Women in tech-finance don’t just adapt; they lead transformation: Nehal Gupta

Adgully has consistently celebrated and acknowledged the accomplishments of women entrepreneurs and leaders in various sectors. One of our notable initiatives, W-SUITE, focuses on highlighting extraordinary women achievers in the Media & Entertainment, Advertising, Marketing, PR, and Communications industry. In this updated series, we aim to explore how women leaders adeptly manage their teams and overcome challenges in the dynamic landscape of their respective industries.

In an exclusive interaction with Adgully, Nehal Gupta, Founder and Managing Director, Accelerated Money For U (AMU), highlights how AMU is revolutionizing sustainable mobility by empowering women entrepreneurs through the SEWA program, offering tailored EV financing, and driving green transportation across underserved markets. With innovative solutions like battery retrofitting loans, drone financing, and strategic OEM partnerships, AMU is expanding into new states, fostering financial inclusion, and leading nationwide awareness for eco-friendly advancements.

What, according to you, sets women leaders apart, and how do you incorporate these qualities into your leadership style? 

Women leaders have that unique perspective into leadership built from experiences to make it empathetic and collaborative, yet resilient of the unique qualities that best describe such women leaders would include:

• Empathy with Emotional Intelligence: Women have been considered to be even more intuitive to the people’s emotions and needs on their teams so that their work environment comes to portray a sense of belonging or support. This will also help in portraying an understanding and valued space.
• Collaboration and Team-Oriented Approach: Women tend to be more collaborative than competitive, as they understand the strength of collective power. They involve team members in decision-making, which fosters trust and creativity.
• Resilience and Adaptability: Women leaders tend to be determined and adaptable in complex environments, demonstrating perseverance in overcoming challenges.
• Commitment to Inclusivity and Diversity: Women leaders often champion creating diverse teams and fostering the environment where all voices are heard so that equality is achieved at the workplace.

With these qualities in mind, my leadership style involves open communication and empowering team members to use their strengths. I strive to make a culture that is more collaborative where ideas are valued and together we can surmount obstacles. As a woman leader, I will also consider including everyone in my leadership as accessible and transparent, where others are able to lead and contribute in meaningful ways.

How do you balance your professional responsibilities with personal commitments? What strategies do you recommend to other women striving for similar success? 

Balancing professional and personal commitments is a journey full of intentions, discipline, and adaptation. Here’s how I approach it, along with some strategies that I recommend to other women:

My Approach

• Clear prioritization: Aligning both day-to-day actions at work with professional goals while maintaining my personal values-identifying what matters to me, thereby focusing that energy on tasks that I know would really make that impact.
• Delegation and Support: I make my team feel responsible for the tasks that give them the power to lead while freeing up my bandwidth for strategy and personal moments.
• Boundary Setting: I set clear boundaries between work and personal time so that I can be fully present in both spaces.
• Wellness Focus: Regular self-care, be it mindfulness practices, exercise, or time with loved ones, keeps me grounded and energized.

Strategies for Success

• Leverage Support Systems: Establish a strong network of family, friends, and colleagues who can guide you and encourage you. Never hesitate to ask for help when needed.
• Learn to Say No: Recognize that you cannot do everything. Saying no to things or opportunities that don't fit your priorities is very important for keeping things in balance.
• Time Management: Use planners, calendars, or apps to plan out your day. Set time for personal commitments just as you would for work.
• Be Flexible: Learn that balance does not necessarily mean equal. Some days you may need to focus more on work, while others demand more attention at home. Be gentle with yourself as you adjust to these changes.
• Stay goal-oriented: Define success on your own terms. Celebrate the big milestones, small, and let them motivate you.

At the end of the day, the key is to be authentic, adaptable, and self-aware. Success does not need perfection; it thrives on intention and balance tailored to your unique circumstances.

What unique challenges and opportunities have you encountered as a leader in the EV financial services sector, and how has AMU addressed them?

The EV financial services sector presents unique challenges and opportunities, blending sustainability, technology, and financial inclusion. Here’s how AMU has navigated them:

Challenges:

• Limited Awareness & Trust: Many potential users, especially in underserved markets, lack knowledge of EV benefits or hesitate due to reliability concerns.
• AMU’s Solution: Community-driven initiatives to educate users and build trust with real-life success stories.
• High Initial Costs: Upfront EV costs deter MSMEs and individuals.

