Paisabazaar CEO Santosh Agarwal recently opened up about what drives her every day in a candid conversation with Prasad Sanyal on Season 2 of CXO Connect. She discussed the importance of building the right ecosystem to balance motherhood and work, and how workplace culture can propel women into leadership roles.
Women's Discount and Being 'Santosh'
Agarwal emphasized the significance of being 'Santosh'—a term she uses to describe contentment and resilience in the face of challenges. She also touched upon the concept of a 'women's discount', suggesting that women often need to work harder to prove themselves in male-dominated industries like fintech.
Cracking the Fintech Boys' Club
The CEO shared her experiences of breaking into the fintech sector, which she described as a 'boys' club'. She highlighted the need for more inclusive policies and mentorship programs to support women entrepreneurs and leaders.
Balancing Motherhood and Work
Agarwal stressed the importance of creating a supportive ecosystem that allows women to balance professional ambitions with family responsibilities. She credited her company's culture for enabling her to thrive as both a mother and a CEO.
The interview also covered broader topics such as the role of fintech in financial inclusion and the future of digital lending in India. Agarwal's insights provide a roadmap for aspiring women leaders looking to make their mark in the tech and finance industries.



