I met two women who turned a friendship that started in a Hong Kong maternity ward into a global mission. 

Christine Fellowes, former media CEO and board leader, and April Swando Hu, a Yale engineer turned EdTech entrepreneur, are now co-founders of NINEby9, a nonprofit tackling gender equality, AI, and the future of work in Asia.

In this episode of Rewrite the Rules, they share how decades of leadership across Asia led them to research AI and women in the workplace, revealing a surprising gender gap in AI skills and opportunities.

We talk about AI careers, leadership, gender equality, and the future of work, and why women could shape the next wave of AI innovation and workplace transformation.

Trust me, you’ll want to hear the full story behind NINEby9 and their bold mission to close the gender gap before AI widens it.

IN THIS EPISODE

00:00 | Meet the Founders Changing Women’s Futures01:26 | Why “Nine by Nine” Matters Now

02:36 | The Unexpected Way They Met

04:35 | The AI Report Everyone Should Read05:12 | April’s Journey from Engineer to Changemaker

06:59 | Christine’s Path to Global Leadership

09:06 | The Surprising Truth About Women at Work

15:04 | The AI Skills Gap Women Can’t Ignore

18:57 | Speed vs Ethics in the AI Workplace

19:52 | Asia’s Biggest AI Opportunity

22:04 | Why HR Must Become Human Again

23:04 | Career Advice for Women 25–35

24:40 | Why Your Skills and Network Matter

26:05 | Get Sponsors, Not Just Mentors

26:43 | Staying Grounded in a Changing World

28:32 | The Rule They Chose to Rewrite

30:06 | Redefining Success on Your Terms

31:18 | What’s Next for Nine by Nine

33:16 | Where to Find the AI Report

Christine Fellowes | Founder | NINEby9

Christine is an accomplished global business leader and public company board director with three decades of experience driving growth for Fortune 500 multinationals in media, technology and consumer services.

Christine is the Co-founder and Chair of NINEby9, and currently serves as a Non-Executive Board Director of National Australia Bank (ASX:NAB) and leading property investment and development company, Guocoland Group (SGX:F17), listed on the Singapore Exchange. She previously served on the Board of Directors of technology company VIQ Solutions Inc (TSX:VQS), listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Christine also serves on the Board of Directors of the University of Western Australia Business School.

April Swando Hu | Founder | NINEby9

April Swando Hu is an impact entrepreneur and community builder with 30 years of experience in Asia. Merging a family legacy of education with a background in science and leadership, she works to democratize access to impact education and sustainable energy. She founded Youth Leaders Davos, a global youth forum held during the World Economic Forum and drives the adoption of Chinese hydrogen fuel cell technology globally. In 1992, April established the Zigen Fund, providing 200,000 scholarships to girls in rural China. She also co-founded NINEby9, researching gender equality and the impact of AI on the Asian workplace.

Ritu Mehrish | Founder and Author | ReWrite The Rules

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.

She once asked women to be shameless… and that’s exactly where this conversation begins.

In this episode, I sit down with a woman who’s moved seamlessly from public service to corporate leadership at Mastercard, and then into shaping women’s leadership across Asia.

We talk about confidence without apology, speaking up without shouting, and why power skills—not “soft skills”—are what really shape leaders today.

She shares what she’s learned working across sectors, building women leaders, and bringing men in as true allies—not by theory, but by practice.

If you care about women in leadership, board diversity, career transitions, or building real influence at work and at home, this one will stay with you.

IN THIS EPISODE

00:30 | Why Women Should be “Shameless” at Work

06:18 | Speaking Up Without Being Labeled Difficult

07:55 | How She Moved Across Sectors Without Losing Momentum

11:01 | The Skills She Had to Learn—and Unlearn—to Grow

15:39 | Why Male Allies Matter More Than We Admit

20:20 | Board Diversity: Why Targets Beat Quotas

25:25 | Raising Daughters Who Aren’t Afraid to Fail

30:13 | The Gender Expectations We Still Don’t Talk About

36:27 | The One Rule She’s Truly Rewritten

Georgette Tan Adamopoulos | Board Member | United Women Singapore

Experienced Board Member at a number of NGOs focused on women’s empowerment, gender equality and education. 

Experienced Senior Vice President Communications with a demonstrated history of working in the technology and services industry and non-profit sector. Strong media and communication professional skilled in Marketing Strategy, Corporate Reputation, Organisational Communications and Management. A strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, and women’s empowerment. 

Ritu Mehrish | Founder and Author | ReWrite The Rules

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/ 

If someone told you they dropped out of kindergarten, went on to sit on global boards, and now runs half marathons in Greenland… would you believe it?

In this episode of Rewrite the Rules, I speak with Su-Yen Wong, global board director, former Chair of the Singapore Institute of Directors, and a leader who has quietly rewritten every rule around leadership and careers.

