Indholdsfortegnelse for 24 November 2024 i Business Today

I remember an anecdote about a woman who, when introduced to some people as a “woman entrepreneur”, quickly corrected the person, saying: “Just call me an entrepreneur. They can see I am a woman.” Today, as more and more women come into the workforce, set up businesses on their own, get their hands dirty on the shop floor, and even draw up details of India’s space strategy, there is hardly any sector where women have not made their mark. Whether in policymaking, large companies, start-ups, or the capital markets, women achievers are dotting the Indian business landscape and demanding their rightful place. But it’s not as if there aren’t challenges along the way. Whether it is the perennial one of balancing work and family commitments, returning to work after a…

Utilizing the power of data and information to stay competitive is the need of the hour, it is revolutionizing the business world. A firm based in Hyderabad, DiLytics Technologies Private Limited, is at the forefront of this revolution. DiLytics Technologies Private Limited has more than a decade of experience. They have operations spanning three countries, proving the success and quality of their services. The firm is dedicated to empowering its customers with data-driven insights and data analytics solutions. Pavani Mandiram has been leading the company. She plays an important role in making the firm a trusted partner for private and public sector clients, offering end-to-end data analytics services and is Oracle and Microsoft implementation partner. A Visionary Leader with a Passion for Analytics Pavani Mandiram, the Managing Director of DiLytics…

FOR MOST PEOPLE, a period of disruption is the time to focus on survival. But for Shauna Chauhan of Parle Agro, the period of disruption is the time for innovation and doubling down on the growth agenda. That is the reason why, when after the pandemic newer challenges emerged in the form of supply chain disruptions and steep inflation due to geopolitical crises, Chauhan decided to go all out in search of new sets of rules to stay ahead of the curve. It was one thing to enter the dairy category at the peak of the pandemic, for instance. But it is another thing that despite challenges on multiple fronts, Chauhan is now doubling down on her bet—this despite a murky track record of corporate biggies in the country’s dairy…

ARUNDHATI CHAKRABORTY HAS spent more than 11 years with global technology services company Accenture. She has contributed significantly to growing its $10-billion operations business by tapping into vast opportunities created by artificial intelligence (AI), Generative AI, and automation. In recognition of those efforts, she was elevated to the position of Group Chief Executive of the Operations business at Accenture in August 2024. She used to be Senior MD and Global Delivery Lead of Business Process Services. Responsible for overseeing a global team of over 220,000 professionals now, she excels in managing complex transformations for clients. Her ability to shape and implement talent strategies across diverse and geographically dispersed teams has helped create immense value for clients around the world. For these reasons, debuts on the BT MPW list. With an…

Roopali began her career as a Front Office Executive at Suchirindia Hotels and Resorts, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in hotel management. Over six years, she navigated the complexities of the hospitality sector, developing a deep understanding of what it takes to deliver exceptional guest experiences. Her early exposure ignited her passion for design management, enhancing her competitive edge in the industry. As Brand Director, Roopali has adeptly positioned Suchirindia to respond to the changing demands of the marketing landscape. She has formulated comprehensive strategies that incorporate tailored, integrated marketing approaches, playing a crucial role in maintaining the brand’s identity and distinguishing it in a crowded marketplace. Roopali’s educational background underscores her commitment to excellence. She attended Delhi Public School, Hyderabad, where she excelled academically and was actively involved in sports…

BENGALURU-BASED REAL estate firm Brigade Group has been a prominent player in the country’s IT hub. Since the next generation of entrepreneurs—sisters Pavitra and Nirupa Shankar—took charge in 2022, business has grown by leaps and bounds. Take FY24, for instance. Under their leadership, Brigade Enterprises—the group’s flagship entity—saw its operating revenue jump by more than 42% year-on-year to ₹4,987 crore, from ₹3,445 crore in the previous year. Its net profit, too, zoomed 80% over the previous year to ₹401 crore. In FY25, its joyride continues. In the April-June quarter, its top line surged by another 65% as demand for its homes and office spaces continued to spike. Thus, it is no surprise that when the Brigade management launched a qualified institutional placement in September, it was over-subscribed by 10 times…

