Atalanta Diaries Breakthrough Women in Conversation with Enma Popli

By Enma PopliBusiness Careers

Atalanta Diaries Breakthrough Women in Conversation with Enma Popli episodes

February 07, 2025EP 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.
Beyond the spotlight, Hasleen is deeply committed to social impact, working with NGOs to support women’s empowerment, vocational training, and environmental sustainability. She actively participated in a plantation drive with the Indian Army and worked with Navjyoti India Foundation, founded by Dr. Kiran Bedi, to uplift underprivileged communities.
As an entrepreneur and creative director in advertising, Hasleen has helped build campaigns for brands like Mercedes-Benz and Keventers, crafting narratives that blend creativity with purpose.
Key themes emerging out of our conversation:
Not everyone has your best interest at heart.

Stepping into the film industry without a safety net.

Navigating setbacks in creative careers, Having plan B.

Viewing the film industry as a profession, not just a passion.

Family—the steady anchor through setbacks and adversity.

True friendships from the most competitive environments.

Restarting isn’t a setback—it’s a strategy to stay in the game.

Breaking into acting after a long modeling career is challenging.

Stay committed to your craft, and the right people will take notice.

Enamored by the modeling world, endured every painstaking challenge.

Being told "you can't" fuels an even stronger drive to prove otherwise.

The pressure to outshine others in a high-stakes competition is overwhelming.

Redefining industry norms requires challenging outdated societal codes.

Women in the film industry are very guarded, they're still solo travelers.

No one succeeds alone—having the right support makes all the difference.

Acting is a continuous journey of observation, deep emotional connection, and refining the craft over time.

Preparing for the acting world, embracing wins and setbacks with resilience and persistence.

Having cheerleaders —someone who believes in us pushes us toward our true potential.

The pageant world reveals the stark divide between privilege and the struggles of the girl child India.

Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/

Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/
45 min
January 31, 2025EP 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.
These trailblazers have demonstrated that growth begins where comfort ends. If you've ever hesitated to take a risk, challenge norms, or embrace change, this episode might provide the inspiration you need.

Swati Shetty (Episode 5) – Producer, Founder & Director of Samosa StoriesLeft behind a successful career in India to take a leap of faith in Hollywood and build a new path.

Baljeet Kaur (Episode 58) – Mountaineer, First Indian Woman to Summit Seven Peaks Above 8,000mShattered barriers by climbing some of the world’s toughest peaks, redefining resilience and bold decision-making.

Priyanka Rana (Episode 60) – Sculptor & Former Corporate ProfessionalDiscovered her true calling in sculpture after transitioning from corporate and event management roles.

Claudia Adler (Episode 71) – Lecturer, Deputy Programme Lead at the University of York & Humanitarian Affairs ExpertA refugee from Colombia, Claudia defied the odds to pursue an academic career, eventually shaping global conversations on humanitarian affairs.

Marija Zivanovic-Smith (Episode 94) – Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at IEX Group.An immigrant from Serbia, Marija built her career from the ground up, navigating cultural shifts and language barriers. Her willingness to take on challenges others avoided shaped her remarkable ascent in corporate America.

If you know someone who might benefit from this episode, please share it with them. Stay tuned for the next musing, where Enma will explore Finding Purpose and Passion—another critical success factor—and uncover how it shapes personal and professional fulfillment.

Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/

Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/
21 min
January 24, 2025EP 100: [Republish] Manisha Girotra: The Unstoppable Investment Banker and CEO
Manisha Girotra is Chief Executive Officer of Moelis & Company in India. She was previously Chairperson and Country Head for UBS in India, with a career spanning 30 years with UBS in Hong Kong, Mumbai, Delhi and London and with Moelis in India. She was the youngest CEO of a global investment bank in India at the age of 32.
Manisha has advised over US$ 500 Bn of mergers and acquisitions and equity and debt fundraisings through her career. Some of the landmark transactions include Vodafone US$ 12 Bn acquisition of Hutch’s telecom business, and US$ 65 Bn merger of HDFC-HDFC Bank.
Manisha is on the Global Board of Naspers and Prosus, a US$ 200 Bn market cap technology investor. She is also on the Boards of Ashok Leyland and Mindspace Business Parks REIT.
Manisha graduated in Economics from St Stephen's College, Delhi and was awarded the Dr. Manmohan Singh Gold Medal for academic excellence for her Masters Degree from the Delhi School of Economics.
Manisha is passionate about encouraging the younger generation of women to move forward in the corporate world and is a strong proponent of female education and mental wellness. She supports education of the girl child through Not for profit, ‘Nanhi Kali’ and two Balwadis (small primary schools) in Uttar Pradesh.
Among many laurels, Manisha was honored as a Young Global Leader in 2010 by the World Economic Forum. She has been named one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Business in India by Business Today for the past six years.
Key themes emerging out of our conversation:

