Indian women leaders in Germany epitomize a harmonious blend of cultures and remarkable achievements. They have shattered barriers and achieved distinction across various sectors, including science, business, politics, and the arts. Their contributions serve as an inspiring testament to the talent and innovation within the Indian diaspora in Germany. One such remarkable individual is Debarati Guha, the Director of Programs for Asia at Deutsche Welle (DW), Germany's renowned international broadcaster. Hailing from Kolkata, Debarati originates from a multiethnic, multilingual family, fostering an early fascination with diverse cultures, religions, and political dynamics. For Debarati, the personal is intrinsically political, motivating her to craft compelling narratives about people's lives and the societal challenges they confront. These profound interests are evident in her educational background and illustrious career in journalism. In the exclusive interview with The Global Woman Leader’s magazine, Debarati Guha shares her inspiring journey, milestones achieved, and future aspirations.

Kindly brief us about your educational background and prior industry experiences that shaped you as an individual and a leader today.

My educational journey began in Kolkata, amidst familial responsibilities due to my mother's paraly­sis. Determination was instilled early, leading me to Jawaharlal Nehru University, where I pursued Political Science and completed an MPhil in Postcolonial Litera­ture. Influenced by my uncle, historian Ranjit Guha, and his circle, including Partha Chatterjee and Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, I developed an interest in culture, history, and postcolonialism. Simultaneously, I pursued a dual MA program in music and computer software while learning German.

A pivotal moment came when I responded to an advertisement by Germany's Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, marking the start of my journalistic career. I worked with Asia correspondent Jochen Buchstein­er and participated in NDTV debates. Insights from political scientist Partha Chatterjee encouraged me to consider a media career. Also, my passion for storytell­ing, shaped by my interest in mythology and cultural rituals, grew as I worked for the German newspaper in Delhi, covering topics from cow issues to Mother Teresa's legacy.

In 2005, I relocated to Germany, joined Deutsche Welle, and focused on radio and TV programs. I ad­vanced to manage both units and completed Deutsche Welle's journalism program. Starting as a freelancer, I transitioned to a full-time role. Proficiency in Hindi and Urdu expanded my responsibilities to coordinat­ing editor for Hindi, Urdu, and Bengali, later becoming the head of the Bengali department. In 2012 I took over South Asia and then Southeast Asia. Over the last sev­en years, I have assumed responsibility for Deutsche Welle's entire Asian operations, with offices in Delhi, Taipei, and Jakarta. I oversee Asia, which includes im­portant target regions like Iran, China, India, Pakistan, and Indonesia, making history as Deutsche Welle's first non-German Asian director. I take great pride in this achievement and aspire to inspire more leaders from my region.

Tell us about Deutsche Welle. What are your priorities as the company's Director of Programs?

Deutsche Welle serves as Germany's foreign broad­caster, like the BBC's global role. Employing around 4,000 individuals from more than 150 nationalities, we operate across 18 major offices, with three in Asia. We broadcast in 32 languages, from which 10 departments are under my direction. Our content spans online, tele­vision, radio, and social media, reaching over 1.5 billion monthly views. While our historical emphasis was on gender equality, we now prioritize diversity on mul­tiple fronts – nationality, gender, beliefs, and content perspectives. We are committed to providing unbiased information for free minds, and I actively oversee the creation of relevant, unique stories and community engagement. Our future focus is increasingly digital, aiming to adapt and remain competitive in the evolv­ing media landscape.

"Our Future Focus Is Increasingly Digital, Aiming To Adapt And Remain Competitive In The Evolving Media Landscape"

Which professional scenarios do you consider your biggest successes?

My journey to the current position is a significant mile­stone, marking the first non-German to hold the role of Head of Asia at Deutsche Welle. The establishment of three Asian offices and the substantial expansion of our correspondent network in Asia are major accom­plishments. The increased presence of our journalists at global events and geopolitical shifts underlines our growth. I hope to see a regional successor continue this journey, bringing their unique perspective to the role.

What are your personal plans?

In the next two and a half years, I plan to initiate a meaningful project in India, particularly West Bengal or the Sundarbans region, which is close to my heart. This project involves establishing a network of schools that provide holistic education with a strong focus on the environment. The aim is to educate orphaned children and sensitize them to the importance of environmental stewardship. By the time I retire, I hope to have this project firmly in place, ensuring a fulfilling post-retirement endeavor.

How would you describe your leadership? What drives your success?

My leadership is defined by digital leadership, which involves trusting and empowering colleagues, embrac­ing diverse perspectives, and maintaining accessibil­ity. I believe in open communication and encourage new ideas, but I'm also straightforward in expressing my convictions. A willingness to learn and adapt is at the core of my leadership philosophy.

Debarati Guha, Head Of Asia, Deutsche Welle

Having a two-decade-long journalistic career, Debarati Guha has covered many international political events and has interviewed high-ranking politicians, activists, and intellectuals, including Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Indian writer and diplomat Shashi Tharoor, and world-renowned economist Professor Amartya Sen.

Educational Qualification - MPhil in Postcolonial Literature and dual MA program in music and computer software.

A leader you admire and why - Influenced by Mother Teresa's values and later by Angela Merkel's compassion.

Message for aspiring women leaders/entrepreneurs - Always be open to learning, work hard, provide diverse perspectives, acknowledge multiple truths, and maintain a work-life balance for long-term success.