In this episode of The AboutHer Show, we speak with Shaifalika Panda, Founder of the Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation, about choosing the road less travelled in the world of social impact.

From early influences to building community-led development models in Odisha, Shaifalika reflects on leadership, failure, and the quiet resilience required to create change that lasts. She speaks candidly about stepping into leadership before feeling ready, the loneliness that often accompanies responsibility, and why voice and visibility-especially for women and youth- are essential to intergenerational change.

A thoughtful conversation on purpose, empathy, and social impact that begins within communities.

✨ The AboutHer Show has been recognised by Feedspot as one of the Top 25 Leadership Podcasts in India.

Chapters:

(0:00) 🌱 Beginnings
An introduction to Shaifalika and the values that quietly shaped her journey.

(3:01) 🌿 Before Foundations
Who was Shaifalika before titles, foundations, and global platforms?

(5:36) 🛤️ Choosing the Space of Social Impact
Why she chose the road less travelled—and what drew her to social impact work.

(7:35) 🌍 A Moment from Odisha
A powerful on-ground experience that reshaped her understanding of leadership.

(10:50) 💛 Holding Space for Grief
How she processes pain, loss, and emotional weight while working with communities.

(12:50) 🔥 Stepping into Leadership
When leadership calls before confidence arrives—and how to show up anyway.

(15:31) 🌗 When Belief Didn’t Work Out
Lessons from failure, humility, and resilience when conviction meets reality.

(19:24) 🌙 The Loneliness of Leadership
Why leadership can feel isolating—and what truly grounds her.

(22:41) 🧭 Staying Connected to Self
How she stays anchored beyond roles, expectations, and responsibilities.

(25:00) 🌐 The G20 Experience
A personal reflection on representing India at a global stage.

(28:09) 🏆 Redefining Success
How her idea of success has evolved over time.

(29:49) 🌱 Intergenerational Change
What lasting change really means—and what she hopes future generations inherit.

(33:32) 💌 A Letter to Her Younger Self
What to hold on to, and what to let go of, when starting out.

(34:04) ⚡ Rapid Fire
Quick reflections that reveal values, beliefs, and purpose.

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