TEDxFIIB Women: Celebrating Midlife as a Catalyst for Change
On 14th December, FIIB once again hosted a powerful edition of TEDxFIIB Women, themed Midlife Matters, Because Midlife Matters. The event celebrated the transformative journeys of women (and men!) navigating midlife, unpacking the challenges, opportunities, and growth this phase brings. From breaking stereotypes to redefining success, the event was a resounding celebration of resilience, reinvention, and empowerment.
Conversations That Matter
In a society that glorifies youth and often sidelines the richness of middle age, this special edition brought midlife to the forefront as a pivotal stage for self-discovery, connection, and purpose. Speakers from diverse fields shared personal stories of courage, breakthroughs, and lessons learned, offering actionable insights to inspire audiences to thrive in midlife and beyond.
President & CEO of FIIB, Prof. Radhika Shrivastava, opened the event with an invigorating address, emphasizing the need for conversations around midlife transformations in personal and professional contexts. Her words set the tone for an empowering day filled with insights, stories, and actionable wisdom.
Meet the Changemakers
Dr. Maria Pressentin, Chief Knowledge Officer at Leadership Scientific, kicked off the talks with her session, From Limits to Liberation: The Power of Fitting You. Dr. Pressentin’s journey from societal conformity to authenticity resonated with the audience, as she presented a three-step approach to embracing individuality and designing a self-led future.
Next, Ms. Navixha Bagga, a Leadership and Emotional Wellness Coach, inspired Four Mantras to Your Best Life in Midlife. Her relatable anecdotes and transformative mantras encouraged attendees to reject stereotypes, embrace passions, and lead with self-awareness.
Ms. Supriya Nagpal, a content creator and lifestyle influencer, shared her midlife wake-up call during the lockdown, which led to her reinvention as a fitness influencer and pageant winner. Her talk demonstrated that passions have no expiration date, inspiring women to take bold steps toward transformation.
Dancer and choreographer Ms. Ritu Gupta turned the spotlight on creative expression as a form of empowerment. Her talk, Dance: A Path to Liberation in Midlife, reminded everyone of the importance of self-care, emotional resilience, and balance during life’s transitions.
Entrepreneur Ms. Divya Jain, CEO & Founder of Safeducate, explored the power of saying “No” in her talk When ‘No’ Becomes a New Beginning. Her stories of setting boundaries and creating new possibilities left the audience inspired to take charge of their narratives.
The event also featured an innovative perspective from Mr. Pankaj Rai, Group Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Aditya Birla Group, who reflected on midlife through the lens of family dynamics, societal expectations, and gender roles. His insights aimed to equip younger generations to enter midlife with purpose and vigor.
The event featured Ms. Madhu Bala Sharma, Senior Program Manager at Amazon, who shared her inspiring journey as a blind individual overcoming challenges throughout her life. In her talk, Embracing Life, One Page at a Time, she emphasized the power of living in the present and viewing midlife not as a crisis, but as an opportunity for growth and reinvention. Recognized as a role model by the President of India, she encouraged the audience to transform life’s challenges into meaningful stories.
Ms. Dipti Karki, Artist, Poet, and Founder of Phosphenes Art Studio, offered a profound perspective on navigating midlife in her talk, Mindfully Mapping Through Middle-Age. She spoke about the journey of self-discovery and how midlife can be a time of mindful reinvention, urging the audience to embrace it as a chance for new growth and empowerment.
The event concluded with Ms. Deepali Wilson, Principal of DPS Chhatarpur, who shared her philosophy of being “invisibly visible.” Her reflective session encouraged attendees to embrace midlife as a time to focus on what truly matters, navigate transitions with grace, and lead with authenticity.
Moments of Connection
The event also embraced the lighter side of midlife with a dance workshop led by Ms. Ritu Gupta, a celebrated choreographer. Her energetic session not only got the audience moving but also demonstrated how dance can serve as a tool for emotional balance, self-expression, and joy.
In a more technical yet equally engaging segment, Mr. Abhijeet Singh, CEO of Kubotor, shed light on the critical topic of cybersecurity. His talk sensitized the audience about safeguarding against mobile password vulnerabilities, account hacking, and other digital threats, empowering attendees to navigate today’s digital world with confidence.
A Collaborative Effort
The success of TEDxFIIB Women wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our sponsors: Infokart India, Kubotor, Ashu Chandok Designs, Amiga Healthcare, She Can, Skin Works, and AU Small Finance Bank. Their contributions helped us create an unforgettable experience.
Because Midlife Matters
TEDxFIIB Women was more than an event—it was a movement. By shining a light on midlife’s challenges and opportunities, it championed the idea that this phase isn’t a crisis but a powerful time for reinvention. The day left every attendee with a renewed sense of purpose and the tools to lead with confidence.
Missed this year’s event? Follow us for updates at @fiibindia because the TEDxFIIB journey is far from over!