Prerna’s unique position as both CEO and Chief Designer of AMARIS allows her to harmonize her business acumen with her creative vision. This dual role is pivotal to the brand’s success, as it empowers her to steer the strategic direction while also being intimately involved in the design process. Prerna’s hands-on approach ensures that every piece not only appeals to a global audience but also retains a deep connection to Indian heritage. By closely understanding her clients' tastes and needs, she crafts jewellery that resonates on a personal level, making AMARIS not just a brand, but a meaningful experience for its customers. Since its inception, AMARIS has garnered a loyal clientele of over 10,000 high-net-worth individuals across the globe. The brand’s organic growth has been bolstered by the endorsement of…

SUMITA DAWRA DREAMT of becoming a civil servant from her childhood. So, when she made the cut, she believed that she had achieved her goal. “But that’s when my father told me that my work has just started because I have to now establish my reputation as a civil servant,” says the Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment. A career bureaucrat, Dawra is a 1991 batch Indian Administrative Services officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre. She has vast experience, having worked both in states as well as at the Centre in various assignments, ranging from rural development in Andhra Pradesh to a stint in the Union finance ministry and as head of the Economic Wing in the Indian Mission in Beijing. She also served as Special Secretary in…

ANANYA BIRLA CALLS the growth of Svatantra “surreal”. From an average cheque size of ₹10,000 to an AUM of ₹14,437 crore at the end of March 2024, her venture has seen phenomenal growth. Add to that loan disbursement at a shade under ₹43,000 crore. The story of how she started the microfinance venture at 17 is by now well-documented. “As a unit, we have endured and conquered challenging events like demonetisation and the pandemic,” says Birla. The success of Svatantra can be attributed to many factors, though she believes “consistently prioritising clients and placing them at the core of the operations” was critical. Innovation flows from that principle. “That is driven by a profound comprehension of client needs coupled with a forward-looking strategy to adapt their behaviour to digitisation.” It…

DAISY CHITTILAPILLY loves taking challenges head-on, and as President of Cisco India & SAARC over the past three years, she has been through a roller-coaster ride. Under her, India has emerged as one of the best-performing markets globally for the company, with Cisco setting up its first manufacturing unit in Chennai in September, eyeing ₹11,000 crore annually in exports and domestic production. “We have all learnt to survive and thrive in such an environment, and I am also a leader who has done this,” says Chittilapilly. Now that the testing times are past, Cisco is busy launching a suite of products in India. ADVICE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF Be fearless but also be kind to yourself MANTRA TO NAVIGATE CHALLENGES Try new things and improve the old…

ASK DIPALI GOENKA to describe Welspun Living, and pat comes the reply: “A home solutions company.” The excitement in her voice is palpable as she gets into the finer points. “We have a very robust integrated supply chain for our (home textile) business. Cotton is sourced from the farmers, and at least 2,000 of them are women,” she says. For a home solutions company to flourish, it must have a suite of offerings. “The whole idea is to own the consumer,” Goenka says. She travels extensively to meet her customers and to have a finger on the pulse. This is a business where trends change quickly, and product offerings need to keep pace with that. One way to get all that right is to harness technology and use it smartly.…

FOR JAYANTI KHAN Chauhan, owning a legacy brand like Bisleri offers a huge opportunity; however, it is crucial to proceed with caution. After all, the brand’s name is synonymous with the category, which is an advantage. She says the brand has consistently engaged with every generation since its inception. “To sustain our legacy, we have developed a two-pronged strategy focussed on leveraging insights and initiating actions that resonate with the youth.” Bisleri operates in the hydration space, and Chauhan is clear that the goal “is to own the narrative in the country”. Cutting her teeth in the business proved beneficial, and she reminisces about her early days on the factory floor, where she grasped the intricacies of manufacturing. Although she finds the overall business exciting, her affection for Vedica is…

FOR ANYONE LIVING in south India, the Sun network is a familiar name. Be it television broadcasting, radio, cable distribution, DTH, or the Indian Premier League, the brand seamlessly transcends boundaries. Specifically, in Tamil Nadu, one of the largest advertising markets in the country, the dominance is difficult to miss. Kavery Kalanithi’s professional journey has been intricately linked to the evolution of Sun TV—the channel that kicked off the overall business—since its inception in April 1993. “As our reach went beyond Tamil Nadu and covered the whole of south India, my role became larger. Then, as the footprint extended into other parts of the world, where the south Indian diaspora lived, my job has only become more challenging, rewarding, and exciting,” she says. In FY24, Sun TV’s total income increased…

