Events

Zee Media had its Global innovation and leadership summit at the House of Lords, London and presented Lata Gullapalli for services to the MSME sector in finance and innovation.

HBBA Global

🎉 🎉 🎉 Welcome Our Newest HBBA GLOBAL Member: Lata Gullapalli

👏 Please join us in welcoming Lata Gullapalli, Chairperson of The Savoir Faire Company, to HBBA Global.

💼 About Lata:
Lata is an investment banker with over 25 years of international experience in mergers and acquisitions, financial restructuring, and capital raising across South Asia, Russia, the USA, and the UK. She has advised companies on major transactions, designed capital-raising products, built and managed startups, led joint ventures, and taken a company public through an IPO.

She serves as a Non-Executive Director on several commercial and nonprofit boards and chairs audit and risk committees.

💡 Mentorship & Impact:
A significant part of Lata’s work focuses on mentoring women, especially in rural communities. She has developed and led multi-award-winning programs that support women entrepreneurs in achieving sustainable financial independence, contributing to long-term community development and aligning with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals.

👉 Lata also teaches her course, “How to Think,” to senior leaders, entrepreneurs, bankers, and university students in several countries. She speaks on mentorship for women in leadership and has recently joined the Envoy Circle at UN Women UK.

Education & Writing:
Lata holds qualifications in corporate law, financial strategy, taxation, and economics, and has an MBA from INSEAD in France.

She is also an award-winning author of fiction and nonfiction and is currently writing a long novel.

👥 Community Work:
She serves on the board of the Gandhi Ashram Trust, supporting education for underprivileged children and young people across more than 300 schools and 26 institutes, and contributes to the organization’s restructuring and redevelopment efforts.

Lata remains committed to supporting underprivileged women, children, and youth in building the confidence and capability to pursue their goals.

The HWR Khozem Merchant Non-Fiction Fellowship

OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS!

The HWR Khozem Merchant Non-Fiction Fellowship aims to ‘institutionalize courage’ and encourage writers to tell stories that move our society forward. We encourage lived-experience narratives and those that offer solutions to our many challenges as a nation.

Selected Fellows will:
- Attend a writing Masterclass with Jerry Pinto (6-10 May, 2026).
- Attend a 21-day writing residency in the Himalayas (July 9-20, 2026).
- Receive financial support: ₹50,000 + ₹20,000 travel fund.
- Get year-long support and guidance from a seasoned editor, Himanjali Sankar.
- Submit their finished manuscripts to Penguin Random House India by 30th April, 2027.

Penguin will look at the finished manuscripts and may offer a publishing deal.

Non-fiction Writers in the following categories can apply:
Personal Narratives | True Accounts | Lived Experiences | Biographies | Memoirs | History | Narrative Non-Fiction | Investigative Journalism

Open to Indian citizens and residents aged 25 and above, writing in English.

Application Deadline: 10th February, 2026.

Penguin Random House India Khozem Merchant Chetan Mahajan

Aparna Piramal Raje Lata Gullapalli Saumya Roy Rishi Khanna

When Women Lead, Communities Rise

Some women don’t wait for permission to create change.
They notice a gap, a need, a pain point… and they step into it with courage that reshapes entire communities.

These are the women who turn personal struggles into systems of support, quiet acts into movements, and everyday compassion into long-term change.

On UPDEED, we’ve had the privilege of seeing their work up close through the campaigns they run.

What they build isn’t temporary.
It’s structured, intentional, and designed to lift others long after the spotlight fades.

This post is a small tribute to women who lead with purpose and never stop showing up for others. Their impact speaks for itself, we’re simply making sure the world can see it.

Featuring:
🩷 Preethi Srinivas
🩷 Lata Gullapalli
🩷 Garima Rai
🩷 Mosunmola Dosunmu
🩷 Enddy Sunny-Udjor

Global Leadership Summit at Oxford University

She was invited to participate in the Global Leadership Summit held at University of Oxford, hosted at Keble College. The summit brought together leaders, thinkers, and innovators working at the cutting edge of diverse fields, including healthcare, artificial intelligence, education, and beyond, fostering rich dialogue and cross-sector exchange.

