Pinky Ghadiali started out as a self-employed optometrist, before moving to Edinburgh with her 18 month-old son following a divorce.
After starting to attend networking events, she became frustrated with the same “pale, male and stale” attendees, so launched an in-person group for women to meet in Scotland.
The pandemic forced this to become a virtual affair, so Netwomen was born, with meet-ups moving online to help inspire and collaborate.
Ghadiali’s mission is for all organisations to have a 50/50 gender split at the top. To help break the glass ceiling, she offers mindset coaching through neuro-linguistic programming.
Insider asked her some some rapid-fire questions to find out more…
What does your typical day involve?
Wake up at 6am, drink hot water, meditate, journal and go to the gym or do pilates, then work from home on my computer. Mindset is key in business and as a leadership coach, I believe it all starts with you.
What five words would friends or colleagues use to describe you?
Leader, caring, optimistic, inspiring, thoughtful.
If you could choose anyone, who would be your fantasy board members and why?
Oprah – the only black women on Fortune 500, an inspiring entrepreneur and a champion for females.
Michelle Obama – one of my role models and I loved her book Becoming.
Rosa Parks – for striving for what she believed in and saying “you must never be fearful of what you are doing if it is right”.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg – for fighting for men and women who faced discrimination, as well as equal pay between the sexes.
If you could choose anyone, who would be your fantasy dinner party guests and why?
My grandad, my dad and my son, because they have never been in the same room together and I would love to see and hear three generations of our family having a conversation.
What is your favourite way to unwind during time off?
Spending time with my 14 year-old son and family, travelling to experience different cultures and going to the spa.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given or what advice would you give to the next generation of business leaders?
If you don’t ask, then the answer will always be ‘no’ – and never be afraid to be yourself. These two pieces of advice have challenged me to believe in myself, think big and follow my passion.
If you were in charge of Scotland, what would you change and why?
Politics is not my topic of choice, but if I had to, it would be to keep Covid rules the same across the UK, as it’s too complicated and confusing. I prefer a more collaborative approach.
What sport are you interested in/which sporting team do you follow?
Rugby, I would support England and my son’s school team. My son supports Scotland of course.
What was the first record you bought/first film you saw at the cinema/concert you attended?
First record: Bananarama – Venus.
First concert: Kylie Minogue (she really is tiny!).
What is your favourite memory from your schooldays?
I was bullied at school because of my name and the colour of my skin and didn’t really have any friends, but I did have some inspiring teachers who I am grateful for.
Describe a perfect day/night/weekend
Watching the northern lights – definitely on the bucket list.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Emma Thompson, I think she is so funny without even trying.
What is your signature dish to cook?
Chicken katsu curry.
If you could choose your last meal on earth what would it be?
Sushi and pho.
What is your go-to karaoke song?
Tina Turner – Simply the best.
What is your restaurant?
Roka or Nobu.
What is your favourite part of/place in Scotland?
A beach that I love on the Isle of Skye.
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