Young Leaders, Big Impact 2024: Celebrating the 40 Under 40 Achievers

In a testament to the dynamic spirit of contemporary leadership, we are excited to unveil our latest special edition, ‘Young Leaders, Big Impact 2024: Celebrating the 40 Under 40 Achievers.’ This exclusive feature brings to the forefront a cohort of visionary individuals who are not just charting their course in their respective industries but are actively shaping the future of leadership in India. As we embark on a journey to spotlight these game-changers, we extend a warm invitation to the public relations professionals who play a pivotal role in amplifying and communicating these success stories. Join us as we delve into the narratives of the 40 Under 40 Achievers, each embodying innovation, resilience, and a commitment to excellence that resonates across diverse sectors.

Sakshi Sindwani

With a resolute commitment to body and size positivity, Sakshi Sindwani emerges as a vibrant influencer. At just 26 years old, this fashion maven embarks on a mission to take down the stereotypes surrounding body image. In 2019, she started her social media presence, captivating a vast following and garnering collaborations with industry experts such as Manish Malhotra and Tarun Tahiliani.

Whether gracing the virtual realms of Instagram or making her mark on the ramp, magazines, billboards, and various media platforms, Sakshi Sindwani, popularly known as @stylemeupwithsakshi, gains attention everywhere she goes. Remarkably, Sakshi has achieved this transformation with unparalleled finesse, a characteristic rarely found in individuals her age. She has also been awarded several times for being a body positivity icon and for her fashion skills.

Sakshi’s wardrobe staples include oversized tailored blazers, well-fitted high-waisted trousers, color-blocked shirts, eye-catching waist belts, white sneakers, and comfortable pumps. She effortlessly showcases an array of these fashion essentials, but when gracing the red carpet, she revels in her experimental side, describing the process of curating each look as playing a different character every time.

Kopal Khanna, Founder – Tape A Tale

Meet Kopal Khanna, a creative entrepreneur building Tape A Tale, a platform that has taken the world of poetry and storytelling to new heights in India. Started in 2017, Tape A Tale has come a long way, hosting over 1000+ events & a safe space for artists to express their stories, experiences & dreams.

6 years since its inception, Tape A Tale has grown into a strong 3 million family & is still raising the bar. In 2024, Tape A Tale has taken a giant leap of growth by organizing storytelling events overseas.

As an artist herself, Kopal aims to bring out mesmerizing stories that have touched hearts. With her podcast, “Qisse with Kopal” she crafts interesting conversations with guests, based on unique items that come out from a secret pandora box.

Qisse With Kopal is a rising podcast where guests such as Sahil Khattar, Sumukhi Suresh, Piyush Mishra, Dr Sid Warrier & many more have come.

In 2024, Kopal has been focusing on her new venture @tapeatale_hub, a talent management vertical aiming to nurture and elevate the social presence of storytellers, spoken word artists & poets.

TAT HUB aims to bring in brand deals, trends, creativity and virality in one place.

Its uniquely positioned to facilitate the offline and online growth of the spoken word community & at at the same time helping brands to scale their digital campaigns & reach a loyal and highly engaged audience. As an entrepreneur, Kopal is a guiding force behind many creators, artists, storytellers of modern India.

Janvi Singh

Janvi Singh, a dynamic and vibrant influencer, has captivated the social media landscape with her distinctive blend of fashion, positivity, and women empowerment. Her ascent to becoming a prominent figure in the digital sphere is truly remarkable.

Initially pursuing a degree in Fashion Accessories at the esteemed National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Janvi soon realized her true calling lay in digital creation. Fueled by her passion for content creation, she fearlessly redirected her focus to digital media, captivating audiences with her compelling content.

Janvi’s ambition extended beyond mere influence; she aimed to carve a niche by offering value and spreading positivity. Her Instagram feed evolved into a platform brimming with inspirational quotes, showcasing her distinctive style, and collaborating with emerging brands in the dynamic realm of social media marketing. With a touch of women empowerment, she sought to connect with her followers on a profound level.

