in education and is committed to eliminating the foundational learning crisis in India. She believes that access to quality early childhood education is the greatest leveler against social inequity.
Merlia holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from Stella Maris (Chennai, India), an MSc in Area Development Studies from Oxford University and an MSc in Governance and Management from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Her work towards quality foundational learning for children through Madhi Foundation has been recognised by the London School of Economics and Political Science.

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Ep 91: [Republish] Dr. Linnie S. Carter: Inspiring Success -A Leader’s Commitment to Community College Education and Philanthropy

Dr. Linnie S. Carter is an educator, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. She holds significant positions as the Vice President of College Advancement at HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, and the Executive Director of the HACC Foundation. She also serves as the President and CEO of Linnie Carter & Associates LLC, a consulting firm specializing in public relations, marketing, fundraising, and executive services.

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From Good Girl to Consequential Leader: Devika Bulchandani on Challenging Old Codes and Forging New Power Structures

EP 89: From Good Girl to Consequential Leader: Devika Bulchandani on Challenging Old Codes and Forging New Power Structures

Devika Bulchandani is a world-class marketer who leads with passion, purpose, and an uncompromising focus on creating impact. As Global CEO of Ogilvy, she is responsible for all aspects of the creative network’s business, spanning Advertising, PR, Consulting, Relationship Design, and Health across over 120 offices in 90 countries. Under her leadership, Ogilvy has been recognized as the leading agency for creative excellence and effectiveness in the world by the World Advertising Research Center’s annual ranking (WARC). Devika has received numerous recognitions for her contributions and leadership, including the Matrix Award by New York Women in Communications, Working Mother of the Year by She Runs It, and the ADCOLOR Innovator award.

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Enma’s Musings – The Power of Vulnerability in Building Trust and Psychological Safety

Ep 88: Enma’s Musings: No One Succeeds Alone – Unlocking the Power of Mentorship and Strong Networks

Devita started her entrepreneurial journey at the age of 24 by founding the Vu Group in California, a leader in high-end consumer electronics. Vu Televisions has a revenue of Rs.1000 Cr ($130 Million) that has sold more than 3 million televisions to date. Her passion for technology, leadership and innovation has led Vu to become the highest-selling Indian-owned TV brand in the world, and her speech to the Prime Minister at the Young CEO Champions of Change initiative had an impact on the government’s Make in India manufacturing policy.

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[Republish] Breaking Barriers: Devita Saraf's Unconventional Entrepreneurial Odyssey

Ep 87: [Republish] Breaking Barriers: Devita Saraf’s Unconventional Entrepreneurial Odyssey

Devita started her entrepreneurial journey at the age of 24 by founding the Vu Group in California, a leader in high-end consumer electronics. Vu Televisions has a revenue of Rs.1000 Cr ($130 Million) that has sold more than 3 million televisions to date. Her passion for technology, leadership and innovation has led Vu to become the highest-selling Indian-owned TV brand in the world, and her speech to the Prime Minister at the Young CEO Champions of Change initiative had an impact on the government’s Make in India manufacturing policy.

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Creating a World of Possibilities: Nicky P. Kaur's Journey of Faith and Trust at Chandigarh Spinal Rehab

Ep 86: Creating a World of Possibilities: Nicky P. Kaur’s Journey of Faith and Trust at Chandigarh Spinal Rehab

Nicky P. Kaur, a successful entrepreneur with over 21 years of leadership experience, shifted her focus from business to a cause close to her heart: standing up for those who can’t. This passion led her to start Chandigarh Spinal Rehab, where she serves as founder and CEO. Her journey of faith has resulted in a unique and holistic rehabilitation center in India dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Today, Chandigarh Spinal Rehab stands as a beacon of hope, providing comprehensive care and life-enhancing support under Nicky’s visionary leadership.

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87 Years of Legacy: Professor Sita Kapadia's Inspiring Journey of Lifelong Learning, Creative Pursuits, and Kasturba Gandhi's Biography

Ep 85: 87 Years of Legacy: Professor Sita Kapadia’s Inspiring Journey of Lifelong Learning, Creative Pursuits, and Kasturba Gandhi’s Biography

Sita Kapadia is Professor Emeritus of English, Asian Literature, and World Literature at the City University of New York. Born and raised in India, Sita grew up in a progressive and humanitarian family deeply rooted in Gandhian values, with her father’s principles and her mother’s extraordinary artistic talent shaping her worldview.

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