In this episode, Ruth sits down with Naveli Ahuja-Mehta, an accomplished finance director whose career has spanned continents and industries—from India to Kenya to Austria to the UK, and from engineering consultancies to investment management and transformation leadership. The conversation explores what it means to trust yourself, embrace risk, and forge a career path that goes beyond expectations and conventions.

Guest

Naveli Ahuja-Mehta

• Finance Director, experienced across diverse sectors: engineering consultancy, asset management, and more
• Transformational leader, passionate about curiosity and self-trust
• Contact details available in episode show notes

Key Topics

• The impact of early life relocation and multicultural experiences on resilience and adaptability (03:06–09:41)
• Navigating self-trust and confidence through shifting environments (10:13–14:28)
• The role of curiosity and adventurism in career decision-making (15:12–17:20)
• Choosing unconventional professional routes and resisting pressure to conform (20:04–21:44)
• Overcoming imposter syndrome, especially as a woman in male-dominated and changing industries (24:13–28:31)
• The value of visibility and the advantage of “not fitting in” (28:33–32:36)
• The critical importance of sponsors, mentors, and leaders who help you see your own strengths (32:14–33:10)
• Leadership principles: authenticity, investing time in others, and facilitating open, transparent relationships (34:20–38:32)
• Re-entering the workforce after parental leave, the emotional and practical challenges involved (46:02–49:03)
• Advice to her younger self: be more patient, embrace the journey, and trust that doing what lights you up will serve you best (50:08–51:44)

Takeaways

• Unconventional choices often yield the greatest personal and professional growth
• The experience of “not fitting in” can become a superpower if you own it
• The support of mentors and open leaders is vital at every step
• Learning, growth, and self-trust are circular: each builds the other
• Motherhood requires hard choices, but authenticity and openness pave the way ahead

Stay tuned for more episodes on leadership, work realities, and forging your own path. Reach out with your questions, thoughts, or stories—Ruth would love to hear from you!

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