We recently had the opportunity to speak with Shikha Miglani, Co-founder of Saarthee, a global strategy, analytics, technology, and AI consulting firm. With more than two decades of experience spanning engineering, analytics, technology, and consulting, Shikha has built her career around a central belief: data creates its greatest value when it leads to meaningful action. Together with Co-founder Mrinal Prasad, she has grown Saarthee into a global organization that helps businesses navigate complex challenges by bringing together strategy, data, analytics, technology, and AI to drive measurable outcomes.
Shikha’s entrepreneurial journey extends beyond Saarthee. As Founder-CEO of Maithee, she is focused on building the next generation of AI-powered solutions designed to transform how organizations work, learn, and make decisions. She is also the founder of Girl of Substance, an initiative dedicated to amplifying female aspirations and impact.
Her commitment to creating meaningful change extends into the community as well. As a Board Member of Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence, Shikha contributes her experience and perspective to an organization focused on empowering young people through mentorship and opportunity.
Across technology, entrepreneurship, and community leadership, a common thread defines Shikha’s work: using innovation not simply to solve problems, but to create opportunities for businesses, people, and communities to thrive.
Spark Behind the Journey
We started the interview by asking, “What first inspired you to pursue your current industry or professional path? Was there a defining moment or influence that shaped your direction?”
Shikha shared, “At the heart of our journey was a desire for independence — to build something on our own terms. We wanted to create an innovative ecosystem where high-caliber, high-impact talent could thrive and deliver world-class solutions. Founding Saarthee with her Co-Founder Mrinal Prasad was driven by a commitment to go beyond traditional consulting and focus relentlessly on measurable ROI. I wasn’t interested in simply delivering services; I wanted to build a playground for bold ideas, strategic thinking, and meaningful impact.”
Adaptability Amidst Challenges
Challenges are a part of every journey. To learn how Shikha Miglani overcame the same, we asked, “Can you describe one significant challenge you’ve faced in your career or business, and how you successfully overcame it?”
She explained, “One of the defining challenges was the absence of visible role models. That often meant relying on instinct and inner conviction. Walking into rooms where you’re the only woman can subtly (or overtly) mean proving yourself repeatedly. Over time, I built resilience through passion for my work. I learned to address bias in a way that could be heard and received constructively, transforming conversations rather than confronting them combatively.
Encouragingly, the landscape evolves every decade. As more women enter leadership, biases naturally begin to dilute. But it still requires persistence, clarity, and confidence.”
Envisioning the Future
To understand the development of the industry in the future, we asked, “What key trends or changes do you foresee shaping the future of your industry over the next 3–5 years?”
“AI has fundamentally reshaped my perspective on technology and analytics. Companies now face a choice: maintain the status quo and rely on what AI cannot yet do, or boldly innovate — even if it means disrupting themselves.
Innovation will always prevail. An ROI-driven mindset will remain relevant regardless of technological shifts. Clients ultimately distinguish substance from noise. My belief is simple: don’t scale into irrelevance. Evolve, elevate, and protect your core integrity as a company.
I also see tremendous opportunity for organizations that integrate AI with human intelligence thoughtfully. The companies that balance automation with human insight will build deeper trust with end users,” Shikha mentioned.
Plans we asked Shikha Miglani
We then asked, “What are your long-term aspirations for your company or role, and what strategies are you implementing to reach them?”
“My long-term aspiration is to build an AI-first, innovation-driven organization. We approach AI with a research mindset, confident in what we know, yet deeply aware of how much there is still to learn.
AI brings incredible opportunities, but also challenges: security, bias, and workforce displacement. If we can solve for those responsibly, even if it means sacrificing short-term profits, that, to me, defines entrepreneurial success,” she added.
Embracing Innovation and Excellence
Technological advancements are reshaping sectors across the globe. We asked, “How do you see artificial intelligence and emerging technologies influencing your industry or business model?”
Shikha responded, “AI is capable of extraordinary transformation. At Saarthee, we’ve built a Human-Led, AI-Engineered analytics ecosystem called maiLytics, integrating Human-in-the-Loop (HITL) audits to ensure safety, governance, and quality.
Our goal has always been ROI — not dashboards. With AI, we now deliver that value with significantly higher efficiency. We confidently claim at least a 70% improvement in productivity compared to traditional models, without compromising quality or oversight.”
Values at the Root of Shikha Miglani’s Leadership
Intrigued to learn more about the core values or guiding principles that influence Shikha Miglani’s decisions and the way her organization operates, we asked her to share the same.
“Play the long game, and never compromise on quality, even if growth slows. Innovation must remain a priority. It’s important to build a company with heart — success must create a broader impact. We are ultimately building a world our children will inherit. That perspective guides everything,” she replied.
From Setbacks to Success
We asked Shikha Miglani to share an innovative strategy or approach that helped her company stand out or achieve a breakthrough.
She reflected, “We shifted from services to solutions. Our Voice Analytics capability evolved into maiATS, an AI-powered agent training simulator. Our analytics practice transformed into maiLytics.
This willingness to productize and even disrupt our own revenue streams has been our breakthrough. I believe true innovation often requires courage to reinvent yourself.
We partnered with Susan Rocco and her Women to Watch Media podcast to transform 600 interviews with female leaders into Executive Leadership Courses. Now that is one plus one eleven!”
Sustainability and Global Impact
To understand how Shikha Miglani is using her entrepreneurial platform to support sustainability and create a broader social impact, we asked, “How are you using your platform as an entrepreneur to advance sustainability on a global stage?”
She stated, “For me, leadership has never been only about building successful businesses. It is also about asking a larger question: What kind of world are we helping build for the generation that comes after us?
That belief is what makes Saarthee’s partnership with ARC for the Global Sustainability Awards 2026 so meaningful to me. GSA celebrates people and organizations translating the UN Sustainable Development Goals into real action—from students and educators to entrepreneurs, nonprofits and corporations. With chapters in Atlanta, Delhi, and Dubai, it is creating something particularly powerful: a global community where ideas can cross borders and inspire action.
Saarthee is proud to support that journey, including sponsoring the Delhi and Dubai chapters. I am especially excited about Dubai because it represents the kind of global crossroads where business, innovation, sustainability and social progress can come together.
It also shapes my work with Girl of Substance, an initiative I founded to challenge gender stereotypes and encourage girls to see themselves as future scientists, entrepreneurs, engineers, artists, and leaders. And through my involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence, I have seen firsthand how mentorship, access, and simply having someone believe in a young person can expand what they believe is possible for themselves. BBBSI’s mission centers on creating one-to-one mentoring relationships that help young people realize their potential.”
Evolution as a Leader
Lastly, we asked, “How has your leadership style evolved throughout your journey, and what lessons have shaped your approach to leading teams or businesses?”
Shikha responded, “My leadership style has always blended results with empathy. However, I’ve learned that empathy must be balanced with decisive action. Earlier in my journey, I sometimes delayed difficult decisions. Experience has taught me the importance of clarity, boundaries, and timely action.
Over time, I’ve also grown more confident in embracing my identity as a feminist leader. Self-doubt and external opinions once made the path more complex. But staying committed to my values and proving outcomes has strengthened my resilience.
Stay long enough. Stay consistent. Things can turn in your favor in ways you never imagined.”
Connect with Shikha Miglani on LinkedIn to gain industry insights.
Find Saarthee on LinkedIn and visit their website to learn more.
Also Read:-
Creativity, Technology & Impact: The Digiwits Journey With Marc Bou Sleiman
Fashion That Speaks: Oluwabiyi Olusoga’s Vision
About Author
