Top Most Iconic to Watch in 2025
Pradnya Bagade
Vice President – Corporate Affairs Electronic Payment and Services (Pvt) Limited
insightssuccessmagazine.com
Editor’s Note
Leadership That Inspires Transformation
Leadership,initstruestform,isnotconfinedtocornerofficesorboardrooms—itisreflectedin
vision,resilience,andtheabilitytoinspiretransformationateverylevelofanorganization.Aswe unveilthisspecialeditionofInsightsSuccesstitled, Top Most Iconic Vice President to Watch in 2025,wespotlightthoseleaderswhostandatthecrossroadsofstrategyandexecution,shapingtomorrow withclarityandconviction.
VicePresidentsoftencarrytheresponsibilityofturningorganizationalaspirationsintoreality Theyarethe bridgebetweenvisionandresults,theguidingforcethatensuresteamsremainmotivatedwhilebusinesses remaincompetitive.Intoday’srapidlyevolvingworld,theirinfluencehasbecomemorevitalthanever, drivinginnovation,culture,andsustainablegrowth.
AttheheartofthiseditionisPradnyaBagade,aleaderwhosejourneyexemplifieswhatitmeanstolead withintegrity,foresight,andauthenticity.Hercontributionsunderscoretheessenceoficonicleadership, balancingstrategicacumenwithahuman-centeredapproachthatinspiresteamsandsetsnewbenchmarks ofexcellence.
Thisissueisnotmerelyacelebrationoftitles,butoftherelentlessdrive,adaptability,andvisionthatmake theseVicePresidentstheonestowatchin2025.Theirstoriesremindusthatleadershipisnotaboutbeing atthetopbutaboutelevatingothers,creatingimpact,andleavingalegacythatextendsbeyond professionalmilestones.
Asyouturnthepages,weinviteyoutoengagewiththenarrativesoftheseexceptionalleaders,draw inspirationfromtheirjourneys,andreflectonthefuturetheyarehelpingtoshape.
Happy Reading!
PrestonBannister
Measuring Impact on the Modern Enterprise
The ROI of Strategic Corporate Affairs
Driving Innovation
How Leadership in Fintech Growth Shapes the Future of Financial Technology?
Over the years, my leadership style has matured into one that emphasizes collaboration across departments and functions.
Pradnya Bagade Vice President – Corporate Affairs Electronic Payment and Services (Pvt) Limited
Few leaders can combine financial expertise and human-centered leadership as well as Pradnya Bagade, Vice President – Corporate Affairs at Electronic Payment and Services (P) Ltd., inthecomplex world of acquisitions, strategic expansion, and investor relations. Her leadership path was not formed overnight; rather, it was forged in the furnace of difficult decisionmaking, cross-functional cooperation, and a silent but unwaveringdedicationtoinclusivedevelopment.
Her strategy is based on influence, empathy, and strategic clarityratherthanauthority AstheExecutiveAssistanttothe ChairmanandManagingDirector,sheisgainingafoundation in Industrial Psychology and a front-row seat to high-stakes businessmaneuvering.Sheislearningearlyonhowstrategy mustalwaysbefoundedinpeopleandhowvisionisbecoming executive. Her involvement in significant business events, such as acquisitions and stock injections, demonstrating a uniquecapacitytomatchstakeholderinterestswiththelongtermgoalsofthecompany
Her ability to maintain composure under pressure is what is making her unique. She is leading with composure, vision, and conviction whether she is negotiating a complicated M&Adealorfosteringinvestorconfidence.Sheispromoting innovation without sacrificing governance and cultivates an inclusiveculturewithoutsacrificingeffectiveness.Herviews on measured risk, open communication, and developing upand-coming leaders are subtly changing the definition of resilientleadershipincontemporaryIndia.
PradnyaisoverseeingEPS'snextphaseofimpact-ledgrowth, making sure that strategy is based on values, diversity is integratedintoteams,andleadershipisalwaysadutythatis bothvisionaryandhuman.