We unpack her journey into corporate governance, what really makes an effective board director, and why portfolio careers are becoming the next chapter for senior leaders.

Su-Yen shares how curiosity and courage have shaped her leadership path… and why success doesn’t have to follow a single title or linear climb.

If board roles, leadership reinvention, career pivots, or women in leadership resonate with you, this conversation will challenge how you think about the long game!

IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) Why Board Careers Aren’t Accidental
(01:10) How a Real Board Journey Actually Begins
(02:19) The Two Traits Every Board Director Is Tested On
(05:31) What It Took to Become SID’s First Woman Chair
(08:55) Where to Start If You Want a Board Seat
(10:33) Why Portfolio Careers Are Replacing Linear Success
(13:59) The Hidden Upside (and Risk) of Portfolio Careers
(14:42) Why Most Portfolio Careers Stall After Six Months
(16:47) Is a Portfolio Career Too Early—or Just Right?
(18:20) Do Women Have an Edge in Portfolio Careers?
(20:36) Why She Ran a Half Marathon in Greenland
(21:47) What Art, Leadership, and Legacy Have in Common
(23:11) The One Rule She Chose to Break—and Why

Su-Yen Wong | Board Member, Speaker and Educator
Su-Yen Wong is passionate about helping audiences around the world navigate the intersection of technology, strategy and people. As a professional speaker, she challenges audiences to think differently about the future of work, reinvention, diversity, and governance. 

Su-Yen serves on the Boards of several public, private, and not-for-profit organisations in Australia, Asia, and the United States, across a range of industries including telecommunications, media, professional services, agriculture, real estate, education, and FinTech / HRTech. She is Chairman of a listed company and of the Singapore Institute of Directors. 

She is also an adjunct professor of global leadership and a highly-rated guest lecturer who has spoken at universities across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States.

Ritu Mehrish | Founder and Author | ReWrite The Rules
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/

How often do you see women take the top seat at the table… and what happens when they do?

Hosting this season of Rewrite the Rules has been eye-opening for me. I’ve heard stories of women who fight for funding when only 1% ever reaches them, leaders who juggle boardroom bias with personal hurdles, and bold voices learning to say no to people-pleasing.

What stuck with me most? The power of allyship, of raising your hand even when you don’t feel “ready,” and of choosing growth over perfection.

This season isn’t just about breaking barriers, it’s about rewriting the quiet rules we all live by. And trust me, these are stories you’ll want to carry with you.

Meet the Host,

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/

What makes someone stay at the same company for thirty years—and still love it?

I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Supriya Rao Pat, EVP at DHL Group, who’s been with the company for three decades. We talked about how she’s grown through the ranks, created roles for herself, and balanced leadership with life as a mother and now a grandmother. Supriya opened up about the turning points in her journey, the moments of doubt, and the power of asking for what you need. This conversation is packed with real stories, honest insights, and the kind of wisdom you only get from someone who’s truly seen it all.

IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) What makes someone stay at one company for 30 years? Supriya spills the secret.
(02:00) Perfection isn’t the goal—but what is?
(04:05)Supriya’s big bet: taking roles that didn’t even exist yet.
(06:00) “Am I still relevant?”—the question that changed her career.
(08:45) Thinking of switching roles? Listen to this before you do.
(10:55) Why Supriya stopped hiding who she really was at work.
(12:55) How a male board learned to talk about emotions (yes, really).
(14:05) The trap of trying to be ‘that kind’ of leader—and how to break it.
(16:00) A question for men: would you want your sister to succeed like this?
(18:00) What bullying, moving continents, and reflection taught her.
(20:00) Her favourite leadership quote will stick with you too.
(22:00) The job she didn’t get—and why it was the best thing that happened.
(24:00) The one rule she’s rewritten—and wants every woman to try.
(25:45) Her advice to her younger self (and maybe to you too).

Supriya Rao Patwardhan
Global executive with an international outlook excelling in Leading multi-cultural teams, Corporate Governance, Strategy, Digitalization, ESG, Change Management, IT Portfolio Management, Vendor Management, Demand Management, IT Modernization, Global Standards, Enterprise programs & Secure services.

EVP at the DHL Group with over 30 years experience in Tech and the Logistics and Supply Chain industry. 

P&L accountability for 5000+ strong global unit as the first Asian leader to head IT Services for the DHL group. 

Board Member - Corporate IT Board and Global Business Services Board. Co-chair Amcham SG - Supply Chain, Transportation and Logistics committee. 

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/

Ever wondered what it takes for a group of young women from flat, humid Singapore to climb Mount Everest?

When I sat down with Peh Gee Lee, Jane Lee, Li and Hui Lee, and I wasn’t just expecting stories of grit—I found lessons in building strong teams, facing doubt, and tuning up that inner light when no one else believes in your big, crazy dreams. From pulling off a historic first for Singaporean women to carrying those Everest lessons into their work and life, these women share what it really means to keep going when the mountain feels too high. It’s a conversation about climbing into history, leading while learning, and yes, having fun even when the stakes are life and death.

