In a world that often celebrates perfection, Radhika Gupta has emerged as a symbol of strength, honesty, and disruption. Known widely as the “Girl with the Broken Neck,” Radhika is the Managing Director and CEO of Edelweiss Asset Management, one of India’s fastest-growing mutual fund companies. But her journey is far more than just a corporate success story—it’s a tale of grit, vulnerability, and unwavering authenticity.
From being born with a medical complication to becoming one of the most prominent faces in India’s investment ecosystem, Radhika’s story is an inspiration for those who dare to defy odds.
🌍 Humble Beginnings Across Borders
Radhika Gupta was born to Indian diplomat parents. As a result, her childhood was spent across various countries including Pakistan, Nigeria, South Africa, and the United States. Her upbringing gave her an international perspective and a deep sense of adaptability.
However, life didn’t start easy. Due to complications during her birth, Radhika’s neck was tilted—a condition that gave her a unique appearance and became a lifelong reminder of overcoming imperfection.
Growing up in different schools, facing bullies and constant change, Radhika found refuge in academics and competitive card games like bridge, which she says taught her the importance of playing smart, no matter the cards you’re dealt.
🎓 Education: Brilliance from the Start
Radhika’s academic achievements were nothing short of remarkable. She earned a place in the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated summa cum laude with dual degrees—Computer Science from the School of Engineering and Economics from The Wharton School.
Her educational journey also included the prestigious Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology, which honed her understanding of both engineering and business.
After college, Radhika kickstarted her career with McKinsey & Company and later joined AQR Capital, a hedge fund based in the US, where she gained crucial exposure to the investment world.
🚀 Building Her Own Venture
Despite a successful start in the US, Radhika and her husband, Nalin Moniz, decided to move back to India in 2009. The financial world in India was still evolving, and they saw opportunity.
That same year, she co-founded Forefront Capital Management, a company focused on alternative investments. At a time when hedge funds were virtually unheard of in India, her firm became one of the first domestic hedge funds in the country.
Their success caught the attention of financial giant Edelweiss, which acquired Forefront Capital in 2014.
💼 Becoming CEO: Breaking Stereotypes
In 2017, Radhika Gupta was appointed the CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, becoming one of the few women at the top of India’s male-dominated asset management industry. At the time, the company had modest assets under management (AUM) and limited public visibility.
But under Radhika’s leadership, Edelweiss MF underwent a massive transformation. She focused on:
- Digital transformation
- Retail investor awareness
- Product innovation
- Expanding distribution networks
📊 Achievements Under Her Leadership
1. Assets Under Management (AUM) Growth
When Radhika took over, Edelweiss had an AUM of around ₹6,000 crore. As of 2024, the fund house manages over ₹1 lakh crore in assets, making it one of the fastest-growing AMCs in India.
2. Bharat Bond ETF
In 2019, under her leadership, Edelweiss launched Bharat Bond ETF, India’s first-ever corporate bond exchange-traded fund in collaboration with the Government of India. This innovative product allowed retail investors access to government-backed bonds, making debt investing more transparent and accessible.
3. Focus on Financial Literacy
Radhika became a vocal advocate of financial literacy for retail investors. Through webinars, AMFI campaigns, and social media outreach, she educated thousands of new investors across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
🧠 Mental Health & Vulnerability: The TED Talk That Went Viral
In 2018, Radhika gave a TEDx talk titled “The Girl With a Broken Neck.” In this emotional and honest speech, she shared her struggles with mental health, bullying, and even suicidal thoughts during her early career setbacks.
Her message was clear: It’s okay to be different. In fact, that might just be your greatest strength.
This talk went viral, making her an icon for young professionals, women, and entrepreneurs facing imposter syndrome or societal pressures.
📚 Author of ‘Limitless’
In 2022, Radhika published her debut book, ‘Limitless: The Power of Unlocking Your True Potential’, which quickly became a bestseller. The book is a blend of personal anecdotes, leadership lessons, and practical advice for navigating ambition, self-doubt, and modern careers.
In the book, she urges readers to stop chasing perfection and start building authentic success. Her storytelling—raw, real, and relevant—resonated with a wide audience, especially young professionals and women in finance.
🦈 Shark Tank India & Media Recognition
Radhika also became a judge (Shark) on Shark Tank India (Season 3), showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and keen eye for scalable business models. She brought a calm, analytical perspective to the show—encouraging financially sound decisions over flashy pitches.
Her media presence has grown rapidly:
- Featured in Fortune India 40 under 40
- Named among India’s Most Powerful Women in Business
- Featured in Forbes, Business Today, and Economic Times
👩💼 A Role Model for Women in Finance
In an industry where women leaders are few and far between, Radhika stands tall. She often speaks about:
- The importance of confidence over perfection
- Work-life balance as a working mother
- Gender inclusivity in finance and investing
- Owning your narrative, no matter what others expect
She has mentored hundreds of young professionals through interviews, podcasts, and her social media platform.
💬 Social Media Savvy CEO
Radhika is also known for her engaging posts on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram, where she shares investment insights, leadership lessons, and personal experiences.
Her tone is warm, insightful, and humble—helping break the stereotype of the aloof corporate CEO.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Radhika Gupta’s journey is proof that you don’t need to be perfect to succeed—you just need to be honest, hardworking, and fearless. From being “the girl with a broken neck” to becoming one of India’s most respected financial leaders, she has redefined what leadership looks like.
In a country where finance often feels intimidating or inaccessible, Radhika has made it relatable, transparent, and human. Whether you are a young entrepreneur, a finance enthusiast, or someone battling self-doubt, her story is a reminder:
“Being different is not your weakness. It is your greatest strength.”
📌 Quick Summary
Name: Radhika Gupta
Current Role: MD & CEO, Edelweiss Mutual Fund
Known For: Bharat Bond ETF, ‘Limitless’ book, Shark Tank India
Notable Quote: “You can be a masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time.”
