Radhika Gupta, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Edelweiss Mutual Funds, has proved that disability is just a matter of perception. She is also known as “the girl with a broken neck”, which she does not find offensive and embraces wholeheartedly.Â
Let us take a look at her life journey and the struggles of the young entrepreneur in her concerted efforts to climb the corporate ladders, being a saree in a room full of suits.
Radhika Gupta: Early Life & Education
Born to a diplomat named Yogesh Gupta, an Indian Foreign Service Officer. She moved across the continents with her family due to the nature of her father’s job. Radhika was born in Pakistan, where she had complications at birth and ended up with a bent neck.Â
Radhika was academically bright and went to different schools all over the world, which helped her understand different cultures. Radhika Gupta attended the Marymount International School of Rome from 1999 to 2001. After her schooling, Radhika pursued computer science engineering and mathematics at the University of Pennsylvania, and she also earned a degree in economics from the prestigious Wharton School.
Radhika Gupta: Personal Information
| Full Name | Radhika Gupta |
| Date of Birth | 18 September, 1983 |
| Father’s Name | Yogesh Gupta (IFS official) |
| Mother’s Name | Arti Gupta (Teacher) |
| Spouse | Nalin Moniz |
| Children | Son- Remy Gupta Moniz |
| Profession | Investor, Finance Management |
| Position | MD & CEO Edelweiss Mutual Fund |
Radhika Gupta’s Career
- Working while studying
During the first year of her graduation, she worked as a computer lab assistant at her university. In her second year of graduation, she was appointed as a teaching assistant by the university as she was the topper in class.
From 2004 to 2005, Radhika took up an internship with Microsoft.
Radhika Gupta, Edelweiss: Corporate Career
Upon graduating, Radhika applied for multiple jobs and was rejected consecutively seven times, which brought her morale down, and she contemplated suicide at a point. But life had something great in store for her. She was hired as a Business Analyst at McKinsey, starting her corporate career and working there from 2005 to 2006.
In 2006, Radhika started working as a portfolio manager with AQR Capital Management. During the global recession of 2008, she decided to leave her job along with two co-workers and move to India with her family to start her own venture named Forefront Capital Management in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
After running the business for four years and making it profitable, Radhika and her partners decided to sell the company to the Edelweiss Group.
After the merger of the two companies, Radhika was employed at Edelweiss Multi-Strategy Funds Management Private Limited as its business head, a position she held from 2014 to 2017.
In 2017, she was promoted and made the Managing Director and CEO of Edelweiss.
Radhika Gupta: Awards & Recognitions
- Economic Times 40 Under 40 Business Leaders Award in 2021.
- Named among LinkedIn’s Top Voices in India in Finance & Economy for 2020.
- Recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2022.
- Received the CII Young Women Leader of the Year award from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in 2022.
- Featured in Forbes Women Power – Self Made Women list by Forbes India in 2022.
- Honored with the Business Today Most Powerful Women in Indian Business Award in 2019 and 2021.
- Included in the Fortune India 50 Most Powerful Women in Business list for 2020.
- Received The Impact Creator Awards 2021, presented by the Governor of Maharashtra in 2021.
- Her book, “Limitless,” won the Business Book of the Year in the Self-Help category at the FICCI Publishing Awards in 2023.
Radhika Gupta’s story is an inspiration to anyone who faces challenges, dreams big, or simply seeks encouragement. Her journey reminds us that we all have the potential to overcome obstacles, achieve our goals, and make a positive impact on the world. From battling rejection and adversity to becoming a renowned leader in the finance sector, Radhika’s journey serves as a testimony of the human spirit’s triumph over challenges. Her commitment to empowering women, advocating for mental health awareness, and encouraging entrepreneurship underscores her impact beyond the boardroom. As we reflect on her journey, let us draw inspiration from Radhika Gupta’s story and strive to pursue our dreams with passion and perseverance.
Read more: Sanjeev Bikhchandani: The Founder of India’s Largest Online Job Portal, Naukri.com