Join me for this one—it’s a masterclass in quiet courage and doing serious things with a smile.

IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) Think Everest is crazy? Try why they did it.
(01:25) 50 strangers, one wild plan—what could go wrong?
(04:20) The silent teammate lesson you didn’t know you needed.
(07:45) Coming down is the real climb—why?
(14:00) Doubt vs. dreams—who wins?
(19:00) What Everest taught them about work.
(25:30) The year everything almost fell apart.
(31:30) Big goals, lonely roads—sound familiar?
(37:25) When your values get tested for real.
(41:20) The rule they rewrote—and you might too.

Lee Peh Gee
Army Officer, Singapore Armed Forces

A believer in living a purposeful existence, Peh Gee is inspired to be of service to others through her life.

With the achievement and lessons she has gained from Everest, backed by decades of experience in training and development and deep understanding of how adults learn, Peh Gee is able to present clear and practical solutions to a presentation or event programme.

Jane Lee
Hello, I'm Jane. 26 days. That's the longest I have gone without a shower. It is still unclear if that was a contributing factor to being stalked by a polar bear. I was completing a ski-crossing of the Greenland icecap, becoming the first Southeast Asian female to do so.

I was born in Singapore, and lived in the United States, Switzerland, Japan, and New Zealand. I moved to Australia in 2020, and Byron Bay is home today.

I was also the first Southeast Asian female to complete the "Seven Summits", the tallest mountain on each of the continents, and the leader of the Singapore Women's Everest Team. It was arguably the most badass all-female climbing team of all time, if you take into account the fact that Singapore is a flat, tropical island nation. Talk about overcoming odds!

Lee Li Hui
Li Hui heads Underwriting Life and Health solutions team across APAC for Swiss Re. She focuses on delivering next level risk insights via digital offerings to enhance automation, derive data insights and advance partnerships to lead and transform the future of underwriting.

Li Hui is the first woman from the Singapore Women's Everest Team to summit Mt Everest (8,850m) on 20th May 2009. For these achievements, she was awarded the NUS Outstanding Young Alumni, Herworld Young Women Achiever Award and received a special commendation by the President of Singapore in 2009. In 2014, Li Hui was inducted into the Singapore Women Hall of Fame.

Meet the Host,

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/

Ever been told you're “too much”? Too loud, too emotional, too aggressive? Amrita Randhawa owns it - and I loved every minute of this chat with her!

In this episode of Rewrite the Rules, I sit down with Amrita, the CEO of Publicis Groupe for Singapore and Southeast Asia, who’s spent 25 years shaping brands across Asia. From crying at work to calling out “work-life balance” as a scam, she gets real about leadership, ambition, and showing up as your full, fierce self.

We talk about what it means to build a personal brand (without the cringe), why women need to stop second-guessing their success, and how Asia's time is now. Tune in for bold truths and refreshing clarity.

IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) Can a “vibe” be your brand? Why feelings matter more than logos.
(02:25) Three words, one brand: A fun trick to discover your personal essence.
(03:56) Think you control your image? Think again.
(05:06) Why smart women stay silent—and how to change that.
(07:43) What if your passion is the only place to start?
(11:48) From "not qualified" to CEO: Her accidental Asian career path.
(13:07) Asia ≠ one market. So why do we still treat it like one?
(17:00) What if your accent, culture, and chaos are actually strengths?
(21:22) Aggressive, pushy, bossy—what if we owned those labels?
(23:25) One job changed her life. One rejection changed her mindset.
(26:05) Do men and women really make decisions differently? Her surprising answer.
(27:20) What she’d tell her younger self (and maybe you need to hear it too).
(28:44) The question women leaders ask too often—and why it needs to stop.
(30:39) Forget balance. What you need is integration—and honesty.
(33:43) Overthinking? Nah. Why gut instinct wins in the long run.
(35:07) The one leadership rule she broke—and why you should too.

Amrita Randhawa
Chief Executive Officer, Singapore & South East Asia

Publicis Groupe

Amrita Randhawa is CEO of Publicis Groupe Southeast Asia leading all the Groupe's capabilities across data, technology, creative and media for the high growth Southeast Asia markets. Amrita took on the role in June, 2021 and is working to elevate the Groupe offering in every market as well as create Centres of Excellence that feed all of Southeast Asia.

Prior to her current role she was CEO of Mindshare Asia Pacific and Executive Chair of Mindshare Greater China where she turned around the Mindshare China operations making it a formidable #1 in the market and maintained Mindshare’s position as the #1 media network in Asia.
https://sg.linkedin.com/in/amrandhawa 

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.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajita-saxena/

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/ 

What makes a senior banking executive step up as a champion for women at work?

