In every generation, there are individuals who redefine what leadership looks like. Deepa Purushothaman is one such leader—a trailblazer, truth-teller, and visionary who has dedicated her career to reshaping corporate culture, amplifying women’s leadership, and dismantling systemic barriers that have long held professionals of color back. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of equity in spaces where it is often lacking.
Deepa Purushothaman: Breaking Barriers at Deloitte
Deepa Purushothaman’s rise to prominence began at Deloitte, one of the world’s most prestigious professional services firms. Over the course of more than two decades, she not only helped Fortune 500 clients transform their businesses but also shattered ceilings in the process. She became the first Indian-American woman partner in Deloitte’s history and one of the youngest ever to hold that title.
Her tenure was marked not just by business success but also by her deep commitment to creating inclusive workplaces. As the U.S. Managing Partner of Deloitte’s Women’s Initiative (WIN), she championed women’s leadership development and introduced strategies that challenged outdated norms of success and ambition. For countless professionals, especially women of color, she became a role model who proved that representation at the highest levels matters.
From Executive Leadership to Entrepreneurial Vision
In 2020, after leaving Deloitte, Deepa Purushothaman turned her energy toward building platforms where women of color could thrive. She co-founded nFormation, a membership-based community designed specifically for women of color in executive and leadership roles. Unlike traditional networking spaces, nFormation creates safe, brave environments where women can share experiences, build confidence, and secure opportunities to ascend to boardrooms and C-suites.
Her entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. She also founded the re.write, an unconventional think tank designed to partner with organizations in rewriting the rules of work. This initiative embodies her belief that the workplace of the future must be more inclusive, human-centered, and purpose-driven.
Deepa Purushothaman: Author, Speaker, and Thought Leader
Deepa Purushothaman’s ideas reached a global audience with the publication of her debut book, The First, The Few, The Only: How Women of Color Can Redefine Power in Corporate America. Released in 2022 by HarperCollins, the book received international acclaim for its honest exploration of the challenges women of color face in corporate structures, and its visionary call to redefine power on their own terms.
Her influence extends far beyond the written word. As a highly sought-after public speaker, she has captivated audiences at TED and SXSW, with her talks accumulating millions of views. Whether addressing systemic inequities, workplace transformation, or the personal toll of leadership, Deepa delivers with authenticity and wisdom.
Her insights have also been featured in TIME, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, PBS, and Harvard Business Review, cementing her role as one of the most important voices in today’s conversations on leadership and equity.
Commitment to Empowering the Next Generation
Deepa Purushothaman’s work extends globally through her service on the board of Avasara, India’s first leadership academy for girls. She also serves on the board of the Rutgers University Center for Women in Business and holds a fellowship at Harvard Business School. Her mission is clear: to equip the next generation of women with the confidence, tools, and opportunities to lead with impact.
Her academic background reflects her intellectual rigor and global perspective. A graduate of Wellesley College, Harvard Kennedy School, and the London School of Economics, she brings both depth and diversity of thought to every role she takes on. Today, she lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their four beloved pets, grounding her global work in a life filled with balance and love.
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