For Janvi, success as an influencer hinges on diligence, dedication, and consistent effort. By delivering meaningful content, engaging with her audience, and constantly evolving, influencers can not only survive but also thrive financially. The perks of travel opportunities, collaborations, and product endorsements further enhance the allure of the influencer lifestyle.

Janvi’s life mantra revolves around fostering happiness, peace, and continuous growth. She embraces gradual progress as long as it leads to personal and professional advancement. Her journey as an influencer has instilled in her the importance of seizing opportunities, maintaining discipline, and embracing every chance for growth.

From her prominence as a digital creator to her commitment to empowering women, Janvi Singh continues to inspire and influence her followers, leaving an indelible mark on the digital landscape.

Mayank Upadhayaya, Managing Director – Perfection Everyday

Mr. Mayank Upadhyaya’s journey in the beauty and wellness industry is truly inspiring. It all started in 2006 when he completed an Advanced Diploma in Cosmetology from VLCC. Eager to deepen his knowledge, he pursued a Bachelor of Dermatherapy and a Master of Hair at Victoria University in Melbourne between 2007 and 2009. With a wealth of international education and experience, he returned to India ready to take his family’s business to new heights—a business his mother had lovingly established in 1992.

Since 2014, Mayank has had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with prestigious international brands, showcasing his expertise on stages in Zurich, Munich, Paris, and Vienna. These experiences have not only enriched his skills but also broadened his vision for what the beauty industry can achieve. His global perspective has allowed him to introduce innovative practices and products to the Indian market, ensuring that clients receive the best possible service.

Today, Mayank manages and promotes well-known brands like Mr. Barber, Naturica, Colour Rica, and Olivia Garden. His commitment to quality is unwavering, and he works tirelessly to ensure that his clients have access to top-notch products and services. This involves careful planning, strategic marketing, and a keen eye for detail, all of which help maintain the high standards these brands are known for.

What sets Mayank apart is his passion for excellence and innovation, coupled with a strong desire to give back to the community. He believes in the power of education and is dedicated to nurturing new talent through advanced training programs. By sharing his knowledge and expertise, he hopes to inspire the next generation of beauty professionals, equipping them with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

Beyond professional development, Mayank is committed to supporting local initiatives. He understands the importance of giving back to the society that has supported his family’s business for so long. Whether it’s through charitable events, community outreach, or sustainability projects, he’s always looking for ways to make a positive impact. His efforts are a testament to his belief that true success involves uplifting others and contributing to the greater good.

Mayank’s journey is also a heartfelt tribute to his mother’s legacy. Thirty years ago, his mother founded the business at the Hargovind Enclave branch in Delhi NCR, setting the stage for what would become a thriving enterprise. Mayank honors this legacy by continuing to build and expand the business, adhering to the values of quality, integrity, and customer satisfaction that his mother instilled., Mayank along with his wife who is also a make-up expert , has the vision to take this legacy across India and cater the audience with their expertise and experience in hair and makeup. (PR Partner: Goldfish PR)

Anshu Das, Digital content creator and HR professional

Anshu Das is a seasoned digital content creator and HR professional with over 12 years of experience in talent acquisition and talent management. Her journey into the world of digital content creation was sparked by her discovery of Mumbai Censored on Instagram, a platform that inspired her to voice her opinions and share her thoughts with her community.

Anshu’s passion lies in establishing a strong online presence, driven by her desire to share inspiring and useful content. Navigating the competitive digital landscape, she faces the challenges of carving out a niche and staying creative within that space. Despite experiencing occasional creative blocks, Anshu remains committed to her category, continually finding new ways to produce engaging content. Balancing creativity with commercial success is another hurdle she adeptly manages.

As a digital content creator, a mother of two, and an HR freelancer, Anshu’s life is a testament to her multifaceted skills and determination. She encourages others to believe in themselves, take calculated risks, and explore new avenues within their fields. Networking, she believes, is crucial for the success of any creator, and she emphasizes the importance of connecting and collaborating with others.

