On September 22 in Chicago, Kellanova’s Global R&D VP, Dr. Deepali Palta took the stage at the Women in Food and Agriculture Conference and delivered a keynote that felt less like a speech and more like a shared journey. With warmth, clarity, and authenticity, she invited the audience into her world — one shaped by curiosity, courage and connection.
From childhood breakfasts in India, where she learned to ask questions and listen closely, to earning a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Tech, Dr. Palta traced how curiosity became a constant companion — leading her not just to answers, but to opportunities she hadn’t imagined. She spoke candidly about her career journey including leading global teams through the uncertainty of the pandemic. These moments, she shared, demanded courage — not just to act, but to reframe setbacks as lessons in resilience and empathy. But it was connection that gave her journey its heartbeat. Dr. Palta celebrated her “tribe” — family, mentors, and colleagues — as the foundation of her growth. She urged attendees to build and nurture their own support networks, reminding them that leadership is never a solo endeavor.
Dr. Palta offered a reflection that captured the essence of her message: “Curiosity opens doors, courage walks through them, and connection keeps them open for others.” More than a quote, it was a distillation of the values that have shaped her journey — not just as a leader, but as someone deeply committed to growth, empathy, and impact. Her message was clear: purpose-driven leadership is not about climbing alone, but about lifting others as you rise.
She closed with a call to action that felt both personal and universal: “Define your values. Stay curious. Be bold. Lead with connection”. The audience walked away energized and inspired to lead with purpose.
Written by Simon Duke
