009: From the township to the boardroom - She’s been named Africa’s Most Influential Woman in ICT, featured by Forbes as a changemaker, and celebrated as Top Woman in Tech at the Africa Tech Awards—but not everyone knows the story behind Videsha Proothveerajh.
In this episode, I sit down with Videsha to hear that story. She shares what it was like growing up in a South African township within an Indian community, where investing in a daughter’s education wasn’t typical—but her family believed in her and in the power of education to change lives.
We talk about navigating identity in a complex South Africa—being told she was too brown for a loan, while years earlier she would have been too black. Through it all, her parents instilled one core belief: “The only thing standing in your way is your own beliefs.”
Videsha reflects on the importance of mentors and coaches, how they helped her shift her perspective, and why growth starts by saying yes—especially when it’s uncomfortable. She speaks openly about overcoming bias, why excellence always matters, and how true leadership goes beyond gender.
She also shares her view on diversity, the danger of quotas, and the importance of building not just IQ and EQ—but AQ, your adaptability quotient.
💬 “The world is your oyster—but you have to be willing and brave enough to open it.”
This episode is for anyone ready to grow, rise above obstacles, and believe in themselves more boldly.
Podcast Links:
- Video: Dear Younger Me, lessons of a CEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASqwz96klmU
- Book: Know your Why, Simon Sinek
More about Astrid:
- https://www.astridsteingrueber.com
- Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrid_steingrueber_coaching/
- Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/astrid-steingrueber/
