ReWrite The Rules

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...

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...

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 conversati...

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 chang...

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...

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 o...

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!

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 M...

How are the most iconic landmarks brought to life? In this episode of Rewrite the Rules, I sit down with Charu, a passionate architect working with the legendary Moshe Safdie. Charu shares her incredible journey from learning the basics in Boston to shaping Singapore's skyline with projects like Marina Bay Sands and Jewel Changi Airport. She opens up about the people who shaped her, the lessons from her mentors, and what it takes to lead massive, impactful projects.

Join us for an inspiring look at the power of design, mentorship, and persistence!

...

What drives a tech leader to truly love their work? In this episode of Rewrite the Rules, I talk to Ursula Chang, a leader at PayPal Singapore with a remarkable career journey. From her childhood in Taiwan to building a tech career in Canada and now thriving in Singapore, Ursula shares the key moments that shaped her path. She opens up about how curiosity, connecting with people, and finding work that resonates transformed her career. Join us for a heartfelt conversation on discovering purpose and navigating change with confidence.

IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) How...

How do you rise in the corporate world? In this episode of Rewrite the Rules, I sit down with Sonia Gupta, Managing Director of Growth and Innovation at Accenture, who shares her unique journey from brand marketing at Coca-Cola to leading transformative projects for global businesses in Singapore. Sonia’s story is one of resilience, learning from experience, and discovering her own leadership style. Join us as Sonia opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her career, the lessons she’s learned, and the invaluable advice she has for aspiring leaders.

IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) What insp...

What would make someone leave a secure corporate career for the unknown world of radio? In this episode, I’m excited to chat with Freda Liu, someone I’ve long admired for her bold career moves and her inspiring journey. From her corporate days at IBM to becoming a leading voice in Malaysian radio, Freda shares the pivotal moments that shaped her life, including the personal challenges that led her to redefine her path. Join me as we dive deep into Freda’s incredible story of reinvention and discovery!

IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) From PR to...

What makes someone leave a 16-year career in banking for the unpredictable world of tech? In this episode, I’m thrilled to chat with someone I truly admire—Sandhya Devanathan, the incredible Vice President of Meta India. We dive into her personal journey, from watching her husband thrive in the startup world to taking a leap of faith into tech herself. Sandhya shares the highs, the challenges of balancing career and family, and how she’s now shaping the future of women in tech. Join me for a conversation about taking bold risks, continuous learning, and paving the way for fu...

Are you ready for a brand new season of Rewrite the Rules with Ritu Mehrish? 

In Season 3 of Rewrite the Rules, I, Ritu Mehrish, am bringing you the boldest stories yet. I’ll be sitting down with inspiring leaders who’ve challenged the status quo, from overcoming personal setbacks to making real impact in their fields. We’ll dive into their journeys, explore their leadership lessons, and share practical insights you can apply to your own life. 

And that’s not all! This season, we’re bringing you the Thrive Scorecard leadership assessment and my new book, Re...

What defines success in a winding career journey?

In this episode, I sit down with Gigi Parco, who has held C-level roles in companies like Johnson & Johnson, DHL, Unilever, and Coca-Cola. Gigi shares how her journey from engineering to sales taught her valuable leadership lessons, especially as a woman in male-dominated industries. We also explore her transition to entrepreneurship and her passion for balancing work with life, including her recent venture into culinary arts. Tune in to hear Gigi's story and how she navigated the challenges of her diverse career path!

IN THIS EPISODE
(00:30...

How does a chemical engineer become a top business leader? In this episode, we sit down with Zinnia Rivera, a seasoned business executive and former president of Johnson & Johnson Philippines and Red Ribbon Bakeshop (Jollibee Foods Corp). Zinnia shares her inspiring journey from R&D to the boardroom, revealing how she embraced unexpected opportunities and overcame challenges in the FMCG and food retail industries. Now a freelance management consultant, Zinnia discusses the importance of leadership, continuous learning, and the balance between personal and professional life. Tune in for insights into navigating a dynamic career path and building a lasting...