InclusiveandEvolvingLeadershipApproach
Pradnya describes her leadership style as inclusive and growth-oriented which is shaped by her academic background in Industrial Psychology and professional exposuretotop-leveldecision-making.Hertransitionintothe roleofExecutiveAssistanttoMr ManiMamallan,Chairman and Managing Director at EPS, was instrumental in transforming her approach. The role allowed her to witness firsthandhowstrategicvisiontranslatesintodailyexecution, teachinghertobridgethelong-termgoalsoftheorganization withon-the-groundaction.
“Overtheyears,myleadershipstylehasmaturedintoonethat emphasizes collaboration across departments and functions.”shedescribes.Shecombinesempathywithaclear focusonmeasurableoutcomes,blendinganalyticaldecisionmaking with emotional intelligence. This balance has been crucial in the high-pressure world of mergers, acquisitions, and investor relations—areas where clarity, conviction, and trustareparamount.
StrategicDecisionsThatShapedtheJourney
Among the key milestones in her career were EPS's major equity infusion in 2015 and the mergers and acquisitions executed in 2017. These events were not just crucial for the company's growth, but also played a transformative role in Pradnya'sdevelopmentasastrategicleader Herinvolvement in identifying acquisition targets and aligning them with EPS's long-term vision showcased her ability to balance ambitionwithpragmatism.
Leading these deals required more than just financial expertise, it demanded the ability to align various stakeholders, from investors to internal teams Pradnya
The best leadership development happens in the arena—that's why I involve my team in our most challenging work. This exposure helps them build confidence and learn to navigate complexity with ease.
successfully built investor confidence through transparent communication, well-crafted narratives, and consistent delivery of business outcomes. These strategic moments underlined her strength in managing risk while staying focusedonthelargerorganizationalvision.
LeadingThroughUncertaintyandComplexity
One of the most defining challenges Pradnya faced came during complex M&A negotiations under intense market uncertainty In these high-stakes environments, she was requiredtomanagelegal,financial,andstrategicdimensions simultaneously while addressing conflicting stakeholder expectations.Hercalmdemeanor,emotionalintelligence,and clarity of purpose helped her steer the process toward successfulclosure.
Instead of relying solely on formal processes, she built trust across departments, anchored every discussion in EPS's mission, and ensured that all voices were heard. These experiencesreaffirmedherbeliefin"calmleadership"astyle that is combination of resilience, empathy, and a deep understandingofthebusinesslandscapetoachievealignment anddriveimpact.
EnablingCalculatedRisk-TakingandInnovation
IninvestorandM&Aspace,riskisinevitablebutatEPS,she hasensureditisalwaysintentionalandcalculated.Shefosters a culture that encourages data-backed decision-making, rigorous scenario planning, and bold execution. Under her leadership,cross-functionalteams'modelmultipleoutcomes beforecommittingtoastrategy,makingthedecision-making processbothinclusiveandthorough.
I am equally focused on institutionalizing governance and strengthening the company's capital structure to enable scalable and sustainable growth. These initiatives aren't just about chasing expansion; they're about creating resilience.
Engaging with external advisors legal, financial, or domainspecific further strengthens the strategy, allowing for validation of key assumptions. While the team is operating with full confidence in “Plan A,” Pradnya ensures that contingencyplansarealwaysinplace.Thisapproachallows EPS to be agile and responsive while maintaining a strong corevision.
DrivingDiversityandInclusionwithIntent
Diversityandinclusionarenotjustcorporatebuzzwordsfor Pradnya they are core values that shape her team structures, projectgroups,andstakeholderengagements.Withherroots in psychology and HR, she has always believed that diverse teamsbringmorenuancedjudgment,especiallyduringhighpressuredecision-making.