A highlight of the summit was the presentation of the Global Leadership Award, conferred jointly by Oxford University and the Global Leadership Summit, recognising her leadership and contributions across sectors.

The occasion carried a strong sense of nostalgia, as it marked a return to Oxford — a place of long-held significance. Having earlier been accepted to Trinity College and to pursue business studies at Saïd Business School, circumstances had once led her instead to INSEAD. Returning to Oxford in this context felt like a meaningful moment of completion, as though the wheel had turned favourably with time.

She expressed deep gratitude to Oxford University and Keble College for hosting the summit and for the honour and warmth extended throughout the event.

Women in Treasury & Finance EMEA Forum 2025

Change is not something we achieve alone. Together, we've shown that progress happens." Take a look back at some of the key highlights from our Women in Treasury & Finance EMEA Forum in London.

Inspiring Youth Leadership and Sustainable Change at the National Youth Convention

As a Trustee and Advisory Board member of Harijan Sevak Sangh, the Chairperson of The Savoir Faire Company, Lata Gullapalli, was invited as a Distinguished Chair to the National Youth Convention held at Harijan Sevak Sangh from 18–21 November 2025. The convention was jointly organised by Harijan Sevak Sangh and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

The convention was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and presided over by Sankar Kumar Sanyal, Chairman of Harijan Sevak Sangh.

During the convention, Lata Gullapalli addressed the youth on the theme of change — with a strong emphasis on sustainable change — encouraging young people to become leaders of their own destinies and to consciously craft individualised life journeys that enable them to truly live their dreams.

Teams from Harijan Sevak Sangh across the country participated in the convention, sharing experiences and stories of grassroots impact. Delegates also visited the Kasturba Museum, a site noted for its deeply moving atmosphere and historical significance.

The convention additionally featured a khadi and handcraft fair, with artisans from across India showcasing traditional skills and craftsmanship.

The Savoir Faire Company expressed pride in its ongoing work toward sustainable social change in Rajasthan and other regions — a meaningful connection, as Rajasthan is also the home state of the Hon’ble Minister for Culture and Tourism.

Driving Impactful Growth Through Industry and Government Collaboration

When the Confederation of Indian Industry comes together with the Government of India’s sunrise state, Andhra Pradesh, the result is a powerful convergence of vision, leadership, and action. The event featured an outstanding lineup of industry leaders and sparked conversations that were intense, forward-looking, and sharply focused on execution — the kind that drives meaningful, sustainable change in people’s lives.

The engagement strongly aligned with her ongoing work at the intersection of financial independence and economically sustainable social impact, spanning multiple states in India as well as international initiatives. The discussions reinforced the importance of purpose-driven growth backed by practical, results-oriented collaboration.

There was also significant interest in the “How to Think” course she teaches to senior bankers, leaders, entrepreneurs, and students — highlighting a growing demand for structured thinking, decision-making, and leadership development across sectors.

The event enabled valuable interactions with industry peers, business leaders, and colleagues, with several conversations progressing toward concrete next steps. The exchange of ideas and learnings proved both energising and constructive, setting the stage for the next phase of growth and collaboration.

Location: Visakhapatnam, November 2025.

A Personal Reflection on India’s Journey to a Vikasit Bharat

It is often said that one can take the Indian out of India, but never India out of the Indian — a sentiment that resonated deeply during a recent visit to Delhi. While attending meetings, she found a brief pause in her schedule and chose to visit the Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya, the Prime Minister’s Museum.

Distinct from any other museum experience, the Sangrahalaya presents a magnificently curated journey through India’s post-Independence history since 1947, blending history, geography, civics, and governance through bite-sized narratives, immersive audio-visuals, and virtual experiences. The clarity, objectivity, and thoughtful storytelling made it both fascinating to relearn familiar chapters and discover lesser-known moments that have shaped the nation.

