From Boardrooms to Bookshelves: Rajiv Inamdar on Leadership, Identity & Inclusion

In an age where leadership is increasingly being redefined, not just by what happens in corner offices but by how leaders show up for people, his episode of The AboutHer Show brings a timely and thoughtful conversation to the forefront. What does it mean to lead across borders? How can empathy and ethics coexist with ambition? And why must men go beyond good intentions to become true allies for inclusion?

In this engaging conversation, host Sangeeta Relan sits down with Rajiv Inamdar, a global corporate leader turned author, to unpack these questions and more. With a career that spans continents and industries, Rajiv brings a wealth of insight shaped by lived experience, cultural transitions, and a deep commitment to equity.

Meet the Guest: Rajiv Inamdar

Rajiv Inamdar is not your typical corporate executive. With over 40 years of experience across five countries, India, Sri Lanka, the UK, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—he has led diverse teams and tackled high-stakes challenges. His roles have spanned advertising, market research, consumer banking, private wealth, and knowledge management, with stints at prestigious organizations like Citibank and JWT.

But what makes his journey compelling is not just the breadth of his career—it’s the depth of his reflection. In his debut book, The Itinerant Executive, Rajiv distils  a lifetime of global leadership lessons into personal, engaging narratives. Whether navigating a startup in post-war Sri Lanka or confronting the harsh gender dynamics in Saudi Arabia, he brings honesty, humility, and humour to every story he tells.

Also Read: Behind the Headlines with Jyotsna Mohan Bhargava- A Journey of Legacy, Resilience & Reinvention

Key Takeaways from the Episode

1. Foundations of Leadership Are Laid Early

Rajiv credits his military upbringing and boarding school education at Lawrence School, Lovedale, with shaping his discipline, resilience, and sense of ethics. His time at IIM Ahmedabad cemented his analytical mindset and communication skills, preparing him for a dynamic, cross-sector career.

2. Leading Through Crisis

A pivotal moment in Rajiv’s journey came during the 1983 Sri Lankan riots. As the head of a newly formed company with several Tamil employees, he stepped up not just as a boss, but as a pillar of emotional and logistical support. This experience taught him the power of compassionate leadership, where the team becomes your family and your response defines your credibility.

3. Adapting to Cultures, Not Just Markets

Rajiv’s cross-continental career emphasized that leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. In the UK, he learned to respect work-life boundaries; in Saudi Arabia, he saw firsthand how gender norms shape workplace dynamics. Understanding cultural nuances, he says, is key to becoming an empathetic and effective leader.

4. Writing as Reflection and Legacy

What began as a few LinkedIn articles transformed into a full-length memoir during the pandemic. The book became a way to document not just professional learnings, but deeply personal experiences, like his granddaughter’s diagnosis with Jordan Syndrome and her journey to become part of a groundbreaking global clinical trial.

5. The Strength of a Supportive Partner

Rajiv’s wife, Karti, a fellow IIM-A graduate, gave up a promising banking career multiple times to support the family’s international relocations. Her quiet strength, adaptability, and eventual return to work, on her own terms, highlight the often unseen contributions of women behind successful men.

6. Inclusion Starts With Action

Rajiv makes a powerful case for why men must become proactive allies at work and beyond. From addressing unconscious bias to advocating for flexible policies and calling out harassment, he emphasizes that real change begins when men “walk the talk.”

Also Read: Invest Like a Woman- A Gentle Introduction to the Equity Market

“We as men have to walk the talk. We have to ensure that women are treated equally, sometimes even better than men.”
— Rajiv Inamdar

Watch or Listen to the Episode

This episode offers wisdom for young professionals, seasoned executives, aspiring writers, and anyone committed to creating inclusive spaces.

🎧 From Boardrooms to Bookshelves: A Conversation on Leadership, Identity, and Inclusion
👤 Guest: Rajiv Inamdar
📺 Watch on YouTube
🎧 Or listen on your favourite platform:

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Audible

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Have you worked across cultures or navigated transitions in your own career? Do you know a woman whose journey deserves the spotlight, or a man who’s truly been an ally?

Tag them. Share the episode. Start a conversation.

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