Business coach extraordinaire, Arthi Rabikrisson of Rivonia, outshone other highly revered nominees to take home the coveted “Positive Role Model: Entrepreneur/Consultant” Award in both the Gauteng as well as Southern Africa regions of the recent Gender Mainstreaming Awards.
The Accenture 9th Gender Mainstreaming Awards announced the winners of its 2021 edition during a virtual celebratory event earlier in September, a Business Engage initiative.
The awards celebrate achievements in creating and promoting a more unbiased workplace where gender mainstreaming is an uncompromised norm. The awards not only serve to celebrate these champions of gender equality but also share learnings and inspire other businesses and leaders to achieve the same.
Professional, Talented, a Thinker, Highly Effective Communicator – these are just some of the phrases used to describe Arthi Rabikrisson. She is a stand-out young leader in the SA business environment, able to effect growth, development and consciousness in individuals and organisations.
Leaving the corporate world of investments behind in March 2019, this MBA graduate and ICF credentialed coach established Prerna Advisory specialising in neuroscience based coaching, Capital Raising, and Strategic Consulting ,and hasn’t looked back since.
* ‘Prerna’ meaning ‘inspiration’ in Hindi
Anyone spending more than five minutes with Arthi realises how passionate she is about advocating for women leadership, growth and development, and entrepreneurship.
Looking to lead with impact and purpose. So much so that in the short space of 2 short years, she was nominated by a client for this coveted award.When asked what it meant to her to be nominated by a client for the GMA; she responded; “Quite simply: fulfilling. At the end of the day, my intent, my purpose, is to enable change in others through incremental improvement. To know that clients are doing so, are feeling elevated and are moved to the point of actually taking the time to complete a nomination process – that is humbling and I feel it in my core as a bit of an exhale. That my clients appreciate the partnerships we have forged and enjoy the journey we are on together.”
Over the course of an intensive 15 year corporate career, Arthi has led multiple, highly successful initiatives (among them equity research, talent management, capital raising, portfolio management, transformation and coaching) across geographies and client segments in business.
This unique value chain of expertise and experience means that Arthi has a wealth of unconventional insights in these environments, which is relatable and transferable across industries. Her specific approach to relationship advancement has built and sustained enviable networks of institutional investors spanning the globe.
Strategic and solutions focused in nature, Arthi is now channelling her energies to offer her clients these insights directly, through enabling others to give their best (coaching and talent management); investing in organic business opportunities (capital raising and alternative investments) or assist in driving evolution in business and their communities (strategic business and organisational development consulting).
What does it mean to win the award for Positive Role Model, Entrepreneur/Consultant, Southern Africa?
“Being nominated is already such a big deal, in my books. I could never have fathomed that I would win in this category given the number of talented and inspiring women that were finalists in the category.
It’s a big deal for me, on many levels.
Firstly, it validates my decision to leave corporate life and become a business woman, an entrepreneur, a solopreneur. That is never easy to do, to leave a steady (and decent) salary.
Secondly, the execution of my business and its pillars, in coaching, capital introduction and strategy consulting, has been noticed, recognised and applauded. I’ve had many people say to me “you’re not focused enough with what your business does”. And yet I’ve stuck to my guns because I see the synergy and articulate it well. That’s paid off.
Thirdly, that each step and misstep I’ve taken since embarking this solopreneur journey, has led me to this – testament to the power to #ownyourstory and #findyourprerna (hashtags I use).
And finally, that this award goes beyond SA borders, into Southern Africa – it means I’ve breached my reach meaningfully into our beautiful continent.
So, a really big thank you to the judges, the sponsors, partners and organisers of the GMAs. This award solidifies the power of leading with purpose for impact – and hopefully inspires others on the cusp of taking that leap of faith like I did, that it is worth it.”
Arthi is also the proud host on the Inspire Your Life Podcast and co-host on The Swan Effect Podcast
The Inspire Your Life Podcast aims to get listeners to boldly #FindyourPrerna (Prerna = inspiration) with episodes that have uplifting sentiments, bringing real stories from real people doing extraordinary things, or just asking the questions that need to be asked to ignite one’s enthusiasm to go beyond one’s own limitations.
