Pinky Ghadiali started out as a freelance optometrist, before moving to Edinburgh with her 18-month-old son following a divorce.
After she started attending networking events, she became frustrated with the same “pale, masculine and stale” attendees, so she started an in-person group for women to meet in Scotland.
The pandemic forced this to become a virtual affair, so Netwomen was born, with dating moving online to help inspire and collaborate.
Ghadiali’s mission is for all organizations to have a 50/50 gender split at the top. To help break the glass ceiling, she offers mental coaching through neurolinguistic programming.
Insider asked him a few quick questions to find out more…
What does your typical day consist of?
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 essential in business and as a leadership coach, I believe it all starts with you.
What five words would your friends or colleagues use to describe you?
Leader, caring, optimistic, inspiring, thoughtful.
If you could choose anyone, who would your board members be and why?
Oprah – the only black women in the Fortune 500, an inspirational entrepreneur and champion for women.
Michelle Obama – a role model of mine and I loved her book Becoming.
Rosa Parks – for standing up for what she believed in and saying “you should never be afraid of what you’re doing, if it’s right”.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg – for fighting for discriminated against men and women, as well as for gender pay equity.
If you could choose anyone, who would your imaginary dinner guests be and why?
My grandfather, my father 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 have a conversation.
What’s your favorite way to unwind in your free time?
Spending time with my 14 year old son and my family, traveling to experience different cultures and going to the spa.
What is the best advice you have ever received or what advice would you give to the next generation of business leaders?
If you don’t ask, the answer will always be ‘no’ – and never be afraid to be yourself. These two pieces of advice challenged me to believe in myself, think big and follow my passion.
If you were responsible for Scotland, what would you change and why?
Politics isn’t my favorite subject, but if I had to, it would be to keep the 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 sports team do you follow?
Rugby, I support England and my son’s school team. My son supports Scotland of course.
What is the first record you bought/first movie you saw at the cinema/concert you attended?
First recording: Bananarama – Venus.
First gig: Kylie Minogue (she’s really tiny!).
What is your best memory from your school years?
I was bullied at school because of my name and the color of my skin and I didn’t really have any friends, but I had inspiring teachers that 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 movie of your life?
Emma Thompson, I think she’s 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’s your favorite karaoke song?
Tina Turner – Simply the best.
What is your restaurant?
Roka or Nobu.
What is your favorite part/place in Scotland?
A beach that I love on the Isle of Skye.
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