How Women are Steering Change in the Auto World Women Leadership | Ep 6

In Episode 6 of Circle, hosts Gayatri Rangachari Shah and Jaya Mehrotra engage in a powerful conversation with Renuka Kirpalani and Pooja Choudary, two exceptional leaders who are redefining what it means for women to lead and excel in the traditionally male-dominated automobile industry. Renuka shares her exhilarating journey as a car racer and journalist smashing speed records and challenging stereotypes, while Pooja opens up about the rise of her luxury car business in India, overcoming skepticism and societal expectations. They reflect on raised eyebrows, broken myths, and the determination it takes to take the wheel literally and metaphorically in leadership roles. This episode dives deep into their challenges, triumphs, and the unique insights that come from steering careers in auto, offering inspiration to anyone striving to break barriers in male‑dominated fields.Location: BMW Infinity Cars, WorliHMU: Looks SalonChapters0:00 - Start1:51- Introduction3:32- First car they drove5:40- Teaching kids driving6:25- The test Gayatri failed7:17- Favourite cars9:56- Pooja’s Pivot13:04- Architecture & Automobile15:38- Renuka’s Journey19:01- Women & Automobile 20:44- Renuka’s critical point22:52- Importance of Pivoting23:55- Jaya’s Story24:58- Women pivot daily26:11- Expectations: Women Vs Men27:21- Breaking Stereotypes30:45- People Management 32:53- Women are underestimated 35:01- Women are safer drivers41:36- Driving the fastest car43:31 - Renuka’s fastest speed46:58- Are EVs the future?50:36- New Generation's buying behaviour 53:40- Sustaining an Automobile Business 55:41- Adapting to changing times1:02:25- Building Collaboration & Trust1:18:36- Closing Remarks & Takeaways