MASABA GUPTA MAKES it to BT’s MPW list for the third year running. She has been working on revamping the brand image of her fashion label House of Masaba (where Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail holds 51% stake) and cosmetics label LoveChild. She plans to move her apparel business towards luxury and beauty brand towards a mix of luxury and affordable luxury. “We’re venturing into a category that is very exciting for India… luxury,” she says. Gupta says consumers in India want to try home-grown brands. She plans to have a larger offline retail footprint for her clothing line, and revamp her ready-to-wear line. ADVICE TO YOUNGER SELF Stay calm and be focussed on your peace MANTRA FOR CHALLENGES Don’t take things personally; give things time…

SHE MAY BE in the business of keeping customers cool during the summer months, but her job is a year-round affair. And amid the high-octane campaigns and cut-throat pricing, the seasoned Nadia Chauhan has learnt how to navigate the clutter and find her way to success. An avid horse lover, she finds her sense of freedom and connects with nature through horse-riding, travel or exercise. “I find that exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage stress. Whether it’s a quick workout, yoga, or a walk outdoors, moving my body helps clear my mind,” she says. At a time when competition in the beverages market is heating up, Chauhan is focussing on the basics: expanding market reach, strengthening Parle’s dairy portfolio, evolving its supply chain and making its…

IT’S NOT JUST the success in films that defines Nayanthara, who is popularly called ‘Lady Superstar’ in the South. Known to be wise with her money, her film production house Rowdy Pictures—which she set up with her husband and filmmaker Vignesh Shivan—released the critically acclaimed Koozhangal, a Tamil film in 2021. The couple has also invested in a bunch of companies including skincare brand 9Skin, female hygiene player Femi9, event ticketing firm Ticket9, apart from The Divine Foods and Chai Waale. Often, Nayanthara has spoken of “making a positive difference to people through her businesses” and keeps an eye on the quality of brands she is involved in. Managing a career in films is not easy and being an entrepreneur as well is tough. Nayanthara has done both. WHY SHE MATTERS…

A FOUNDING MEMBER of Apollo Hospitals, Sangita Reddy has played a pivotal role in driving the organisation’s growth through tech-driven solutions. “I guided the organisation’s growth through technology-driven innovation,” she says. Under her leadership, Apollo has harnessed the potential of AI to enhance the delivery of healthcare services. However, when the healthcare industry is changing day by day, managing the rapid transition has not been without its challenges. “One of the considerable challenges we have faced at Apollo Hospitals has been the difficulty of providing international-standard healthcare to every individual, particularly given the regulatory constraints that limit our ability to collaborate with international medical professionals,” she says, emphasising the importance of maintaining high standards. In the past year, Apollo has expanded its operations to over 10,000 beds across 73 hospitals.…

SINDHU GANGADHARAN is an ardent believer in fitness, whether it be that of the body or that of the human mind. “A happy body fosters a happy mind,” she is fond of saying. Planning and adaptability are other key parts of her philosophy. For her, preparation is fundamental to success and adaptability is crucial in a rapidly-evolving tech landscape. Although Gangadharan started her career at SAP Labs India as a software engineer 26 years ago, her career has since taken her through 18 years in Germany before returning to India in 2019 to lead Customer Innovation Services. Now, as Chairperson of industry body Nasscom, she sees relationships as the ‘lifeblood of growth.’ Driven by curiosity, which she calls her “North Star,” she has been motivated to explore new technologies and…

UPASANA TAKU, Co-founder and CFO of payments service provider MobiKwik, stands as a prominent figure in India’s fintech landscape, steering one of the nation’s leading digital payments platforms with resilience, passion, and a sharp strategic vision. Her path, from modest beginnings to the forefront of digital finance, underscores the power of perseverance—a theme she often highlights in recounting her experiences. A pivotal moment in Taku’s life came while pursuing a Master’s degree in the US. Despite being accepted into prestigious institutions such as Stanford University, financial constraints nearly halted her dreams. Through sheer perseverance, she secured a last-minute scholarship, enabling her to complete her studies. This experience deepened her belief that it is only resilience in the face of adversity that can provide a way out when all else seems…