AMU’s Solution: Innovative financing like battery-top-up and retrofitting loans, offering low-cost EMIs and flexible terms.

• Underdeveloped Ecosystem: Limited EV infrastructure for charging and after-sales services.
• AMU’s Solution: Partnerships with OEMs, battery providers, and service centers to enhance customer support.
• Risk in Financing: New technologies carry higher risks in financing models.
• AMU’s Solution: Data-driven credit assessments and partnerships with reliable manufacturers mitigate risks.

Opportunities:

• Market Growth Potential: India’s electrification push offers immense opportunities.
• AMU’s Approach: Operating in 15 states, targeting MSMEs and gig workers to foster carbon-neutral logistics and connectivity.
• Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Women are pivotal to sustainable mobility.
• AMU’s Initiative: The SEWA Program provides tailored financial support for EV 2Ws, fostering women-led EV businesses.
• Technology Integration: Digital tools enhance operations and customer experience.
• AMU’s Strategy: Paperless loan approvals and AI-based risk assessments ensure efficiency and transparency.
• Building Ecosystems: Collaboration amplifies impact.
• AMU’s Role: Partnerships with legacy and indigenous OEMs to ensure reliable, high-quality products for clients.

By addressing challenges with innovation and leveraging opportunities to drive impact, AMU is shaping a greener, more inclusive future for India through EV financing.

What is your mantra for maintaining a healthy work-life balance while leading a fast-growing company like AMU Pvt. Ltd.?

My mantra for a good work-life balance is in three words: intentionality, adaptability, and self-care. Here's how I translate these into action:

• Impact Over Activity: I focus my attention on tasks that yield real results for AMU, and personal activities that bring me real joy. Quality over quantity.
• Delegate and Empower: I give my team pieces of responsibility, which lifts my workload and helps my people grow into a valuable support system.
• Set Boundaries: I am present in the moment—fully engaged in work during office hours and in personal time when with family.
• Embrace Flexibility: Balance isn't about perfection. Some days demand more work focus, others more personal attention, and I adapt as needed.
• Self-Care First: Regular exercise, playing golf, and practicing mindfulness are non-negotiable, helping me recharge and lead with clarity.
• Celebrate Wins: Recognizing milestones, whether professional or personal, keeps me motivated and grounded.

Balancing professional goals with one’s own well-being is harmony, between ambition and happiness, for the end.

How do you see the role of women evolving in the tech-enhanced financial services industry? What transformative impact do you believe women leaders can bring?

The role of women in tech-enhanced financial services is evolving, offering opportunities to drive innovation, inclusivity, and growth. Women leaders bring unique perspectives, collaborative approaches, and a focus on inclusivity, significantly shaping the industry’s future.

Evolving Role of Women

• Breaking Stereotypes: Women are taking on leadership roles in technical, operational, and strategic areas, driving innovations in AI credit models, digital payments, and customer-centric solutions.
• Increasing Leadership Representation: More women in senior roles foster diverse decision-making, enhancing creativity, innovation, and problem-solving in fintech.
• Advancing Financial Inclusion: Women leaders focus on underserved demographics, creating solutions like micro-loans and inclusive credit policies.

Transformative Impact of Women Leaders

• Human-Centric Innovation: Women bring empathy and a customer-first mindset to design accessible, impactful financial products.
• Promoting Diversity and Equity: Women-led organizations prioritize inclusive cultures, resulting in higher employee satisfaction, innovation, and retention.
• Sustainability Focus: Women leaders emphasize long-term strategies aligned with sustainability goals, critical for fintech's future.
• Inspiring Future Leaders: Women leaders serve as role models, encouraging others to thrive in fintech and breaking barriers for younger professionals.

Vision for the Future
Women’s adaptability, resilience, and empathy are essential in shaping the future. At AMU, this includes:

• Empowering women entrepreneurs through initiatives like SEWA.
• Driving women-led innovation in product design.
• Creating inclusive ecosystems for work-life balance.

Women in tech-finance don’t just adapt; they lead transformation, turning challenges into opportunities and building a more equitable, sustainable, and innovative industry.

