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Dr Saundarya Rajesh
Founder-President at Avtar The Power of Diversity, Work Culture Strategist, Author of "The 99 Day Diversity Challenge", "Conversations with the Career Doctor"
Dr. Saundarya Rajesh is a prominent Indian entrepreneur, social activist, and thought leader, best known as the Founder-Chairman of BRUHAT Insights Global and the President of the Avtar Group. She has made significant contributions to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, particularly focusing on creating opportunities for women.
Background and Education
Born in 1968, Dr. Rajesh holds a degree in English literature from Madras University and an MBA from the Pondicherry School of Management. She later completed her PhD, focusing on women's workforce participation. Her academic pursuits include scholarships such as the Chevening Scholarship from the UK and participation in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) from the US.23
Career Achievements
In 2000, Dr. Rajesh founded Avtar Career Creators, which later evolved into Flexi Careers India Limited. Under her leadership, Avtar has become a leading organization in DEI initiatives in India. She has also launched several other enterprises, including BRUHAT Insights Global—aimed at leveraging AI for human resources to reduce bias and enhance workplace inclusivity.123
Dr. Rajesh is known for her innovative concepts like "Career Intentionality" and "Career Re-entry," which focus on helping women re-enter the workforce after career breaks. Her efforts in this domain have earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of the '100 Women Achievers of India' by the Government of India in 2016.34
Publications and Recognition
She is the author of two influential books: The 99 Day Diversity Challenge: Creating an Inclusive Workplace (2018) and Conversations with the Career Doctor: Women Thriving and Winning at Work (2024). Her first book received several awards, including recognition as Book of the Year by the Indian Society for Training & Development.23
Dr. Rajesh's work has been acknowledged through various awards such as the WebWonderWomen Award and the Winds of Change Award from the Forum on Workplace Inclusion.3 She frequently speaks at national and international conferences on topics related to DEI and women's empowerment.
In summary, Dr. Saundarya Rajesh's dedication to fostering inclusive workplaces and empowering women has positioned her as a leading figure in India's socio-economic landscape.