A particularly powerful section traced the past decade, highlighting India’s determined push toward self-reliance through “Make in Bharat.” From indigenous manufacturing of trains, engines, and advanced defence equipment to warships, satellites, and launch vehicles, the scale and sophistication of progress stood as a compelling testament to India’s technological and industrial transformation.

The journey from a newly independent nation to a confident, Vikasit and Atmanirbhar Bharat evoked a deep sense of pride. This transformation mirrors the changes she continues to witness firsthand through her projects across rural communities, where women and local groups are experiencing dramatic, sustainable, and financially impactful progress. The same sense of transformation is evident in her work with senior leaders, where learning and perspective shifts prove equally powerful.

Adding a lighter yet memorable dimension to the visit was the immersive VR experience, enjoyed alongside schoolchildren, offering close-up encounters with modern defence technology. This moment carried a sense of nostalgia, recalling an earlier visit to the original aircraft carrier Vikrant and the awe inspired by its vast flight deck.

The experience concluded on a charming note, with vibrant kite displays on the museum lawns symbolising freedom, aspiration, and continuity. The visit stood as a heartfelt reminder of India’s journey — past, present, and future — and a quiet expression of gratitude to a nation that continues to inspire.

Empowering Entrepreneurs at Enterprising Bharat 2025

At the invitation of Young India, part of the Confederation of Indian Industry, and the Incubation Centre for Startups at Bhagavatula Charitable Trust, the Chairperson of The Savoir Faire Company, Lata Gullapalli, participated in the Enterprising Bharat event held in Visakhapatnam on 30 and 31 October 2025.

During the event, she served as a panellist in two key discussions — one focused on building stronger bridges between incubators, mentors, and startups, and the other on finance and resource planning for startups. These sessions featured a distinguished group of experts from institutions including the Institute of Rural Management Anand, IIMA Ventures, Aspire For Her, GITAM, Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship, and Founder CEOs. The discussions were rich with insights and practical approaches to addressing real-world challenges faced by startup entrepreneurs.

On Day 2, Lata Gullapalli was also part of the jury for the startup pitch competition, evaluating emerging ventures and engaging closely with founders. The networking evening that followed created an open and engaging forum, allowing entrepreneurs to interact freely with industry leaders in an informal “ask-me-anything” setting.

A particularly proud highlight for the organisation was the participation of women entrepreneurs mentored by The Savoir Faire Company under the Foundation for Entrepreneurship, in collaboration with the Bhagavatula Charitable Trust. These women entrepreneurs not only set up stalls to showcase and sell their food products — many of which sold out — but their products were also included in gift bags distributed to all delegates to take home.

The success and visibility of these products even prompted curiosity at the airport, where security personnel enquired about the occasion, noticing a large number of travellers carrying bags filled with items such as pickles and honey.

The organisation extends its heartfelt appreciation to these women entrepreneurs for their trust and dedication, and to their mentors, Programme Director Prabhavathy, and Programme Coordinators Ramana, Naidu, and Nageswara Rao, whose guidance has been instrumental in their entrepreneurial success.

Expanding Entrepreneurial Empowerment in Andhra Pradesh

Following the outstanding success of its first centre for women entrepreneurs — where over 180 women were mentored and have gone on to establish and successfully run their own businesses — The Savoir Faire Company marked a significant milestone with the expansion of the programme to four additional centres in Yellamanchili, Andhra Pradesh. The expansion was formally inaugurated by Vijay Kumar Sundarapu, whose support has been instrumental to the initiative’s growth.

The Chairperson, Lata Gullapalli, addressed the women entrepreneurs at the event and expressed heartfelt appreciation for their trust in The Savoir Faire Company as a partner in their entrepreneurial journeys.

With the establishment of these five centres, the programme is expected to mentor and support approximately 10,000 women and men. While initially focused on women entrepreneurs, the initiative has also inclusively welcomed men, in response to community interest and the strong outcomes demonstrated by the women-led enterprises.

The organisation extends its sincere gratitude to Shri Vijay Kumar Sundarapu for his continued encouragement and for delivering an inspiring address to both past and current mentees during the occasion.