In this episode, I speak with Bruce Perry—MD Head of Operations for Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa at Barclays, and co-chair of the bank’s Women’s Network in the region. We dive into Bruce’s unexpected journey from elite university rowing to supporting gender equity in the boardroom. He shares how sport shaped his views, what he's learned from working closely with women leaders, and why male allies need to show up—authentically and intentionally.

A candid, thoughtful conversation with someone who's rewriting the rules from the inside out.

IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) The tricky tightrope male leaders walk today
(02:06) How Bruce became the guy leading a women’s network
(03:44) What rowing taught Bruce about gender and real equity
(06:52) Job ads, confidence gaps—and what women still won’t apply for
(09:00) What space suits and air conditioning reveal about hidden bias
(10:21) Allyship or overstepping? Where men still get stuck
(13:00) The quiet reason women fear promotions
(17:10) The one thing women don’t do enough at work
(19:30) Asia vs. the West—who’s doing inclusion better?
(23:20) One personal rule Bruce completely rewrote

Bruce Perry
Bruce Perry is the MD and Head of Operations, APAC at Barclays. With global experience across Singapore, New York, Zurich and Paris, he’s known for leading large, cross-functional teams and delivering complex financial strategies. He has held senior COO roles and worked across investment banking, wealth, and corporate operations. A CIMA-qualified leader, Bruce also serves on boards of Cambridge University sports bodies, bringing business rigour to not-for-profit spaces.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-perry-a0b7116/

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.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajita-saxena/

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/

Women groups—essential or overrated?

I sat down with Yolanda Lee, founder and CEO of Uncommon, to unpack why women leaders need spaces to connect, share, and grow. Yolanda’s journey—from navigating leadership roles in fast-growing tech companies to building a global network—proves that leadership doesn’t have to be lonely.

We dive into confidence, burnout, setting boundaries, and why women sometimes hesitate to ask for help. Are women-focused communities the key to thriving in leadership? Tune in to find out!

IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) Why leadership can feel lonely—and how to change that
(03:10) The power of safe spaces: Do women really need them?
(04:34) The confidence trap: Are you holding yourself back?
(06:30) Do men secretly struggle with work-life balance too?
(07:04) The first signs of burnout you might be ignoring
(13:15) How to give without guilt (and stop people-pleasing)
(16:23) The hidden benefits of learning from different experiences
(18:55) Growing up as an outsider: How it shapes leadership
(21:18) Remote, hybrid, or office? The workplace battle continues
(22:56) Who do you call when you're on the verge of burnout?
(24:59) The one rule every leader needs to rewrite

Yolanda Lee
Yolanda Lee is the Founder & CEO of Uncommon, a coaching community designed to help women leaders connect, grow, and thrive. With over 15 years of experience across industries—from launching retail stores in the U.S. to building a food delivery startup in West Africa—she brings a unique blend of strategic thinking, resilience, and empathy to leadership. Yolanda believes that leadership isn’t just about a job title—it’s about embracing your unique spark and using it to drive impact. Her mission? To create spaces where leaders can support each other, set boundaries, and rewrite the rules of success.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolanda-lee-8b936626/ 

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.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajita-saxena/

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/

Could your hobbies shape your career success?

Dive into this episode of Rewrite the Rules where our host Ritu discusses the art of bringing your whole self to work with Josefhine Chitra. Josefhine, the Head of Corporate Communications at GoToGroup and a mentor at WomenWorks, shares her insights from Jakarta on balancing personal passions with professional responsibilities. From handling life's curveballs to integrating personal hobbies at work, Josefhine's story will inspire you to think about how much of you should really show up at work. Join us as we explore the intersection of personal identity and professional life with a leader who masters both!

IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) Is your hobby your secret career weapon?
(01:30) How do personal roles shape professional success?
(03:30) The art of mixing personal upheavals with professional steadiness.
(06:00) How to Master the art of crisis management before the fire starts.
(08:55) What does firefighting look like in the tech world?
(12:00) The secret to driving consensus among top executives.
(15:00) Can a job improve society?
(18:30) Behind the scenes of major corporate milestones.
(21:30) What's next for leaders in the tech industry?
(23:00) A final nugget of wisdom—don't miss this!

Josefhine Chitra:
Josefhine Chitra, a mentor at WomenWorks and a key figure at GoTo Group, has a diverse background spanning public affairs, journalism, and academia. At GoTo Group, she strategically manages the organization's reputation to ensure its continued positive impact on stakeholders. She excels in preempting and mitigating crises through robust policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement, adeptly navigating the complexities of a fast-paced tech environment. Passionate about mentoring and advancing issues like gender equality, environmental protection, and education, Josefhine's work is marked by significant contributions such as GoTo's landmark IPO and impactful social initiatives.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/josefhinechitra/

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/