Mumbai: In a world where gender biases often dictate outcomes, breaking barriers and fostering empowerment stand as paramount goals. Archana Khosla Burman, a stalwart entrepreneur and visionary leader, epitomizes this ethos through her multifaceted roles as the Founding Partner of VERTICES PARTNERS and the National Head of Collaborations, Partnerships, and Associations at FICCI FLO. With a tenure as chairperson of FICCI FLO Mumbai.

She navigates the dynamic world of entrepreneurship with resilience and determination, confronting challenges with unwavering passion. Drawing from personal experiences, she confronts gender biases with confidence and relentless hard work, carving a path that inspires others to follow suit. As a fervent advocate for women’s empowerment, she embarks on a mission to break down barriers, foster growth, and create tangible opportunities for all. Amidst the trials and triumphs, she finds herself at the helm of impactful initiatives, contributing to the diverse verticals of FICCI FLO with fervour and dedication.

Indiantelevision caught up with  FICCI FLO National head of collaborations, partnerships and associations and founding partner at VERTICES PARTNERS  Archana Khosla Burman talked about the transformative power of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive and prosperous future for all

Edited excerpt.

On joining FICCI FLO and finding the most rewarding about being a part of this organization

"Drawing from personal experiences, I've learned to confront gender biases with unwavering confidence and relentless hard work. In negotiation rooms often dominated by men, it’s not uncommon to face initial dismissiveness. However, I’ve found that speaking up can shift perceptions and command respect. As a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, I wanted to engage with women and youth across urban, rural, and underprivileged communities through immersive initiatives. My goal was to break down barriers, create a level playing field for women and girls, and turn entrepreneurship into a tangible reality for all. As an entrepreneur, current FICCI FLO National Head- Collaborations, Partnerships & Associations and youngest chairperson, FICCI FLO Mumbai in the past, I'm privileged to contribute to impactful programs that drive women empowerment and more. I have been able to make meaningful contributions to FLO's diverse initiatives and verticals that’s include Start-Ups, Education, Networking, Health & Wellness, Gender Inclusivity, Women Empowerment, Female Leadership in Corporate Boards, Legal and Policies, Business Development, Environment, Entrepreneurship and MSME.  Every day I strive to empower fellow entrepreneurs, foster growth, and make meaningful contributions to the underprivileged & unrepresented women & girls’ communities and the entrepreneurial community.

On sharing a pivotal moment or experience that fuelled your passion for business and entrepreneurship

For me, the decision to embark on the entrepreneurial journey wasn't sparked by a single moment of inspiration, but rather a series of experiences and interactions developed over many years. Throughout my career, spanning more than a decade, I've had the privilege of advising and collaborating with countless entrepreneurs. Witnessing their drive, creativity, and resilience ignited a passion within me for the world of business and entrepreneurship. Each encounter, whether guiding startups through challenges or celebrating their successes, the constant innovation, and the limitless potential for growth and impact, contributed to shaping my mindset and fuelled my ambition for the dynamic world of entrepreneurship. The decision to start my own venture was not a sudden leap, but a natural progression run by years of experience and a deep-seated passion for entrepreneurship that became a personal mission. The decision was also driven by a profound belief in the value of entrepreneurship and a desire to contribute to the vibrant ecosystem that I had been a part of for so long.

On the biggest challenges you faced on your journey, and overcome them

As an entrepreneur, I faced challenges stemming from gender stereotypes and typical hurdles of entrepreneurship. From being the only woman in negotiation rooms to battling competition from established firms, I navigated an often unwelcoming landscape. Cash flow management and maintaining high quality were always significant objectives challenging for a new set-up, exacerbated by the pressure to prove myself in male-dominated industries. Balancing personal and professional responsibilities added to the weight. Despite these challenges, I persevered, challenging stereotypes, seeking support, and networking to carve out my place in the business world.

On believing resilience and determination that contribute to your success in the entrepreneurial world

Resilience and determination are two key traits that significantly contributed to my success as an entrepreneur. Having said that I have always looked at failures as an opportunity of learning and a stepping stone to success, embracing it as an integral element of growth. I had to work towards developing the ability to show up every day despite the challenges and setbacks. Rejection is a common experience for entrepreneurs and as a woman it weighed slightly heavier. I didn’t let rejections get to me or affect me or in any way bog me down. Having self-belief, confidence in my abilities and my vision helped me wade through challenges and setbacks. Moreover, to succeed I carried and represented my personal brand wherever I went or whomever I met. Additionally, I just surrounded by myself with like-minded people, supportive and talented team members, mentors, friends, family, and fellow women leaders.

On the key benefits of women's active participation in the economy

From where I stand, women's economic empowerment is pivotal for driving overall prosperity. When women thrive in businesses, it's not just about individual success - it's about creating a more diverse and inclusive economy that benefits everyone. As women become more involved in various sectors, they're not only creating jobs but also paving the way for greater gender equality in employment. Trade plays a crucial role in boosting women's wages and creating better job opportunities, closing the wage gap. Studies consistently show that empowered women prioritize investments in health and education, benefiting entire communities and future generations. Educated and skilled women are essential contributors to workforce participation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth, laying the foundation for a more prosperous society.