The event was attended by Programme Director K Prabhavathi, Programme Coordinators Nageshwara Rao, Naidu, and Ramana. Members of the Bhagavatula Charitable Trust governing body, Sree Ram Murty and Shambhu Prasad, were also present.

Coverage by local media further amplified awareness of the initiative, marking an important step toward expanding its reach and impact within the region.

White PageLeadership Conclave 2025

We’re thrilled to announce that the 14th Leadership Conclave 2025 in Riyadh was an absolute hit! The panel on “Secret Sauce of Women's Leadership in Business & Technology-Leveraging Unique Strengths for Impact" sparked an electric exchange of fresh ideas and bold perspectives, leaving the audience inspired and energized.

Featuring an impressive lineup of visionaries— Lata Gullapalli, Dr. Nebila Dhieb, Yogita Tulsiani, Yuga L—this session was skillfully steered by none other than the renowned leadership expert Abhimanyu Ghosh.

From redefining the traits of tomorrow’s leaders to mapping out success strategies for a fast-evolving world, the discussions were nothing short of enlightening!

Young India CII and Enterprising Bharat, Visakhapatnam, India

Enterprising Bharat Season 3 is here, and we are excited! With the key theme being ‘Building for the next billion’, it’s fascinating to look back at where it all started.

"Enterprising Bharat - Bridging Rural - Urban Divide" came about in partnership with CII - Young Indians Vizag chapter in 2023. The response overwhelmed us! The first edition had over 700 participants & 30 speakers while the second edition was workshop mode with over 330 participants, 88 pitches, 27 finalists and 10 incubated startups.

Now we gear up for the third season! With a saturated English-speaking population, and a wave of AI coming at us, a new world of untapped possibilities awaits, especially from Tier II & III cities and rural areas.

Enterprising Bharat 3 keeps this in mind and brings a great lineup of speakers, each an achiever and a leader. So do be a part and hear experts share their journeys, as you chart yours.

Date: 30th & 31st October
Venue: MRC Kakatiya Convention Center
Timings: 10am – 6pm

Vision, Energy, and Purpose at Invest in Sharjah

The Invest in Sharjah event reflected an inspiring vision, strong collective commitment, and a clear sense of purpose — a vision that is steadily and surely becoming reality. The atmosphere was charged with high energy and innovative thinking, guided by the leadership of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, whose forward-looking approach set the tone for meaningful dialogue and action.

Conversations with the teams from Sheraa and American University of Sharjah highlighted a deeply human and thoughtful approach to growth and progress — one rooted in mentorship, inclusive development, and sustained investment in broad-based education.

The event sparked fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm, underscoring the power of collaboration and purpose-driven leadership. Warm congratulations are extended to Team Sharjah for their remarkable efforts, with sincere thanks to Farah London for her support and engagement.

INSEAD Alumni

One of the highlights of the INSEAD Alumni Association UK calendar is our Champagne Reception at the House of Lords, held in the historic Palace of Westminster.

This year’s gathering was extra special — a chance to reconnect, exchange ideas, and celebrate the INSEAD spirit in one of the most iconic settings in the country. Post-pandemic, the event has only grown stronger, bringing together alumni across generations and industries to share experiences, build connections, and enjoy an unforgettable evening.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening such a success. Events like this remind us of the power of the INSEAD community — a network that is global, dynamic, and inspiring.

Here’s to many more memorable moments together.

Women in Treasury & Finance EMEA Forum 2025

Today has been so insightful, a big thank you to our speakers Madeline McQueen Lata Gullapalli Joanna Bonnett Cara Savas and Ambareen Morshed for sharing their personal journeys and experiences with us all.

Thank you to all that have been part of our Women in Treasury EMEA Forum 2025.

Advancing Gender Equality Through Global Action

She has joined the UN Women UK Envoy Circle, a collective of engaged individuals committed to accelerating gender equality for all women and girls, while also supporting those affected by crisis through the Women’s Emergency Fund.

