Change can be unsettling, but it was my greatest teacher

Noopur Chaturvedi

The path from dreams to success does exist. May you have the vision to find it, the courage to get on to it, and the perseverance to follow it.” Kalpana Chawla

Growing up, my parents’ transferable jobs meant we moved cities every few years. Each move brought a new school, new friends, and a new rhythm to life. At first, the constant change was unsettling. But over time, it became my greatest teacher – showing me how to adapt, how to stay curious, and how to embrace and thrive in uncertainty.

That early exposure to change shaped my journey in the tech, banking and fintech world. It taught me that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back – it’s about evolving forward. In my journey my mother has been a constant inspiration, a learned and accomplished woman who believes that financial independence, confidence, and selfgrowth are non-negotiable. Her example has shaped my values and my leadership style.

Today, as MD & CEO of NPCI Bharat BillPay, I lead a network that powers millions of transactions across India every single day. The scale is immense, and the responsibility is real – but what leadership means to me hasn’t changed. It’s about clarity in vision, trust in people, and the courage to take decisions that are for greater good. Over time, I have distilled my learnings into a personal mantra for growth: ASCEND. It’s a framework that reminds me – and I hope, others – that success is built step by step, and every woman has the power to rise by focusing on what she can control.

A – Aspire boldly: Give yourself permission to dream big. Ambition is not arrogance, it’s belief in your potential.
S – Speak and stand out: Your voice matters. Don’t wait for validation – own your ideas and let action build confidence.
C – Connect and collaborate: Surround yourself with mentors, allies, and peers who challenge and uplift you. Community creates momentum.
E – Embrace learning: Growth doesn’t end with a job title. Stay curious, invest in your evolution, and keep upgrading your skills.
N – Nurture balance: Define what balance means for you. Set boundaries, manage guilt, and prioritise self-care unapologetically.
D – Dare to take risks: Every leap begins with uncertainty. Step beyond comfort zones and turn challenges into opportunities.

These principles form a ladder of growth, one that empowers women to ascend in their careers and beyond. And while we’ve covered some distance in creating opportunities for women, the next wave of technology brings yet new challenges.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming the backbone of financial systems, and with it comes a critical question: who is designing these systems, and whose realities are reflected in the data? Women currently make up around 20% of AI professionals globally. The future of technology has a risk of not being inclusive, starting from its design itself. The tech sector doesn’t just need women, it can only thrive because of them.

When women speak up, own their ideas, and lead with empathy, they don’t just transform organisations, they shape industries. So let’s dream big, aim high, and drive change – not just by breaking the glass ceiling, but by removing it altogether.

Noopur Chaturvedi is MD & CEO of NPCI Bharat BillPay