Anshu’s advice for achieving success in any profession is to maintain consistency, which builds credibility and reliability. She advocates for persistence, especially when faced with obstacles, and adaptability to changes in location, environment, or market conditions. By continually testing one’s creativity and combining these parameters, Anshu believes that sustaining success over time is not only possible but inevitable.

Suhel Shaikh, Chief Sales Officer (CSO) – Ukiyo Stays

Suhel is a visionary entrepreneur and one of the driving forces behind Ukiyo Stays, a luxury vacation rental company. His journey into Ukiyo Stays began with a shared dream between him and his co-founders. They noticed a gap in the market for luxury vacation rentals where travelers desired more than just beautiful places; they sought unique and memorable experiences. Recognizing this opportunity, Suhel and his team set out to transform the industry by offering exceptional service and consistently exceeding guest expectations.

Suhel’s professional journey has been an exciting adventure. It began with a strong desire to create something remarkable in the hospitality industry. With various sales leadership roles under his belt, he gained invaluable experience in strategy, talent development, and exceeding revenue goals. Joining Ukiyo Stays allowed him to apply this expertise to the burgeoning luxury vacation rental market. Despite numerous challenges, seeing Ukiyo Stays grow into a brand synonymous with luxury and unforgettable getaways has been incredibly rewarding for Suhel.

Inspiration for Suhel comes from a mix of visionary leaders and everyday entrepreneurs who tackle challenges with determination. Their stories remind him that success is achievable through hard work. One of the biggest challenges he has faced as an entrepreneur is keeping up with the fast-paced changes in the vacation rental market. To stay ahead, Suhel and his team have had to continuously adapt their strategies, embrace new technologies, and anticipate customer needs.

Outside of his professional life, Suhel enjoys taking time for himself. Music is a great source of relaxation and inspiration for him, helping him recharge and return to work with fresh ideas. This balance allows him to continually create better experiences for Ukiyo Stays’ guests, maintaining the company’s reputation as a top choice in luxury rentals.

Suhel’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to enjoy the journey. He acknowledges that challenges are inevitable, but if you love what you do and strive for excellence, persistence is key. Surround yourself with supportive people, be adaptable, and always be open to learning. He emphasizes that success is not just about reaching a goal but about continuous improvement and growth along the way.

Ukiyo Stays’ success story is centered on making everyone involved happy – guests, team members, and partners. By focusing on delivering amazing experiences, the company has built strong loyalty among its guests, who in turn spread the word about their exceptional services. This positive reputation attracts talented individuals to join their team, further enhancing their ability to provide top-notch service. It’s a virtuous cycle that keeps Ukiyo Stays at the forefront of the luxury villa rental industry.

Khushi Modi, Founder – Seychelles Store

Khushi Modi, the brain behind Seychelles Store, has carved a niche in the online jewelry business, predominantly on Instagram and her website. Amidst the challenges of lockdown, Khushi embarked on her entrepreneurial journey, driven by a desire for independence.

Inspired by her dreams of owning materialistic treasures, Khushi found her motivation to launch Seychelles Store. As a woman navigating the business world, she encountered hurdles but remained undeterred.

Balancing her entrepreneurial pursuits with academics, Khushi is a final-year Law student and concurrently pursuing a Company Secretary course.

Her message to budding female entrepreneurs resonates with determination and possibility: it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. With ambition and perseverance, success awaits.

Shubham Pille, Founder – Ukiyo Stays

Shubham is the founder of Ukiyo Stays, a platform that offers alternative accommodation options, focusing on villas, mansions, and apartments. Ukiyo Stays meticulously verifies and lists properties from various hospitality brands, ensuring quality and reliability.

The company employs diverse advertising channels such as email, Google, and Meta, and plans to expand marketing efforts to include magazines, expos, trade shows, TV commercials, and billboards. Central to the company’s philosophy is customer satisfaction, with a strong focus on customizing and personalizing itineraries to create tailored experiences and provide unbiased property recommendations that meet customer needs.

