"Radha Pokharel: Breaking Barriers, Leading Change, and Empowering Investors"

Radha Pokharel’s journey began in a small village in Mahottari district where simplicity and hardship defined her early years. Limited access to education and healthcare, coupled with frequent health issues, led her family to relocate to Kathmandu for her treatment. The shift from rural life to the bustling capital was challenging but instilled in her the resilience and adaptability that would shape her future endeavours.

Pokharel’s introduction to the share market was both accidental and transformative. A small investment of Rs 2,000 during her college years marked the beginning of this journey. Despite early setbacks, she turned her curiosity into expertise through relentless learning and perseverance. Over time, her passion for the market evolved into a successful career, also empowering her to guide others in navigating this dynamic field.

As the President of the Nepal Capital Market Investor’s Association and Director of Bishal Bazar Company, Pokharel has broken barriers in the male-dominated financial sector. Her leadership emphasises inclusivity, collaboration and inspiring others to pursue their potential. From a modest upbringing to a position of influence, her story is a testament to resilience, continuous learning and challenging societal norms.

In this issue of Business 360, Pokharel speaks about the five things that have shaped her life personally and professionally. Excerpts:

Adapt and Grow: From a small village in Mahottari to the capital

I was born in a small village in Mahottari district. My childhood was a mix of simplicity and hardship shaped by the challenges of rural life. Back then, access to education, healthcare and even basic necessities was limited, but our family persevered. One of the defining aspects of my childhood was my struggle with poor health. I was often sick, and medical care in the village was rudimentary at best. This pushed my parents to make a life-altering decision: to move to Kathmandu for my treatment when I was just four or five years old.

The transition from a quiet village to the bustling capital city was overwhelming. Kathmandu was a completely different world. Our family, like many others from rural areas, had to adapt quickly to the fast-paced urban lifestyle. It wasn’t easy, especially for a young child like me. However, those early experiences of adjusting to a new environment instilled resilience in me.

Education became my anchor. I started my schooling at Bagmati School, where I struggled initially due to the language barrier and cultural differences. Later, I pursued higher education at Golden Gate College where I began to find my footing. Reflecting on those days, I realise that every difficulty I faced taught me to adapt and grow – a lesson that has served me well throughout my life.

The power of informed decision-making and the opportunities the share market offers

My introduction to the share market was as accidental as it was transformative. During my college years, I often overheard discussions about the share market but never paid much attention. My family, like many middle-class households, occasionally invested in Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). One day, they encouraged me to open an account and apply for an IPO. At that time, I didn’t fully grasp what an IPO was or how the market worked.

My first investment was small – just Rs 2,000 which I invested in my father’s name. Little did I know that this modest step would mark the beginning of a lifelong passion. Over the next two years, that initial investment grew to Rs 64,000. I was astonished. This wasn’t just about earning money; it was about the power of informed decision-making and the opportunities the share market could offer.

However, my journey was not without setbacks. In my early days, I made the mistake of investing blindly, driven more by excitement than understanding. I lost money on several occasions which was disheartening. But instead of giving up, I saw these losses as lessons. I began to study the market more seriously, reading books, attending seminars and seeking advice from seasoned investors.

Over time, my confidence grew. What started as a casual interest turned into a passion and eventually, a career. Today, after all these years in the share market, I look back with gratitude on those early experiences. They taught me that success comes not from luck but from learning, patience and perseverance.

One very important lesson is the importance of continuous learning. The share market is a dynamic field that requires constant adaptation. Over the years, I have made it a point to stay informed about market trends, economic policies and global developments. This commitment to learning has not only helped me succeed in my investments but also enabled me to guide others effectively.

Breaking barriers as a woman: the determination to prove them wrong

Navigating the share market as a woman in Nepal was no easy task. The financial sector, like many others, has long been dominated by men. When I started attending market sessions, I often felt out of place. I vividly remember the days when I would cover my face with a mask and cap to avoid being recognised. I feared judgement, not just from strangers but from people I knew.

The scepticism was evident. Many people questioned my knowledge, abilities and even my financial resources. They assumed that a woman couldn’t possibly succeed in such a competitive, male-dominated field. These biases were discouraging but they also fuelled my determination to prove them wrong.

