As part of the Morning Lazziness series about empowering women who encourage and do incredible things with their ideas in society, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sangeeta Sengupta.
Sangeeta Sengupta, a visionary leader with over 25 years of experience transforming lives through innovative training and employment initiatives. From tackling worklessness to championing health equality and supporting those with disabilities, Sangeeta’s impact is far-reaching. As the founder and director of TiffinWalli CIC, she’s reimagined community support, and through her leadership of a charity for Deaf individuals, she amplifies the voices of those often unheard.
Sangeeta is also an accomplished author, having penned the insightful book Mother and Baby in Bengali, aimed at empowering Bengali mothers. Her evocative short story, Sound of Silence, featured in the Human Stories and East India Company project, speaks to her deep understanding of diverse narratives. Before her journey brought her to England, Sangeeta made her mark as a journalist in India.
Now, as a property investor, she continues to build and nurture in every sense. Sangeeta’s story is one of passion, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Here’s what we found out about Sangeeta’s daily routine, followed by an exclusive Q+A.
Can you share the story behind your journey as an entrepreneur and what inspired you to start your own business?
TiffinWalli CIC was born out of a desire to address a pressing need: empowering women from marginalized communities by providing them with opportunities to achieve economic independence. Our focus spans from migrant women with limited skills and qualifications to those seeking flexible work hours around their caregiving responsibilities. The common thread among them is a passion for cooking. We came up with the idea of TiffinWalli to provide them a pathway to entrepreneurship, enabling them to build sustainable livelihoods and gain financial freedom. This initiative is about turning a love for cooking into a powerful tool for personal and community empowerment.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in the business world, and how have you overcome them?
While I’ve been fortunate to receive much support as a woman in business, the real challenge lies in balancing social impact with financial sustainability. It’s a delicate balance to strike, ensuring that our efforts to empower women and uplift marginalised communities remain sustainable while also maintaining financial viability. This dual focus requires constant innovation and dedication—a challenge I embrace every day
How do you balance your professional and personal life as an entrepreneur?
To be honest, I still struggle to balance my professional and personal life. In fact, my personal life has nearly diminished. Even after six years as an entrepreneur of a social mission organization, I find that it demands an enormous amount of time and energy, as I constantly juggle the dual goals of creating social impact and generating profit. I became an entrepreneur accidentally, driven by the desire to empower women. When you’re accountable for the well-being and livelihoods of others, it becomes difficult to carve out time for yourself. It’s a challenge I’m still learning to navigate
What strategies have you found most effective for networking and building connections in your industry?
There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy for networking—it varies depending on your business and needs. In the first few years, I did very little networking due to time constraints. However, I soon realised the importance of connecting with others and started attending various events. Over time, I realised the power of strategic networking and began attending events where I could build meaningful connections. I prefer smaller group settings where I can genuinely connect with people, Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey, so I use my time wisely to connect with the right people rather than trying to network with a large number of people
Can you talk about a specific setback or failure you’ve experienced in your business and how you bounced back from it?
Yes, I’ve faced several small setbacks along the way, each of which has been a learning experience. However, one of the more significant setbacks occurred when a subcontractor failed to deliver on their responsibilities as required. This situation had a direct impact on our business, particularly on the trust we had built with our clients and partners. It took time and effort to regain that trust. As the lead organization, you can’t simply wash your hands of the issue or pass the blame to the subcontractor, especially when they are working under your banner. We took full responsibility, addressed the issue head-on, and implemented stricter oversight and quality control measures to prevent such incidents in the future. This experience reinforced the importance of accountability and the need to carefully select and manage partners who align with our values and standards
In what ways do you prioritize diversity and inclusion within your company or startup?
Our enterprise was built in response to the needs of a diverse range of women. We prioritize diversity and inclusion by focusing on women from various backgrounds who are determined to achieve economic independence. Our approach is to provide opportunities and support to women who may face unique challenges, whether due to cultural, social, or economic barriers. By fostering an environment that values their individual experiences and strengths, we help them turn their aspirations into reality, ensuring that diversity and inclusion are at the core of everything we do
How do you stay motivated and resilient during tough times in your business?
Staying motivated can be challenging, but responsibility drives action. Even when motivation is low, fulfilling your duties often sparks renewed energy. Remember, sometimes the act of doing reignites your passion
Additionally, taking on challenges and working toward positive outcomes also drives motivation, as the process of overcoming obstacles and achieving goals can be incredibly rewarding. Ultimately, it’s the sense of responsibility and the desire to make a difference that keeps me resilient and focused, even when things get tough
What advice would you give to other aspiring women entrepreneurs who are just starting out?
If you’re considering entrepreneurship, ask yourself: ‘Am I driven by a passion to solve a problem or create value?’ Start with a clear purpose, and success will follow.
I’ve learned not to compare my journey with others, focusing instead on my own path and progress. This mindset shift has been crucial in maintaining my motivation and resilience.”
What is one quote you live by that has guided you in your entrepreneurial journey?
One quote that has consistently guided me in my entrepreneurial journey is by Abraham Lincoln: “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” This mantra reminds me that my success and the direction of my business are in my hands. It’s about taking proactive steps, making deliberate choices, and shaping the future I envision, rather than waiting for it to unfold. This mindset has been instrumental in driving my efforts and keeping me focused on my goals
Can you share a memorable success or milestone that you’ve achieved in your entrepreneurial career?
I have experienced many milestones in my journey, as I became an accidental entrepreneur to create opportunities for others. I cherish every small achievement along the way. However, two significant milestones stand out. The first was when I successfully created the product design for Doiee-Yogurt. The second, and perhaps even more rewarding, was when we were able to bring the final Doiee-Yogurt product to life exactly as I had envisioned it. These moments were not just milestones but confirmations that my vision could be turned into reality
