Stepping into leadership at just 21, Aakanksha Bhargava’s journey is a powerful reminder that purpose often matters more than age or industry norms. A GMBA alumna of SP Jain Global, she shares how empathy, resilience, and global exposure shaped her path, from leading a family business to redefining success on her own terms.
I stepped into PMR at 21 because I had grown up watching my parents pour their lives into this company. Joining wasn’t a strategic career move; it was an emotional one. I felt a strong sense of responsibility to carry their vision forward and to shape the company into something even bigger. Walking into an industry that was male-dominated and largely unstructured was overwhelming at first, but it also fueled my determination. I wanted to bring order, empathy, and professionalism to a space that desperately needed it. I didn’t think of myself as a ‘young woman entering a male-dominated industry’. I saw myself as someone with a purpose.
The BBA faculty, in particular, made a lasting impression on me. Many of them came straight from the industry, bringing with them years of experience, stories, and the occasional surprising anecdote. Their classes weren’t just lectures; they were conversations built on real experiences. Concepts that felt distant and mundane in a textbook, suddenly clicked into place when tied to a real scenario. It made learning more meaningful – and often more memorable. Learning from people who had lived the concepts we studied in textbooks made the material more real and thus more relatable in unexpected ways.
The pandemic was one of the most defining phases of my leadership. Overnight, everything changed: client needs, team safety, operational realities, and so on. There was no playbook, so we led with transparency, agility, and compassion. We ensured our teams were protected, communicated honestly with our customers, and adapted quickly to shifting regulations. That period taught me that resilience isn’t loud; it’s steady. It also reminded me that culture, trust, and empathy aren’t soft aspects of business; they are survival tools.
To women who want to lead in unconventional or male-dominated fields, I would say: don’t shrink yourself to fit a space, expand the space. You don’t need to imitate existing leadership styles. Bring your authenticity, your intuition, and your voice. Consistency builds credibility, and intent builds direction. Walk in with clarity, and allow time, courage, and competence to take care of the rest.
Awards, for me, are not just professional milestones; they are emotional markers. Each one represents a phase of struggle, learning, and growth. They remind me of the team that stands behind me and the clients who trust us. Personally, they keep me grounded; professionally, they push me to continue evolving with responsibility and grace.
The relocation industry is becoming more human-centric than ever. People no longer want just logistics; they want care, clarity, and comfort. Technology, personalisation, and global mobility trends will shape the future, and I see PMR continuing to lead with empathy-driven excellence. My vision is to ensure that every move feels supported, structured, and emotionally understood.
My time at SP Jain Global was crucial in shaping my worldview. Studying abroad exposed me to diverse perspectives and sharpened my ability to think strategically. It taught me to adapt quickly, lead confidently, and make decisions with both logic and compassion.
Success today means something very different from what it meant when I started. Earlier, it was about growth and achievements. Now, it’s about impact, building a business that stays human at its core, and raising my daughter to see ambition and compassion coexist.
To young leaders and entrepreneurs, especially women, I would say: start where you are, with what you have. Don’t fear mistakes, fear standing still. I firmly believe that there are no limitations, except the ones the mind acknowledges. Build with intent, lead with honesty, and trust that your journey will shape you exactly the way it’s meant to.
Aakanksha completed her GMBA & PGPM with SP Jain Global back in 2007. Beyond her business, Aakanksha is also a mother, motivational speaker, and CSR advocate, and she is deeply passionate about initiatives that empower individuals and strengthen communities.
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Driving Change: A Conversation with the CEO of Delta Autocorp - Ankit Agarwal, GMBA & PGPM, 2008
Alumni Spotlight: Leading Wealth Management in a Changing Financial World