ZOYA AKHTAR WEARS many hats. She is a writer, director, producer, and Co-founder of production house Tiger Baby along with Director Reema Kagti. The duo also launched an audio label last year, Tiger Baby Records, in partnership with musician Ankur Tewari. She is among the most sought after directors in India thanks to hits like Gully Boy (2019). After producing critically acclaimed TV series, like Made In Heaven, and the popular documentary Angry Young Men, she now wants to go off script with unscripted storytelling, including a nature documentary Turtle Walker and In Transit, a series that follows the lives of nine transgender individuals. That desire to innovate constantly has ensured that Akhtar stays on BT’s MPW list for this year. WHY SHE MATTERS After setting the pace in the film…

RITU GANGRADE ARORA’S career mirrors a canvas that she’s continuously shaping. For an avid painter, the Covid-19 pandemic gave the opportunity to reconnect with her passion. Her professional journey reflects her diverse skills and creative adaptability. The 51-year-old began her career as a brand analyst at domestic FMCG player Marico in the mid ’90s. Although a short stint, she gained significant insights into corporate finance before moving to multinational company Gillette. “I spent my formative years at Gillette,” she says. It was there, that she transitioned from corporate finance to treasury. “Treasury was an aspirational role–managing money is always challenging but very interesting,” Arora reflects. Her next stop was at beverage giant Coca-Cola in 2002. Arora, however, sought new challenges. “At that time, the insurance sector was just opening up…

Dr. Minnie Bodhanwala, the dynamic CEO of Nowrosjee Wadia Maternity Hospital and Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children in Mumbai, stands as a beacon of excellence in healthcare administration. Her unwavering commitment to transforming these charitable, semi-government hospitals into pillars of high-quality, affordable healthcare has elevated their status, making them the last word in paediatric care in India. Under her leadership, these hospitals now provide healthcare that rivals the best corporate institutions, but at costs accessible to underprivileged women and children across the nation. Dr. Bodhanwala’s compassion and dedication are evident in her bold decision to admit and successfully treat Riddhi and Siddhi, conjoined twins who had been turned away by other major hospitals in Mumbai. This historic case exemplifies her courage and her hospital’s capabilities, marking a new chapter…

Ajita ltaliya is a woman who thrives on pushing boundaries and conquering new challenges. Her spirit for adventure is truly remarkable, and her achievements in the world of endurance sports speak volumes about her resilience and determination. In 2016, Ajita became the first Indian woman to conquer the treacherous Spiti Valley by cycle, a feat acknowledged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself. But she didn't stop there. In 2019, she made history once again, becoming the first Indian woman to cycle across the rugged terrains of Arunachal Pradesh, setting a new benchmark for women in adventure sports. Her two sons, inspired by her passion and grit, followed suit, setting world records as the youngest cyclists to complete demanding expeditions in the Himalayas. "Adventure has always been a part of me."…

SINCE BOARDROOMS SHAPE a company’s trajectory, effective ones must have varied voices, especially of those who are traditionally under-represented, to achieve a comprehensive, balanced outlook. However, despite the by now well-known advantages of having diverse boards, progress in improving gender diversity has been slow, both globally and in India. Besides, it appears most often to be driven by legislative fiat rather than enlightened self-interest. Take a look at India. It was among the first developing nations to introduce quotas for women on corporate boards. In 2013, the government enacted the new Companies Act, which, in Article 149, said every listed company had to have at least one woman director. The Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014, laid down further clauses in this regard. That was followed by the…

RENUKA HELD HER own wedding invitation and she could feel her heart brimming with excitement. But one question kept her worried—how would they—as a newly-married couple—navigate their financial future together? Understanding the murky waters of joint finances was a new challenge that Renuka realised she had to manage. Many couples, just like Renuka and Ankit, face this dilemma. Combining financial habits can be tricky, especially if one hasn’t had the crucial conversation beforehand. According to the latest National Family Health Survey, NFHS-5, an average of only 32% of married women up to age 49 is employed, a slight increase from 31% in the previous survey (NFHS-4). Family and household responsibilities continue to limit women’s workforce participation post-marriage. UPHILL BATTLE Women often encounter financial challenges after marriage. One of the challenges…

