Radical Minds Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Stuti Gaekwad: An Influential Woman Leader with Exceptional Leadership, Making a Transformational Difference in Businesses
Women Entrepreneur Award-2024
“Every woman’s journey is unique, but by sharing our experiences and supporting each other, we can overcome the challenges and pave the way for future generations.” – Stuti Gaekwad
The female presence in the business process outsourcing industry has gradually increased. As per the study by Nasscom India, women comprise around 50 per cent of the BPO workforce. With such a strong presence within the field, it would be an honour to recognise the prominent and leading women in the domain.
Stuti Gaekwad, Co-founder and Executive Director of Radical Minds Technologies is a leading figure in India’s corporate landscape. With a wealth of experience in operations and business development spanning prominent organisations like NIIT Technologies and Astra Business Services, she is renowned for her transformative leadership and innovative strategies.
AN INSPIRING JOURNEY OF GROWTH AND SUCCESS
Stuti’s journey is a testament to her exceptional leadership and dedication to driving innovation and growth. As the Executive Director of the company, Stuti Gaekwad, at present, is at the forefront of strategic planning, business development, and operational management.
In the early 2000s, Stuti embarked on her journey in Nagpur, Maharashtra, where access to technology was limited, but her curiosity knew no bounds.
“I was driven by a passion for technology and problem-solving. Encouraged by my family, I pursued my dreams and moved to Delhi,” Recalls Stuti.
Stuti worked in various companies across multiple roles, and while working, she found a significant gap in the market for efficient and innovative business process outsourcing solutions. This led to the co-founding of Radical Minds with a vision to create a company that delivered top-notch services and an inclusive and innovative culture.
Being a woman in a predominantly male industry was challenging. She often faced scepticism and had to put in more effort to prove her capabilities. However, these challenges fueled her determination.
She focused on building a strong team, nurturing talent, and delivering results that spoke for themselves. Under her leadership, Radical Minds grew rapidly, gaining a reputation for excellence and reliability.
CREATING A UNIQUE SPACE IN THE INDUSTRY
Radical Minds Group comprises two dynamic companies: Radical Minds Technologies Pvt. Ltd. and RMT Engineering. Radical Minds is a renowned BPO/contact centre for over 14 years, offering varied call centre services across various domains, including travel and hospitality, logistics, e-commerce, healthcare, BFSI, government, and PSU.
RMT Engineering, a robust tech company providing IT services to domestic and international clients, has in-house developed products such as Opti-BOT, Opti-ASR, Opti-QMS, OptiML-Dialer, Business Intelligence tools, etc.
Radical Minds Group is a global company that leverages its highly qualified and experienced professionals to deliver comprehensive client solutions. The company’s corporate office is in Gurugram; however, they have offices and facilities in Gurgaon, Noida, Bangalore, Chennai, the USA, and the UK.
CONQUERING THE OBSTACLES ALONG THE WAY
Stuti’s path has been a blend of resilience, strategic thinking, and community support. Being a woman entrepreneur, she faced several major hurdles along the way, including gender discrimination, a lack of representation and support in male-dominated industries, and the expectation to balance family responsibility with professional obligations.
Additionally, she had to work harder to prove herself and overcome stereotypes and biases to gain credibility and respect in her domain. However, she believes that every leader, regardless of gender, faces their own set of struggles and challenges, and it is important to acknowledge and learn from their experiences to grow and thrive in the business world.
NOTABLE CLIENTELE, AT A GLANCE
As an industry pioneer, Radical Minds caters to a diverse clientele, both domestic and international, including highprofile, billion-dollar clients. The primary focus areas are travel OTAs (online travel agencies), food aggregators, BFSI (banking, financial services, and insurance), Healthcare, tech support, and retail. The company’s wide portfolio demonstrates its versatility and commitment to excellence across various industries.
SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT: STUTI’S TAKE ON
Research and development (R&D) is essential to a business’s growth and sustainability. It drives innovation, enabling the team to develop new products, services, and processes that differentiate Radical Minds from competitors. The market is constantly evolving, and R&D enables our company to adapt to these changes swiftly.
By staying ahead of trends and emerging technologies, we pivot our strategies and offerings to align with market dynamics. Investing in R&D also helps discover cost-effective operational strategies. Improved processes and technologies help streamline operations and boost productivity.
DISTINCTIVE STRATEGIES TO MAINTAIN EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION
Stuti firmly believes that employee motivation is crucial for the overall success and sustainability of the company. Employee satisfaction significantly affects growth and competitive advantage because happy employees are more driven, productive, and devoted.
To ensure employee satisfaction, the magnificent woman focuses on fostering a positive work environment; offering competitive compensation and benefits; promoting worklife balance; providing professional growth opportunities; ensuring open and transparent communication; recognizing and rewarding contributions; fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment; team building; mentorship and support, etc.
WOMEN IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP: ENCOURAGING GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMAN EMPOWERMENT
Stuti truly appreciates the growing participation of women in the entrepreneurial world. Women bring unique perspectives and ideas to the table, fostering creativity and innovation. Their diverse viewpoints lead to more comprehensive and inclusive solutions, benefiting businesses and their customers alike.
Increasing women’s participation in entrepreneurship is vital for economic growth. Advocacy for policies that support women entrepreneurs is crucial. This covers flexible work schedules, family leave, and equitable access to funds. Governments and institutions should prioritize initiatives that promote gender equality in entrepreneurship.
Encouraging women’s participation in entrepreneurship helps shift cultural norms and perceptions about gender roles. It also supports the broader movement toward gender equality and women’s empowerment in all parts of society.
FUTURE OUTLOOK: TO GROW AND EVOLVE
The future plans entail expanding into new markets, launching new offerings, investing in research and development to stay ahead of competitors, acquiring other companies to increase market share, and improving customer service and experience. Besides, the team aspires to invest in sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives and continue to grow and evolve in response to evolving market demand and customer preferences.
FEATHERS IN THE CAP
Radical Minds Group of Companies has achieved several notable milestones and accomplishments in the BPO and software services sectors. Here are some of their key achievements:
• Global Choice Award 2019: Best BPO Service Provider in Delhi/NCR
• Fastest-Growing Contact Centre in Delhi/NCR 2020
• Zee National Achievers Awards 2022: Customer Choice Award in IT Services.
• Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Inspiration Awards 2024: Most Innovative BPO & Software Service Provider of the Year.
Further, the company has collaborated with the Chhattisgarh government and successfully created over 5,000 job opportunities by launching a major employment project in the Chhattisgarh-Raipur region.
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
Stuti Gaekwad is an active board member for renowned NGO which equipes the underprivileged to deal with and emerge from the disadvantages riding on the back of their homelessness, through the medium of football. Stuti & her team are actively involved in CSR activities; they support local initiatives by sponsoring community events, participating in local development projects, and collaborating with non-profits to address community needs.
The company partners with educational institutions to offer internships, training programs, and mentorship opportunities to students, enabling them to gain practical skills and experience. They respond to crises and natural disasters by providing financial aid, supplies, and volunteer support to affected communities.
ADVICE TO THE NEW ENTRANT
Advising all the aspiring female entrepreneurs, Stuti Gaekwad said,
• Self-belief is the cornerstone of achievement. Trust your abilities, and don’t be afraid to take risks.
• Find mentors who can guide you, provide insights, and support your growth.
• Surround yourself with supportive peers and professionals who can offer advice, share opportunities, and celebrate your achievements.
• Don’t hesitate to speak up for your ideas, negotiate for what you deserve, and pursue leadership roles.
• Take time for self-care and activities that rejuvenate you.