Bringing your authentic self to work

Falling in love with work

Inclusive leadership

Boys club vs sisterhood

Approach to failure and setbacks

Growth mindset

Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/

Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/
56 min
January 17, 2025EP 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.
During her doctoral studies, Amrita played a pivotal role in conceptualizing and developing the Global Health Education Leadership Program (GlobalHELP), fostering participatory health promotion and disease prevention initiatives in regions including the Caribbean, Ghana, Togo, USA, and India. As the first Virginia Palmer Fellow, she established a prospective evaluation process for VGIF, enabling impactful social impact tracking.
Amrita’s career is further marked by her work as a certified Regional Master Trainer for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, focusing on the prevention of HIV among incarcerated substance users. She has collaborated with Kiran Bedi to pioneer peer-led health education programs in Tihar and Amritsar prisons and has also developed and edited impactful documentary films such as It’s Always Possible and Wings of Freedom: The SEHAT Story on prison reforms and Manthan: The Journey on HIV/AIDS peer health education in India.
Her collaborations with organizations like the United Nations and the World Health Organization highlight her unwavering commitment to fostering equity and driving meaningful change through education and grassroots engagement.

Key themes emerging out of our conversation:
Trust, the cornerstone of culture

Women need to stop othering women.

A product of strong female mentors.

Role of grandmother in shaping values.

Growing up in a very cocooned environment.

Working in the prison, was a transformative experience.

I love challenges and doing something unconventional.

Appreciating solitude, rather than seeing it as loneliness.

Owning the consequences of choices, rejecting victimhood.

Including men in the conversation to drive meaningful change.

Decisions are guided by courage, innovation, and lifelong learning.

Emotional regulation is key to maintaining adherence to the law.

Resilience and self-belief are the greatest tools for overcoming challenges.

Leadership, standing by a team and supporting them in their toughest moments.

Mentor’s mantra "calm, centered, and balanced," is a guiding principle in work and life.

Growth isn’t always about pace and speed; it can be about depth and sustainability.

The concept of Genku: thinking about the community as a whole and understanding one’s role within it.

Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/

Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/
48 min
January 10, 2025EP 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.
Underpinning the knowledge and research she brings to her agency, advocacy, and influence is her soon-to-be-completed PhD by Research focusing on gender equity in executive leadership.
Denise is a speaker, conference chair, and moderator at global conferences and most recently led the Lean In Network Energy team in their segment on Bloomberg TV’s Advancements with Ted Danson.
Denise is an original and inspired thinker, defined by her tireless energy and commitment to making real change by creating a legacy of advancing gender equity. She is frequently described as a ‘straight-talker’ and ‘inspirational’.

Key themes emerging out of our conversation:
Going on a voyage of discovery.

You're not ever going to please everyone.

A journey created out of a sense of difference. Living across multiple countries shaped my understanding of identity and inclusion.

Systemic bias rooted in gender and age despite qualifications and effort. The impact of 'isms' is revealed through experiences of sexism and reverse ageism.

Leadership is rooted in humanity, not gender—what do you offer that inspires others to listen and be influenced?

The desire to leave a meaningful legacy fuels the will to keep going.

Facing ovarian cancer, a profound confrontation with mortality. Cancer is merely an antagonist in the story.

Refusing to dwell on blame or pity, finding purpose became a mission. Rejecting the label of survivor.