Have you ever wondered how an HR director finds her way to the top? In this episode, we speak with Gloria Ngooi, the HR director at Ikano Retail, better known as IKEA. Gloria shares her journey from starting as a recruitment consultant to becoming a key player in HR. She opens up about how she initially wanted to be in sales, how her father's advice to think outside the box-shaped her approach, and the pivotal moments that led her to HR. Gloria's insights on leveraging diverse experiences and the importance of speaking up in a male-dominated boardroom are truly...

What can you learn from the journey of a compassionate change leader?

In this episode, we talk with Nawan Poovarawan, the Director of Global Trust Operations APAC for Airbnb. Nawan shares her career journey, starting from consulting in the late 1990s, transitioning into brand management, and eventually finding her passion in operations management.

Discover how she navigated her way through various roles at Google and Airbnb, the importance of self-reflection and coaching in her growth, and the balance she maintains between her global role and personal interests. Join us for a conversation about courage, support...

How can a pianist become a leader in the tech world? In this episode, we have a conversation with Uma, the founder of Lean In Singapore and a seasoned technology sales leader with 20 years of experience. Uma shares her inspiring journey from aspiring pianist to tech innovator, her challenges with confidence, and her passion for advancing women in the workplace. Discover how she navigated her career, overcame obstacles, and championed herself to success. Tune in for an empowering conversation about perseverance, visibility, and the power of mentorship!

IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) How did Uma’s journey from mu...

How do you navigate a diverse and adventurous career path from finance to education to AI? 
Today on "Rewrite the Rules," we're joined by Patricia Feria Lim, Vice President of Operations at Thinking Machines Data Science in the Philippines. From an early desire to study abroad to making significant career shifts, Patricia's journey is a testament to embracing change and seeking growth. She shares insights from her transitions across continents and industries, illustrating how each step has prepared her for the next. Tune in to discover how curiosity and resilience can shape your career path in unexpected and f...

Can one person's decision to shift careers impact a nation's Olympic dreams?
Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Deepthi Bopaiah, CEO of GoSports Foundation. Deepthi's story begins with a successful career in banking, where she honed her professional skills and learned the art of perseverance. However, the 2012 Olympics sparked a pivotal change in her life. Discontent with India's underrepresentation in sports, she left her banking job to redefine the country's approach to nurturing Olympic talent.
At GoSports, she's not just a former athlete turned executive; she's a catalyst for change, helping young athletes...

What does a career journey filled with unexpected turns look like? In this episode of "Rewrite the Rules," join us as we sit down with Minette Navarette, the president of Kickstart Ventures Incorporated. From marketing heavy-hitters like Unilever and L’Oreal to shaping the future of telecommunications and venture capital in the Philippines, Minette shares her story of embracing a career not as a path to a destination but as a continuous discovery.
Discover how she navigated industries dominated by men, her insights on innovation, and how embracing change and challenges led her to venture capital—where her pass...

How does a journey from a banking career to academic leadership shape one's approach to diversity and inclusion? In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Dr. Rao, Executive Director of INSEAD Africa Initiative and Hoffman Institute for Business and Society Asia. Discover how her early career in banking led to pivotal changes, steering her towards a significant role in education focused on leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Dr. Rao shares insights into the challenges and transformations she faced, from being a "trailing spouse" to becoming a thought leader in creating equitable educational and corporate...

In this episode of "Rewrite the Rules," Rajita welcomes Arpita Pal Agrawal, MD and CEO of Dia Vikas Capital, to discuss her journey from electronics engineering to leading a social impact investment firm. Arpita shares insights from her pivotal career decisions, her approach to navigating male-dominated fields, and the challenges she faced when shifting her focus towards impact investing without a concrete plan. Join us as we explore the importance of aligning career goals with personal values and the power of networking effectively!

IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) How does a tech engineer switch to social impact investing?<...