As I gained experience and started seeing success in my investments, the doubts gradually turned into respect. However, breaking these societal barriers was not just about proving myself in the market. It was also about challenging the deeply ingrained gender norms that dictate what women can and cannot do.

Balancing societal expectations with my professional ambitions was one of the toughest parts of my journey. There were times when I felt like I was walking a tightrope, trying to fulfil traditional roles while pursuing my dreams. However, I was determined not to let these challenges hold me back. Today, as the President of the Nepal Capital Market Investors Association, I see my success not just as a personal achievement but as a step forward for all women aspiring to break barriers and redefine norms.

Empowering others to take control of their financial futures

Around 2015/16, I was elected as the President of the Nepal Capital Market Investors Association. At the time, the share market in Nepal was still in its infancy. Most people viewed it with scepticism, seeing it as a risky venture accessible only to the wealthy and well-connected. My mission was to change this perception and make the market more inclusive.

One of our first initiatives was to organise awareness programmes aimed at educating people about the basics of investing. We started small, hosting sessions in Kathmandu and nearby areas. Over time, our efforts expanded to all 77 districts of Nepal. Today, we have dedicated teams in every district working to solve market-related problems and guide new investors.

A significant milestone in our journey was organising broker services in underserved areas like Janakpur. This initiative made it easier for people in these regions to participate in the share market, thereby democratising access.

Under my leadership, the association has also focused on advocating for investor-friendly policies and promoting transparency in the market. We have collaborated with regulatory bodies, financial institutions and educational organisations to create a more robust and inclusive financial ecosystem.

Leading this organisation has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my life. It has allowed me to give back to the community and empower others to take control of their financial futures.

To the younger generation, especially women, my message is simple: believe in yourself, embrace challenges, and never stop learning. The share market, like life, is full of uncertainties. But with patience, perseverance and a willingness to learn, you can navigate these uncertainties and achieve your goals.

The share market has been more than just a career for me; it has been a journey of empowerment and discovery. I hope my story inspires others to take the leap and explore the opportunities that life has to offer.

The value of resilience to overcome obstacles and achieve goals

Leadership, to me, is about more than just making decisions. It’s about inspiring others, fostering a sense of collective purpose and creating an environment where everyone feels valued. As the President of the Investors Association, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse team, including many young and dynamic individuals.

Managing such a team has taught me the importance of adaptability and open-mindedness. Younger team members bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, while older members offer wisdom and experience. Balancing these different viewpoints has been a rewarding challenge.

Teamwork has been a cornerstone of our success. Whether it is organising awareness campaigns, addressing market challenges, or advocating for policy changes, our collective effort has always been our strength. I firmly believe that no leader can succeed without a strong, cohesive team.

On a personal level, this journey has been transformative. From a young girl battling health issues in a small village to a woman leading a national organisation, I have come a long way. Every step of the journey has been a lesson, teaching me to persevere, adapt and grow.

As I reflect on my life, I realise that every challenge and opportunity has shaped me into the person I am today. Whether it was my early struggles in Kathmandu, my first investment in the share market, or the hurdles I faced as a woman leader, each experience has contributed to my growth.

One of the most important lessons I have learned is the value of resilience. Life will always throw challenges your way but it is how you respond to them that defines your journey. For me, resilience has been the key to overcoming obstacles and achieving my goals.

Every journey is unique, and mine is no exception. From a small village in Mahottari to the leadership of a national organisation, my path has been shaped by a series of challenges and opportunities. Looking back, I am grateful for every experience, every setback and every success.

“Balancing societal expectations with my professional ambitions was one of the toughest parts of my journey. There were times when I felt like I was walking a tightrope, trying to fulfil traditional roles while pursuing my dreams. However, I was determined not to let these challenges hold me back. Today, as the President of the Nepal Capital Market Investors Association, I see my success not just as a personal achievement but as a step forward for all women aspiring to break barriers and redefine norms”

My journey is a testament to the fact that with resilience, curiosity and determination, one can overcome any obstacle. To those reading this, I encourage you to embrace your own journey with an open mind and an unwavering spirit. Life is full of opportunities waiting to be discovered; you just have to take the first step.