Founder & CEO at NorthStar Biz Consulting Services | C-Suite Executive | Digital Transformation & AI Strategy | Board Member | Empowering Growth-Driven Leadership

The Leap from “What Now?” to “Why Not Me?”

Most professional journeys are defined by the titles one acquires, but Neetu Radhakrishnan’s story is defined by the questions she dared to ask. After nearly two decades of driving multi-million dollar growth and spearheading digital transformations for global giants, Neetu found herself at a crossroads. She could continue the comfortable ascent of the corporate ladder, or she could step into the unknown.

For Neetu, the “leap of faith” wasn’t just a career move; it was a transformation of identity. Transitioning from a seasoned C-Suite executive to the Founder of NorthStar Biz Consulting Services (NSBCS), she replaced the security of a steady paycheck with the thrill of a blank canvas. When faced with the uncertainty of entrepreneurship, she didn’t ask “What now?”—she asked, “Why not me?” This bold reclamation of potential has become the hallmark of her leadership, proving that the most stable base a leader can have is not a job title, but an unshakable belief in their own unique value.

Discipline, Empathy, and Practice Interviews

Neetu’s resilience was forged long before she entered a boardroom. Born in Bareilly and raised across the vibrant landscapes of Karnataka and Kerala, her upbringing was defined by the disciplined rhythm of an Army household. Her father’s service instilled an early understanding of adaptability—the necessity of being “the new person” and finding common ground across diverse cultures.

However, the most pivotal influence on her leadership style came from her mother. In a household that prioritized purpose over mere achievement, Neetu’s mother would conduct “practice interviews” with her and her sister, Teena. These weren’t just drills for future jobs; they were lessons in self-reflection. She was asked: What have you achieved? How will you contribute to society?

“At the time, it felt like a simple exercise. Today, I realize it quietly built confidence, clarity of thought, and a deep sense of responsibility toward others,” Neetu reflects. This upbringing planted a seed that success is a hollow pursuit unless it is used as a tool for service. By the time she landed her first job as a Business Analyst at Xerox, earning just ₹10,000 a month, she already possessed the mindset of a Chief Executive: she saw every task as an opportunity for ownership and every challenge as a classroom.

From Strategy to Scale

Neetu’s career trajectory is a masterclass in growth and execution. During her tenure at Litmus7, where she rose to Chief Growth Officer, she became a formidable force in the e-commerce and digital transformation space. Her ability to navigate complex vendor negotiations and execute global omni-channel strategies earned her a reputation as a “sharp business consultant with an eye for detail,” a sentiment echoed by colleagues who praised her high standards of customer service and her ability to translate abstract ideas into practical, high-impact solutions.

Throughout her ascent, Neetu remained a “TwinMom” and a vocal advocate for women in leadership, joining CHIEF to connect with other high-level executives. She realized that climbing the ladder was less about the height reached and more about the character built during the climb. “Skills compound faster than titles,” she often advises, a philosophy that allowed her to master diverse domains from Product Head to Strategic Operations.

Navigating by the North Star

In 2024, Neetu synthesized her years of expertise to launch NorthStar Biz Consulting Services (NSBCS) in the U.S. and Neyved Biz Consulting in India. The name “NorthStar” is intentional—symbolizing a guiding light for businesses navigating the often-turbulent waters of AI integration and digital evolution. Under her leadership, the firm has achieved remarkable growth, surpassing typical startup benchmarks and securing significant funding.

Her impact, however, extends far beyond the balance sheet. As a Board Member for the Gift of Adoption Fund, Neetu applies her strategic acumen to a cause that changes lives, bridging the gap between professional success and social responsibility. Recognized as one of the Top Women Leaders of 2024 by Women We Admire, Neetu has become a symbol of what it means to lead with a “doubly beautiful life”—one where professional ambition and personal authenticity coexist.

Unapologetically Unique

Today, Neetu Radhakrishnan is focused on more than just business growth; she is focused on legacy. Her leadership philosophy is anchored in a quote she lives by: “Unapologetically embrace your own uniqueness, and live a doubly beautiful life.”

As she looks toward the future, Neetu is dedicated to mentoring the next generation, particularly Gen Z, urging them to chase growth over comfort. Her vision for NSBCS is to continue steering vision into reality, ensuring that technology serves as a bridge to better human experiences. For Neetu, the journey is no longer about reaching a destination; it is about nurturing the “tangerine tree” in her backyard—trusting that with patience, nurturing, and the courage to remain authentic, abundance is inevitable.

Editorial Note

Neetu Radhakrishnan’s journey reminds us that the greatest risk is not failure, but the decision to remain “comfortable.” Her transition from the corporate C-Suite to pioneering her own path serves as a blueprint for any leader standing at their own “Why Not Me?” moment.