The Great Storyteller KIRAN RAO WAITED for 14 long years to take the director seat again after her critically acclaimed debut Dhobi Ghat in 2010. And, it’s worth the wait. Laapataa Ladies, her second directorial feature film, gave Netflix its biggest success in 2024 and is India’s entry in the best international film category at the Oscars 2025. Within a month of its release on the OTT platform, Laapataa Ladies garnered a record 13.8 million views and held the title of the most watched non-English film on Netflix for almost three months. “Stories like these interest filmmakers like me because I feel that we need more films on women,” says a passionate Rao, who also co-produced the film. “It’s exceedingly important that we invest much more in women storytellers, producers,…

Delhi-based corporate lawyer Shweta Singh loves her watches. While she fondly remembers the Titan watch her parents gifted her on her 18th birthday, she has over the past three decades added quite a few more to her collection, the latest being the Bvlgari Serpenti Tubogas double spiral watch in stainless steel for ₹8.41 lakh. Her collection also includes the Panerai Luminor Due (₹6.33 lakh) with a striking red leather strap, the Breitling Superocean Automatic 36 (₹4.46 lakh) with a turquoise dial and strap, and the Longines Conquest (₹2.96 lakh). “The Tubogas is the first watch that I have bought primarily for its looks. Otherwise, I go for functionality and movement,” says the 48-year-old, adding that she wears the Breitling and the Panerai for casual occasions and the Longines and Bvlgari…

A VIEW OF COONOOR IN TAMIL NADU SOURCE ICICIDIRECT, SUKHANIDHI INVESTMENT ADVISORS $9.56 BILLION Estimated market size of the Indian paint industry; it is expected to reach $15 billion by 2029 4.5 KG India’s per capita paint consumption, much lower than the global average of 13-15 kg 25-30 PER CENT Surge in paint demand during festive, wedding seasons as people tend to renovate their homes 70 PER CENT Total market demand that comes from the real estate sector…

Singapore-based IHH Healthcare, which reported revenues of $4.55 billion in 2023, owns hospital chains Fortis Healthcare and Gleneagles in India. It had acquired a 31.17% stake in Fortis Healthcare in 2018, while it bought a 73.4% stake in Global Hospitals in 2015 and later renamed it Gleneagles. IHH plans to increase bed capacity at its hospitals in India from 7,000 to nearly 10,000, says Prem Kumar Nair, Group CEO, IHH Healthcare. In an interview with Business Today’s Neetu Chandra Sharma during a recent visit to India, Nair, 63, who took charge in October 2023, talks about IHH’s M&A strategy, the opportunities in India, and exploring new markets, among other things. Edited excerpts: Q: How does IHH plan to leverage its investments in Fortis and Gleneagles to drive growth in India…

The representation of women in the financial sector is rising steadily on both the investment management and investment sides However, women money managers still account for under 10% of all money managers in the industry Women fund managers managed assets worth ₹6.66 lakh crore as of January 2024, per Morningstar Direct Things are better on the investor side, where women now constitute one in five investors, indicating their growing influence in finance This is evident in the fact that women increasingly take charge of personal finances, with 47% making independent decisions…

Women account for 48.5% of India’s population but remain under-represented in the workforce Challenges include issues around safety and transport, marriage and childbirth, and elderly care They also often face biases in terms of wages and promotions or roles that require late or long hours at work But organisations are now becoming more inclusive and offering facilities like flexible working hours and longer paternity leave to help female employees It still remains an uphill battle, and much more needs to be done…

AT WORK, A. MANIMEKHALAI, MD & CEO of Union Bank of India, focusses fully on the goals in front of her; afterward, she redirects her focus to her personal life. In fact, she actively encourages her teams to finish their work for the day by 6 pm and leave the office. “Creating this clear separation is essential for preserving mental well-being and ensuring productivity,” she says. This balance, she believes, enables everyone to perform at their best in the workplace while also fully enjoying personal time. This has been Manimekhalai’s mantra ever since she started her banking career with the erstwhile Vijaya Bank as an officer in 1988. The transition from Vijaya Bank to Canara Bank was a turning point in her career. As executive director, she led important business…