The Women’s Emergency Fund plays a vital role in helping women and girls rebuild and restore their lives, bringing attention to overlooked crises and directing critical aid to emergencies that often remain outside the global spotlight.

As an active member of the Envoy Circle, she is committed to learning, listening, and taking action alongside a global network of changemakers. The engagement offers meaningful opportunities to connect deeply with the work of UN Women worldwide — from in-depth briefings and curated visits to UN Women field missions, to participation in global convenings at the United Nations Headquarters.

She values being part of a community that goes beyond traditional philanthropy — one that prioritises engagement, collaboration, and driving tangible, lasting change for women and girls globally.

Leadership, Collaboration, and Recognition at the Asian Business Forum

It was a privilege to participate in the Asian Business Forum held in Riyadh, alongside leaders, change-makers, ambassadors, and forward-thinking visionaries who are driving meaningful and impactful change across the region and beyond.

The forum featured an engaging panel discussion with distinguished voices including Nebila Dhieb, Yogita Tulsiani, and Yugandhara Lad, expertly moderated by Abhimanyu Ghosh. The exchange of ideas highlighted collaboration, leadership, and innovative approaches to sustainable growth.

A key highlight of the event was the recognition of Lata Gullapalli, Chairperson, who received the Asian Powerleader Award 2025 for exemplary achievement and contributions to economic growth across Asia. The award was presented by Yazeed Alotaibi, Saudi Deputy Minister, in association with White Page International and the World Centre for Research and Consulting.

The forum marked an important milestone and opened new avenues for collaboration, reinforcing a shared commitment to impactful leadership and cross-border partnerships.

Treasury today awards 2025, london

Excitement is building for our Women in Treasury & Finance EMEA Forum next week. We look forward to joining our speakers Madeline McQueen, Lata Gullapalli, Joanna Bonnett, Cara Savas and Ambareen Morshed for an inspiring discussion on diversity.

Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Impact

Some leaders make headlines. Others make history.

As trustee of the Gandhi Ashram (Harijan Sevak Sangh (Kingsway Camp) Sangh, founded by Kasturba & Mahatma Gandhi in 1932), Lata Gullapalli is safeguarding a century-old legacy while preparing it for the next generation.

Her journey, from investment banking to institution building, is a powerful reminder that quiet, consistent work creates lasting change.

For over 25 years, Lata Gullapalli built her career in international finance. Today, she applies that same rigor and discipline to a different stage, carrying forward the Gandhian legacy of education, dignity, and social inclusion

At UPDEED, we believe changemakers like Lata are proof that true leadership is measured not by deals but by the futures we build, and we’re honored to share her story with the world.

Gandhi Ashram event

She extends her sincere thanks to Sankar Dada, Chairman of Harijan Sevak Sangh, for encouraging her to make the short but meaningful visit to Chennai. During the visit, she attended the inauguration of the Nirmala Deshpande Hostel for Women by the Governor, marking an important milestone in support of women’s empowerment.

She also had the privilege of meeting Arif Mohammed Khan, Governor of Bihar, whose address — enriched with insights from the Bhagavad Gita — offered thoughtful perspectives on cooperation, collaboration, and values essential for meaningful and economically sustainable impact today.

The visit further provided the opportunity to engage with inspiring leaders, including Deepa Venkat of the Swarna Bharat Foundation, Kodandarama Dasji of the Akshaya Patra Foundation, and the dynamic Maruti and Sundaravadivelu of the Gandhi Ashram Tamil Nadu.

She also conveys her appreciation to Nareshji Yadav for facilitating these valuable introductions, which continue to strengthen collaborative efforts toward sustainable social change.

Art for Hope event

She expresses her deep and humble gratitude to the artists, the Bikaner House team, the donors, senior colleagues from Harijan Sevak Sangh, and the many wonderful people who attended the exhibition. She also extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who reached out through messages, calls, and notes of encouragement, showing their care and support in countless meaningful ways.

Special appreciation is shared for Dr. Sankar Kumar Sanyal, Chairman of Harijan Sevak Sangh, for attending the exhibition and addressing the guests and artists with his inspiring words.