Though she may not oversee hiring end-to-end, Pradnya consciouslybuildsprojectanddealteamsthatreflectdiversity in gender, experience, and function. This diversity helps reducegroupthoughtsandencouragesarangeofperspectives to surface during strategic conversations. In her external collaborations, she also chooses to work with partners who uphold similar inclusive values, ensuring alignment not just internallybutacrosstheecosystem.
StrengtheningInter-DepartmentalCollaboration
Inherrole,Pradnyaregularlycollaborateswithteamsacross Finance, Legal, HR, Risk, Business, and Technology. Her philosophyisrootedintrust-buildingthroughdeeplistening andco-creation.Ratherthanworkinginisolation,sheprefers a hands-on approach walking over to the stakeholder, engagingindirectconversations,andcollectivelyarrivingat thebestpossiblesolution.
This collaborative, solution-driven style has enabled her to leadhigh-impactstrategicinitiativeswithfullorganizational backing.Shebelievesthatinnovationandalignmentareborn in open dialogue not in silos By understanding each department'schallengesandaligningthemwithEPS'slarger goals, Pradnya has become a trusted partner across the company.
DevelopingTomorrow'sLeaders,Today
Pradnya'sbeliefinnurturingemergingleadersisreflectedin her mentoring style, which emphasizes exposure, encouragement,andtrust."Thebestleadershipdevelopment happens in the arena—that's why I involve my team in our mostchallengingwork."shesays.Thisexposurehelpsthem buildconfidenceandlearntonavigatecomplexitywithease.
She also places significant emphasis on the softer skills of leadership calmness under pressure, strategic communication, and personal branding. Her own journey at EPShasbeenmarkedbysteeplearningcurves,andshetakes pride in paying that forward. By fostering an environment whereherteamfeelsempoweringandvalued,sheishelping shapeanewgenerationofthoughtful,capableleaders.
StayingAheadinaCompetitiveLandscape
TheM&Aandinvestmentspacedemandsconstantvigilance andadaptability.Pradnyaremainsaheadofthecurvethrough relentless curiosity and proactive engagement. She tracks macroeconomic indicators, fintech trends, regulatory updates, and competitor movements with precision. More importantly, she seeks insights through meaningful conversations with industry leaders, startup founders, and investors.
My journey reflects how personal values, empathy, inclusion, resilience can shape professional excellence. From complex financial negotiations to mentoring future leaders, my work spans the breadth and depth of what it means to lead with purpose.
These interactions often offer early signals about investor sentimentshiftsormarketrealignmentthathelpEPS'position itself strategically. Participating in industry forums and thought-leadership spaces is also allowing her to influence conversations, gain feedback, and refine EPS's growth roadmap.Herstrategicforesightplaysavitalroleinmaking EPSfutureready
FocusfortheFuture:StrategicGrowthandGovernance
Looking ahead, Pradnya's focus areas are clear: deepen investor relationships, explore inorganic growth, and enable
partnerships that align with EPS's core mission of financial inclusion and innovation “I am equally focused on institutionalizing governance and strengthening the company's capital structure to enable scalable and sustainablegrowth.
These initiatives aren't just about chasing expansion; they're about creating resilience.” she says. In today's volatile environment, Pradnya believes that building a solid, principles-led organization is the best way to ensure longterm relevance. Her efforts are directed not only toward immediatewinsbuttowardlayingthefoundationforthenext decadeofEPS'ssuccess.
LeadingwithVisionandHeart
Pradnya Bagade's leadership story is a powerful blend of strategic intelligence and emotional depth. “My journey reflects how personal values, empathy, inclusion, resilience can shape professional excellence. From complex financial negotiations to mentoring future leaders, my work spans the breadthanddepthofwhatitmeanstoleadwithpurpose.”she elaborates.
At a time when businesses are redefining what leadership means, Pradnya is offering a model worth emulating. She is listening more than she is speaking, acting more than she is promising, and leading not just with her mind, but also with her heart. In doing so, she continues to shape EPS and the broader ecosystem into a more inclusive, innovative, and impactfulplace.
