Radhika Gupta, the CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Funds, recently ventured into the spotlight with her appearance on Shark Tank India Season 3. Known for her straightforward approach on the show, she admits her on-screen persona might come across as harsh. However, during a candid conversation with Kareena Kapoor on the Mirchi Plus show What Women Want, Radhika explained that beneath the surface, she’s far more emotional than people assume.
Reflecting on her journey, Radhika revealed she grew up in a middle-class family with no corporate background. Her father worked in the government, and her mother was a teacher. While she was an excellent student, she admitted feeling uncertain about her future. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” she shared. A chance opportunity led her to finance, a sector she wasn’t initially passionate about but grew to appreciate over time.
Her entry into the finance world was not without struggles. Despite her academic excellence, she faced multiple rejections during campus placements. She linked these setbacks to a lack of confidence and insecurities about her appearance. When she finally landed a job, it marked the beginning of an unexpected yet rewarding career path. Describing her relationship with finance, Radhika compared it to an arranged marriage; something she learned to love with time.
As a young woman in the male-dominated finance industry, Radhika encountered unique challenges. At just 33, she was appointed CEO, but her youth often worked against her. She noticed that people trusted older professionals with their investments. To counter this, she began wearing sarees to project a more mature image. While this helped initially, it was ultimately her talent and results that earned her the trust of clients.
Radhika emphasized that breaking barriers in her field required patience and perseverance. Over time, her consistent performance helped her overcome biases related to both gender and age. “When people see your work, they stop focusing on those things,” she said. Still, moments of self-doubt linger, though she feels more secure in her role today than when she started.
Her time on Shark Tank India added another layer to her public image. While viewers might perceive her as tough, she explained that her experiences in a challenging profession have shaped her demeanor. In reality, she sees herself as deeply emotional and driven by values instilled during her upbringing.
She also talked about her insecurities about her looks and health issues. But she gave more focus on accepting it and feel the self-confidence. she disclosed that she has a very bad postpartum depression. Managing work and house had become overwhelming. And she always has been vocal about these issues as she wants people to normalize it and focusing on self.
Radhika’s journey serves as an example of resilience and adaptability. From struggling with rejection to leading in a competitive industry, she’s navigated her path with determination. Her story is a reminder that success often requires not just talent but also the ability to face insecurities and prove oneself over time. Through her career and television debut, Radhika continues to inspire by embracing her challenges and breaking stereotypes along the way.