India, March 14, 2025 – In celebration of International Women’s Day, Binance hosted an insightful panel discussion featuring Rachel Conlan, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Binance, and Medha Srivastava, General Counsel at Hashed. The session was moderated by Jessica Walker, Global Media and Content Lead at Binance, another inspiring woman leader at the company. The discussion highlighted the importance of mentorship, work-life balance, and career growth for women in male-dominated industries

With a career spanning more than 15 years, Medha shared her journey as a qualified lawyer, emphasizing how mentorship has played a vital role in shaping her career from an early age. She credited her parents’ learnings and early exposure to strong mentors as key factors in her professional growth. Medha also spoke about the figures who have inspired her throughout her journey, highlighting renowned author Elif Shafak as a key influence. She admires Shafak’s ability to challenge societal norms, advocate for inclusivity, and use storytelling as a powerful tool for change.

Similarly, Rachel Conlan reflected on the impact of her aunts in Ireland, her first internship at 15, and the importance of networking and diverse perspectives in career development. She also drew inspiration from top women business leaders like Coco Chanel and Suzie Wealth.

During the Q&A session, where questions were exclusively submitted by Binance users in advance, Rachel and Medha addressed key topics around mentorship, career decisions, and work-life balance.

Rachel shared how she initially faced resistance when transitioning into the crypto industry, highlighting the need to make independent decisions and educate others about one’s career choices. Medha echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that many people do not fully understand the nature of their work and the importance of personal well-being through activities like walking, working out, and taking personal time.

The leaders also discussed work-life balance, a pressing concern for women professionals in fast-paced industries. Rachel acknowledged the demanding nature of all-encompassing industries but stressed the need to understand one’s own capacity and find balance. Medha highlighted that the challenge is not exclusive to crypto but extends to other industries such as law. She spoke about sustainable success, the need for setting personal boundaries, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining well-being through fitness and meditation. She also pointed out that women tend to be too harsh on themselves, reinforcing the need for self-care.

On career mentorship, Rachel noted that early in her career, she was unsure of her direction but learned to recognize opportunities that aligned with her role. Medha emphasized the importance of managers who provide constructive feedback, teaching lessons from mistakes rather than simply reprimanding employees.

The panel served as an inspiring conversation on the challenges and triumphs women face in the workplace. Both Rachel and Medha reinforced the need for strong mentorship, resilience, and balance in building successful and sustainable careers. Their insights provided valuable guidance to aspiring professionals, making the discussion a significant step toward furthering workplace empowerment for women.

Speaking on the panel discussion, Rachel Conlan, Global CMO, Binance, said, “Building a successful career is not just about working hard, it is about being intentional with your choices, seeking out diverse perspectives, and having the confidence to step into new opportunities, even when the path isn’t fully defined. In fast-evolving industries like crypto, there will always be skepticism, but true growth comes from trusting your decisions, continuously educating yourself, and surrounding yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. Mentorship, resilience, and the ability to adapt are key drivers of long-term success.”

Medha Srivastava, General Counsel, Hashed, added, “Sustainable success at the workplace in any industry, whether legal, crypto, or beyond, is not about being available 24/7 but about setting clear boundaries, prioritizing tasks effectively, and maintaining personal well-being. Women often hold themselves to incredibly high standards, sometimes at the cost of their own balance. It’s crucial to recognize that success is not just about relentless work but also about mentorship, learning from challenges, and creating an environment where growth and self-care can coexist. A strong support system and the right leadership can make all the difference in shaping one’s professional journey.’’