Sangeeta Mulchandani is a third-generation entrepreneur, author, speaker, and innovation educator with a background in corporate leadership. She’s the founder of Jumpstart Studio, where she combines her corporate background and startup experience to support entrepreneurs and the next generation of innovators. Recently, she launched Press Play Ventures, a Pre-Accelerator Program aimed at helping women transition from employment to entrepreneurship, in partnership with NiceTo, Vox 360 and Evander Strategy.
As a Lecturer at the University of Melbourne, Sangeeta teaches the Master of Entrepreneurship program. She designs and facilitates startup programs for organisations like LaunchVic and Startup India. Her book, “Start Right,” provides valuable guidance for aspiring and early-stage founders.
With a diverse career that spans six continents and multiple industries, including Airlines, Energy, and Banking, Sangeeta has a global perspective. She is also the co-founder and Board Director at Australian Professionals of Colour, a community organisation focused on fostering culturally intelligent leadership. A passionate traveller, Sangeeta has spent time in 42 countries and speaks four languages, and believes that entrepreneurs hold the transformative power to shape a better future for the world.
What was the inspiration behind the business name ‘Press Play’?
The inspiration behind the business name ‘Press Play’ is rooted in empowering aspiring women founders to take action and overcome the hurdles that often hold them back from pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams. We recognise that many women have incredible business ideas but may hesitate to make the leap from employment to entrepreneurship due to various factors, including fear of the unknown, the comfort of their current situations, and a lack of knowledge about how to transform their ideas into successful ventures that provide financial freedom.
‘Press Play’ serves as a powerful call to action, encouraging these women to break free from their fears and comfort zones and take the first step toward turning their dreams into concrete, thriving businesses. It symbolises the idea that by pressing the play button, they can start their journey towards business success, personal growth, and financial independence. Our mission is to provide the tools, resources, and support necessary to help these women bring their business ideas to life and achieve the level of success they aspire to. ‘Press Play’ embodies the belief that every woman has the potential to create her own path to success and fulfilment.
What are some of the key misconceptions when it comes to women and entrepreneurship that you’re looking to debunk with Press Play?
A core goal for us at Press Play is to debunk several key misconceptions surrounding women and entrepreneurship, as we believe in empowering women to break free from these misconceptions and achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. Some common ones we hear are:
- Women lack the necessary skills and knowledge for business leadership. This is a narrative that women have been told for several generations, and it eventually impacts their self-esteem and creates imposter syndrome. At Press Play, we believe that women are just as capable as men in leadership roles. Press Play provides resources, education, and mentorship to equip women with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the business world, with confidence.
- Entrepreneurship is too risky for women, particularly if they have family responsibilities. At Press Play, we know from our own personal experiences and those of other women, that entrepreneurship can be balanced with family life. We aim to show that with the right support and strategies, women can successfully manage both their business ventures, work and their family responsibilities.
- Access to funding and investment is limited for women entrepreneurs. While this has been proven through research, we believe that it is possible to to bridge the gender investment gap by offering guidance and enducation on securing funding, including venture capital and grants, and by connecting women entrepreneurs with networks and opportunities that can help them gain financial backing early on in the process.
- Women entrepreneurs feel isolated and lack support networks. This too has been researched a fair bit, and our aim is to provide a community of like-minded women entrepreneurs who can share experiences, offer support, and collaborate, combating the misconception that entrepreneurship is a solitary journey.
- Women need to be overly competitive and assertive to succeed in business. Every woman is unique and brings a plethora of skills, knowledge and experience. We promote a collaborative and inclusive approach to entrepreneurship, encouraging women to embrace their unique leadership styles and strengths.
Our mission is to empower women to define their own narratives, pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, and overcome the barriers and stereotypes that may stand in their way.
How have your backgrounds and upbringing helped to shaped your mission with Press Play?
Sangeeta Mulchandani, a third-generation entrepreneur, who learned the nuts and bolts of business at the kitchen table. Her parents, who are her guiding lights, created flourishing business empires in India. Her mother, a serial entrepreneur, embarked on her ventures after raising two children and crafted a thriving chain of clothing stores, ultimately achieving a successful exit. Her father, a dedicated electronics entrepreneur, has unwaveringly pursued his passion for 43 years and continues to do so.
Sangeeta’s initial 15-year career spanned prominent global corporations, where she ascended the ranks to attain senior leadership roles. Often, she found herself to be the only woman and the only person of colour at leadership tables. In 2019, she embarked on her entrepreneurial journey, leaving behind her corporate role. The questions about her transition from employment to entrepreneurship, coupled with her realisation of the barriers individuals face when making this leap, led her to establish Jumpstart Studio, where she works with aspiring and early-stage founders, to demystify the business-building journey, reduce the barriers to entry and make entrepreneurship more accessible.