Currently, she serves as Legal Counsel at a prominent engineering and environmental consultancy, where she plays a pivotal role in providing legal support to the organisation and its numerous international subsidiaries. Her responsibilities encompass overseeing group reorganisations and meticulously evaluating commercial contracts, ensuring that legal risks are effectively mitigated throughout the different phases of projects. Sai’s proficiency in cross-border transaction management and risk assessment is vital in aligning legal strategies with the company’s key business objectives. Before her current role, Sai excelled as a Senior Associate at a leading global law firm. In that capacity, she managed non-contentious matters, contributing to significant projects across multiple sectors, including energy and construction. Her aptitude for drafting bespoke contracts and navigating complex negotiations has made her a trusted advisor to clients facing intricate…

IN THE 23 years Irina Ghose has spent at Microsoft, she has evolved along with her company. Her journey at the tech giant began in the partnerships team in 2001 and quickly transitioned into account management, building lasting relationships with customers and partners. Over the years, Ghose’s career has spanned multiple roles, each contributing to Microsoft’s evolution, from the early PC era to the transformative power of cloud computing and now, artificial intelligence (AI). Her engineering background fuelled a curiosity for understanding how things work. Ghose’s adaptability and growth mindset have been crucial to her success at Microsoft, as the company continuously pivoted to stay relevant in a rapidly changing tech landscape. As MD of Microsoft India, Ghose plays a pivotal role in driving large-scale transformation across sectors like manufacturing,…

PRATIVA MOHAPATRA’S JOURNEY is a testament to perseverance. Mohapatra, who calls herself a ‘small-town girl’ from Odisha, pursued a career despite geographic limitations. Her early days saw her rising within PwC, which later merged with IBM, where she spent over 23 years. She says career longevity often comes with multiple transitions within the same organisation. After IBM, Mohapatra took a year-long break. She recalls, “It was against all odds…but it was the best risk I took.” But even during her break, she stayed involved in the tech world. “Even if you take a break, you have to stay updated,” she tells Business Today. In 2021, Mohapatra joined Adobe as Vice President and Managing Director. “[Moving] from stable waters of consulting (in the previous organisation) to the rapids of sales leadership…

ABOUT TWO YEARS before the pandemic, Anupriya Acharya and her team at Publicis Groupe, South Asia saw an opportunity to build capabilities in e-commerce. “The approach has always been to invest ahead of time,” she says. That came good during the pandemic, as people ordered pretty much everything online. In a world where technology is indispensable, the smart thing is to get the best out of it. “Agility is very important and we spend a lot of time on areas like AI and GenAI,” says Acharya, who is CEO of Publicis Groupe, South Asia. Going ahead, Acharya and her organisation will continue to focus on technology and look for ways to address customer needs. That’s a good place to be in. ADVICE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF Embracing the world can take…

Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone has excelled as both an actress and a savvy entrepreneur. Her entrepreneurial journey began in 2014 with KA Enterprises, a family office dedicated to investing in start-ups. With an eye for innovation, she has backed diverse ventures such as BluSmart, Blue Tokai, Epigamia, and Furlenco. Padukone has also increased her stakes in select portfolio companies, including Epigamia and Nua. In 2021, Padukone co-founded DPKA Universal Consumer Ventures Pvt. Ltd with her father, former badminton champion Prakash Padukone. Their skincare line, 82°E, underscores her passion for wellness and self-care. WHY SHE MATTERS Padukone is a savvy investor and has backed diverse ventures such as BluSmart, Blue Tokai, Epigamia, and Furlenco. She also co-founded DPKA Universal Consumer Ventures Pvt. Ltd with her father, which has the skincare line…

Ghazal Alagh, Cofounder and Chief Innovation Officer at Honasa Consumer Ltd, the parent company of Mamaearth, is today a force to reckon with in India’s D2C beauty landscape. Today, Honasa is a publicly traded entity and posted a record profit of ₹30 crore in the March 2024 quarter. “Our goal at Honasa is to build India’s largest portfolio of brands and drive the next phase of growth in the beauty and personal care industry with a deep understanding of evolving consumer needs,” Alagh tells BT. Her leadership and the brand’s appeal among the youth are set to keep Mamaearth on a growth trajectory. ADVICE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF Trust yourself, your journey, and your ideas MANTRA TO NAVIGATE CHALLENGES First, acknowledge the problem. Next, seek help when needed…