Shubham’s inspiration for starting Ukiyo Stays stemmed from his personal experiences with other online accommodation platforms, where properties often fell short of expectations or lacked essential amenities.

This frustration fueled his desire to create a platform that prioritizes quality control through a rigorous verification checklist. The aim is to mitigate common issues faced by travelers, such as inaccurate property representations and subpar on-ground hospitality.

Shubham describes his entrepreneurial journey as a roller coaster, filled with both stormy nights and sunny days. The hospitality industry demands constant attention, requiring 24/7 availability for guests and frequent problem-solving to address issues. Despite these challenges, his passion for crafting memorable experiences for customers propels the business forward. He draws inspiration from his family, who, despite not being directly involved in the hospitality industry, instilled in him values of discipline and ethics.

Their methodical approach to hosting events and travel has deeply influenced his work ethic and business practices.

As a first-generation entrepreneur, Shubham faced several significant challenges. Building a cohesive team aligned with the company’s vision and mission was a major hurdle, as were financial constraints that necessitated manual processes. Nevertheless, Shubham remains committed to growth, with plans to develop a dedicated website and ERP system.

He approaches every challenge, whether related to villas, hospitality brands, or customers, with courage and fairness.

Apart from his business, Shubham enjoys traveling, exploring new destinations, and trying different cuisines. He also enjoys movies, fitness, badminton, cricket, and playing video games on his PS4.

Reading articles and books related to his work is part of his ongoing learning process. He emphasizes the importance of empathy in the hospitality sector, suggesting that aspiring entrepreneurs learn from larger brands like Taj and Oberoi, focusing on how they maintain high standards of customer service and create a strong brand presence.

Shubham notes that Ukiyo Stays has achieved only a fraction of his vision, but he remains optimistic about the future and is committed to continual improvement and expansion.

Harshita Kakwani, Founder – Prana Superfoods

Harshita Kakwani is a visionary entrepreneur spearheading two pioneering ventures that champion farm-to-table concepts and sustainable living practices. Her first venture, Prana Superfoods, crafts rustic condiments, spice blends, forest honey, and tisanes sourced from the biodiverse forests of Pench National Park. These forest-made delights are retailed through her website, www.pranasuperfoods.in. Complementing this endeavor is her café and sustainable souvenir shop nestled in Pench National Park, offering visitors an immersive farm-to-table experience and a curated selection of sustainable souvenirs.

Harshita’s journey into the realm of food and beverage began two decades ago but blossomed into transformative ventures over the past decade. Inspired by Pench’s rich biodiversity and her desire to raise her children amidst nature, she embarked on her entrepreneurial odyssey. Her business model not only celebrates forest-sourced delicacies but also promotes sustainable living, drawing inspiration from local communities’ deep understanding of eco-friendly practices.

Nature and the local communities of Pench serve as Harshita’s muse, propelling her forward despite the challenges of balancing motherhood with remote forest entrepreneurship. Her dedication to ensuring ethical sourcing and sustainability underscores her commitment to her vision.

Beyond her businesses, Harshita nurtures her children in a natural environment and actively engages with the local community to promote sustainable agricultural practices. She also empowers local artisans through her café and hosts tribal food pop-ups to showcase culinary diversity.

To fellow women entrepreneurs, Harshita advocates belief in one’s vision and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. She champions the unique perspectives and insights women bring to entrepreneurship and emphasizes that sustainable success is rooted in passion, resilience, and a commitment to positive change.

Dr. Khavya A R, Author – “Life and its Components”

Dr. Khavya A R, a remarkable individual, transcends the conventional boundaries of a medical profession, emerging as a passionate and accomplished dancer. Her artistic journey commenced at the tender age of 3 when her innate interest in dance was recognized by her mother. Introduced to Bharathnatyam, Khavya swiftly honed her skills, mastering the intricate Tharangam—a form of Kuchipudi that involves balancing a water-filled pot on the head while dancing.