The inception of Press Play emerged from the desire to further assist women in making the transition from employment to entrepreneurship smoothly, sparing them the hurdles of navigating the path independently.
What are your perspectives on encouraging entrepreneurship with our girls when they are at a tender age?
Encouraging entrepreneurship in young girls from an early age is both empowering and vital for their holistic development. Here are some key perspectives on nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit:
1. Inspiring Role Models: Introduce young girls to accomplished female entrepreneurs and leaders who can serve as inspirations and show them that they can achieve remarkable success in business.
2. Educational Foundation: Provide opportunities for girls to gain knowledge about fundamental business concepts, problem-solving, and financial literacy. Encouraging their participation in STEM fields can be particularly beneficial for building essential skills.
3. Cultivating Creativity: Foster a creative and innovative mindset by encouraging girls to think creatively, generate unique ideas, and find solutions to real-world challenges.
4. Building Resilience: Teach girls that setbacks and failures are natural aspects of entrepreneurship, and these experiences offer valuable learning opportunities. Building resilience and self-confidence is crucial for them to persevere in the face of obstacles.
5. Network and Mentorship: Connect girls with supportive networks and mentors who can provide guidance and motivation. Having access to a community of like-minded individuals can significantly enhance their entrepreneurial journey.
6. Problem-Solving Orientation: Encourage girls to identify problems or needs within their communities and think about how they can create businesses or initiatives to address these issues. This approach instils a sense of purpose and social responsibility in entrepreneurship.
7. Financial Literacy: Educate girls about financial literacy, including budgeting, saving, and the fundamental principles of managing finances. Understanding the financial aspects of running a business is crucial.
8. Teamwork and Leadership: Promote collaboration and leadership skills, as entrepreneurship often involves working with others. These skills are invaluable in any professional pursuit.
9. Effective Communication: Help girls develop strong communication skills, including public speaking, negotiation, and persuasive abilities. Being able to articulate their ideas and visions is critical for entrepreneurial success.
10. Empowerment and Choice: Above all, emphasise that entrepreneurship empowers girls to pursue their passions, exercise independence, and shape their own opportunities. It provides a pathway for them to follow their dreams and make a lasting impact on the world.
By nurturing these qualities and providing unwavering support, we can empower young girls to explore their entrepreneurial potential and become future leaders and innovators. Fostering their curiosity and self-assurance from a young age equips them to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to society.
What are you most excited about with the work that you’re doing with Press Play?
What excites me most about the work we’re doing with Press Play is the profound impact it has on empowering women in entrepreneurship. It’s incredibly gratifying to witness women from diverse backgrounds and experiences gain the confidence and skills to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.
The prospect of helping women realize their potential, turn their ideas into thriving businesses, and create economic independence is a source of immense joy. I’m excited to see the ripple effect of our efforts as these women not only build successful businesses but also become role models and mentors to inspire the next generation of female entrepreneurs.
The sense of community and support we’ve fostered at Press Play is genuinely heartwarming, and it’s an honor to be a part of this journey. I’m excited about the endless possibilities and the positive changes we can bring to the entrepreneurial landscape by empowering women to pursue their dreams and make a lasting impact.
What are some of the goals that you’re looking to achieve in the next 5 years with Press Play?
In the coming five years, Press Play envisions a world where the boundaries that once confined women’s entrepreneurship are erased. Our mission is to extend our reach globally, providing women from all backgrounds with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in entrepreneurship.
We are committed to fostering a diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem where every woman has an equal opportunity to make her mark in various industries. Through mentorship programs and networking, we aim to create a vibrant community of mentors and peers, facilitating invaluable insights and collaborations.
Our goal is to offer an enriched curriculum that equips women with the skills and knowledge needed for success, launch a startup incubation program to turn innovative concepts into thriving businesses, and actively advocate for policies that champion gender equality in entrepreneurship.
We will also work on establishing strategic partnerships, amplifying our mission’s reach, and measuring our tangible influence in the lives of women we support. Furthermore, our vision includes opening doors to investment opportunities, ensuring that female entrepreneurs have access to the financial backing they need to scale their ventures.
Ultimately, we aspire to celebrate countless success stories, inspiring women to transform their entrepreneurial dreams into reality, and stand as beacons of innovation, leadership, and empowerment, shaping a world of boundless possibilities.
Follow Sangeeta at Jumpstart Studio and Press Play