The warm endorsement from the Bikaner House team — welcoming the possibility of hosting another exhibition at any time — stands as a deeply gratifying affirmation of the initiative’s success.

The exhibition reflects a shared commitment to high-impact social change, financial independence, and long-term sustainability — goals that are not only achievable but central to the ongoing effort to include and empower more people in this collective journey.

Art for Hope and Updeed

We're incredibly proud to shine a spotlight on "Art for Hope" - a transformative global fundraising campaign, now LIVE on the UPDEED.

This powerful initiative is championed by the visionary Lata Gullapalli, a global investment banker, impact strategist, and boardroom leader.

Art for Hope unites over 200 original works by Indian atypical artists, where every piece is directly tied to a profound cause.

A Milestone Art Exhibition

As preparations begin for the exhibition opening tomorrow, with many works already sold, she steps into the event with growing confidence. While she has extensive experience in product design, mergers and acquisitions, and finance and strategy consulting, this initiative marks several meaningful firsts — fundraising for charities, hosting an art sale online, and curating her first art exhibition in a gallery.

The iconic Bikaner House provides a beautiful and fitting venue for this milestone event. She extends her heartfelt gratitude to the supporters, artists, and the many friends and family members who have been a constant source of encouragement and strength throughout this journey.

With their good wishes, the exhibition opens tomorrow.

Empowering Communities - One Step at a Time

On 22nd July 2025, I had the opportunity to visit the Community Activity Center, Tulsi Nagar (Delhi). This center, supported by 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 and 𝐌𝐮𝐤𝐮𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐡𝐚𝐯 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐌𝐌𝐅), is dedicated to assisting children and families from the nearby railway slum communities.

𝐌𝐬. 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐆𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢, a seasoned investment banker with over two decades of experience in mergers and acquisitions across South Asia, Russia, and the UK, actively participated in the visit. Known for her sharp strategic and financial acumen, she engaged with the children and their families and shared the following key suggestions with the women present:

Reflections from Last Night’s Meetup with Lata Gullapalli: Trust, Change, and the Work Within

An amazing night, amazing people, and an amazing message.

No this has nothing to do with spiderman but it does contain superheroes.

This incredible talk by Lata was both personal and inspiring, with real guidence for us in how we make change work.

Here is my write up of the event....

Unicorn Summit

Capital. Courage. Change.

Last week we spilled the truth about all three at the Unicorn Summit - Portugal you were electric

Mirela Sula Katrina Victoria Gumaya Lata Setty Geeta Sidhu-Robb Lata Gullapalli Nuno Martins, PhD - what a powerhouse panel to share the stage (and a few unapologetically honest laughs) with.

A few gems we left on the Alfa Stage: • Capital is plentiful. Integrity isn’t - be very careful whose money you take! • Courage looks messy up close - support others and bring them on the journey with you. • Change and adaptability are critical in all start up journeys.

Every stage I step on, I bring the same promise: say it straight, keep it real, and push for braver ideas and smarter money moves.

Unicorn Summit - thank you for reminding us that connection beats competition every time

Got an audience that needs the investor’s perspective, a truth bomb or two, and a little humour on top? You know where to find me

"To be able to make a difference, with my own experience and background is wonderful in itself." Read how Lata Gullapalli at Savoir Faire Company won Champion of Change EMEA Overall Winner at the 2025 Within Awards.

Strengthening UK–Panama Collaboration at the House of Lords

She was delighted to attend the UK–Panama Business Forum held at the House of Lords, organised and spearheaded by Baroness Uddin, whose leadership and energy set the tone for a highly impactful engagement.

The forum brought together key stakeholders, including Ambassador Martinelli and his team, along with industry participants, to explore cooperative and collaborative pathways for future UK–Panama business engagement. The discussions were constructive, forward-looking, and focused on practical ways to unlock mutual opportunities.

Valuable regional insights were also shared by Andrew John Mullen, Head of the UK–Panama Business Council, who offered a compelling perspective on the region’s evolving economic landscape.

