Mansi Agarwal’s journey with FLO began five years ago as a member. For the term 2026-27, Mansi has been appointed as chairperson of the ladies’ organisation’s Calcutta chapter. Actively involved in the CSR initiatives of her family business (Emami Group) over the years, focusing on meaningful social impact, Mansi takes on the new role with a blend of grace, strength, quiet confidence and a strong sense of purpose.

A creative at heart, Mansi also pursues photography while balancing her roles as a professional and a mother. Deeply inspired by Calcutta’s cultural legacy, she envisions a tenure that celebrates the city’s heritage, art, and traditions, with a special focus on skilling underprivileged women and cultural tourism. A t2 chat with Mansi...

How did your journey with FICCI FLO begin?

My association with FLO began five years ago, when I became a member, and it has been a deeply meaningful journey ever since. FLO has given me a platform to contribute with sincerity, engage with purpose, and work towards causes larger than myself. Over the years, it taught me that growth comes not only from success, but also from setbacks, reflection, and persistence. FLO also strengthened my commitment to the upliftment of women.

What value will this opportunity add to your leadership journey?

FLO functions with a broad range of national initiatives that chapters align with, while also ensuring that the work reaches the grassroots in meaningful ways. At the same time, there is a strong focus on empowering members within the organisation itself. To lead within such a framework is, in itself, a significant learning experience. For me, this journey is not only about leading, but also about learning, evolving, and becoming more effective through collaboration.

What is your theme for this year?

Our theme for the year is Power Up. To me, it is both a call to action and a mindset. It is about recognising the strength, potential, and possibility that already exist within each woman, and creating the right environment for that power to grow.

Take us through your goals for FICCI FLO.

One of my key goals for the year is to create meaningful opportunities for both learning and networking. FLO brings together an extraordinary pool of women from diverse areas of expertise. I would like to see us consciously build a chapter where interactions are not only engaging, but also enriching, where every event, conversation, or networking opportunity leaves members with something tangible to take away, whether that is an insight, a connection, a new perspective, or an actionable learning.

Are you anticipating any challenges?

The gap between intention and access, especially when it comes to reaching women at the grassroots level. While there is no shortage of meaningful initiatives, the real challenge often lies in ensuring that these opportunities reach the women who can benefit from them most, and in encouraging participation in ways that feel accessible and relevant to their lives.

Very often, the first step is the hardest: helping women step out of their immediate circumstances to engage with learning, skilling, or development opportunities that can create long-term impact. I look forward to addressing it with commitment and sensitivity.

What is your takeaway from the past chairpersons?

The value of putting the institution above oneself. The sincerity and selflessness with which they have taken on their roles, not for visibility, but for purpose. They have shown that leadership is often expressed not in grand gestures, but in consistency, commitment, and the willingness to contribute wholeheartedly, even in ways that may seem small. I have also learnt that no effort is ever insignificant.

Are there any major changes you are looking forward to bringing in this organisation?

For me, the real opportunity lies in strengthening the organisation in ways that make it more relevant, more participative, and more impactful for its members and the community it serves. I would like to bring in clarity of experience, where members feel more connected to the chapter. I would also like to further nurture a culture where members feel not only included, but invested,

How are you planning to balance the new responsibility along with your existing responsibilities and passions?

This was a very conscious decision, taken at a stage of life where I felt ready to embrace this responsibility with clarity and commitment. I am fortunate to have a strong support system at home. I have also had the opportunity to closely observe my husband, Harsh Agarwal, in his role as national president 2025-26 for FICCI, and that has been both reassuring and inspiring.