On policies or initiatives are crucial for promoting gender equality and supporting women entrepreneurs

Personally, promoting gender equality and supporting women entrepreneurs demands a holistic approach.  From my perspective initiatives such as those below are crucial for gender equality and supporting women entrepreneurs

a. Implementing equal opportunity and pay policies, ensuring fair hiring, promotion, and leadership access.
b. Creating programs offering women access to funding, investment, and grants to overcome business barriers.
c. Eliminating gender bias in funding by educating investors and implementing fair investment practices.
d. Providing mentorship, networking, and skill-building opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
e. Advocating for legal protections against discrimination and supporting women's business rights.
f. Cultivating a supportive work-life balance culture, including childcare support for women entrepreneurs.

On sharing a success story of a woman who has excelled in her field, inspiring others to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations

As a woman, the success stories of trailblazers like Falguni Nayar, Indra Nooyi, and Kiran Mazumdar Shaw inspire aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide. They've not only shattered glass ceilings but also redefined success and paved the way for others. These successful women exemplify resilience, innovation, and leadership, encouraging others to embrace ambition and defy conventions. From revolutionizing industries to driving global impact, their journeys serve as beacons of hope and empowerment.

On benefits that companies deriving  from having a gender-diverse leadership structure

From my perspective, gender diversity in leadership is essential for driving innovation and making better decisions in today's fast-paced world. Embracing diverse perspectives allows for more effective risk assessment and spotting opportunities, ultimately leading to financial success and stronger relationships with stakeholders. Personally, I've seen how a gender-inclusive workplace not only attracts top talent but also fosters a supportive culture where everyone feels valued. By prioritizing diversity, we not only mitigate legal risks but also ensure long-term success and sustainability for the organization.

On organisations ensuring their workplaces are inclusive environments that value diverse perspectives and experiences

From my experience and perspective fostering an inclusive workplace is a continuous journey that involves several key efforts:

a. Senior leadership commitment to inclusive behaviour and accountability.
b. Regular training to address unconscious bias and foster inclusivity.
c. Updating policies to ensure fairness in hiring, promotions, and evaluations. I have incorporated in my firm are policies such as permanent Work from Home Fridays, Period Leave [One day of each month women can take a leave during their menstrual days] 
d. Providing safe spaces for open dialogue.
e. Implementing flexible working arrangements and parental leave policies [maternity and paternity] again something I have incorporated in my firm.
f. Promoting diversity in leadership for inclusive decision-making.

On identifying and developing female talent for leadership roles, companies can take proactive steps

In my experience, fostering female leadership begins with showcasing the invaluable contributions of diversity in leadership roles. I believe taking the tangible steps listed below can be valuable in achieving those goals

a. Establishing mentorship programs for female talent, pairing them with senior leaders.
b. Offering tailored leadership development programs and networking opportunities.
c. Recognizing and highlighting female achievements and leadership potential.
d. Implementing succession planning to cultivate a pipeline of female leaders.
e. Cultivating a culture of open feedback and addressing unconscious bias.
f. Empowering female leaders to drive their own career conversations.
g. Implementing work-life balance policies like remote work and flexible hours.
h. Monitoring progress and holding leaders accountable for gender diversity goals.

On these emerging trends to carve out successful careers or businesses women can capitalize

From my own journey navigating today's dynamic landscape, I've learned that women can thrive by embracing adaptability and seizing opportunities for growth. Some of the best ways to do so are

a. Stay adaptable to tech advancements and market shifts.
b. Utilize social media for authentic engagement and brand promotion.
c. Introduce fresh ideas to traditional and tech-driven sectors.
d. Seek support from investment programs.
e. Acquire skills aligned with market demands.
f. Network with peers and experts.
g. Start businesses that meet market needs.
h. Establish themselves as industry thought leaders.
i. Pursue leadership roles.
j. Embrace challenges with a growth mindset.
k. Foster inclusive environments for innovation and collaboration.

On pursuing advancement opportunities confidently women can overcome self-doubt or imposter syndrome

As a woman I know what it is like to grapple with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, thus to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome, what one needs to do is.

a. Acknowledge their feelings and understand their commonality.
b. Celebrate even small achievements to boost confidence.
c. Challenge negative thoughts with positive self-talk.
d. Seek support from mentors, colleagues, and professionals.
e. Set realistic goals and celebrate milestones.
f. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
g. Visualize success to build confidence in achieving goals.

On sharing a personal experience where embracing a challenge led to significant professional growth and advancement

Coming from a humble background, I learned resilience early on. While working at other law firms, I felt the pull of aspirations, the desire to create my own, which would do what lawyers do best but with a soul. Venturing into entrepreneurship was daunting, full of uncertainty and the risk of failure. Yet, each obstacle became a lesson, shaping my journey. As a woman in business, overcoming barriers fuelled my sense of empowerment. Entrepreneurship offered more than just a career path; it became a vehicle for making a profound impact, altering my life in ways I never thought possible. By turning into an entrepreneur, I not just found my Firm but I found myself.