EXPLORING RADHIKA SRINATH’S INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEY: GUIDING BUSINESS LEADERS THROUGH GROWTH AND INNOVATION
In the coaching and mentoring landscape, some individuals not only excel in their roles but also bring a unique perspective and vision to the industry. Radhika Srinath, the Business Coach & Founder at IRA COACHING, is one such individual, standing at the pinnacle of executive coaching. She is recognised as a transformative force for business leaders and key executives, particularly in the insurance, banking, pharma, and automobile sectors. Radhika boasts an impressive career spanning nearly thirty years in corporate and retail marketing, as well as underwriting in property and casualty lines of business.
She has held various roles in team management and channel management, establishing herself as a beacon of inspiration in the corporate world. Radhika has consistently turned challenges into opportunities and her spirit, courage, and wisdom continue to drive progress. She is proud to contribute to this transformative journey In an exclusive conversation, Radhika shared about various aspects of her journey. Edited excerpts:
BCM: You are a trailblazing woman leader in the industry. What inspired you to pursue a leadership role? How do you continue to inspire others?
Radhika: Leadership, to me, means creating largescale impact and that drives me to explore and experiment. I believe in setting an example through action, demonstrating that real change is achievable through persistence, strategic execution, and an unwavering commitment to progress.
BCM: What challenges have you faced as a ‘wompreneur’ in your industry? How have you turned those challenges into opportunities for growth?
Radhika: In an industry viz. insurance that is driven by experience and credibility, my challenge wasn’t being a woman but proving impact through innovation. I turned this into growth by redefining expertise as a key element to be a successful wompreneur.
BCM: How do you envision the role of women evolving in the business world over the next decade?
Radhika: The future belongs to those who think big, act fast, and seize evolving opportunities. Women will lead by embracing change, driving innovation, and shaping the transforming business landscape.
BCM: What inspired the formation of your company?
Radhika: Having benefited from great mentors in my 30-year insurance career, I wanted to give back by creating a robust Learning & Development platform, ensuring freshers and professionals access the same insightful guidance to thrive in the industry.
BCM: Please elaborate on the range of services your company provides and the unique value they offer to clients.
Radhika: We help our clients in building a profitable and sustainable business through up-skilled teams that can innovate, transform and lead. We structure our Training Programs in three broad areas technical knowledge in insurance, functional skill-based coaching and experiential learning to create a more resourceful workforce all of which help accelerate workplace excellence.
BCM: What sets your company apart from competitors in the industry?
Radhika: As India’s first dedicated insurance L&D provider, we make insurance careers more rewarding by offering accessible, affordable, and industry-focused training, setting a new standard in professional growth.
BCM: How do you feel about being selected for this special ‘Nari Shakti’ edition? Radhika: It’s an honour to stand among women leaders who have paved new paths, turning challenges into opportunities. Their spirit, courage, and wisdom drive progress, and I’m proud to contribute to this transformative journey.
BCM: In what ways do you think women bring unique perspectives to leadership and innovation in business?
Radhika: Women have an instinct to see the unseen, embrace risks, and master innovation. They excel in dynamic environments, adapting to change with resilience and vision. By unlocking fresh opportunities and driving creative solutions, they bring diverse perspectives that challenge norms, foster growth, and shape the future of business with agility and purpose.
BCM: How do you balance the demands of leadership with personal responsibilities? What advice would you give to other women striving for balance?
Radhika: Personal responsibilities are paramount, and today’s world offers numerous conveniences to help balance them. Women should plan, seek family support, and embrace technology to work efficiently from anywhere. With the right mindset and tools, they can expand their reach, create a greater impact, and seamlessly integrate professional ambitions with personal commitments, proving that success doesn’t require sacrifice but smart adaptability and resourcefulness in an ever-evolving world.
BCM: In your opinion, what are the key factors driving innovation in women-led businesses?
Radhika: One of the greatest traits of women is their ability to think simply and avoid unnecessary complexity, allowing them to focus on practical, innovative solutions. Innovation is also driven by a strong sense of purpose and the value a business seeks to deliver. When this foundation is clear, creativity thrives, enabling continuous improvements in every initiative, big or small. This mindset fosters adaptability, innovation, and transformation, empowering women-led businesses to drive meaningful change and long-term success.
BCM: As a leading face in the business community, what is your leadership mantra?
Radhika: Leadership is about uniting diverse minds— seniors, experts, peers, and the youth—under a shared vision. It requires embracing collaboration, valuing different perspectives, and continuously learning. By fostering inclusivity and innovation, leaders can drive meaningful progress and create a lasting impact in a diverse and dynamic nation like Bharath.
BCM: How do you see women’s leadership styles influencing the business world differently compared to traditional approaches?
Radhika: In a tech-driven world, businesses that nurture their people’s dreams will stand out. Women-led businesses naturally foster inclusivity, creating cultures that balance business goals with human-centric growth, setting them apart as natural leaders with the right business acumen.
BCM: What legacy do you hope to leave behind as a woman leader? How do you want to be remembered in your field?
Radhika: I aspire to contribute to an ecosystem of perpetual learning, upskilling, and growth. There is no legacy to leave—only the lasting truth that organizations thrive when their people grow, and sustaining this principle is the true mark of impact.
BCM: What advice would you give to women aspiring to excel in industries traditionally dominated by men?
Radhika: Never give in to the idea of domination—true success lies in performance and fulfilment. I am deeply grateful to the many wonderful men and women who have supported my professional journey. Focus on growth, shed limiting beliefs, and let your work define your place in any industry.
