Rashim Mogha
Rashim Mogha is the Founder and CEO of eWOW (Empowered Women of the World).
She tells us that β πΌβπ π ππ’πππππ π‘π’ππππ ππ’π ππππ π ππππππ. My journey began with a strong passion for technology. Originally from India, I moved to the United States to escape an arranged marriage, seeking the freedom to shape my own destiny and pursue my dreams.
Over the years, I realized that despite the growing presence of women in tech, there was still a significant gap in leadership and representation. This inspired me to create eWOW, a platform empowering women to discover, visualize, and actualize their success through community, connection, coaching and celebration.β
Our mission is to inspire, educate, and empower women to break barriers and achieve their professional goals. I believe that when women support each other, incredible things happen, and I am dedicated to fostering that environment through eWOW.
What were your early years like?
Being a woman of color in tech was hard in the beginning. Oftentimes my ideas were disregarded or stolen. I was passed over for promotions, had a seat at the table but not a voice at the table. As much as we don’t like it, the reality is that bias exists and women have to break glass ceilings at all levels every day.
Was there any turning point in your life that changed your journey? If so, what was it? Please tell us the backstory behind it.
I had just delivered a packed session at the Women Transforming Tech conference. As I was walking down the podium, a few women leaders came to me and asked if I had a book on leadership. I said- not yet. On the way back from Palo alto to east bay, I called all my friends to check if they knew of a publisher. Within 2 days, I had a publisher and in 3 months, we released “Fast-Track Your Leadership Career” and it was an Amazon best seller in its category within 11 hrs of the release. And then people started asking how do we take the conversation forward. And that’s how eWOW was formed.
Everyone faces unique challenges when starting an entrepreneurial journey. The most valuable lessons often come from understanding how these challenges are managed. Could you share the difficulties you’ve encountered and the strategies you’ve used to cope with them?
Whenever you take a risk, it is natural to face some challenges. When I thought about launching eWOW, the tech leader in me wanted to build a SaaS product. However, the business leader in me wanted to act fast. Instead of going a product route, I went the community route. We used the existing technology to launch the eWOW podcast which has an audience in over 60 countries and is available on 11 platforms. Acting fast and starting small helped me reach a wider audience in a short time.
What impact do you feel you have been able to create with your work so far and how would you want to grow in the next few years?
The impact is clear. We have empowered over 125,000 leaders through our LinkedIn learning courses, coaching, and virtual summits. The eWOW podcastΒ has audiences in over 60 countries and is available on 11 platforms. Our career accelerator program has a 100% satisfaction rate and through eWOW awards, we have celebrated numerous women leaders. We are now on a mission to empower 100,000 women through our career accelerator program so that they can influence products and services companies develop.
Would you like to share with our aspiring young women entrepreneurs the changes you would like to see in the world if given the opportunity?
I have one big audacious dream – to make this world an equitable world and I want to see it happen in my lifetime. I know that per the World Economic Forum in 2023, it will take another 132 years to close the global gender gap but I also know that if we put our cumulative energy behind closing the gender gap, we can make it happen a lot sooner than 132 years.
Women are increasingly becoming a powerful presence in workplaces worldwide, breaking through glass ceilings and reaching top leadership positions. What are your thoughts on women’s leadership today?
Iβm incredibly optimistic about the advancements women are making in leadership roles across various industries. Women are not only breaking through glass ceilings but also reshaping the very structures of leadership and workplace culture. Our presence in top positions is a testament to the resilience, innovation, and diverse perspectives we bring to the table.
Today, women’s leadership is characterized by empathy, innovation, collaboration, and a strong sense of community. These qualities are crucial in navigating the complexities of the modern workplace, fostering inclusive environments, and driving sustainable success. Initiatives like eWOW are designed to support and amplify these efforts, providing platforms for women to discover, visualize, and actualize their success and continue pushing boundaries.
Your grit and determination are making a significant impact, serving as an inspiration for many aspiring entrepreneurs. What message would you like to share with our young women leaders and audience reading this?
To all the aspiring young women leaders and entrepreneurs out there, my message is simple: Own your story and your vision. Your unique perspectives and ideas are invaluable assets that can drive innovation and change.
Say Yes to opportunities. Don’t be afraid to take risks and step outside your comfort zone. It’s in those moments of uncertainty that we often find our greatest strengths and breakthroughs. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and learn from your setbacks.
Embrace your journey with confidence and resilience. There will be challenges along the way, but remember that every obstacle is an opportunity to learn and grow.Β
Lastly, always lift others as you climb. Empowering those around you not only strengthens your community but also creates a ripple effect of positive change. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable future where everyone’s potential is realized and celebrated.
Keep pushing forward, stay true to your values, and never underestimate the impact you can make. Your leadership, passion, and determination are paving the way for a brighter tomorrow.