S3E6 - Allyship: How Tech Giants Are Getting It Right (and Wrong) with Amit Ray and Richa Goswami

01/31/25 • 27 min

How can you become a better ally for women in your workplace and beyond?

I'm your host, Ritu, and today we're diving deep into this topic with Amit Ray, a former tech guru at Uber turned serial entrepreneur, and Richa Goswami, one of the world’s top CMOs and a trailblazer on global private equity boards. In this episode, they share their firsthand experiences with allyship, overcoming industry biases, and the personal challenges and victories of their impressive careers. Don't miss this explosive conversation where we challenge if inclusivity is truly beneficial or just a well-intended misstep!

IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) A Boardroom Bombshell? The Unexpected Turn at Uber’s Diversity Announcement!
(01:30) Breaking Barriers: Meet Our Guests Redefining Leadership!
(02:30) The Power of Curiosity and Commitment: Unlocking the Secrets of Allyship
(04:30) Revealed: The Simple Acts That Make a Big Ally
(07:00) Navigating Diversity: A Leader’s Challenge and Triumph at HSBC
(09:00) The Unsung Hero of Progress: Understanding the Subtle Art of Allyship
(13:30) From Kiddie Parties to Boardrooms: Women Lifting Each Other Up
(18:00) Moments That Define Us: Life-Altering Support in Unexpected Places
(21:00) Behind Every Leader: The Unseen Allies Shaping Our Paths
(25:30) Seeking Allyship: Practical Tips for Building Your Support Network

Amit Ray
Amit is an alumnus of IIM Calcutta and the founder of CrazyTok, a ‘new media’ content marketing firm focused on podcast and YouTube production for CxOs, founders, and business owners.

Prior to founding CrazyTok, he worked at a mix of mature and fast-growing organizations, most recently at Grab and Uber. He has worked in India, the Philippines, and the US and currently lives in Singapore with his wife, son, and dog, Pepper.
Connect with Amit at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amitray/

Richa Goswami
Board member, purpose-driven investor, and mentor to visionary social entrepreneurs tackling global challenges at scale. A trailblazer in digital transformation and building high-impact, disruptive customer experiences, I’ve redefined what’s possible for major brands as the first Group Chief Marketing & Brand Officer at Fidelity, Global Chief Customer and Marketing Officer at HSBC and Global Chief Digital Officer at J&J. Passionate about AI, sustainability, and creating purpose-led change, I back ventures that are radically committed to making the world a better place—a vision fully aligned with my own. Bold, curious, and focused on meaningful growth, I’m dedicated to helping brands seize opportunity in the face of disruption and drive a positive future through fearless, innovative leadership. Both as a mom and a trailblazing global C-Suite leader from a small town in India, I break barriers and champion honest conversations that pave the way for the next generation of leaders.
Connect with Richa at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richagoswami/

Your Host
Ritu Gupta Mehrish is a speaker, executive coach and author, with 20 years of corporate experience working in companies such as P&G, GE Capital and GE spin-off Genpact. In her last role, Ritu ran a multimillion-dollar business vertical with 1000 people across eight countries and five continents. Throughout her extensive career, Ritu has had the opportunity to work, coach and converse with leaders across the globe from diverse industries. Her business and leadership experience has enabled her to bring in a pragmatic approach to leadership development. Her client list of Google, PayPal, Swiss Re, JP Morgan, Applied Materials, Intel, Knight Frank, Johnson & Johnson, AIA, Medtronic, Wharton Executive Education highlights the level of expertise she brings to the leadership topic.
https://www.letsrewritetherules.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritugmehrish/
https://www.ritumehrish.com/

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This podcast is powered by CrazyTok: We help experts become influencers by helping launch, produce and grow your custom-branded audio and video podcast channels. Find us on our Website, LinkedIn and Instagram

How can you become a better ally for women in your workplace and beyond?

Amit Ray
Amit is an alumnus of IIM Calcutta and the founder of CrazyTok, a ‘new media’ content marketing firm focused on podcast and YouTube production for CxOs, founders, and business owners.

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Previous Episode

Meet The Authors

Ready to shake up the status quo?

Dive into "Rewrite the Rules: Powerful Stories of Senior Asian Women Leaders" with authors Ritu Gupta Mehrish and Rajita Saxena! This episode flips the script, putting our usual hosts in the hot seats. Hear firsthand how they captured stories of resilience and triumph that are changing the narrative for women in leadership. From challenges to actionable insights, this book isn’t just a read—it’s a movement. Tune in, get empowered, and start rewriting your own rules!

