In any business, a leader plays a key role, setting the overarching goals, defining the company's mission, and leading the charge in creating a culture that aligns with these values. As the Founder & CEO of SHEQONOMI, Anu Bhardwaj embodies the fusion of these roles in driving forward a disruptive force. Anu's journey into entrepreneurship began during her academic pursuits, where she demonstrated a keen interest in high-growth women's entrepreneurship. Her experiences at institutions like Georgetown University and the National University of Singapore equipped her with a diverse skill set and a deep understanding of technology and entrepreneurship.

With a background spanning over two decades in startups and venture capital, Anu brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Her extensive experience in working with grassroots entrepreneurs across different regions has honed her ability to identify market opportunities and navigate complex ecosystems. As a Fulbright Scholar at IIT Bombay, Anu delved into researching global women's entrepreneurship and private equity, gaining invaluable insights into the dynamics of capital flows and innovation funding.

Anu's entrepreneurial journey has been marked by resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of innovation. From her early days as a private placement agent for global private equity funds to her current endeavors in blockchain technology and AI, she has consistently embraced new challenges and opportunities. Her strategic vision and technical acumen position SHEQONOMI for success in the rapidly evolving landscape of tech startups.

As SHEQONOMI's Founder & CEO, Anu spearheads the company's technological innovation, driving product development and market expansion. Her commitment to building scalable solutions and leveraging emerging technologies underscores her dedication to advancing the company's mission. With her leadership, SHEQONOMI is poised to revolutionize the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and gender equity. Let’s hear more from her.

What led you to establish SHEQONOMI? Tell us about the underlying idea behind this venture and its key areas of expertise.

The journey to establishing SHEQONOMI was a convergence of personal inspiration, collaborative networking, and a commitment to empowering women globally. It all began during the pandemic when my daughter Arya, just in third grade, sparked the idea for SHEQONOMI and became our first angel investor, divesting her college fund for our prototype. Through connections from a decade of developing Women Investing in Women DIGITAL, we assembled a team of both technical and domain experts to navigate our uncertain landscape during the Global Pandemic. From the outset, SHEQONOMI aimed to serve the bottom billion, providing accessible technology for women and girls worldwide.

Our app, designed for those without access to conventional devices, facilitates learning and engagement through podcasts, empowering users with reward tokens. Leveraging partnerships with NGOs, corporations, and governments, we launched initiatives like our Global Virtual Summit Series, 'Amplifying Her Voice', expanding our reach to 125 countries. Funding from sources like the Algorand Foundation and partnerships with entities like Reliance Jio accelerated our growth, enabling us to scale to 195 countries on KaiOS phones and launch our SHEQ token. Despite challenges, the support of our global team and partners fuels our determination to realize SHEQONOMI's vision of inclusive empowerment.

What have proven to be the most significant hurdles in your mission to empower women through your diverse endeavors? How do you navigate these obstacles?

Empowering women can sometimes be met with unexpected challenges, particularly from within our own gender. It's crucial to find a supportive community, those who stand by you even in your absence and refrain from tearing you down. Building this tribe is essential as we often find ourselves as our toughest critics. Seeking out women who uplift our voices, reveal unseen opportunities, and offer invaluable guidance is paramount. Equally important is cultivating a network of mentors, both men and women, whose values resonate with our personal and professional aspirations. These mentors not only provide wisdom but also contribute to shaping our life's purpose and professional legacy.

Illuminate the most significant professional milestone you've attained throughout your career journey. What guiding principles have propelled your success over the years?

A pivotal achievement in my career has been the establishment of SHEQONOMI, our podcast listening platform delivering 4,500 women-led podcasts in over 45 languages to women and girls worldwide, accessible even on low-cost feature phones across 195 countries. This initiative aims to empower women by providing tailored audio content on affordable devices. Collaborating with Reliance Jio in India has further expanded our reach, enabling access to our technology on JioBooks ($100 laptops) and Jio STB, in addition to JioNext Android phones. My guiding mantra revolves around dedication—pouring all available resources into endeavors until a compelling reason to halt arises. I firmly believe that success often entails navigating through challenges with unwavering commitment also known as grit and tenacity.

How do you anticipate the trajectory of women's empowerment and advancement unfolding on a global scale in the near future? What measures can the business community adopt to foster the empowerment of women worldwide?

Enhancing women's representation and influence, particularly within the corporate realm, stands as a pressing imperative. Currently, women face significant disparities, from underrepresentation in top leadership positions to inadequate funding and compensation in technical fields. Rectifying these disparities is crucial for maximizing global economic prosperity. Notably, statistics indicate that when women earn more, they reinvest a substantial portion—70 percent—into their families and communities. Projections suggest that women entrepreneurs could catalyze a staggering $30 trillion in global economic growth by 2030. To catalyze this transformation, businesses must prioritize investment in women-led enterprises, amplify their voices through accessible mediums like podcasts, and leverage AI to ensure equitable hiring practices. These concerted efforts are essential for fostering an environment where women can thrive and contribute to sustainable economic development on a global scale.

Advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs/ business leaders:

Be crystal clear on your career goals and find a wide array of mentors, both male and female, who will help you diversify your skills, your reach, and professional industries because your network is your net worth.

Anu Bhardwaj, Founder & CEO, Sheqonomi

Anu Bhardwaj is the Founder & CEO of SHEQONOMI, democratizing podcast technology to empower women globally leveraging deep tech such as Web3 and AI. With a background in startups and venture capital, she champions accessible tech solutions. Anu's vision drives SHEQONOMI's mission to amplify women's voices and foster economic growth in developed economies in addition to the bottom billion.