Leaders

Acatalyst for producing women leaders, IIM Bangalore’s commitment to fostering leadership and empowerment has enabled numerous female alumni to rise to the top of their fields, breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings. One such inspiring figure is Kaveri Ingale, Managing Director of Operations at Believe, a global digital music company.

Kaveri exemplifies the spirit of continuous learning and growth. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Technology in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering from Mumbai. After her engineering degree, she pursued her MBA at IIM Bangalore, which served as a catalyst for her growth, equipping her with the skills to manage complex operations. Recently, Kaveri expanded her academic journey by completing an LLB from Mumbai University, enhancing her expertise in legal and business affairs. She is also pursuing a journey in finance through the CFA program, adding a crucial dimension to her skill set.

Throughout her career, Kaveri has been known for her willingness to step into new roles, taking on challenges that drive both her personal and professional growth. Her time at IIM Bangalore not only enriched her management skills but also nurtured a mindset that seeks out innovative solutions involving multiple stakeholders, a key strength she leverages as a leader at Believe. Let’s dive in to know more.

Can you shed some light on your professional experience? What are the primary areas of expertise you have developed over the years?

Over the past 20 years, across all my roles, I have followed a ‘Learn, Scale, and Experiment’ approach. First, I learn the skills required and deliver on the expectations of the role. Then, I scale that learning to maximize value creation for the organization. Finally, I experiment, exploring how to apply those lessons to a broader scope or transition to the next level of growth.

As an engineer, I began as a developer in telecom during the launch of 3G. I soon moved into a techno-functional presales role, refining my skills in presenting complex solutions and fostering strong client relationships, while delivering technical solutions.

My journey then led me to strategy and operations roles, where I developed a deep understanding of driving organizational growth, enhancing operational efficiency, and executing business strategies through Process reengineering and Business Value realization. This diverse experience equipped me with a well-rounded skill set, enabling me to lead cross-functional teams, innovate in fast-paced environments, and accelerate value generation.

I focused on Customer Experience Management and deployments for several years, working in various capacities with top Telcos across Asia and Europe. The Consulting days have taught me to identify the root cause and focus on the core Business problems rather than the symptoms. Once the right problem is identified, pursuing the most efficient solution becomes the focus

Another turning point in my career was when I began working on M&As, Pre transaction due diligence and Post transaction integration. Today, my Legal and Financial skills along with Business commercial acumen enable me to deliver my current role that requires me to toggle between Micro and Macro views while keeping a hawk’s eye on the Business Goals.

Introduce us to Believe. What are the key roles and responsibilities you handle as the company’s Managing Director of Operations?

Believe is one of the world’s leading digital music companies. Its mission is to develop local artists and labels in the digital ecosystem by providing them with the solutions they need to grow their audience at each stage of their career and development. As Managing Director of Operations, I oversee the company’s operational strategies, ensuring seamless execution of processes and maintaining high efficiency. My role involves optimizing workflows, driving performance improvements, and implementing strategies to support growth and innovation in the digital music space.

Additionally, I collaborate closely with various departments including marketing, technology, and finance, to ensure alignment with Believe’s broader objectives. My focus is on enhancing operational excellence and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the company.

I manage the India and South Asia Business Unit alongside the Managing Director, which means wearing multiple hats across different functions. A big part of my role is driving sales efficiency and shaping go-to-market strategies, whether for organic growth or through acquisitions.

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) are another key focus area. From identifying potential targets to executing deals and overseeing post-merger integration, I ensure that every step aligns with our long-term vision.

Beyond that, I directly lead the Finance, Legal, HR, CSR and IT functions, which are the foundations for running a robust business. It’s a dynamic role that constantly evolves, but that’s exactly what keeps it exciting.

In your role, what are your key focus areas for driving growth at Believe?

At Believe, my focus is on driving growth and ensuring we operate at the highest level of efficiency. A big part of that is aligning cross-functional teams and optimizing resources to make sure we’re meeting our financial goals. Collaboration is key, bringing different teams together, improving processes, and identifying new opportunities to accelerate growth.

Another area I’m deeply invested in is talent development, which includes hiring, nurturing, and building the right leadership pipeline. Strategic leadership is also a big part of my role. It’s not just about setting a vision but making sure it aligns with industry trends, market needs, and the evolving landscape of digital music. Spotting new opportunities, staying ahead of shifts in the market, and fostering a culture that values innovation, collaboration and customer-centricity.

And of course, operational excellence ties everything together. We constantly track key performance indicators to ensure we’re hitting the right benchmarks and maintaining financial discipline across the board. It’s about striking that balance between strategy and execution to keep Believe at the forefront of the industry and on track of its growth milestones.

What are the most significant milestones of your career? What has been your success mantra?

I’ve always thrived in high-energy, large-scale projects that challenge me to think strategically and collaborate across teams. In the past, leading multi-country assignments has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my career. It’s given me the opportunity to work with diverse teams and gain exposure across different industries, which keeps things dynamic and constantly evolving.

For me, success has always been about taking on roles that push me into new areas of the business. I firmly believe in leading by example, fostering collaboration, and empowering teams to take ownership of their work. When people feel trusted and supported, they bring their best ideas forward, and that collective effort is what drives real impact. This mindset has shaped my journey and played a huge role in both my personal growth and the success of the teams I’ve been part of.

Kaveri Ingale, Managing Director (Operations), Believe

Kaveri Ingale is the Managing Director of Operations at Believe, a leading digital music company dedicated to empowering independent artists and labels globally, with a mission to provide them with the right solutions through every stage of their career. With her extensive experience spanning technology, presales, strategy, and operations, she is also responsible for overseeing sales efficiency, P&L management, and cross-functional leadership across key business verticals. She holds a Bachelors in Technology in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering and an MBA from IIM Bangalore. She has also completed LLB from Mumbai University and is currently pursuing the CFA program.