The professional landscape is ever-evolving, and the topic of gender equality has never been more relevant. Empowering women in the workplace has become a key focus for many organisations. Dipika Singh, a dynamic learning facilitator and keynote speaker, is at the forefront of this movement. With a mission to help women build confidence, overcome roadblocks, and achieve financial independence, Dipika has created a unique platform through her initiative, She Means Business.
She Means Business is inspiring women to reclaim their space, skills, and self-worth. In this exclusive interview with Changeincontent.com, she shares her powerful insights on breaking gender barriers, fostering financial independence, and cultivating inclusive environments where women can truly thrive.
About Dipika Singh
Dipika Singh is a leading learning facilitator, keynote speaker, and content creator known for her empowering work with women professionals. She is the founder of She Means Business, a platform that provides women with the tools to enhance their confidence, presence, and communication skills. With her signature program, ‘Own The Room‘, Dipika teaches women the life skills necessary to succeed, both personally and professionally.
Her workshops focus on public speaking, body language, and confidence-building, all aimed at helping women stand out and take control of their professional journeys. Through her content and workshops, Dipika has positively impacted the lives of countless women by assisting them to embrace their unique strengths and abilities.
The journey of empowerment
Empowering women in the workplace starts with understanding their unique journeys and challenges. Dipika Singh’s experience transitioning from marketing to HR and content creation offers valuable lessons on how to navigate career shifts while maintaining authenticity.
Q: Can you share your journey as a content creator and learning facilitator? How did you transition from marketing to the HR domain while also growing as a content creator, and what skills did you leverage? Did you plan your journey as an influencer, or did it unfold organically?
In 2012, I was working with Kingfisher Airlines, and when the company shut down, I felt a strong desire to start something of my own. However, I wasn’t entirely clear on what I wanted to pursue. My first step was launching an employee engagement agency that organised team-building events and corporate activities like Fun Fridays.
The success of these events depended heavily on having a good facilitator or emcee to engage the crowd. I struggled to find an emcee who could create that connection, so I often found myself taking over the mic and leading the events. It was then that I realised how much I loved being on stage and engaging with people. I had worked as a freelance emcee during my college years, but I never considered it a long-term career path.
One day, I asked myself, “Do I want to continue organising events, or do I want to focus solely on being a facilitator and speaker?” I chose the latter. Based on my own skills, I developed workshops around public speaking, communication, and presence and revisited the same clients, offering my services in this new capacity. I was fortunate that some clients took a chance on me.
That’s how my journey as a learning facilitator began. Over time, I started creating bite-sized content on public speaking, confidence, and communication, uploading these videos on LinkedIn and YouTube. Initially, the content helped market my skills as a facilitator, but it has since evolved to stand on its own. Today, I create content not just for promotion but to share insights on womanhood, presence, and life lessons. I have been fortunate to build an audience of nearly 100K followers across platforms.
Empowering women in the workplace through She Means Business
Dipika’s platform, She Means Business, is built on the idea of empowering women in the workplace through skills development and breaking down gender barriers. Here, she discusses how her brand helps women realise their potential and overcome societal challenges.
Q: How does your brand promote your vision for empowering women in today’s society? What values drive your content creation, and how do you ensure authenticity?
A: One pivotal moment that shaped my vision occurred during a leadership workshop for a corporate client. I was faced with a room of 36 participants—all men. I was disheartened. How could a company not have a single woman in its leadership pipeline? That’s when I knew I had to do something to change this narrative.
It led me to create a series of workshops specifically designed for women, addressing both the personal and professional challenges they face. These workshops offer solutions and provide inspiration to help women take control of their personal and professional lives.
In addition to workshops, a large portion of my content is now directed towards women. I’ve realised that 60% of my audience is women, and much of my content resonates with them because I speak from the perspective of a woman in her 40s. Women find my content relatable and actionable, filled with practical tips they can apply in their everyday lives.
Q: Can you share success stories or testimonials from women impacted by She Means Business?
I’ve had the privilege of mentoring many women, particularly those who have taken career breaks and want to re-enter the workforce. I’ve helped them regain the confidence to navigate interviews and negotiate terms on their merit. I also assist women who are looking to build their personal brands through video content, offering strategy and execution advice.
My DMs are full of messages from women who tell me how much my content has inspired them. Hearing from women who’ve used my content as a source of strength or motivation is the most rewarding part of what I do.
Breaking down stereotypical barriers
Q: As someone in a happy marriage who often draws inspiration from her husband, what’s your take on the age-old debate about freedom, feminism, and marriage? Data shows that there is a considerable increase in divorce rates in India. Do you think your content might come across as regressive, and you would lose out on a certain kind of followers?
A successful marriage is built on equality, mutual respect, and empathy. Partners may rely on each other for different things, but it’s crucial to see each other as equals, regardless of income, status, or background.
Historically, marriage has been about a provider (the man) and a nurturer (the woman). However, with more women becoming ambitious and financially independent, it’s more important than ever to have equality of thought and deep friendship in a marriage. For my husband and me, friendship comes first, and I believe that’s key. I advocate for love and marriage, but only if both partners view each other as equals.
Q: As we work to change biased and often misogynistic narratives, how can DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) workshops help? What should these workshops focus on to make a real difference in empowering women in the workplace?
I’ve facilitated many DEI workshops, and I believe there are two critical perspectives. A lot of time and effort goes into telling women what they need to do—how to speak up, manage work-life balance, and navigate office dynamics. But we also need to work with men. We need to help them understand microaggressions and how to support and accommodate women in the workplace. DEI initiatives should foster environments where both genders can thrive.