The ROI of Strategic Corporate Affairs
In today’s highly interconnected and competitive business world, organizations are no longer judged solely on their financialresults.Reputation,stakeholdertrust,andlong-term sustainability have become equally significant drivers of success. At the heart of this transformation lies strategic corporate affairs discipline that integrates communications, public policy, stakeholder engagement, and reputation management into one cohesive framework. The value it brings may not always be immediately visible on a balance sheet, but its impact on business growth and resilience is undeniable.
UnderstandingStrategicCorporateAffairs
Strategiccorporateaffairsismuchmorethanmanagingpress releasesorrespondingtocrises.Itisaboutbuildingastrong narrative around an organization’s vision, values, and purpose. It aligns corporate communications with business strategy, ensures regulatory compliance, fosters government andcommunityrelationships,andstrengthensthecompany’s reputation.
When executed effectively, it becomes a bridge between a company and its stakeholders, customers, employees, investors, regulators, and society at large. By anticipating risks, identifying opportunities, and shaping perceptions, strategiccorporateaffairsplayacriticalroleinbothprotecting andcreatingvalue.
ReputationasanAsset
Apositive reputation is one of the most valuable intangible assets a company can have. Studies consistently show that organizations with strong reputations attract better talent, securemorefavorablepartnerships,andenjoyhigherlevelsof customer loyalty Strategic corporate affairs ensures that reputationisactivelybuiltandsafeguarded.
For instance, when a company invests in sustainability initiativesorcorporatesocialresponsibility(CSR)programs, itisthecorporateaffairsteamthatcommunicatestheseefforts effectively,turninggooddeedsintomeasurablegoodwill.In times of crisis, the same function helps mitigate damage by ensuringtransparent,timely,andempatheticcommunication.
DrivingStakeholderEngagement
Inacomplexbusinessenvironment,stakeholderexpectations are constantly evolving Investors want responsible governance,employeesseekpurpose-drivenwork,customers demand ethical practices, and regulators expect compliance. Strategic corporate affairs helps organizations meet these expectations by maintaining open dialogue and demonstratingaccountability
Engaging with stakeholders is not about superficial interactions;itrequiresdeeplisteningandresponsiveness.By creating forums for dialogue, facilitating partnerships, and communicating authentically, businesses can strengthen trust. This trust translates directly into measurable returns whether through smoother regulatory approvals, reduced conflict,orstrongercustomerloyalty
MitigatingRiskandNavigatingCrises
Every organization, regardless of size or industry, faces potentialcrises,regulatoryscrutiny,supplychaindisruptions, orreputationalthreats.Thedifferencebetweenrecoveryand ruin often depends on how well a company manages such situations.
Strategic corporate affairs provide a structured approach to risk anticipation and crisis management. By monitoring the external environment, identifying potential flashpoints, and preparing clear communication strategies, organizations can respond swiftly and effectively. The ROI in such cases is clear: minimized financial losses, preserved reputation, and retainedstakeholdertrust.
InfluenceonPolicyandRegulation
Publicpolicyandregulatoryframeworksdirectlyaffecthow businesses operate. Strategic corporate affairs ensures that companieshaveaseatatthetablewhentheserulesarebeing shaped.Throughproactivegovernmentrelationsandindustry advocacy, businesses can contribute to policies that balance societalneedswitheconomicgrowth.
This influence does not just protect business interests it also creates a collaborative approach to solving broader challenges such as sustainability, data privacy, or fair competition. The outcome is a more predictable regulatory environment, reduced compliance costs, and greater longtermstability
EnhancingEmployeeEngagementandCulture
Employees are the most authentic ambassadors of any organization.Whentheyfeelinformed,engaged,andaligned with the company’s purpose, they become powerful advocates both internally and externally Strategic corporate affairs plays a crucial role in internal communication, ensuringthatemployeesunderstandtheorganization’svision andfeelpartofitsjourney.