How does a passion for reading transform not just lives but careers, too? Join us in this episode as Nora Nazerene, the publisher of Penguin Random House Southeast Asia, takes us through her journey from being a teacher to steering one of the most prestigious publishing houses in the region. Nora shares the pivotal moments of her career, the challenges of balancing motherhood with professional life, and the joy of impacting the literary world. Tune in to hear her story of change, resilience, and the enduring power of books to shape our destinies!

IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00...

How do you turn a passion for technology into a powerful tool for inclusivity and change? In this episode, Pratima Amonkar, Area Lead for Cloud and AI Strategy at Microsoft, shares her remarkable 25-year journey in tech. From her early fascination with computers in India to leading transformative projects across ASEAN, Pratima delves into the pivotal moments and insights that shaped her career.

She discusses the synergy between passion and purpose, the impact of organizational support, and the importance of mentorship and a learning mindset in overcoming challenges and making meaningful contributions. Join us as Pratima reveals...

How did Nicole Tan climb to the top of the beauty industry during a global pandemic? In this episode, Nicole Tan, the President & CEO of Shiseido Asia Pacific (APAC), delves into her journey, the challenges as a woman leader, and the keys to her success. From joining Shiseido amidst the turmoil of 2020 with a rich 25-year background in beauty, to balancing the demands of career and family, Nicole’s story is one of perseverance, networking, and the crucial role of support. As Shiseido's first female regional CEO, she shares valuable advice for aspiring leaders, emphasizing the importance of calculated ri...

Have you ever wondered why, in the vast landscape of leadership, we only hear a handful of women's voices, especially from Asia? In "Rewrite the Rules," we delve into the stories of extraordinary women leaders whose achievements and insights are seldom brought to light. Each episode is an intimate conversation, shedding light on the paths they've carved and the barriers they've overcome. This podcast is more than just storytelling; it's an invitation to challenge norms and support a growing community of women and their allies. Join us, as we uncover these inspiring journeys, redefine success, and inspire one another...

As we wrap up this season of Rewrite the Rules podcast, we reflect on the inspiring stories shared by our guests. From overcoming challenges to redefining success, each conversation has been a journey of growth and empowerment. We hope you've found valuable insights and encouragement to rewrite your own rules in life, career, and relationships. Remember, the power to create change lies within you. Join us again in season 2 for more uplifting conversations!

IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) Introduction
(00:47) What Inspired Rewrite the Rules: Identifying the Gap
(03:41) What’s the Power of Connection?
(04:06) Our Key Pi...

How did Ardelia Apti transition from being an intern at Mapan to becoming its CEO, in less than a decade?
In this episode, we delve into Ardelia’s career journey - from starting as an intern at Mapan while still in college to becoming the CEO, Ardelia shares her path through McKinsey, GoJek, and GoPay, highlighting her passion for social enterprise and fintech. Facing challenges of confidence and defining success, Ardelia emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, mentorship, and visualisation in achieving inner peace and success.
Tune in to discover how Ardelia is empowering women through innovative financial so...

Explore the finance and sustainability boardrooms with Ami Moris, the former CEO of the investment banking group at Maybank. Ami shares her journey from a background in mathematics and political science to reaching the C-suite, overcoming challenges in the male-dominated brokerage industry. Discover pivotal moments that shaped her career, emphasizing the power of emotions, the significance of building social capital, and the necessity of having fun along the way.

In This Episode

(00:00) Introducing Ami Moris: The advisor and executive coach on business and sustainability projects for Maybank Now.
(00:57) Ami's Journey and Role at Maybank...

Rejina Rahim, an entrepreneur and former investment management veteran, shares her journey from managing a USD 7 billion fund to founding Wahine Capital, a startup focused on empowering women in finance. In this episode, Rejina discusses the challenges women face in financial planning, cultural nuances impacting their roles, and the importance of building a personal brand. Join us for insights into her experiences and the mission behind her innovative digital vault, Wahine Capital, aiming to secure women's financial futures. Tune in now!

In This Episode
(00:00) Intro
(01:00) Quitting corporate job to help women get financially organised
(04:23...

In this episode, we have Aarti Dabas with us -the Chief Media Officer for Formula E. Aarti shares insights into her unconventional path in sports, driven by a desire to challenge gender norms.