The event was seamlessly delivered by Farah London, whose distinctive approach ensured meaningful dialogue and strong connections among participants.

The forum concluded with a shared sense of optimism, as several high-impact ventures discussed during the session are expected to move toward implementation in the near future.

In Person Meetup is back!
First session is at Just Eat in Central London on July 8th at 6pm BST.

This is a chance to get back to the community, build those live long relationships, and rebuild the glory days of making organisations and working life better again.

This talk is by Lata Gullapalli, a Board Director, Former COO, Investor, Non- Executive Director, Culture Champion.

She will be exploring how it is not what we are changing to that matters but how we respond.

This is a huge opportunity to not only connect with each other, but to hear from an executive point of view on what is important about change, culture, and change management.

As always, this meetup is for those looking for the next thing, the cutting edge, the quality voice.

If you are wondering where change is going and whether you still have a role, then come along and explore.

🚨 FREE MASTERCLASS – This Thursday! 🚨
Allies and Sponsors: Who Do We Need and Do We Really Need Them?
🗓 Thursday, 5th June 2025
🕠 5:30 PM BST | Online Meeting


In a world filled with buzzwords like hashtag#mentor, hashtag#ally, and hashtag#sponsor, it’s time to get real.

💡 In this interactive session hosted by Mirela Sula (CEO/Founder of Global Woman) Lata Gullapalli is her special guest speaker 🎙️(Consultant, Chair & Non-Executive Director)

As a Consultant, Chair, and Non-Executive Director, Lata specializes in financial restructuring, private equity placements, and M&A advice. She is passionate about empowering women through mentorship programs in rural areas and among senior leaders, while also developing educational restructuring initiatives in developing countries. Lata is committed to investing in high-growth businesses, particularly in finance and renewable energy, and she provides invaluable guidance to entrepreneurs on strategic decisions. With a remarkable track record across both corporate and NGO sectors, Lata has coauthored a book on the COVID-19 pandemic and is a successful fiction author. Her expertise, coupled with her MBA from Insead and CFA (I) and ACS credentials, makes her a powerful voice for change

In this free masterclass you’ll explore:

✨ What these roles actually mean for YOU
✨ How to nurture the relationships that fuel your growth
✨ What you bring to the table – and what to expect in return
✨ The bold question: Do we even need allies and sponsors?

✅ Discover how to build meaningful, authentic relationships in business and life.

☀️ It was the summer of 2016…

I was in the thick of things as hashtag#CHRO for McKinsey Digital Labs.

I had just begun to find my rhythm—when everything accelerated. Transformation was underway, expectations were rising, and my team looked to me to lead with clarity and calm.

But truthfully? I was everywhere.

In meetings.
In decisions.
In people’s emotions.

And yet—rarely in my own headspace.

No time to pause.
No time to think deeply.

I often found myself wondering—
How do other leaders sort themselves out?
Who helps them reset when they’re holding it all together for everyone else?

Back then, I didn’t know the answer.

So, I did what many of us do—I figured it out on my own.

I doubled down on self-learning.
I experimented.
I spoke senior leaders internally but never ventured outside the firm for growth conversations.

And while it made me stronger, it was also lonely...very lonely.

I did those because I didn’t know any better.

But now? Things are different.

Today, we have spaces like CII IWN—where mentorship is just a moment away, support is one call away, and sisterhood blooms the moment you open up.

A precious safe space where presence is not just expected, but nurtured.

That’s why I’m so thrilled to be moderating this conversation.

🎙️ Lead with Power, Purpose, and Presence with the wonderful Lata Gullapalli, hosted by CII IWN Karnataka.

As an HR leader, coach, and podcaster, I can’t wait to unpack what it means to lead with soul, not just strategy—and how we can create leadership journeys that are bold, balanced, and beautifully supported. 💬 If this resonates with your path—or someone you know—invite them in. It’s time we stop leading alone.

Jordanian National Commission for Women

Youths are tearing up for change!