Meet the Hosts,
Ritu Gupta Mehrish

Ritu Gupta Mehrish is a speaker, executive coach and author, with 20 years of corporate experience working in companies such as P&G, GE Capital and GE spin-off Genpact. In her last role, Ritu ran a multimillion-dollar business vertical with 1000 people across eight countries and five continents. Throughout her extensive career, Ritu has had the opportunity to work, coach and converse with leaders across the globe from diverse industries. Her business and leadership experience has enabled her to bring in a pragmatic approach to leadership development. Her client list of Google, PayPal, Swiss Re, JP Morgan, Applied Materials, Intel, Knight Frank, Johnson & Johnson, AIA, Medtronic, Wharton Executive Education highlights the level of expertise she brings to the leadership topic.
https://www.letsrewritetherules.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritugmehrish/
https://www.ritumehrish.com/

Rajita Saxena
Rajita Saxena is a leader and people manager with over 20 years of business experience in sales, sales support, strategic operations, and learning & development. She builds strong, high-performing teams and believes in being a Level 5 leader to unleash the potential and performance of teams. She thrives in an environment that provides an opportunity to problem solve or create impact, whether it is a situation that is full of change and ambiguity or one that requires creating a strategy.

Kalyani Vaidya
I’m a fractional marketing manager with a diverse background and a passion for brand activations, podcasting, and business development. As both a sportsman and podcaster, I enjoy offering fresh perspectives and adding value to start-ups. I have a special interest in the domain of parenting, education, and wellness.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalyani-vaidya/

Links to buy REWRITE THE RULES -
Amazon: https://www.amazon.sg/Rewrite-Rules-changing-leadership-paradigm/dp/981520467X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2R2KZMN1686MX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PcFtOUgQuM_d2MkFj_ALcqPEKP0xi3P_XZ6hgaiezMZqnazcRFbubseRtGTdLt1o.KpMDfBxJ4HAapX7-N6LTSBlLr0bwTdFaCl7SYbJCK_4&dib_tag=se&keywords=rewrite+the+rules+ritu&qid=1735205054&sprefix=%2Caps%2C256&sr=8-1

Kinokuniya: https://singapore.kinokuniya.com/bw/9789815204674

Next Episode

Bonus: Ritu's Interview on Money FM 89.3

Who says you can't change the game from the East?

Join us in this special episode where Ritu Mehrish, co-author of "Rewrite the Rules," appears on Money FM radio and shares her journey of empowering Asian women to lead on their own terms. Ritu also dives into her experience interviewing 200 Asian women, uncovering the unique challenges and triumphs that come with leadership in Asia compared to the West.

Discover how cultural nuances, societal expectations, and even language barriers shape the paths of these formidable leaders. Whether it's breaking stereotypes or leveraging multilingual advantages, Ritu's insights offer a fresh perspective on redefining success and embracing power. Don't miss this deep dive into the stories of women who are reshaping leadership across Asia!

IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) The Asian Perspective: Ritu’s Journey vs. Western Narratives
(01:30) What Inspired Ritu to Champion Asian Women Leaders?
(03:00) How Culture Shapes Female Leadership in Asia
(04:30) Can Language Barriers Affect Professional Confidence?
(07:00) How Family & Society Propel Asian Leaders
(09:00) Setting Boundaries: Ritu’s Empowerment Tips
(11:00) Driving Change: How Women Can Reshape Society
(12:30) The Power of Allies: Mentorship & Career Growth
(14:00) Why Men Should Read Rewrite the Rules
(15:30) Owning Your Path: Ritu’s Final Message

About Ritu Gupta Mehrish:
Ritu Gupta Mehrish is a speaker, executive coach and author, with 20 years of corporate experience working in companies such as P&G, GE Capital and GE spin-off Genpact. In her last role, Ritu ran a multimillion-dollar business vertical with 1000 people across eight countries and five continents. Throughout her extensive career, Ritu has had the opportunity to work, coach and converse with leaders across the globe from diverse industries. Her business and leadership experience has enabled her to bring in a pragmatic approach to leadership development. Her client list of Google, PayPal, Swiss Re, JP Morgan, Applied Materials, Intel, Knight Frank, Johnson & Johnson, AIA, Medtronic, Wharton Executive Education highlights the level of expertise she brings to the leadership topic.
https://www.letsrewritetherules.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritugmehrish/
https://www.ritumehrish.com/

Meet the Hosts of Money FM Radio:
Neil Humphreys
Neil Humphreys is Singapore's best-selling author, with 32 books to his name, and a prominent figure in media and publishing for over two decades. As a versatile talent, Neil has enriched various platforms including books, magazines, websites, and TV productions with his insightful writing and editing. He also serves as a host for Money FM radio and events, and he further engages audiences through his podcasts and TV writing. A seasoned public speaker and board member, Neil continues to influence and shape the media landscape in Singapore.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-humphreys-970a1216/

Glenn van Zutphen
Glenn van Zutphen, founder and CEO of VanMedia Group, is an esteemed journalist, media training coach, and keynote speaker based in Singapore. With over 30 years of international experience in journalism, Glenn has worked in print, radio, and television across the US, Japan, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and Singapore. As a MoneyFM893 host and East-West Center board member, he excels in crafting and communicating provocative, memorable messages for digital and traditional channels. His passion lies in guiding high-performing executives and journalists to deliver effective communication in conferences, news media interviews, and TED Talks through his results-oriented coaching programs.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennvanzutphen/

Kinokuniya: https://singapore.kinokuniya.com/bw/9789815204674