Indian women financial journalists are making significant strides on the international stage, contributing their expertise and perspectives to global discourse. With a blend of cultural insight and professional acumen, they navigate complex financial landscapes, enriching reporting with diverse viewpoints. Notable figures like Rashmi Kumar, Founder of Write Track, exemplify this trend, elevating the representation of Indian women in international financial journalism, and fostering greater inclusivity and diversity in the field.

Rashmi Kumar is a seasoned financial journalist with over 13 years of experience and boasts a proven track record in reporting and writing. Her career spans a decade at London-based Euromoney Institutional Investor, where she held pivotal roles like Asia Editor of Global Capital and Editor of Asiamoney magazine, across Hong Kong and Singapore, until 2022. Transitioning to freelance writing, Rashmi founded Write Track in Singapore in November 2022, further showcasing her commitment to delivering high-quality journalism in the global financial landscape.

In an exclusive interaction with Women Entrepreneur Review, Rashmi Kumar elucidates more about her professional traits and leadership attributes.

Take us through your educational background. What led you to foray into the field of journalism with a keen specialization in finance?

My journey into journalism, particularly with a focus on finance, stems from a blend of educational pursuits and industry experiences that shaped my professional trajectory. It began with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism in Chennai, where internships with prominent media houses like The Hindu and CNN IBN provided invaluable insights into print and broadcast journalism, respectively. These experiences fueled my passion for reporting, particularly on an international scale, prompting me to pursue a Master's Degree in International Journalism from Cardiff University, specializing in broadcast journalism and business finance.

My familial exposure to the corporate sector, coupled with a realization of my intrinsic interest in finance, further steered my career path toward financial journalism. My initial stints in London, where I honed my skills through work experiences with financial publications and media houses, laid the groundwork for a deeper understanding of financial markets. Subsequent roles in Hong Kong and Singapore, with platforms like Global Capital and Asiamoney, allowed me to delve into everything within capital markets – spanning syndicated loans, debt capital markets and equity capital markets – eventually culminating in editorial leadership positions.

What led you to establish Write Track? Tell us about the underlying idea behind the platform and its areas of specialization.

Establishing Write Track in late 2022 marked a pivotal shift in my career after a decade with the Euromoney Group. The driving force behind this venture was a recognition of the scarcity of freelance financial journalists in Asia that possess both industry expertise and robust connections. Write Track emerged to bridge this gap, offering specialized financial writing and editing services. I work with leading B2B publications like Mergermarket, engage with esteemed content firms such as Resonate Global, and write thought leadership reports and papers for think-tanks like the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum. While Write Track’s primary focus remains on financial markets, we can also navigate diverse subjects, from food and wine to travel and lifestyle. Write Track is a reliable partner for firms seeking well-crafted, deadline-driven content tailored to the Asian financial landscape and beyond.

What are the key responsibilities you shoulder as the founder of Write Track?

As founder and sole proprietor of Write Track, my responsibilities encompass various facets. Driving growth is a primary focus, especially after a successful inaugural year. Scaling up revenue remains a key challenge for the upcoming year. While ongoing projects – be it writing, editing or moderating C-suite roundtables and webinars – keep us engaged, expanding into diverse subject matters beyond finance and exploring global markets for coverage are avenues for growth. Additionally, I am keen to explore potential partnerships with media consulting firms or freelance houses to leverage collaborative opportunities. The goal is to broaden Write Track's scope while maintaining a steady trajectory of growth and success.

What are some of the most critical challenges you encounter in your current role? What steps do you undertake to overcome these roadblocks?

Navigating the landscape of entrepreneurship as a sole proprietor brings unique challenges that require a resilient mindset and proactive strategies. Maintaining a steadfast determination and a positive outlook are crucial amidst the inherent instability of this role. Unexpected setbacks, such as clients transitioning to in-house staff or heightened industry competition, demand agile responses. To overcome these hurdles, strategic planning and forward-thinking are paramount. Cultivating a robust network, seeking advice from peers, and continuously seeking new opportunities are essential practices. Additionally, securing consistent sources of income while diversifying skills and expanding industry connections ensures resilience in the face of evolving market dynamics. Ultimately, it's about embracing adaptability and foresight to steer the business towards sustained growth and success.

Throw light on the most critical professional milestone you have achieved. What has been your success mantra?

My professional journey has been punctuated by key milestones, often stemming from a blend of fortuitous timing and diligence. For instance, my transition to Global Capital in Hong Kong arose from being in the right place at the right time, coupled with seizing the chance to interview for a compelling role. Similarly, my progression to the role of Asia editor stemmed from recognizing my capabilities and stepping up when the opportunity presented itself. Transitioning to freelancing was driven by identifying market gaps and embracing an entrepreneurial mindset.

Success, for me, has been a blend of seizing opportunities, hard work, and advocating for oneself. It's essential to foster leadership qualities like empathy, effective communication, and mentorship, particularly as an Asian woman navigating global financial spheres.

Advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs/ business leaders:

Aspiring women entrepreneurs and leaders should embrace a proactive mindset, be unafraid to voice their opinions and seek what they deserve. Continuous learning is key; don't stagnate or surround yourself with those less knowledgeable. Surround yourself with those who challenge and inspire. Seek advice from diverse perspectives, recognizing the value of learning from others' experiences. Acknowledge that learning is ongoing, and humility in seeking advice is a strength, fostering growth and informed decision-making.

Rashmi Kumar, Founder, Write Track

A seasoned financial journalist with over 13 years of experience, boasting a proven track record in reporting and writing. She believes that her success has been a blend of seizing opportunities, hard work, and advocating for oneself.