Women, on the other hand, need to embrace their unique strengths. They don’t need to become men to succeed. I tell women to stop apologising for their natural feminine energy. DEI should be about creating a workplace culture where everyone, men and women, can be their authentic selves.
DEI is a 360-degree change that should involve both men and women.
Q: What are the roadblocks that women face, and what advice would you give them to stay invested in their careers?
Women face both internal and external roadblocks. Internally, we are conditioned to behave a certain way, to be self-critical, and to constantly evaluate how we’re perceived. Externally, the environment at home and work often creates barriers—from family expectations to office cultures that may not support women’s ambitions.
My advice is to believe in yourself. Trust your talent and abilities, and don’t be afraid to seek help. You don’t have to do it all on your own—co-opting help can be a game-changer.
Age is just a number: Breaking barriers and defying stereotypes.
Q: Your content often emphasises that there’s no age limit to pursuing your passion. What advice would you give to women looking to restart their careers or begin a new professional journey but feel hesitant due to the ageism they encounter?
I started a new career in my 40s, and it is actually doing better than my previous career! People will react to you based on how you react to yourself. If you believe in yourself and follow your passion without worrying about age, you will be surprised by how much support you receive. Conversely, if you doubt yourself, others will, too.
In my 40s, I feel I work smarter, value myself more, and have a clearer sense of what I bring to the table—this confidence has made things easier for me now compared to when I was in my 20s. So, if women feel hesitant due to age, I say embrace it! Age is just a number; what matters is your passion and how you present yourself to the world.
Q: How can women overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome when re-entering the workforce?
Upskill yourself. Constantly work on improving your skills, do a lot of unlearning, and keep up-to-date with the latest trends in your industry. When you are confident in your abilities and knowledge, you will feel more equipped to tackle interviews and job responsibilities.
Another essential step is surrounding yourself with smart people from your industry. Attend networking events, engage in conversations that add value, and fuel your mind with positive reinforcement. Make a list of your skills and strengths, and use positive self-talk to remind yourself that you are good enough.
Facing ageism: Staying relevant and embracing yourself
Q: What resources or support systems would you recommend for women facing ageism?
The first thing I recommend is following content creators who talk positively about ageism. It will help you value yourself and realise that being older is not a disadvantage.
It’s also essential to stay relevant—keep learning new things, keep networking, and invest in your personal style. Whether it’s skincare, makeup, or clothes, find what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Remember, being 40 or 50 is just as relevant and awesome as being 20 or 30—just in a different way!
Achieving financial independence: Taking control of your finances
Q: How can women overcome financial constraints and achieve economic independence? We know that you create financial literacy workshops. What initiatives or programs can support women’s financial empowerment and contribute to empowering women in the workplace?
Financial independence is a lot more than just about earning money. It is about managing it well. I strongly advocate for all women to have access to their own money. The amount doesn’t matter. Whether you’re working a 9-5 job, running a business, or freelancing, with discipline and clear financial goals, you’ll find ways to make money.
It is equally important to make your money work for you. Learn the basics of investment, understand your risk appetite (whether you prefer debt or equity), and hire a trusted advisor to guide you. But don’t just hand over control—ask questions and sit down with them regularly to track your financial growth. Conversations about money should be a part of your life, especially with other women. Don’t shy away from discussing numbers; it’s a skill that every woman can master.
Challenging traditional gender roles in the workplace
Q: How can we challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes in the workplace? What strategies can help women break free from societal expectations?
In my view, we have been focusing too much on getting women into the workforce at the entry-level. But we need to shift our focus to the top. How many women are on boards? When leadership takes the initiative to put women in high-level positions, it signals that the organisation is genuinely committed to diversity.
Women also need to demand more. Don’t hesitate to question why you weren’t promoted if you feel you had the merit and skill for it. Build strong networks and gather mentors and sponsors. While we tend to build close friendships, we also need to understand the value of larger networks. Networking is crucial for career growth.
Intersectional feminism and its relevance in India
Q: What are your views on intersectional feminism and its relevance in the Indian context?
We have a long way to go when it comes to intersectional feminism in India. By definition, feminism means that women should have equal rights and opportunities as men. But in India, where economic divides and regional cultures deeply fragment society, even feminism is divided.
Women from different backgrounds face unique challenges, and their choices often depend on their socio-economic realities. We need to adopt a more inclusive approach to feminism that recognises these intersections and addresses the varying experiences of women from all walks of life.
Empowering women in the workplace: The role of male allies in gender equality
Q: We would love to hear your thoughts on the role of male allies in promoting gender equality.
Male allies are absolutely essential if we want to bring about any real change. All genders coexist in society, and without the support of men, we can’t hope to achieve gender equality.
What’s most important is for men to accept that men and women are intrinsically different. As more women join the workforce, men need to understand and respect how women think, act, and respond. Those men who already understand this need to step forward and be active allies. A diverse workforce benefits not only women but the entire organisation and society as a whole. Men who appreciate this diversity can play a crucial role in promoting an inclusive culture.
Summing up: Dipika’s vision for empowering women in the workplace
Dipika Singh’s insights offer a powerful perspective on how women can overcome societal barriers, build confidence, and achieve financial independence. Through her platform, She Means Business, she is actively helping women break free from stereotypes and build successful careers on their terms. Her focus on empowering women in the workplace through practical life skills, financial literacy, and leadership development continues to inspire change across industries.
As Dipika notes, “Empowering women is about more than just breaking stereotypes—it is about giving them the tools, support, and confidence they need to succeed.“
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content, which we define broadly to include media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
