CA Monika Arora : Driving Impact Through Ethical Leadership & Innovation
CA Monika Arora
Managing Partner
CA Monika Arora is the Managing Partner of RB Arora & Co and an alumna of IIM Bangalore, in addition to being a Certified Chartered Accountant and participant of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women program in year 2020 and Goldman Sachs Accelerate your Growth Program in year 2024.
Known for her expertise in taxation, auditing, business law, and corporate advisory, she brings a grounded understanding of finance and compliance to her work with NBFC’s, startups, MSMEs, and growing enterprises.
Her journey has been shaped by resilience and a commitment to integrity, evolving her leadership through practical engagement with clients navigating regulatory requirements and strategic decision making. Monika strongly believes in lifelong learning, embracing new knowledge as industries undergo rapid change. Let’s hear more from her in this interaction.
As an alumna of IIM Bangalore, what have been the most transformative learning experiences during your time there?
My time at IIM Bangalore has truly been one of the most transformative phases of my life. The case-based learning approach sharpened my decision-making abilities, especially when dealing with uncertainty. I learned to balance data with intuition while evaluating the impact of every decision on various stakeholders. Our professors constantly encouraged us to challenge assumptions, think critically, and act with clarity even when information was incomplete.
Equally enriching was the learning that happened beyond the classroom. Collaborating with peers who came from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds broadened my perspective and pushed me to evolve continuously. Leading initiatives and coordinating cultural as well as business events taught me how to motivate teams, navigate differences, and deliver results under tight timelines.
These experiences strengthened my inter -personal skills and helped me understand leadership not just as a position of authority, but as a responsibility to enable progress — both for the organization and the people within it.
IIM Bangalore shaped how I view purpose, collaboration, and ethical decision-making, lessons that continue to guide me every single day.
How has the institute helped you further your passion in entre- preneurship and sharpen your business acumen?
IIM Bangalore gave my entrepreneurial aspirations strong direction and purpose. Through NSRCEL, I had exposure to real-world startup challenges, seasoned mentors, and investor networks, which encouraged me to test ideas, take risks, and embrace failure as part of growth.
The curriculum strengthened my understanding of finance, marketing, operations, and strategy, while the case-based learning model pushed me to think innovatively and make decisions grounded in customer needs and market realities.
What truly shaped my entrepreneurial mindset was the focus on practical application —solving real business problems, identifying market opportunities and building sustainable models. The perspectives and confidence I gained at IIMB continue to guide my choices, reminding me that entrepreneurship must create lasting, positive impact.
What opportunities did the institute provide to gain global exposure and develop diverse perspectives that helped you build meaningful networks?
IIM Bangalore provided me with valuable global exposure through global collaborations with Goldman Sachs, and a highly diverse learning environment.
Collaboration program at other reputed Indian business school helped me experience different management styles firsthand. It strengthened my ability to think strategically with a global lens.
My advice to aspiring leaders is to remain grounded, disciplined, and purpose-driven
These experiences strengthened my inter -personal skills and helped me understand leadership not just as a position of authority, but as a responsibility to enable progress — both for the organization and the people within it.
IIM Bangalore shaped how I view purpose, collaboration, and ethical decision-making, lessons that continue to guide me every single day.
How has the institute helped you further your passion in entre- preneurship and sharpen your business acumen?
IIM Bangalore gave my entrepreneurial aspirations strong direction and purpose. Through NSRCEL, I had exposure to real-world startup challenges, seasoned mentors, and investor networks, which encouraged me to test ideas, take risks, and embrace failure as part of growth.
The curriculum strengthened my understanding of finance, marketing, operations, and strategy, while the case-based learning model pushed me to think innovatively and make decisions grounded in customer needs and market realities.
What truly shaped my entrepreneurial mindset was the focus on practical application —solving real business problems, identifying market opportunities and building sustainable models. The perspectives and confidence I gained at IIMB continue to guide my choices, reminding me that entrepreneurship must create lasting, positive impact.
What opportunities did the institute provide to gain global exposure and develop diverse perspectives that helped you build meaningful networks?
IIM Bangalore provided me with valuable global exposure through global collaborations with Goldman Sachs, and a highly diverse learning environment.
Collaboration program at other reputed Indian business school helped me experience different management styles firsthand. It strengthened my ability to think strategically with a global lens.
Within the IIMB campus itself, I had the opportunity to work closely with peers from diverse regions and industries. Collaborating with such a dynamic community broadened my perspective, enhanced my communication skills, and allowed me to build genuine relationships that continue to support my personal and professional growth. These networks remain one of the most enduring advantages of my IIMB journey.
What is the next chapter you look forward to embarking on in your professional journey?
The next chapter of my journey is centered on entrepreneurship and impact-driven innovation. In the near term, I aim to scale ventures that address emerging challenges in sustainability and digital transformation, using technology to create both economic and social value.
I am equally passionate about leadership development and mentorship, guiding young entrepreneurs just as I benefited from mentors throughout my career. In the long run, I hope to contribute to an ecosystem where knowledge is shared openly and future leaders are empowered to innovate responsibly. Ultimately, my focus is on building businesses that create meaningful impact, solve real problems, and leave a lasting legacy for the communities they touch.
In light of your strong professional experience, what would be your advice to budding industry leaders?
My advice to aspiring leaders is to remain grounded, disciplined, and purpose-driven. I have learned that true success comes from consistent effort, ethical conduct, and the ability to learn from every setback. Embracing change, leading with integrity, and approaching every professional relationship with empathy are principles that have guided me throughout my career.
For me, leadership is not defined by titles or positions, but by the value you create, the confidence you inspire in your teams, and the legacy you build through trust, knowledge, and excellence. Staying focused on these principles can help emerging leaders navigate challenges while making a meaningful impact.
CA Monika Arora, Managing Partner, RB Arora & Co
CA Monika Arora is the Managing Partner of RB Arora & Co, a Chartered Accountant, IIM Bangalore alumna, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women alumna and an advocate of lifelong learning. She is known for her expertise in taxation, auditing, business law, and corporate advisory, along with her commitment to ethical leadership and empowerment of young professionals.
What is the next chapter you look forward to embarking on in your professional journey?
The next chapter of my journey is centered on entrepreneurship and impact-driven innovation. In the near term, I aim to scale ventures that address emerging challenges in sustainability and digital transformation, using technology to create both economic and social value.
I am equally passionate about leadership development and mentorship, guiding young entrepreneurs just as I benefited from mentors throughout my career. In the long run, I hope to contribute to an ecosystem where knowledge is shared openly and future leaders are empowered to innovate responsibly. Ultimately, my focus is on building businesses that create meaningful impact, solve real problems, and leave a lasting legacy for the communities they touch.
In light of your strong professional experience, what would be your advice to budding industry leaders?
My advice to aspiring leaders is to remain grounded, disciplined, and purpose-driven. I have learned that true success comes from consistent effort, ethical conduct, and the ability to learn from every setback. Embracing change, leading with integrity, and approaching every professional relationship with empathy are principles that have guided me throughout my career.
For me, leadership is not defined by titles or positions, but by the value you create, the confidence you inspire in your teams, and the legacy you build through trust, knowledge, and excellence. Staying focused on these principles can help emerging leaders navigate challenges while making a meaningful impact.
CA Monika Arora, Managing Partner, RB Arora & Co
CA Monika Arora is the Managing Partner of RB Arora & Co, a Chartered Accountant, IIM Bangalore alumna, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women alumna and an advocate of lifelong learning. She is known for her expertise in taxation, auditing, business law, and corporate advisory, along with her commitment to ethical leadership and empowerment of young professionals.