Unfazed by challenges, Khavya expanded her dance repertoire to include Karagam and Oviya Natyam, ingeniously combining them to create Oviya Karagam. Commencing performances at the age of 9, she earned well-deserved recognition in the India Book of Records and Limca Book of Records by the age of 14. Despite narrowly missing the Guinness World Records at 16, Khavya’s achievements were celebrated with numerous awards and featured in prestigious publications.

Khavya draws inspiration from her family, who instilled in her the belief that dreams, no matter how grand, are achievable. However, her journey was not without hurdles. Monetizing talents outside academia proved challenging, hindering opportunities. Undeterred, Khavya forged a path that led to success, resilience, and recognition.

Beyond her medical profession, Khavya engages in content creation on Instagram, writes poetry and stories, participates in speeches and debates, and authored the book “Life and its Components.” Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals is crystal clear – embrace your passions, break boundaries, and let your diverse interests enrich your journey. Khavya’s story is one of determination, versatility, and a celebration of pursuing one’s dreams across various domains.

Adding to her illustrious journey, Dr. Khavya A R was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Record Making by the World Records University in Vietnam in 2016, further solidifying her standing as a multifaceted and accomplished individual.

Vishakha Talreja, Co-Founder – Neev Communications & Founder – The Hotel Explorer

In Vishakha Talreja’s multifaceted career journey, her background as a former business journalist shines through as she seamlessly navigates the realms of public relations, consulting with brands, and travel writing. As the founder of a successful PR agency, Vishakha understands the intricate balance between professional commitments and personal passions.

As a working mother herself, Vishakha recognizes the paramount importance of flexibility in accommodating the diverse needs of her team members. Drawing from her own experiences, she offers flexible hours and remote working options to ensure that her team can effectively manage their work responsibilities while tending to their personal lives.

Prioritizing flexible work arrangements has been a cornerstone of Vishakha’s leadership philosophy long before the onset of the pandemic.

Beyond her role in the business world, Vishakha finds immense joy in travel and exploration, particularly as she embarks on adventures with her son, affectionately known as #TheLittleExplorer. Through her travel experiences, she not only creates captivating content but also fosters precious moments of bonding and discovery with her family.

Entrepreneurship has granted Vishakha the freedom to pursue her passions and merge her love for travel with her professional pursuits. As she continues to chart her course in the dynamic landscape of PR and travel writing, Vishakha remains a steadfast advocate for flexibility, empowerment, and the harmonious integration of work and life.

Architect Devanshi Choksi

Ar. Devanshi Choksi is a true embodiment of passion and dedication within the realms of architecture, interior design, and education. Her foray into content creation for design emerged organically from her profound commitment to sharing knowledge and inspiring others.

After spending considerable time teaching at various design colleges in Mumbai, Devanshi realized the transformative potential of education and the need to extend her influence beyond the confines of the classroom. This realization, coupled with her astute understanding of the digital landscape’s capabilities, prompted her to venture into content creation.

The launch of her YouTube channel marked a significant milestone, offering a platform for immersive podcasts, enlightening interviews, and profound explorations of design principles. Through these engaging mediums, Devanshi endeavors to foster a vibrant community of learners, enthusiasts, and professionals passionate about design innovation.

Inspired by the resilience and confidence of Priyanka Chopra, Devanshi draws parallels between her own journey and that of the acclaimed actress. Much like Priyanka, Devanshi approaches her role as a content creator with unwavering determination and authenticity.

Despite encountering obstacles as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, Devanshi finds solace and strength in Priyanka’s example of breaking barriers and embracing one’s unique voice. Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals is deeply rooted in empowerment and self-belief, urging them to embrace their talents, seek mentorship, and have faith in their abilities.

As Devanshi’s narrative unfolds, it remains guided by the timeless mantra, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” Her journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact in the world of design and beyond.