In the 89th episode of Jam With Sam, host Sampath Iyengar engages in a candid conversation with Archanna Das, the dynamic Head of Ascent Foundation. From her vibrant upbringing as an Army brat to her remarkable career journey, Archanna shares her unique insights on leadership, adaptability, and building entrepreneurial ecosystems. With a mission to empower growth-ready businesses, she has carved a niche in corporate sustainability and entrepreneurship.
A Life Shaped by Movement and Adaptability
Growing up in an Army family, Archanna’s childhood was marked by frequent relocations—six schools in 12 years. While some might find this challenging, Archanna embraced it as an opportunity to learn adaptability, detachment, and networking. These traits have become her superpowers in both her professional and personal life. Reflecting on her childhood, she shares, “Attachment comes easily to us Army kids; it’s a skill that’s served me well in the workplace too.
From Corporate Sustainability to Entrepreneurial Empowerment
Archanna’s career trajectory spans diverse roles—from sales and marketing at Faber-Castell to corporate communications at GTL, and later corporate sustainability at HSBC. Her eight-year stint in CSR at HSBC laid the groundwork for her current role. She was instrumental in incubating initiatives like microfinance for underprivileged communities and sustainable projects in rural areas. “Sustainability is about combining heart and mind to create value—not just for the community but also for the organization,” she explains.
Ascent Foundation: Building Growth-Ready Entrepreneurs
Ascent Foundation, founded by Harsh Mariwala, Chairman of Marico Limited, is Archanna’s current passion project. Designed as a peer-learning platform, Ascent supports growth-ready entrepreneurs through curated trust groups, mentoring programs, and academic partnerships. Archanna describes the essence of these groups: “Entrepreneurs often face blind spots. Our goal is to enable them to see those and build self-awareness.” The foundation fosters collaboration among non-competing businesses, ensuring a diverse mix of perspectives and experiences.
Championing Diversity and Women Entrepreneurs
Despite her success, Archanna acknowledges challenges in fostering diversity within entrepreneurial networks. “Only 10% of our members are women,” she reveals, citing societal expectations and time constraints as barriers. However, she remains optimistic: “Women are natural networkers, and platforms like ours provide the space for their voices to be heard.” Archanna also highlights the need for meaningful diversity initiatives in corporate spaces, advocating for more women at the leadership and board levels.
Personal Values and Hobbies
Beyond her professional endeavours, Archanna dedicates her time to uplifting NGOs each year, helping them overcome challenges related to funding and marketing. Rooted in the leadership lessons of her Army upbringing, she combines discipline, empathy, and strategic thinking in all her endeavours. Yoga, meditation, and solo trips are her go-to methods for relaxation, although her naturally sociable personality ensures she makes new friends wherever she goes.
Conclusion
Archanna Das epitomizes adaptability, resilience, and a forward-thinking mindset. Her journey from corporate sustainability to entrepreneurship advocacy showcases her commitment to creating meaningful ecosystems. As Head of Ascent Foundation, she is not just empowering entrepreneurs but reshaping how they think and operate. Archanna’s story is an inspiring reminder of how passion and purpose can transform lives and communities.
About Archanna Das:
Archanna Das is the Head of Ascent Foundation, a non-profit initiative by Harsh Mariwala. With expertise spanning corporate sustainability, CSR, and entrepreneurship advocacy, she has made a mark in building ecosystems that foster growth-ready businesses. A true advocate for adaptability and diversity, Archanna continues to inspire with her dynamic leadership and innovative approach.