Dr. Sharmila Anand is an exceptional leader who has made a profound impact on the healthcare industry, education, and the empowerment of women. As the Founder and Managing Director of Inspera, an organisation that focusses on providing internationally- established strategies to help Universities increase reach, revenue and ranking, she has dedicated her career to bridging the gaps in healthcare skills and transforming the way healthcare is delivered in India. Dr. Sharmila's journey is marked by her relentless pursuit of excellence alongside her passion for social upliftment and commitment to empowering women. Furthermore, her expertise as an accreditation expert has enabled her to foster collaborations, create global learning opportunities, and bring about positive change in the healthcare education sector.

Dr. Sharmila's commitment to empowering women is evident in her various initiatives and accomplishments. Recognizing the gender-based disparities in the workplace, she consciously sought to turn these challenges into advantages. With a vision to create a future where no woman is denied the right to educate herself, Dr. Sharmila embarked on a mission to inspire women and transform them into dedicated and determined individuals.

Moreover, Dr. Sharmila's commitment to empowering women extends beyond her professional endeavours. Through Inspera, Dr. Sharmila has been instrumental in nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals. By providing accessible and affordable guidance to aspiring individuals from all backgrounds, she has transformed numerous lives and made a positive impact on patient care. Choosing to endeavour further, she also works closely with all institutions within the healthcare ecosystem in order to find placements for her students. Her collaborations with esteemed organizations such as GE Healthcare, Healthcare Sector Skills Council, TATA Trust, and leading medical universities in India and the University of Colorado, USA, have facilitated skilling, global learning, and leadership development for healthcare professionals.

Taking on the role to bridge across international borders, she facilitated a partnership between Hull York Teaching Hospital, University of Hull, and Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research to explore emerging frontiers in healthcare and research with the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). Another notable collaboration spearheaded by Dr. Sharmila is that of the Government of Finland and India, with the intention of bridging the healthcare skills gap, exploring joint program offerings, and enabling global placements.

Her work with Inspera, has revolutionized healthcare in India and helped universities embrace innovation. This gives students the opportunity to interact with recent developments in the present scenario to upskill themselves. As an accreditation expert, she has fostered collaborations, and promoted excellence in education, with her international partnerships paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in healthcare and research. Her commitment towards giving back to her community and addressing various inequalities are evident in her numerous social initiatives. Recognized globally for her contributions, Dr. Sharmila's tireless pursuit of excellence and dedication to social upliftment has transformed lives and continues to serve as an inspiration in the healthcare industry.

Could you please introduce us to Inspera and the work that you do there?

Inspera is an organization that focuses on providing internationally-established strategies to help universities increase their reach, revenue, and ranking. As the Founder and Managing Director of Inspera, I have dedicated my career to bridging the gaps in healthcare skills and transforming the way healthcare is delivered in India. Our aim is to revolutionize healthcare and help universities embrace innovation, bringing students opportunities to interact with recent developments, existing industry, and upskill themselves.

"Believe in yourself and your capabilities. Surround yourself with a strong support system and seek mentorship from individuals who inspire you. Remember that you have the power to make a difference and create positive change"

As a women business leader, what are some of the toughest challenges you encounter in today's times? And how do you overcome them?

One of the toughest challenges I encounter as a women business leader is the gender-based disparities that still exist in the healthcare industry. However, I believe that challenges are opportunities in disguise where. I am committed to empowering women and creating a future where no woman is denied the right to educate herself. To overcome these challenges, I stay focused on my vision, inspire women around me, and encourage them to be dedicated and determined individuals. It is essential to believe in oneself and not let societal barriers discourage us from pursuing our dreams.

Could you tell us about Parentteening, the enterprise you co-founded with your daughter Ashile?

Certainly! Parentteening is an enterprise that is dedicated to fostering strong relationships between parents and teens. Together with my daughter Ashile, we aim to impact the lives of thousands of children by instilling in them the belief that they have leadership potential. Through Parentteening, we inspire and empower teens to work towards achieving their goals. It's an initiative close to our hearts, as we believe that strong parent-teen relationships are crucial for personal and leadership development.

What would be your advice for upcoming women leaders?

Dr. Sharmila Anand: My advice for upcoming women leaders would be to embrace your passion and dedication. Pursue your dreams relentlessly and never let societal barriers hold you back. Believe in yourself and your capabilities. Surround yourself with a strong support system and seek mentorship from individuals who inspire you. Remember that you have the power to make a difference and create positive change. Stay focused on your goals and keep pushing forward, even when faced with challenges. Be confident in your abilities and never underestimate the impact you can make in your field.

Dr. Sharmila Anand, Founder & Managing Director, Parent Teening

MD -Medical Doctor having an M.Phil from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, and an MBA from the University of Colorado, Denver, Dr. Sharmila is a bestselling author, international consultant, inspirational speaker, and a woman leader with 20+ years of experience in the healthcare domain.