Over the years, how have you seen the contributions and presence of women evolve in the EV and financial services industries?

The contributions and presence of women in the EV and financial services industries have grown significantly, marking remarkable progress despite ongoing challenges.

In the EV Industry

• Breaking Barriers: Women are entering engineering, manufacturing, and operations roles, transitioning from consumers to leaders in innovation, research, and policy advocacy for sustainable transportation.
• Entrepreneurial Growth: Women-led startups are driving electric mobility, charging infrastructure, and battery technology innovations, including initiatives like EV-based last-mile delivery services.
• Community Advocates: Women in leadership promote EV adoption and sustainability through education and advocacy, expanding EV reach to underserved markets.

In Financial Services

• Leadership Roles: Women increasingly hold senior positions in banks, NBFCs, and fintech, leading large-scale transformations and improving diversity.
• Financial Inclusion: Women design products targeting underrepresented groups, like rural populations and women entrepreneurs, through microfinance and women-specific loans.
• Tech-Driven Innovation: Women lead fintech advancements, including digital wallets and AI-based credit systems, simplifying financial access for diverse populations.

Intersection of EV and Financial Services

• Empowering Entrepreneurs: Programs like AMU’s SEWA integrate EV financing with women-led initiatives, enabling self-reliance through EV ownership.
• Sustainability Advocacy: Women champion EVs for economic empowerment and environmental conservation, driving green transitions.
• Policy and Ecosystem Shaping: Women are active in policymaking and ecosystem development, ensuring inclusivity and sustainability.

Women are poised to lead transformative changes in both sectors, driving innovation and inclusivity. At AMU, empowering women through EV loans and fostering a diverse team demonstrates this evolution. Women are no longer participants—they are shaping the future of EVs and financial services.

How do you nurture the next generation of women leaders within your organization, and what advice do you have for aspiring women in leadership roles?

Nurturing the next generation of women leaders is a core priority. It requires fostering an environment where women can grow, lead, and excel through mentorship, empowerment, and opportunities. At AMU, we mentor women on professional growth and leadership challenges. Senior women leaders are encouraged to mentor juniors, fostering collaboration. Entrusting women with leadership roles and inclusive decision-making boosts confidence and growth. Policies supporting work-life balance ensure women thrive personally and professionally. Continuous learning is promoted through leadership development, skill enhancement programs, and industry events to expand their horizons.

Advice for aspiring women leaders:

• Own Your Ambition: Manifest your purpose and goal.
• Find a Mentor and Network: Seek guidance and diverse perspectives.
• Excel your craft: Build expertise to master the field.
• Be Ready to Pivot: Embrace challenges and navigate carefully.
• Be a Sound Listener: Listen with good intentions and learn from others’ experiences.
• Embrace authenticity: Lead with your values and be true to yourself.

Empowering women leaders is key to driving transformation across industries, unlocking their potential to shine and create impactful change.

Could you share details about any exciting projects AMU is currently leading, or any upcoming initiatives you’re particularly enthusiastic about? 

At AMU, we are driving transformative initiatives to promote sustainable mobility and financial inclusion. Key projects include:

• EV Financing for Retail and MSMEs: tailored loan products with competitive rates and flexible terms to help individual borrowers and MSMEs transition to cost-effective, eco-friendly EVs for logistics and last-mile delivery.
• SEWA Program Expansion: Supporting women entrepreneurs with easy financing for electric two-wheelers, along with financial literacy workshops. Planned expansion will foster green mobility across multiple states.
• Strategic OEM Partnerships: Collaborating with legacy OEMs to integrate financing into dealerships and boost affordability through joint marketing efforts.
• Battery Top-Up & Retrofitting Loans: Introducing loans for EV battery replacements and retrofitting, enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability.
• Market Expansion: By 2025, we aim to extend EV financing to five new states, reaching underserved communities and promoting green transportation.
• Drone Financing Solutions: Exploring loans for drones in agriculture and logistics, driving productivity and sustainability.
• Green Mobility Awareness Campaigns: Nationwide efforts to educate on EV benefits, address range anxiety, and collaborate with influencers to amplify outreach.

These initiatives underline our commitment to sustainability, women empowerment, and innovation. I’m particularly excited about their potential to transform the EV sector and create lasting positive change.

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