Breaking Barriers and Building Futures: The Leadership Journey of Aakanksha Bhargava
1) You took charge of PM Relocations at a remarkably young age, just 21. What inspired you to step into the family business so early, and what were your first thoughts stepping into an industry that was then largely male-dominated?
I stepped into PMR at 21 because I had grown up watching my parents pour their lives into this company. Joining wasn’t a strategic career move; it was an emotional one. I felt a strong sense of responsibility to carry their vision forward and to shape the company into something even bigger. Walking into an industry that was male-dominated and largely unstructured was overwhelming at first, but it also fueled my determination. I wanted to bring order, empathy, and professionalism to a space that desperately needed it. I didn’t think of myself as a ‘young woman entering a male-dominated industry’. I saw myself as someone with a purpose.
2) How did you and PMR navigate the disruptions brought about by the pandemic, and what lessons did that period leave you with?
The pandemic was one of the most defining phases of my leadership. Overnight, everything changed: client needs, team safety, operational realities, and so on. There was no playbook, so we led with transparency, agility, and compassion. We ensured our teams were protected, communicated honestly with our customers, and adapted quickly to shifting regulations. That period taught me that resilience isn’t loud; it’s steady. It also reminded me that culture, trust, and empathy aren’t soft aspects of business; they are survival tools.
3) As someone who’s broken barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field, what advice would you give to women who aspire to lead in similar spaces?
To women who want to lead in unconventional or male-dominated fields, I would say: don’t shrink yourself to fit a space, expand the space. You don’t need to imitate existing leadership styles. Bring your authenticity, your intuition, and your voice. Consistency builds credibility, and intent builds direction. Walk in with clarity, and allow time, courage, and competence to take care of the rest.
4) You’ve received numerous awards over the years. What do these recognitions mean to you personally and professionally?
Awards, for me, are not just professional milestones; they are emotional markers. Each one represents a phase of struggle, learning, and growth. They remind me of the team that stands behind me and the clients who trust us. Personally, they keep me grounded; professionally, they push me to continue evolving with responsibility and grace.
5) How do you see the relocation industry evolving in the post-pandemic world, and how does your long-term vision align with this?
The relocation industry is becoming more human-centric than ever. People no longer want just logistics; they want care, clarity, and comfort. Technology, personalisation, and global mobility trends will shape the future, and I see PMR continuing to lead with empathy-driven excellence. My vision is to ensure that every move feels supported, structured, and emotionally understood.
6) Can you share how your time at SP Jain Global contributed to your growth as a leader?
My time at SP Jain Global was crucial in shaping my worldview. Studying abroad exposed me to diverse perspectives and sharpened my ability to think strategically. It taught me to adapt quickly, lead confidently, and make decisions with both logic and compassion.
7) What does success mean to you today, and has that definition evolved?
Success today means something very different from what it meant when I started. Earlier, it was about growth and achievements. Now, it’s about impact, building a business that stays human at its core, and raising my daughter to see ambition and compassion coexist.
8) What message would you like to share with young leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women?
To young leaders and entrepreneurs, especially women, I would say: start where you are, with what you have. Don’t fear mistakes, fear standing still. I firmly believe that there are no limitations, except the ones the mind acknowledges. Build with intent, lead with honesty, and trust that your journey will shape you exactly the way it’s meant to.
About the Author
Aakanksha completed her GMBA & PGPM with SP Jain Global back in 2007. Beyond her business, Aakanksha is also a mother, motivational speaker, and CSR advocate, and she is deeply passionate about initiatives that empower individuals and strengthen communities.
Recommended Reads:
Driving Change: A Conversation with the CEO of Delta Autocorp – Ankit Agarwal, GMBA & PGPM, 2008
Alumni Spotlight: Leading Wealth Management in a Changing Financial World
