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.

Archana Chandra - The Purpose Driven Leader

EP 104: [Republish] Archana Chandra – The Purpose Driven Leader

Archana Chandra is Board Member & CEO of Jai Vakeel Foundation & Research Centre, one of the oldest & largest NGOs serving those impacted by intellectual disabilities. She is a Trustee of SRCC, which operates the largest super speciality paediatric hospital in the country in partnership with Narayana Hrudayalaya.

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Miss India and Beyond: Hasleen Kaur, Forging a Path in Film, Fashion, and Advertising

EP 102: Miss India and Beyond: Hasleen Kaur, Forging a Path in Film, Fashion, and Advertising

Hasleen Kaur is an actor, former Miss India 2011, and a successful entrepreneur with a career spanning fashion, film, and advertising. She has been featured on major platforms like Netflix and Sony, walked for India’s top designers, and appeared on the covers of Femina, GQ, and Harper’s Bazaar Bride. As a model, she has represented global brands such as L’Oréal, Perfectil, and Vaseline.

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Enma’s Musings – Taking Chances, Challenging the Status Quo & Pushing Comfort Zones

EP 101: Enma’s Musings – Taking Chances, Challenging the Status Quo & Pushing Comfort Zones

In this episode of Atalanta Diaries, Enma explores three interrelated themes—Taking Chances, Challenging the Status Quo, and Pushing Comfort Zones—each contributing to a larger success factor that has helped her Atalantas succeed. Through the stories of five remarkable Atalantas, she uncovers the courage it took for them to step into the unknown, embrace uncertainty, and forge new paths.

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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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