The Mission-Driven Leader: 5 Lessons on How to Inspire a Movement
Ena Sarkar
What is the ultimate test of a leader? Is it managing a budget? Driving sales? According to Ena Sarkar, founder of the media platform and community hub WomenNow TV, the true test is this: can you lead people who don't have to follow you?
Ena has built an incredibly successful organization—hosting national TV shows and massive cultural events that are milestones for the South Asian community—with a team composed almost entirely of volunteers. Her journey from a marketing professional in India to a celebrated community builder in the U.S. provides a powerful blueprint for a different kind of leadership.
It’s a leadership style based not on authority, but on a shared vision. It’s for founders who don't just want to build a company; they want to build a movement.
Lesson 1: Your Unique Story is Your Unfair Advantage
Ena's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs starts with a simple but profound truth.
"Forget the competition or blind rat race. You are uniquely you. There is no one else like you. Look within yourself and learn and understand your strengths. Come to terms with it."
Her own journey is a testament to this. With a background in marketing from her time at the Times of India, she moved to the U.S. with no direct media experience. But her unique position as an immigrant with a deep understanding of how to bridge communities became her superpower. She used that specific strength to build a platform that connects the South Asian diaspora to the broader American culture.
The Mentor Takeaway: Stop looking at the competition and start looking in the mirror. Your unique background, your specific perspective, and your personal story are your greatest strategic assets. Build your business from that authentic foundation, and you'll create something no one else can.
Lesson 2: Passion is Your Passport to New Worlds
When Ena started her journey in the U.S. media landscape, she faced a huge obstacle. "I had no background in media in US," she recalls. "I had to learn every step of the way. The initial days were very hard. I was a no name and was given no regard."
What allowed her to break through? An unwavering belief in her vision.
"I was passionate about my vision and did not take ‘no’ for an answer. I did my level best and slowly word got around and people started to take notice."
The Mentor Takeaway: When you are entering a new industry without a traditional resume or an established network, pure, relentless passion for your mission is your most persuasive asset. It's the currency that earns you attention and convinces people to believe in you before you have a proven track record.
Lesson 3: The Ultimate Leadership Test — Motivating Volunteers
Ena is candid about her greatest challenge: leading a team that has "a choice to walk away at any time." This, she argues, is a far greater leadership challenge than managing a paid workforce.
"It is more taxing in terms of leadership to motivate and drive people to execute," she says. "Unlike an organization where you get paid, I feel running an organization with volunteers is tougher for the leadership."
This constraint forced her to become a master of mission-driven leadership. It required her to build a vision so compelling, a culture so supportive, and a mission so meaningful that people would be willing to dedicate their most precious resource—their time—to it.
The Mentor Takeaway: If you truly want to test and strengthen your leadership skills, try leading people who are motivated by purpose, not a paycheck. It will force you to become an exceptional communicator, a more empathetic leader, and the ultimate champion for your cause.
Lesson 4: Engineer Serendipity with the Power of a Platform
One of the greatest rewards of Ena's work has been the people she's met along the way. Her platform, WomenNow, has become a hub for inspirational people, and the connections made there have been transformative.
"The best part of what I do is meeting inspirational people. I have learnt the most from them. A short conversation with some of them changes a large perspective. That is the power of the platform."
The Mentor Takeaway: Your business isn't just about the product you sell or the service you offer; it's about the conversations and connections it enables. When you build a platform that brings people together around a shared interest or mission, you create a space for serendipity. The inspiration you gain from those interactions will become one of your greatest assets.
Lesson 5: Cultivate Patience as a Strategic Virtue
In a world that glorifies the "overnight success," Ena’s final piece of advice is a crucial reminder.
"Have patience, lots of it!"
Building something meaningful—a strong network, a dedicated team, a lasting community—doesn't happen overnight. It requires a long-term vision and the resilience to stick with it, even when progress feels slow.
The Mentor Takeaway: In a fast-paced world, patience is a strategic advantage. Don't fall for the "blind rat race." Focus on building your business with intention, integrity, and a deep commitment to your long-term vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ena Sarkar?
Ena Sarkar is the founder and CEO of WomenNow TV, a media platform and community organization dedicated to giving a voice to the South Asian diaspora in the United States. She is a community builder who has organized some of the most successful cultural events in the Bay Area.
What is WomenNow TV?
WomenNow is a multi-faceted organization that began as a trend-setting talk show. It has since expanded to include national television programming and large-scale cultural events. Its mission is to highlight the achievements of the South Asian community, support small businesses, and bring families together in celebration of their heritage.
What is Ena Sarkar's top advice for entrepreneurs?
Her key advice is to first understand your unique strengths and build from there. Then, work very hard, build a strong network, and, most importantly, have a great deal of patience.
What makes leading a volunteer organization so challenging?
According to Ena, it requires a higher level of leadership because you have to motivate and drive people who are not bound by a paycheck. Your vision and mission must be compelling enough for them to choose to dedicate their time and energy to the cause.
Inspired by This Story? Find a Mentor Who Gets You.
A single conversation with the right guide can change everything. Stories like this show the profound impact of having an experienced, empathetic mentor in your corner.
Our network is filled with vetted, seasoned founders, C-suite executives, and industry experts who can provide the direct, unfiltered advice you need for your biggest challenges. Let us help you find the perfect match for your journey.