PhD is about developing critical thinking to generate ideas and drive action.

Focusing on shared challenges rather than differences unites women across cultures, races, and religions.

Progress lies in collaboration and partnership, not one-upmanship.

Women are navigating leadership in systems never designed by or for them.

Change requires acknowledging and collaborating with those in power.

It’s not only about It's not about getting diverse voices. It's about bringing voices that drive change and impact.

Working silently won’t get us far; we need to unite and speak a common language.

Addressing cognitive dissonance to ensure true inclusion.

Stop disenfranchising men who could be valuable allies in the journey toward equity.

Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/

Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/
47 min
December 06, 2024EP 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.
Ellaeenah’s journey is rooted in intuitive explorations of Esoteric Healing, Psychology, and Astrology, guided by her cosmic master, JadeFire. Her contributions include channeled writings like And Jade Fire Said, divination cards, and co-authored works on Bach Flower Remedies.
In this conversation, Enma and Ellaeenah unpack the profound power of self-awareness—how it shapes our paths, builds inner strength, and brings clarity even in the most challenging moments.

Key themes emerging out of the conversation:
Internalizing External Labels: Shapes behavior and fuels manifestation.

Embracing Self-Acceptance: Loving and honoring oneself, flaws and all, with unwavering confidence.

Owning the Power to Accept or Reject Oneself: Breaking free from years of self-doubt.

Transforming Inner Shadows: Turning self-awareness and personal healing into a service for others.

Unlocking Self-Awareness: Confronting self-judgment, low self-esteem, and self-sabotage to embrace personal growth.

Growth Through Compassion: Releasing guilt and embracing personal growth as a survival-driven journey.

Evolving Connections: How personal growth naturally shifts friendships and energetic alignments.

Ask and You Shall Receive: This is not a cliché.

Overcoming Barriers: Releasing guilt and shame to clear the path for personal growth.

The Roots of Self-Sabotage: Fear of success and fear of failure as core drivers.

The Power of Deserving: Embracing the belief in one’s right to success and fulfillment.

Embracing Progress: Recognizing advancement and change as essential for growth.

Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/

Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/
42 min
November 29, 2024EP 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.
She is based in Hawaii and is doting mom to 18 fur babies .
Some insights from this episode:
Let nobody make you feel inferior without your consent.

Having loving parents is a privilege many don't have. Many don’t even have one parent or a role model.

With wealth compare with people who have less than you, with wisdom compare with people who have more than you.

Being a leader means making an impact, having a ripple around you. Bringing diverse people with diverse opinions, sometimes very opinionated people, to the table and having them see eye to eye even if they may not agree with each other 100%.

Women need to see each other not as competition, but be each other's allies.

Cultural understanding means a willingness to listen and willingness to learn.

Life is not a challenge or a competition but it should be challenging enough to make you wanna do better, to find some joy, to find some curiosity.
Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/

Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/
49 min
November 22, 2024EP 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.
She holds a Master’s degree in international relations from Tampere University, with additional studies at MGIMO and Freie Universität Berlin. Fluent in nine languages, Anna brings expertise in global policy, economic relations, and cultural diplomacy to her role.
Beyond her professional achievements, Anna-Kaisa is an active member of the Nordic Women Mediators Finland network, a published author, and an advocate for cultural and linguistic education. Her interests in sports, music, and languages reflect her multifaceted personality and dedication to lifelong learning. Born in Kuusamo, Finland, she continues to inspire through her commitment to fostering global cooperation and understanding.

Key themes emerging out of our conversation:
Languages are really the mirrors of cultures.

Sports offer a meditative escape and mental clarity.

Finding hope in the inherent goodness of people worldwide

Setting boundaries to protect personal time and space.

Stress often stems from compromising on what truly matters.

Leadership is about taking responsibility and enabling others to succeed.

Receiving feedback from colleagues is a rewarding aspect of leadership.

Trusting intuition and following one’s heart as a guiding principle for life’s major decisions.

Building and maintaining friendships while leading a transient life fosters stronger bonds and a deeper appreciation for relationships.

Multilingualism in Finland is integral to education and essential for engaging with a globalized world.

