Redefining Success, Reinventing Midlife: A Conversation with Meenakshi M. Singh

What does it take for a woman to thrive in the corporate world, raise her voice in rooms that were never built for her, and then go on to help other women do the same?

In this week’s episode of The AboutHer Show, we sit down with Meenakshi M. Singh—a powerhouse of purpose who has walked the tightrope between ambition and responsibility, silence and assertion, breakdowns and breakthroughs. This is more than just a conversation about career and gender—it’s a compelling blueprint for women who want to rise without losing themselves in the process.

Whether you’re navigating your 20s, looking to reinvent in your 40s, or simply yearning to feel seen in your professional journey, this episode will leave you moved, motivated, and more mindful of what it truly means to lead a life of intention.

Meet Meenakshi M. Singh: A Voice of Strength, Substance & Change

Meenakshi M. Singh is a multi-hyphenate in the truest sense. With a rich background in corporate leadership, she is also a published author, speaker, and mentor to many. Her book Cupid@Corporate is a witty, wise, and often scathing commentary on the realities women face in boardrooms—packed with sharp observations and lived experiences.

But Meenakshi is not just someone who writes about change—she embodies it. Over the course of her career, she has not only climbed the corporate ladder but has also become a guiding voice for women seeking clarity, courage, and community. Her work, both on and off the page, is rooted in a deep understanding of the systemic challenges women face and a passionate belief that true leadership comes from authenticity.

Also Read: Why We Need to Rethink Education- A Conversation with Chitwan Mittal

In this episode, Meenakshi opens up about the most pivotal moments in her personal and professional life, her perspective on mentorship and mental health, and how she’s chosen to define—and redefine—success on her own terms.

Key Takeaways from the Conversation

The Three Ms That Derail Women’s Careers

One of the most powerful moments in the episode comes when Meenakshi addresses what she calls the “Three Ms”—mobility, maternity, and marriage—as persistent challenges that disproportionately affect women’s corporate journeys.

“Mobility, maternity, and marriage—these three are still treated as career disruptions for women,” she says. “Until companies redesign roles and cultures around these realities, we’ll keep losing talented women from the workforce.”

She explains how these life events, which should be treated as natural transitions, are instead perceived as red flags by many organizations. Women returning from maternity leave are often sidelined. Those who are married or raising children are seen as “less flexible.” And job mobility often assumes that the woman’s family will fall in line, ignoring the real-life complexities of relocation and caregiving.

Finding—and Raising—Your Voice

A recurring theme in our discussion is the power of voice. For Meenakshi, speaking up isn’t about being the loudest person in the room—it’s about owning your truth, knowing your value, and advocating for yourself and others.

She urges women to practice self-awareness, build confidence in their capabilities, and find strength in community. “Voice is not just what you say,” she notes. “It’s how you show up every day, how you hold your ground, and how you bring others along with you.”

This insight feels especially urgent in a world where women are still vastly underrepresented in senior roles, and where self-doubt often runs deeper than external barriers.

Midlife as a Moment of Rebirth

Rather than viewing midlife as a crisis, Meenakshi sees it as a catalyst for transformation. Her own journey took a sharp pivot during this stage—professionally, emotionally, and creatively. “Midlife is when you stop playing to the gallery and start asking better questions,” she reflects. “It’s the time when you start choosing yourself.”

She speaks candidly about how women in midlife often feel invisible in workplaces obsessed with youth and speed, but she believes it’s exactly this phase that can offer women the freedom to reset, reimagine, and reemerge stronger than ever.
Her call to listeners is clear: don’t shrink in midlife—expand.

Mental Health is Not a Luxury—It’s a Leadership Imperative

Another striking segment of the episode is Meenakshi’s take on mental health in the workplace. She argues that while the conversation around well-being has gained traction, it often remains surface-level, especially for women.

“Women are carrying the emotional load of their families, their teams, and their own aspirations. Yet mental health remains a whisper in many workplaces,” she says.
She calls for organizations to not only provide support systems like counselling and flexible work policies but to create a culture where vulnerability is seen as strength, not weakness.

Also Read: Charting Her Own Path- Kalyani Chawla on Power, Purpose & Perseverance

Mentorship and the Role of Male Allies

Meenakshi credits her mentors—both women and men—for helping her rise. But she’s also honest about the work still left to do. “We need more men to become allies—not by ‘empowering’ women, but by stepping aside, listening, and sharing the mic,” she says.

For her, mentorship isn’t a formal title—it’s about creating a ripple effect. One empowered woman can influence dozens more. One brave voice can give permission to others to speak up.

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode:  Spotify | YouTube

Hear the full conversation with Meenakshi M. Singh as she shares stories, insights, and truth bombs that every woman—and man—needs to hear.

A Quote to Carry With You

“Mobility, maternity, and marriage—these three are still treated as career disruptions for women. Until companies redesign roles and cultures around these realities, we’ll keep losing talented women from the workforce.”

Why This Episode Matters

In an age where we’re increasingly talking about diversity and inclusion, Meenakshi’s voice brings depth and clarity. She doesn’t offer quick fixes or platitudes. She shares real, lived insight on what it means to survive—and thrive—as a woman in corporate India and beyond.

Her story is more than a personal journey—it’s a collective reflection of what many women experience, but few articulate with such grace and power. It’s a reminder that the personal is political, and the professional is personal.

Call to Action

If this episode made you think, pause, or even shed a tear—don’t keep it to yourself.

✅ Listen to the full conversation
✅ Share it with a friend, colleague, or mentor
✅ Tag us and let us know what resonated most
✅ Rate & review the episode on your podcast platform

Because when one woman shares her voice, she makes it easier for others to do the same. Let’s raise them—together.