From Classroom to Boardroom: Guiding Women to Lead Their Own Lives

By Sridevi J Founder of SRi ViYUG, Business Transformation Expert & VIYUG Coach We often talk about women's empowerment, but what does it actually look like in everyday life? 

For generations, women in our society have been placed into neat boxes: the obedient student, the dedicated homemaker, the hardworking employee. But what happens when a woman dreams of more? What happens when she has a brilliant idea for a business, but is held back by family restrictions, a lack of guidance, or her own deep-rooted self-doubt? 

My mission is very simple: to hold her hand and guide her from the Classroom to the Boardroom. I want every woman to realize that she does not need permission to be the CEO of her own destiny. 

The IT Industry: A Catalyst for Change 

My journey of large-scale transformation began in the corporate sector, specifically serving the IT industry. The tech world is fast-paced and high-pressure, and it requires professionals who are not just technically skilled, but mentally resilient. 

Working extensively in offline corporate environments, I saw firsthand how many talented individuals—especially women—were struggling to break through their own glass ceilings. They had the degrees, but they lacked the strategic guidance to navigate corporate politics, assert their worth, and step into leadership roles. This realization fueled my passion for professional transformation. 

Overcoming Fear with "Stage-Wise Progression" 

Motivation alone is not enough. When a woman is trying to step out of her comfort zone, simply telling her to "be confident" does not work. She needs a clear, step-by-step plan. 

As a coach,I do not believe in a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Every woman is fighting a different battle. That is why my coaching focuses on "stage-wise progression." We take it one step at a time. First, we clear the mental blocks and self-doubt. Next, we build the practical business and leadership skills. Finally, we create a clear, actionable strategy. 

When you give a woman a clear path, her fear turns into focus. 

The True Scale of Impact

I believe that true empowerment must bring real, measurable results. 

Over the years, spanning both extensive offline corporate training and personalized coaching, I have had the privilege of training over 15,000 professionals. This includes bridging the gap between academic theory and corporate execution for 4,000 trainees specifically at Infosys. 

But while the overall numbers are vast, the metric closest to my heart is the 100+ women professionals who have undergone deep, life-altering transformations under my guidance. By combining Lean Six Sigma (practical business efficiency) with NLP (mindset coaching), I have watched these women break their invisible chains, turning hesitant ideas into highly successful careers and businesses. 

This commitment to both professional excellence and social impact recently culminated in a profound honor. In 2025, I was humbled to receive the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru National Service Award for my national-level impact, alongside being named Outstanding Educator (SIWAA) and Best Innovative Entrepreneur (TIWA). Furthermore, as an active member of the Public Relations Council of India (PRCI), I am deeply committed to using my platform and network to amplify the voices of aspiring women. To me, these honors are not about standing in the spotlight. They are about shining that light on the thousands of women who are stepping into their own power. 

A Shared Vision for the Nation 

To the esteemed leaders, policymakers, and advocates of the "She Inspires" initiative: our real work starts now. 

When we empower a single woman to step into a leadership role, we uplift her entire family and, ultimately, our nation's economy. My vision is to expand this work at the state and national levels, ensuring that our girls and women are protected, educated, and elevated. 

Rejection and limitations were the realities of my own childhood, but they do not have to be the reality for the next generation. With the right step-by-step guidance, we can ensure that a woman's journey from the classroom to the CEO’s chair is no longer a rare exception, but an everyday reality.