Exceptional women leaders embody resilience, vision, and unwavering determination, break­ing through barriers, inspiring transforma­tion, and championing inclusivity. Their di­verse backgrounds equip them to navigate complexity, foster innovation, and drive progress across various domains. These women redefine industries and serve as guiding lights for future generations. They encour­age us to challenge conventions, pursue excellence, and embrace boundless leadership. Exceptional wom­en leaders catalyze progress, illuminating the way for­ward.

Suma Dash, Director of Finance at Ashwini Hos­pital, epitomizes this exceptional leadership. With an electrical engineering degree from IIT Kharagpur and an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Suma boasts a robust foundation in en­gineering and global business perspectives. Her exten­sive expertise spans business strategy, data analysis, financial modeling, project management, operations, and stakeholder engagement. Suma's determination and collaborative problem-solving skills make her an invaluable asset, allowing her to establish priorities through analytical insights and foster robust relation­ships across organizations. In her role at Ashwini Hos­pital, Suma oversees a wide array of responsibilities, including finance, healthcare quality, standardization and accreditations, contributing significantly to the or­ganization's overall success.

In an exclusive interaction with Women Entrepre­neur, Suma Dash elucidates more about her profession­al journey and leadership traits.

Take us through your educational background and prior industry experience that you bring to the table.

I did my schooling in Odisha and pursued electrical engineering at IIT Kharagpur. This formative experi­ence not only provided me with a strong foundation in engineering fundamentals but also taught me ana­lytical thinking, logical reasoning, and practical prob­lem-solving. My engineering journey also gave me early exposure to thriving in a male-dominated envi­ronment, which proved pivotal in shaping my career confidence. Later, I pursued an MBA at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, offering a glob­al perspective and exposure to diverse industries and minds. This experience broadened my horizons and taught me the power of networks and thinking beyond geographical constraints.

My professional journey has been diverse, start­ing with a finance career at Lehman Brothers during the 2008 financial crisis. The experience of navigating such turbulent waters provided invaluable insights into crisis management. Subsequently, I ventured into consulting, working across various industries, includ­ing retail, pharma, architecture, education, and pri­vate equity, as well as healthcare. My career took an exciting turn when I joined Mass General Brigham, a major healthcare system in Massachusetts, USA. Here, I focused on research and the integration of AI into healthcare, contributing to the Center for Clinical Data Science, recognized in Time Magazine as home to the "40best minds in AI." These diverse experiences ultimately led me back to India, where I embraced my role as Director of Fi­nance at Ashwini Hospital. My ability to draw from multiple industries enriches my contributions to our family business, making me a resourceful leader with a wide array of skills and perspectives.

Tell us about the key areas of expertise you have developed over the years in the industry that empower you to be a better business leader today?

My diverse experiences across international and var­ied industries have cultivated vital qualities in me as a business leader. Exposure to different industries and global contexts has nurtured a fearlessness that is es­sential for entrepreneurship. I've learned that when faced with a problem if one approach doesn't work, there is often an alternative solution waiting to be dis­covered. This mindset empowers me not to be para­lyzed by fear when things don't go as planned. Instead, I embrace challenges as opportunities to explore inno­vative solutions and find a way forward. Further, my broad industry exposure has honed my ability to spot authenticity and expertise. Whether it's technology, artificial intelligence, machinery, medical equipment, marketing, or web development, my experience enables me to discern genuine competence from mere bluffing.

"My diverse experiences across international & varied industries have cultivated vital qualities in me as a business leader"

Introduce us to Ashwini Hospital. Tell us about the various responsibilities you shoulder as the firm’s Director of Finance.

Ashwini Hospital, a homegrown chain in Orissa, found­ed by my parents who are both doctors, has thrived for nearly 18 years. We've expanded to three hospitals in Bhubaneshwar, a Nursing and Allied medical science college, a Wellness Center, and a recent chain of phar­macies. While my finance background led me to be­come the Director of Finance, I also serve on a board of four directors. Beyond financial responsibilities, I over­see healthcare quality, standardization, and accredi­tations, emphasizing a culture of excellence. My role involves analyzing metrics to uphold high healthcare standards, including marketing and other miscella­neous duties. As a director, I wear multiple hats, ensur­ing the organization's holistic success.

Tell us about the top professional milestones that you have achieved throughout your journey.

My recent recognition by The Times Group as a Times Power Woman is a significant milestone. Moreover, achieving accreditation for all our hospitals sin­gle-handedly stands out, a notable achievement in a field where many struggle to do so without external assistance.

Tell us about the success mantra that you follow as a business leader.

My success mantra as a business leader revolves around taking one day at a time and being organized. In the business world, ideas and funding are important, but without these foundational principles, navigating challenges becomes exceedingly difficult. The key is to stay motivated, even when faced with setbacks, and remember that a new day brings new opportunities. Breaking down is not an option; perseverance is par­amount.

Suma Dash, Director - Finance, Ashwini Hospital

Motivated professional (MBA, engineer) with a diverse background and global perspective. Experience in business strategy, data analysis, financial modeling, project management, operations, and stakeholder management. Driven to collaboratively solve problems, establish priorities through analytical study, and build relationships by communicating at all levels across organizations.