An engaged workforce reduces turnover, improves productivity, and strengthens company culture. These outcomesmaynotalwaysappeardirectlyonaprofitandloss statement,buttheygeneratesignificantsavingsandlong-term performanceadvantages.
MeasuringtheROIofStrategicCorporateAffairs
While the impact of strategic corporate affairs may seem intangible, organizations can measure its ROI through a combinationofquantitativeandqualitativeindicators:
• Reputation Metrics: Brand equity scores, media sentimentanalysis,andpublictrustindices.
• Stakeholder Outcomes: Improved customer loyalty, reduced employee attrition, and stronger investor confidence.
• CrisisOutcomes:Speedofrecovery,costsavingsfrom effectivecrisismanagement,andminimizedlitigation.
• Regulatory Influence: Favorable policy outcomes, reduced compliance risks, and smoother licensing or approvals.
• Business Growth: Enhanced ability to enter new markets,securepartnerships,andattractinvestment.
By tracking these indicators, organizations can demonstrate how strategic corporate affairs directly contributes to financialperformanceandlong-termsustainability.
FutureOutlook
As businesses face mounting pressures from globalization, digital disruption, and heightened stakeholder expectations, the importance of strategic corporate affairs will only grow Companiesthatprioritizethisfunctionarebetterpositionedto adapt,thrive,andbuildenduringtrust.
Thereturnoninvestmentisnotjustmeasuredinprofitmargin, but it is reflected in resilience, reputation, and relevance. In the coming years, organizations that fail to recognize the value of strategic corporate affairs risk being left behind, whilethosethatembraceitwillenjoysustainablesuccess.
Conclusion
TheROIofstrategiccorporateaffairsliesinitsabilitytoalign businessobjectiveswithstakeholderexpectations,safeguard reputation,influencepolicy,andengageemployees.Itisnota peripheralfunctionbutacentraldriverofcorporatevalue.In an age where perception and trust can make or break a business,strategiccorporateaffairsisnotjustanecessity—it isaninvestmentinthefuture.
www.insightssuccessmagazine.com
How Leadership in Fintech Growth Shapes the Future of Financial Technology?
The financial technology (fintech) industry has been one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world, reshaping how individualsandbusinessesinteractwithmoney.Frommobile banking apps to blockchain-powered payment systems, fintech innovations are driving convenience, efficiency, and inclusivityacrossglobalmarkets.
However, what often goes unnoticed behind these rapid advancementsistheroleofleadership.Effectiveleadershipin fintech growth is not only about managing technological disruption but also about envisioning the future, inspiring teams, and creating strategies that balance innovation with trustandsecurity
TheImportanceofLeadershipinaDisruptiveIndustry
Fintechthrivesinalandscapeofconstantchange.Regulations evolve, consumer preferences shift, and emerging technologieslikeartificialintelligence,blockchain,andcloud computingpushboundariesdaily.Withoutstrongleadership, fintech companies’risk being reactive instead of proactive. Leadersinthisspaceprovidedirection,buildresilience,and ensure that innovation aligns with both market and compliancerequirements.
By exercising visionary leadership, fintech executives can anticipatetrendssuchasdigitalcurrencies,openbanking,and embeddedfinance.Theyguideorganizationstoadaptswiftly, ensuring relevance in a hyper-competitive environment Thus,leadershipinfintechgrowthbecomesadecisivefactor inseparatingsuccessfuldisruptorsfromthosethatfadeaway
DrivingInnovationThroughVisionaryLeadership
Attheheartoffintechliesinnovation.Butinnovationwithout direction can create chaos. Leaders play the crucial role of channeling creativity into solutions that solve real-world financial challenges. They ask the right questions: How can fintech serve underbanked populations? How can artificial intelligence improve fraud detection? How can digital platformsfostertrustamongfirst-timeusers?
