Why does “networking” still feel awkward, exclusionary and exhausting for so many women — even though relationships quietly decide who gets visibility, sponsorship and opportunity at work?

From after-hours circles to unspoken cultural rules and real life constraints, this episode unpacks why women are often left navigating the most important part of career growth without access, energy or a clear map.

In this episode of L for Leadership, hosts Swati Apte and Sangeetha Rajan reframe networking from self-promotion to relationship-building and share practical, low-friction ways to grow influence, attract sponsors and create career momentum through curiosity, reciprocity and small, consistent actions that fit real lives.

Credits:

Host: Swati Apte and Dr. Sangeetha Rajan

About The Arts Quotient

The Arts Quotient is a leadership development firm powered by the two founders’ collective experience of over 50 years across business strategy, operations, psychology, law, communications, and more. Founded by Swati Apte and Dr. Sangeetha Rajan, and their shared experience in the live arts, where they learned in practice - many of the concepts of leadership, such as presence, collaboration, and agility, TAQ looks to bring a multi-dimensional approach to solving leadership problems. Over the past decade, it has harnessed the power of diverse disciplines to solve business challenges and energise leaders across more than 80 organisations.

This is a Maed In India Production

Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas

Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome

Head of Audio Production: Kartik Kulkarni

Producer: Rachna Sukuru

Assistant Producer: Devanshi Chandak

Sound Editor & Mix Engineer: Nihar Temkar

Artwork: Alika Gupta

Recorded at Island City Studios, Mumbai

What do you do when you’re a female athlete, but have no role models to look up to? You become your own role model.

In this episode of L for Leadership, we speak to Tanvie Hans, professional footballer and co-founder of Sisters in Sweat, a community-driven initiative making sports accessible to women across India. Tanvie talks about how the platform began with a single football session and has now grown into a multi-city network offering weekly activities, workshops, and events.

Tanvie reflects on the gaps she has experienced firsthand in India’s sporting ecosystem — from limited infrastructure to the lack of predictable opportunities for women — and how these challenges shaped the way Sisters in Sweat was built.

Tanvie gives us an inside look at how a grassroots sports community takes shape, what women gain from engaging with sport again, and the practical effort involved in creating safe, inclusive environments.

A thoughtful conversation about sports, community and leadership, Tanvie Hans leaves women who want to pursue a career in sports with three words: don’t hold back.

Credits:

Host: Swati Apte / Dr. Sangeetha Rajan

About The Arts Quotient

The Arts Quotient is a leadership development firm powered by the two founders’ collective experience of over 50 years across business strategy, operations, psychology, law, communications, and more. Founded by Swati Apte and Dr. Sangeetha Rajan, and their shared experience in the live arts, where they learned in practice - many of the concepts of leadership, such as presence, collaboration, and agility, TAQ looks to bring a multi-dimensional approach to solving leadership problems. Over the past decade, it has harnessed the power of diverse disciplines to solve business challenges and energise leaders across more than 80 organisations.

This is a Maed In India Production

Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas

Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome

Head of Audio: Kartik Kulkarni

Producer: Rachna Sukuru

Assistant Producer: Devanshi Chandak

Sound Editor: Nihar Temkar

Artwork: Alika Gupta

Recorded at Island City Studios, Mumbai

L for Leadership by The Arts Quotient is a podcast that explores how leadership is evolving in a world marked by constant disruption, shifting power structures, and redefined careers.

This season spotlights women founders, investors, and community-builders who are shaping new pathways across varied domains. From building women-first ecosystems and funding underrepresented founders to questioning how data is collected and redefining what a “successful” career looks like, the show unpacks what inspires these leaders to explore new frontiers. The conversations are real and go to the heart of what leadership means in our changing world.

The hosts, Swati Apte and Sangeetha Rajan, share practical insights on building leadership presence, leveraging networks, and navigating career breaks without guilt, so you can lead the change you want to see.

Credits:

Host: Swati Apte / Dr. Sangeetha Rajan

About The Arts Quotient

The Arts Quotient is a leadership development firm powered by the two founders’ collective experience of over 50 years across business strategy, operations, psychology, law, communications, and more. Founded by Swati Apte and Dr. Sangeetha Rajan, and their shared experience in the live arts, where they learned in practice - many of the concepts of leadership, such as presence, collaboration, and agility, TAQ looks to bring a multi-dimensional approach to solving leadership problems. Over the past decade, it has harnessed the power of diverse disciplines to solve business challenges and energise leaders across more than 80 organisations.

This is a Maed In India Production

Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas

Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome

Head of Audio: Kartik Kulkarni

Producer: Rachna Sukuru

Assistant Producer: Devanshi Chandak

Sound Editor: Nihar Temkar

Artwork: Alika Gupta