In the world of finance, it's easy to focus on numbers and outcomes, but for Praju Doshi, her energy and enthusiasm are what inspire those around her.
Her leadership goes beyond numerical success. It's about creating a lasting impact through purpose, community and collaboration. Her recent naming to Executive Woman magazine's Power 100 list is well-deserved recognition of her dedication, leadership and impact in the finance industry.
With a career spanning investment banking, retail and financial services, Doshi serves as vice president of Capital Markets and recently has taken on responsibilities for corporate development (mergers, acquisitions and divestures) and competitive intelligence. She takes joy in the success of the company's Funding Agreement-Backed Notes program and the ongoing development of the Mutual of Omaha Holding Company.
The key to the success of these initiatives is the partnership between diverse teams within the company, Doshi said.
"What I'm most proud of is the collaboration between teams — finance, emerging and strategic solutions, investments, law operations and controller — everyone is fully aligned, and that's why it works," she said. "We're all working together, and it's been amazing."
Her leadership style is rooted in the excitement and enthusiasm she gains from her work.
"I love seeing puzzle pieces come together, especially with projects like the Mutual of Omaha Holding Company," Doshi said. "It's knowing that we're working toward something great for the future. It's not every day a company goes through this, it's usually a rare event, so to be able to be part of that, even in a small way, is so exciting."
Beyond her work at Mutual of Omaha, Doshi is committed to giving back to her community. She resides in New Jersey. For the past six years, she has served on the board of Chess in Schools, a nonprofit organization that provides free chess education to children in underserved communities in New York City. The organization's mission resonates with her values, particularly its focus on education and preparing students for the future.
Her work with Chess in Schools is a natural extension of a lifelong passion for making a difference. Over the years, she has been involved in various initiatives, starting with volunteering in high school to support children with Down syndrome and later as a disaster recovery specialist with the Red Cross.
As a busy professional and mother of two, she understands the importance of making herself a priority.
"I've been through burnout and it's not something you realize until you're on the other side of it," she said. "I've learned to take small steps every day."
Those small steps include regular workouts while catching up on her favorite shows, reading and taking walks when the weather permits.
Reflecting on her decision to join Mutual of Omaha three years ago, she said, "I absolutely thought this is a culture I want to be part of."
Working in a male-dominated field, she has felt the support of other women leaders at Mutual of Omaha.
"Stacy (Scholtz), Liz (Mazzotta), Gail (Graeve), Nancy (Crawford) and Amy (Swartwood) ... each of them has supported me," she said.
Doshi emphasized the culture and support at Mutual of Omaha are what truly energize her, even more than the success itself.
"It's always nice to be valued as a team member, and that's one of the things Mutual does well," she said. "There's this constant ongoing feedback loop."