In this Season 10 episode of the Womenpreneur Asia podcast, Krista speaks to Ritu G. Mehrish, an executive and team coach and author of the book, Rewrite The Rules.
Ritu, who is based in Singapore, has embarked on a mission to reshape the landscape of leadership, particularly for women.
In this episode, Ritu shares her insights on visibility, leadership and empowerment drawn from her extensive coaching experience.
From Corporate To Entrepreneurial Leadership
Ritu discusses her journey from the corporate world to becoming an entrepreneur. With over 20 years of corporate experience, she transitioned into entrepreneurship in 2015, leaving when she was at the peak of her career.
Driven by a desire to challenge herself and carve a new path after 20 years in the corporate world, her story is one of courage and reinvention, especially for those contemplating a similar leap. She shares anecdotes about how different things were when she was a corporate leader versus being an entrepreneur.
Visualize Visibility as a Spectrum
One of the core themes Ritu highlights is the importance of visibility—not merely being seen but also heard. She underscores the need for women to express their ambitions and desires clearly.
Visibility isn’t about self-promotion; it’s about seeking opportunities that align with one’s goals and being vocal about what one wants. Ritu shares how she learned this lesson the hard way early in her career when she missed out on a coveted role due to assumed contentment with her current position!
Be Intentional With Networking
Ritu emphasizes the intertwined nature of intentional networking (she shares some great tips in this episode on how you can be more intentional with your networking) and visibility.
For entrepreneurs, building a robust ecosystem is crucial and it often starts with reaching out to others in the community or organization. By asking and giving whether it’s time, resources, or even a listening ear, corporate leaders and entrepreneurs can strengthen their network and enhance their visibility.
Executive Presence Isn’t What You Think It Is
Addressing a common challenge, Ritu talks about executive presence and the role it plays in leadership.
She defines it as maintaining poise under pressure and highlights the significance of body language and eye contact. For women in particular, honing these skills can significantly influence how they are perceived in leadership roles.
The Transformative Practice of Journaling
A fan of journaling, Ritu shares how this practice has been instrumental in her life. For eight years, journaling has allowed her to manifest goals and clear her mental space. It’s a practice she recommends for leaders looking to gain clarity and direction in both their personal and professional lives.
A Rule Rewritten Is A Rule Redeemed
A rule rewritten is a rule redeemed is a favourite quote of Ritu which encapsulates her philosophy of challenging existing norms and crafting new paths that align with one’s authentic self.
“I find a little inspiration in every leader I meet,” says Ritu. Her book “Rewrite the Rules” involved drawing insights from over 200 women leaders across Asia. This collective wisdom forms the backbone of her book, providing diverse perspectives and strategies for aspiring leaders. She speaks about one key wisdom in this episode that was common across the board when she asked women leaders what advice they had for their younger selves.
Ritu’s proudest achievement is that she could “bring together stories and learnings from over 200+ women leaders across Asia”, marking a significant contribution to understanding and addressing the challenges faced by women leaders in the region.
Ritu is not just rewriting the rules; she’s encouraging women to write their own. Her blend of personal experience, professional expertise and candid storytelling offers powerful lessons for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and visibility.
It doesn’t matter if you’re navigating the corporate world or embarking on entrepreneurial ventures, Ritu’s strategies provide a roadmap for authentic and effective leadership.
Krista’s newest program – From Vision To Voice – is now accepting applications for the September 2025 cohort. FInd out more about the program and apply if you qualify!