Parna Sarkar-Basu’s story is one of resilience, clarity, and purposeful impact. Over three decades ago, she arrived in Boston with no professional network and no clear playbook for building a career in a new country. What she did have was determination and an ability to learn quickly.
Parna Sarkar-Basu | Founder | Brand and Buzz Consulting
Today, she is the founder of Brand and Buzz Consulting, a trusted advisor to CEOs, founders, and boards, and a recognized Global Impact Maker. Her journey is proof that credibility can be built step by step, and that true success is measured not only by milestones achieved but by the number of people uplifted along the way. At EliteX, we are proud to have Parna Sarkar-Basu as part of the edition: Impactful Women in Business, 2025.
Her consulting firm, Brand and Buzz, has grown into an award-winning technology advisory that shapes growth strategies for leaders in artificial intelligence, robotics, enterprise software, and sustainability. Parna is often described as the “quiet power” behind leaders and companies, helping them navigate growth, pivots, and exits. She has been part of landmark moments, from supporting IPOs and acquisitions to launching dozens of global products. What sets her apart is her ability to take complex technologies and translate them into business strategies and compelling narratives that drive adoption, attract investment, and deliver societal value.
“You don’t inherit credibility – you engineer it.”
Parna’s defining “aha” moment came when she realized that credibility does not automatically come with degrees or titles. It must be earned, intentionally and consistently. Without the safety net of an alumni network or insider connections, she learned to observe, listen, ask questions, and find mentors. Bit by bit, she built the trust and reputation that would later become the foundation of her firm. Today, she applies that same principle to help founders and leaders engineer credibility for themselves and their companies.
For Parna, business leadership is not just about strategy and innovation, but also about inclusivity and empathy. She believes that adaptability, clarity of vision, and empathy are essential qualities in today’s business world. In her view, industries and markets shift too quickly for static leadership. Leaders must pivot with purpose while maintaining momentum. They must communicate a clear vision that attracts teams and investors, while empathy ensures trust and inclusivity in decision-making.
Parna has always combined her business success with her passion for giving back. She has dedicated time and expertise to mentoring women in tech, underrepresented entrepreneurs, and early-stage founders who often lack the networks and resources to thrive. For her, the “quiet wins” are just as important as the headline achievements – helping a founder refine a pitch, supporting someone through a difficult pivot, or simply being a sounding board when challenges mount.
“Success only matters if it creates access for others.”
Beyond her consulting work, Parna is a thought leader and community builder. She contributes to respected outlets like Forbes.com and the Boston Business Journal, speaks at tech conferences, and hosts the Beyond One Million podcast, which amplifies the voices of innovators and leaders. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she launched and co-hosted weekly online sessions to support WITI (Women in Technology International) members navigating professional and personal challenges. What began as a local effort soon grew into a global community, with participants joining from Europe, India, and Canada. Those sessions continued for more than three years, offering a safe space for connection and resilience.
Her advocacy extends into corporate diversity initiatives, where she leads workshops that encourage women to step into leadership roles. She has also played a vital role in supporting multiple fundraises, five acquisitions, and countless product launches across industries. Through it all, her focus has remained consistent: accelerating company growth while ensuring inclusivity and leadership opportunities for more people in the innovation economy.
The milestones in her career reflect both business success and broader recognition. She has rung the NASDAQ bell twice, once for the iRobot IPO and again for WITI’s 30th anniversary. She was named a 2025 Global Impact Maker, the only honoree from Massachusetts, for her work in supporting entrepreneurs and women in technology. She has also received awards like the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and her thought leadership has been featured in Times Square and in books, including contributions to Amazon’s #1 best-seller IMPACT.
“When opportunity strikes, seize it – because growth comes from leaning into challenges.”
Her philosophy for young women and emerging leaders is clear: take the leap, prepare well, and believe in yourself. She credits her own early growth to taking chances on opportunities that felt daunting. By surrounding herself with mentors and allies, she built the confidence and ecosystem that she now pays forward to others.
Parna draws inspiration from many people rather than a single figure. From her mother, she learned empathy and respect. From her husband and children, she gained tenacity and focus. From successful entrepreneurs, she absorbed lessons in humility and listening. And from peers on nonprofit and startup boards, she discovered the importance of driving impact for underrepresented communities. This mosaic of mentorship and learning has shaped her values and leadership style.
Looking ahead, Parna wants her legacy to be one of enabling others to succeed. She measures her impact not only in exits or awards but in how many people she has been able to lift along the way. Whether it is mentoring founders, guiding women in technology, or helping businesses shape their next chapter, she believes success is truly meaningful when it creates access for others.
In an innovation economy shaped by artificial intelligence, robotics, and sustainability, Parna Sarkar-Basu continues to stand out as a strategist, brand architect and advocate. Her journey shows that resilience and intention can engineer credibility, and that lasting impact comes from amplifying others.