IN INDIA’S RETAIL sector today, scale is a strategic advantage; however, expanding from a large base is difficult. Isha Ambani is cognisant of this and has shown a compelling blend of growth and necessary aggression. Her leadership helped Reliance Retail Ventures report ₹3.06 lakh crore in gross revenue in FY24 compared to ₹2.6 lakh crore in FY23; net profit also rose to ₹11,127 crore from ₹11,101 crore in FY23. Reliance Retail now boasts a store count of 18,946 with a total area of 79.4 million sq. ft. It operates in various formats, including fashion and lifestyle, consumer electronics, grocery, and digital commerce. Recently, she has made her moves in the fiercely competitive fast-moving consumer goods space and is relying on her skills to make an impact here too, like in retail. WHY…

KATRINA KAIF VENTURED into entrepreneurship in 2019 with the launch of her cosmetics brand, Kay Beauty, in collaboration with beauty retailer Nykaa. In just five years, Kay Beauty has established itself as one of the top-selling cosmetic brands in India, achieving a gross merchandise value (GMV) run rate of ₹170 crore in FY24. The brand has also expanded offline, and is now available in over 300 retail stores across more than 1,600 cities. Kaif emphasises that Kay Beauty’s core mission is “to cater to all skin types”. Earlier this year, Kay Beauty entered the UAE market through a partnership with Nysaa, Nykaa’s UAE-based subsidiary. “It was always my vision to take Kay Beauty global and share our offering with customers across different geographies, so they can experience the product first-hand. The…

LAST YEAR WAS a blockbuster one for Netflix India; the OTT platform also won numerous accolades (including an Oscar for The Elephant Whisperers). s Things have looked good this year as well. India has emerged as the second-largest market in terms of new paid subscribers added in April-June period. Netflix added 2.83 million subscribers from the APAC region, including India, in this period. Spearheading the India story is Monika Shergill. She believes that effectively leading an OTT platform requires consistently keeping the audience at the centre of every decision. “Over the years, a key to our success has been bringing the best creative voices on the service and building a strong local team that partnered with them on delivering resonant stories while continuously pushing creative boundaries,” says Shergill, a former…

IT HAS BEEN quite a year for Namita Thapar. “All the hard work we put in for Emcure’s IPO (in July) was super successful. Being a part of the senior team and leading the roadshows was exciting, exhausting and a great learning experience,” she says. Life after going public will not be the same, but a confident Thapar thinks it is great for the Emcure brand and “building trust and pride for all our stakeholders”. Thapar, a judge on Shark Tank India, is clear that Emcure is poised for growth. “It will be driven primarily by our scienceled portfolio, a competent management team, a great mix of professionals and family members,” she says, adding that she is excited about Emcure’s foray into consumer health, with a focus on women’s health. ADVICE…

FOR NEERJA BIRLA, observation and realisation have played very important roles. For instance, as a parent, she did not miss the fact that many schools lacked the infrastructure and philosophy necessary for what she calls truly inclusive learning. “It inspired me to establish our school divisions, with the goal of creating environments where holistic development is prioritised, enabling children to flourish,” she says. In a decade since, it is a matter of great pride to her that both Aditya Birla World Academy and The Aditya Birla International School have remained true to their original vision. “They are not just institutions but places where students are driven by passion and empowered into well-rounded individuals.” Over time, she has become a lot more aware about mental health. “Eight years ago, influenced by…

WITH NEARLY 25 years in private equity—more than half of that at the Indian arm of Advent International—Shweta Jalan stands out as one of the few women at the helm of private equity in India. A graduate from Indian Institutes of Management Ahmedabad, Jalan has played a crucial role in shaping Advent India, building sector expertise in healthcare, consumer, IT, industrials, and financial services. “We always strive to ensure that, during our stewardship, investee companies make a genuine transition from founder-led to management-led, evolving into professionally run businesses,” says Jalan, who refined her skills early in her career at ICICI Venture. Bharat Serums and Vaccines is a prime example of Advent’s approach, transforming it from a founder-led company to a professionally managed organisation. For Jalan, private equity offers constant learning.…