The Jordanian National Committee for Women today re-shape its youthful core, which was initially founded in 2019, and organized a training workshop for its members on the concepts of management, difference in work environments and equality of opportunities, given by trainer Lata Goulabali in cooperation with DEI.

This is in the presence of the Assistant Secretary General for Technical Affairs, Dr. Nasreen Al-Sayed, on behalf of the Honorable Secretary General of the Committee. It's the first nuclear activity this year.

The number of members of the reconstructed youth core is 27 young men and women, from different provinces of the kingdom, from diverse backgrounds and stages of operation, where the committee made sure to meet specific criteria; reaching out to active and influential young people in their local communities to act as NCC ambassadors in their provinces, carrying the vision and mission of the commission in a reality development Jordanian women and promoting the principles of diversity, inclusion and justice that they seek.

The Committee re-shape the network with the aim of activating its role in women issues, by building the capacities of its members, honing their skills and engaging them in programmes and campaigns carried out by the Committee; believing in the importance of youth role in change making.

The committee extends its thanks and appreciation to the former members of the Youth Core, and for their contributions, we wish them continued success and success.

Event Global Woman Summit 2025

This right here is just a glimpse of the magic.

These powerhouse women… Alina Hlipca-Radovici, Deborah Henderson, Dr. Julie Qualter, Farah Shammas, Jo Elvin, Judi Paré, Kathrina Victoria Gumaya, Lata Gullapalli, Micaela Passeri, and Dr. Yasmin Saad—are just some of the inspiring voices taking the stage at this year’s Global Woman Summit.

Each one brings a unique perspective, deep wisdom, and a fire to lead with purpose.

And the best part? This is just the beginning. There are so many more incredible speakers joining this transformational event.

It’s all happening June 27–29, 2025 in London, and we are beyond excited to be in the room.

If you’ve been craving community, leadership with soul, and a room full of world-changing women… This is it.

Lata Gullapalli in Disruptors 4

“Being a woman in a male-dominated industry has presented obstacles in my journey, with the ratio being something like one woman to 10,000 men. I have also worked in regions with different languages and work cultures. I tackled these challenges by learning the languages where necessary and focusing 300% on my work, which was evident in my professionalism.” - Lata Gullapalli

Lata Gullapalli is an investment banker specializing in mergers and acquisitions, with over 25 years of experience in South Asia, Russia, and the U.K. She serves as a Non-Executive Director on the boards of five companies, both commercial and non-profit, and is the Chairperson and on the audit and remuneration committees for a Nasdaq-listed company.

“To remain resilient and motivated amid setbacks and resistance, I turn inward to reflect on my abilities and channel my energy into ensuring my work is cutting-edge, meeting and exceeding expectations.” - Lata Gullapalli

Read more about Lata Gullapalli in Disruptors 4, which features stories of women who are challenging the status quo and creating positive change. Get a copy of Disruptors 4 here:

24-28 July 2025

Charity Fundraiser Art sale | 24-28 July 2025 in New Delhi, India

The Savoir Faire Company and Lata Gullapalli, Trustee for HSS and BCT, in association with Indian Art Circle, invite you to an exhibition and sale of Indian art at Centre for Contemporary Art Bikaner house, Pandara Road, New Delhi, 110001.

The funds are for

1. Rebuilding the Harijan Seva Sangh, (HSS) an institution set up by Kasturba and M K Gandhi in 1932, running 300 schools and 20 institutes all over India for the underprivileged children and young persons.
2. Expanding the Grameena Project at Bhagavatula Charitable Trust (BCT) that runs mentorship programs for women entrepreneurs in rural areas.
3. Building a school building for senior school in Haripuram village.

We warmly invite you to come and view the artworks at Bikaner House and purchase them to fund these projects. You are invited to donate to them as well, if you so choose.

The complete catalogue of artworks is available upon request from Lata Gullapalli on latag@yahoo.com or WhatsApp on +447986803670. Please also contact Lata for purchasing the artworks or making a donation.

Thank you for your support.

New Partnership

Collaborating with Youth Academy to empower underserved communities.