In celebration of Women’s Day, we bring you an inspiring conversation with Dipali Padia, Director of Business Development at Neokred. From her journey in the fast-paced world of business development to leading with strategy and vision, she shares valuable insights on resilience, leadership, and the importance of self-belief.
Dipali’s perspective is refreshingly bold and unapologetically real. Her insights go beyond business—they serve as a guide for anyone looking to rise, lead, and make an impact.
What is one thing you have always wanted to learn or try but haven’t had the chance to yet?
I’d love to teach music—not just the technicalities, but the soul of it—the kind that makes people feel understood, like the right song at the right moment.
Music has this incredible way of reaching people when words fail, turning emotions into something tangible. I want to help others find that connection, to give them a voice where they thought they had none. Whether it’s confidence, expression, or simply the joy of creating something beautiful, I’d love to be the one to help unlock that in someone.
What’s a defining career moment that shaped your perspective and the professional you are today?
A defining career moment for me was stepping into the role of Director of Business Development—a title that sounds powerful, but in reality, came with a sink-or-swim level of responsibility. Suddenly, I wasn’t just accountable for my performance; I had to think about strategy, people, revenue, client relationships, and the unexpected fires that seem to ignite just when you think you have everything under control.
It reshaped my perspective on leadership—I learned that making tough calls is inevitable, delegation is an art, and true success isn’t just about hitting targets, but about building a team that thrives. The role pushed me to be decisive yet adaptable, confident yet open to learning. If anything, it taught me that a title doesn’t define you—how you handle the weight of it does.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I’d be trying to get into this industry—there’s nowhere else I’d want to be. I’ve worked relentlessly to earn my place, and every challenge, every late night, and every hard-earned success has been worth it. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Unless, of course, I could be a butterfly—drifting from flower to flower, free from deadlines, decisions, and the weight of responsibility. That does sound tempting. But until that transformation happens, I’ll stick to building, leading, and making an impact.
How do you stay motivated during tough or challenging times?
Tough times are inescapable, but the good news is they’re temporary. When challenges hit, I’ve learned that the best approach isn’t to spiral but to step back, identify the problem, assess what’s within my control, and take action. The outcome isn’t always up to me, but my effort is—so I channel my energy into what I can influence and let the rest unfold as it will.
In business, getting too attached to either success or struggle is a trap. Both are fleeting. Staying neutral isn’t indifference—it’s my go-to strategy. The key is to keep a clear head, do the work, and remember: no storm lasts forever, but neither does perfect weather. So, adjust your sails and keep going.
How can companies foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for women leaders?
Companies can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for women leaders by starting with the basics—‘Respect.’ Ask any woman in leadership about her journey, and you’ll hear strikingly similar war stories. It’s tempting to shrug and say, “Well, that’s just how it is,” but that’s precisely the problem.
Respect isn’t a decorative policy or a box to check—it’s a two-way street. You give it, and you receive it.
If an organization doesn’t actively cultivate a culture of mutual respect and instead treats it as an afterthought, any initiative for inclusion becomes performative at best. True progress begins when respect isn’t just expected but deeply understood and intentionally practiced.
In your opinion, what is the most essential skill for women to develop in today’s fast-changing business world?
Knowing your strengths and backing them like your life depends on it—because, professionally, it kind of does. Setbacks and skepticism are unpreventable, and people won’t hesitate to hurl unsolicited doubts and judgments your way—especially when you’re in the critical phase of proving yourself and building your career. If you’re not careful, those words will weigh you down and make you question everything you once believed in.
But here’s the thing—everyone has something they do better than anyone else. The sooner you figure it out, the sooner you can shape it like a sculptor turning a block of marble into a masterpiece.
If you don’t bet on yourself, no one else will. So, find your boat, jump on it, and don’t waste time wondering if it’ll float—just start rowing. Trust me, YOUR BOAT WILL FLOAT.