Visionaryleadersinfintechdonotjustadopttechnology,they reimagine financial ecosystems. For instance, introducing blockchainforcross-bordertransactionsisnotjustatechnical advancement but a strategic move to cut costs, increase transparency, and empower global trade. By embedding innovation into a broader mission, leadership in fintech growth ensures technology is used responsibly and effectively.
BuildingTrustinaDigital-FirstEra
Trusthasalwaysbeenthefoundationoffinancialsystems.In fintech, where transactions are often virtual and intangible, leadership is vital in reinforcing credibility. Leaders foster transparency by prioritizing cybersecurity, data privacy, and compliance with regulations. They also invest in user
education, helping customers feel confident about adopting newdigitalsolutions.
Astrong leadership approach helps bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and consumer confidence. When leaders openly communicate about security measures, regulatory changes, and ethical data practices, they not only build loyalty but also encourage wider adoption of fintech services. Ultimately, leadership in fintech growth goes hand inhandwithcreatingatrustedecosystem.
EmpoweringTeamsandTalentDevelopment
Behind every fintech innovation is a diverse team of developers,analysts,designers,andstrategists.Leaderswho nurture talent, promote collaboration, and create inclusive
cultures accelerate growth In fintech, where talent competition is fierce, leadership is about more than just management—itisaboutinspiringteamstopushboundaries andthinkdifferently
Strong leaders invest in upskilling employees, fostering adaptability, and encouraging experimentation without fear offailure.Thisempowermentallowsfintechorganizationsto innovate faster while maintaining agility By creating a people-firstculture,leadershipinfintechgrowthensuresthat the workforce remains motivated and aligned with organizationalgoals.
BalancingInnovationwithRegulation
One of the greatest challenges in fintech is navigating regulatory landscapes. While regulators aim to protect consumers and ensure stability, rapid technological advancements often outpace traditional policies. Leaders serve as the bridge between innovation and compliance, ensuringcompaniesstayontherightsideofthelawwithout stiflingcreativity.
Effectivefintechleadersengagewithpolicymakers,advocate forforward-thinkingregulations,andimplementcompliancefriendly innovations. They recognize that long-term growth requires harmony between disruptive ideas and legal frameworks. In this way, leadership in fintech growth helps create sustainable business models that can thrive even in complexregulatoryenvironments.
TheHumanImpactofFintechLeadership
While much of the conversation around fintech focuses on technology, leadership brings the human element back into focus. Leaders ensure that innovations are not just profitdriven but also socially impactful From micro-lending platformsthatempowersmallentrepreneurstomobilewallets thatprovidefinancialaccesstoruralcommunities,leadership decisionsdeterminethereachandinclusivityoffintech.
By prioritizing financial literacy, accessibility, and equity, leadersmakefintechmorethanjustatechnologicalrevolution they make it a social transformation. This human-centered vision underscores how leadership in fintech growth is shapingthefuturenotonlyoffinancebutalsoofsociety.
LookingAhead:TheFutureofFintechLeadership
Thefutureoffinancialtechnologywillbeshapedbyleaders who can adapt to rapid change while maintaining integrity and vision. Emerging trends such as decentralized finance (DeFi), tokenization of assets, and AI-driven personalized banking will require bold leadership. Fintech leaders must navigate ethical dilemmas, manage geopolitical uncertainties, and ensure sustainability in their growth strategies.
Tomorrow’s fintech landscape will not be defined by technologyalonebutbytheleaderswhoguideitsevolution. Theabilitytomergeinnovationwithtrust,inclusiveness,and long-term vision will determine which companies remain at theforefront.
Conclusion
Fintech is more than just technology it is a movement reshapingglobalfinance.Butwithoutstrongleadership,this movement risks fragmentation and mistrust. Leadership in fintech growth is the cornerstone of future success, driving innovation,ensuringcompliance,buildingtrust,andcreating inclusive opportunities. As fintech continues to expand its influence,leaderswhobalancevisionwithresponsibilitywill be the ones shaping the future of financial technology for generationstocome.
