Rooted in learning,
shaped by curiosity

“Learning never ends — it only evolves with every phase of life.”

Early Lessons, Lasting Values

For Niharika, learning was never confined to textbooks. Her early years in Delhi were shaped by discussions that encouraged independent thinking, curiosity, and awareness — laying the foundation for a mindset rooted in continuous growth.

Calm, observant, and reflective from a young age, she was more inclined to listen than speak. “I was more into listening than talking; I observed details others often overlooked,” she shares. This inclination shaped the way she processed information — patiently and analytically — a trait that would later define her professional approach.

While academics remained her primary focus, participation in team sports taught her an invaluable lesson early on. “Sports taught me teamwork — that success means more when everyone is part of it,” she says.

Beyond classrooms and playgrounds, Niharika found inspiration in an unexpected place — Naruto, a popular anime character. “What stayed with me was the belief that resilience and perseverance make all the difference,” she reflects.

A firm believer in lifelong learning, her father encouraged her to look beyond textbooks and build general awareness. He also introduced her to financial prudence early — teaching her about saving and investing while she was still in school. “That exposure changed how I viewed financial independence,” she says.

Her mother became her emotional anchor. “She taught me to focus on the process rather than worrying about outcomes,” Niharika shares — a philosophy that helped her handle setbacks with grace and see them as learning experiences. Her elder brother played the role of both guide and guardian. Having already navigated the phases she was yet to encounter; his experiences gave her clarity early on. Their bond was built on trust, shared responsibility, and quiet strength.

Discovering Purpose in Finance

After graduation, she spent 2.5 years in a leading global organizationat, an experience that laid the foundation of her professional journey. “It taught me discipline and rigor,” she says.

Eager to broaden her knowledge and gain more applied, hands-on experience, she decided to pursue an MBA in Finance from NMIMS, Bangalore — a decision that marked a turning point. When her second year shifted online due to the pandemic, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise; project-based discussions and evaluations made the experience far more application-driven.

Online classes also became an unintentional rehearsal for corporate life. “We were already learning how to collaborate virtually — something that’s second nature at work today,” she notes. Graduating as a gold medallist was a proud milestone, but for her, adaptability and applied learning mattered more. Through campus placements, Oxane entered the picture at the right time. The opportunity to work in a startup environment and gain multi-dimensional exposure made the decision clear.

Building Expertise at Oxane

When Niharika joined Oxane, the organization was in a phase of active growth. A flexible work culture, strong focus on outcomes, and minimal micromanagement empowered teams to take ownership of their work.

As Oxane scaled, so did her exposure — working across cross-functional teams, managing projects, and engaging with global clients. This breadth of experience sharpened her problem-solving abilities and reinforced a mindset of learning through action.

One of the most critical shifts in her journey was adapting to the realities of private credit — a space where academic frameworks offer only a starting point. Much of her learning happened on the job, through working on diverse mandates, researching independently, and learning directly through client interactions.

Operating in a fast-paced environment taught her to remain composed under pressure. Tight deadlines reinforced confidence in both individual capabilities and collective strength. For her, this composure is rooted in integrity — the belief that honesty and doing the right thing build trust, even in challenging situations.

Her progression from an individual contributor to a team lead marked a defining phase of growth. With performance recognised and merit rewarded, she found greater motivation in raising standards — for herself and for the team she now leads.

The Person Behind the Role

During her MBA, Niharika’s stint with the WinVinaya Foundation became a defining personal experience. What began as an academic requirement evolved into a deeper lesson in resilience and dignity. Working closely with specially-abled individuals reshaped her perspective. “They didn’t want sympathy — they wanted respect,” she recalls, a belief that continues to shape how she approaches people and leadership. An introvert by nature, she believes introversion is not something to overcome, but something to grow with. “Introverts are full of ideas,” she says. “When we learn to express them with conviction, our impact grows naturally.” Over time, she has learnt to articulate her thoughts more clearly, allowing her voice to be heard with confidence. This reflective temperament influences how she connects with others. “We listen deeply, observe, and then respond with intention,” she explains. For her, leadership is about creating space for others and leading with empathy.

Outside work, she values moments of quiet reflection. Reading non-fiction and biographies, exploring new places with friends, and singing help her unwind. Thought leaders like Adam Grant continue to influence her approach to leadership, reinforcing her belief in collaboration and growth through helping others.

Leading Forward with Purpose

Stepping into a leadership role expanded her responsibilities beyond technical expertise. Mentorship, feedback, and people management are now integral to her role.

The habit of continuous learning, instilled by her father, has found a natural extension at Oxane. With company-sponsored certifications and in-house trainings, learning is treated as an ongoing commitment rather than a one-time initiative. Looking ahead, Niharika aspires to establish herself as a reliable authority in the private credit space. Collaboration, integrity, and lifelong learning remain the pillars guiding her journey — one she continues to build with quiet confidence and intent.