As we delve into Aarti's experiences at the International Cricket Council and her role at Formula E, the conversation explores the challenges women face in male-dominated industries. Aarti emphasizes the importance of self-belief, being shameless about seizing opportunities, and the need for women to be kinder to themselves. The episode unveils the multifaceted nature of Aarti's career and her dedication to empowering women...

In this episode, Anna Haotanto, founder of Zora Health, shares her journey from finance to fertility care. She discusses her entrepreneurial path, starting with her first company focused on financial literacy for women, and later venturing into the F&B industry. Anna explains the challenges she faced, including a major setback when her company got hacked.

She highlights the importance of self-love and a strong support system. The episode delves into her latest venture, Zora Health, aiming to destigmatize and make fertility care accessible. Tune in now!

In This Episode
(00:00) Removing the taboo around...

In this episode, Ritu welcomes Pei Lin Cho, a pioneer in introducing litigation PR to Singapore. Pei Lin shares her fascinating journey from being a litigation lawyer to venturing into the world of public relations. They discuss the challenges of transitioning between industries, overcoming age-related biases, and the importance of creating visibility. Pei Lin also reflects on the support she received from her family, friends, and colleagues, emphasizing the diverse aspects that contribute to defining success both in business and personal life. Join the conversation as they delve into the dynamic intersection of law, PR, and the pursuit of...

What made a Wharton graduate give up her successful career in finance to lead a social enterprise focused on environmental development? In this episode, Sasi discusses her realisation that earning money alone wasn't sufficient for meaningful impact and shares her experiences working with the UN and nonprofit organisations. The episode explores the challenges Sasi faced as a woman in finance and the social enterprise world, emphasising her resilience and the importance of defining one's own path to success in both personal and professional life. 

In This Episode
(00:00) From finance to environmental development
(06:30) Is a successful l...

Is technology bridging gaps or distancing us from one another? Join us in a conversation with Professor Sun Sun Lim, a researcher in the world of tech and AI. Explore the secrets of her successful career and discover how she reinvented herself along the way. Dive into the dynamic world of technology, where she shares her insights on the power of male allies in women's leadership and making a lasting impact on society. Tune in now!

In This Episode
(00:00) Who is Prof. Sun Sun Lim?
(04:11) Did digitalisation disconnect us from each other?
(07:02) Raising children...

In this episode, join us as we dive into LayPeng's journey with Ritu Mehrish. A former accountant turned VP of Global Sales Enablement at Seagate Technology, LayPeng's career-defying path unfolds with unexpected twists. Discover how she went against norms and embraced risks, from navigating gender dynamics to stepping into a colossal $1.2 billion global sales role. Unveil the pivotal moments, cultural shifts, and her manager's transformative mentorship that propelled her to unprecedented success. Get ready to rewrite the rules of career evolution with LayPeng's story!

In This Episode
(00:00) Did LP Always Want To Do What She's Doing...

Ever wondered what it takes to make a life-changing career switch and whether you could ever be brave enough to do it? Join us as we explore Rachanee's remarkable journey into progressively higher levels of leadership across multiple unrelated industries. Discover how she evaluated the opportunities that came her way, how she overcame gaps in her knowledge and how she navigated her status as the newbie multiple times over.

In This Episode
(00:00) Introduction
(01:07) Going broke and getting her first job
(03:14) Doing what you know to overcome what you don’t
(06:28) A guideline fo...

Ever wondered how a journey from the oil and gas industry leads to transformation in education and personal development? Join us in this episode with Zalina Jamaluddin, Vice President of Low-Carbon Ventures at Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad in Malaysia. She shares her experiences from an ExxonMobil scholar to navigating a male-dominated industry and transitioning to education. Explore insights on authenticity, creating visibility, and finding balance while defining your path to success. Discover how challenges become opportunities for growth.

In This Episode
(00:00) Did Zalina Always Want To Be In This Career?
(02:11) Zalina's Journey
(04:50) Working In a...