The importance of not just listening but truly hearing is that one must seek to understand the meaning behind what is being said.

The dedication, patience, and commitment to learning multiple languages are fueled by passion and persistence.

Navigating cultural differences with respect and humility, focusing on authentic human connection, and acknowledging imperfections.

Diplomacy is a unique profession intertwined with lifestyle, marked by constant movement, adaptation, and lifelong learning.

Living near closed borders during the Cold War fostered a deep curiosity about the wider world and unseen horizons.

Growing up in a family with a deep curiosity for the world and a strong engagement with current affairs.

The egalitarian culture in Finland emphasizes equity and equality, particularly in terms of creating opportunities.

Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/

Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/
38 min
November 15, 2024EP 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.
Marija also served as the first Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for IEX Group, Inc., where her leadership increased site traffic by 85% and drove a 327% increase in qualified leads from marketing activities. Her strategic oversight has significantly shaped brand perception and corporate growth.
In addition to her executive roles, Marija has contributed to various boards, including Browne Academy and Onboard Inc., and has been recognized with numerous awards for her leadership and impact, such as the Stevie Award for Female Executive of the Year and the Serbian Medal of Honor. Fluent in English and Serbian, Marija holds a degree in International Politics from Georgetown University.

Key themes emerging out of our conversation:
Not everything is your problem to solve.

Seeing possibilities when others believe they don't exist.

Hire the best people possible, those who are even better than you.

Doors open when you make an effort to understand another language.

When you're 100% "on" all the time, you are thinking, but you're not reflecting.

Recognizing that we are not alone when facing dilemmas and figuring out the "how."

Learning to tell your story is essential in defining your unique value proposition as a human.

Being self-aware, imagining yourself as your own replacement—what would you do differently?

When considering board service, think deeply about what you want to gain from the experience.

Leadership is about making mistakes. Great leadership is about learning from them and not repeating them.

Leadership involves integrating phenomenal individual perspectives into a great collective that produces outstanding results—and has a lot of fun along the way.

Leadership is about listening more, asking questions, and offering solutions only when necessary.

Reflecting on the war of the former Yugoslavia in the '90s shows how circumstances like war lead to cultural deterioration and the erosion of trust in human relations.

Sometimes, it's okay to let certain things fail. It's okay to face skeptics, develop a thick skin, and, most importantly, have fun.

When you spot something toxic on your team, act quickly—not for yourself but for the wellbeing of your team.

Work-life balance is about ruthless prioritization—not everything gets done, and not everything is a priority.

Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/

Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/
49 min
November 08, 2024EP: 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.
In 2022, Merlia was selected to join the prestigious cohort of the Acumen India Fellowship, Rainer Arnhold Fellowship by the Mulago Foundation, Ashoka Fellowship, and the Nudge Accelerator program for the pioneering work done by the Madhi Foundation. She has also been selected as a Global Finalist for the UK Alumni Award by the British Council, UK.

Key themes emerging out of our conversation:
The mission at Madhi is a marathon, not a sprint.

Leadership is also about listening.

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

To whom much is given, much is expected.

Culture fit matters more than skill; it can’t be coached.

Team members must take ownership of their mental health.

Privilege and luxury were present, yet money was never to be taken for granted.

Parents need to be allies in uplifting education for all children.

Prevent the damage from happening rather than trying to reverse it later.

Being a startup with limited funds doesn’t mean delivering substandard quality.

Powerful leaders often lead with kindness: empathy is a key element in leadership.

A need for the brightest minds and biggest hearts in the social sector.

Feedback is often equated with criticism; it can be life-changing.

Social media has blurred the lines on mental health for young people.

The key to creating change lies in building consensus to shift mindsets and behaviors.

Public schools should become parents' top choice across income groups.

Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/

Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/
45 min

About Atalanta Diaries Breakthrough Women in Conversation with Enma Popli

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In 'Atalanta Diaries,' Enma Popli interviews breakthrough women including CEOs, Artists, Athletes, and Scientists, sharing their unique stories to inspire listeners. Born from a profound 'WHY,' AD is…

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About Atalanta Diaries Breakthrough Women in Conversation with Enma Popli