‘I MUST STRIVE to excel in every role’. Suman Mishra embraces this principle to adeptly tackle the challenges present in the male-dominated automotive industry. Mishra, who has been with Mahindra for the past nine years, is committed to “delivering tangible impact”. Under her leadership, Mahindra Last Mile Mobility saw fourfold growth in the past two years. This year the firm unveiled e-Zeo, a compact EV vehicle that aims to penetrate the ICE-dominated sub-two-tonne small commercial vehicle market. She is also spearheading IFC’s ₹600 crore investment in Mahindra Last Mile Mobility. ADVICE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF Life will work itself out. Don’t be so worried. Enjoy the journey MANTRA TO NAVIGATE CHALLENGES Managing myself is what helps me manage the organisation…

AS OGILVY’S GLOBAL CEO, Devika Bulchandani is always scouting for new ideas. On the impact in today’s world, she says, “The pace of change has been incredible. Who would have guessed the impact of Gen AI, and as an industry, we just need to keep adapting.” Bulchandani, who spent her formative years (finished her schooling and college) in India before moving to the US for a Masters, lays stress on two words—relationships and reputation. On the former, she chooses to pick up from the complex Indian family structure. “I am very familiar with the joint family. It helps in understanding relationships well,” she says. Dealing with clients and other stakeholders often comes down to dealing with people. It sits well with Ogilvy, which has had long associations with some firms…

1. ARUNA JAYANTHI • 2018 2. ARUNDHATI BHATTACHARYA • 2023 3. ASHU SUYASH • 2019 4. EKTA KAPOOR • 2017 5. FALGUNI NAYAR • 2023 6. KAKU NAKHATE • 2022 7. KALPANA MORPARIA • 2011 8. KIRAN MAZUMDAR-SHAW • 2010 9. LEENA NAIR • 2013 10. MADHABI PURI BUCH • 2023 11. MALLIKA SRINIVASAN • 2010 12. MEENA GANESH • 2023 13. NAINA LAL KIDWAI • 2010 14. NEELAM DHAWAN • 2016 15. NITA AMBANI • 2022 16. PALLAVI SHROFF • 2019 17. PREETHA REDDY • 2011 18. PRIYA NAIR • 2022 19. REKHA M. MENON • 2021 20. RENU SUD KARNAD • 2012 21. RENUKA RAMNATH • 2012 22. SHANTI EKAMBARAM • 2020 23. SHIKHA SHARMA • 2010 24. SHOBHANA BHARTIA • 2011 25. SUNEETA REDDY • 2023 26.…

Chanc ellor Dr. Marizeena Johnson clearly knows what her institution needs to be. As she puts it, "Where Education meets Excellence - that is a place to learn and a place to grow." This vision is embodied in Sathyabama’s mission to shape the future through innovation, inclusivity, and empowerment. Founded in 1987 by Dr. Jeppiaar, Sathyabama University has grown into one of India’s top academic and research universities. Recognized for its rigorous academic programs across diverse fields such as engineering, law, pharmacy, architecture, and the arts, Sathyabama University offers 53 undergraduate and 28 postgraduate programs. In recent years, the university has garnered prestigious recognitions, including being consistently ranked among the top 100 institutions in India for eight consecutive years by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and an "A++" accreditation…

SHILPA PANDYA ROLE: Deputy Director, Safety and Systems Reliability, Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad CONTRIBUTION: Ensures safety and reliability of all spacecraft payload systems designed, preventing failures UMA DEVI G. ROLE: Deputy Director, Satellite Data Reception and In-Situ Applications, National Remote Sensing Centre, Hyderabad CONTRIBUTION: Manages satellite data reception and processing for disaster management, etc. JOLLY DHAR ROLE: Engineer in Electrical Systems Service, SAC, Ahmedabad CONTRIBUTION: She is responsible for the fabrication of electrical systems of payloads, ensuring their proper functioning during missions T. LATHA ROLE: Deputy Director, Electronics Systems and Actuators, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram CONTRIBUTION: Oversees electronic systems, components, and control elements of spacecraft SOURCE ISRO, DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA AND BT RESEARCH…

1 HAVE OPEN COMMUNICATION: Discuss your financial history, current income and debt, spending habits, and future goals 2 UNDERSTAND MONEY PERSONALITY: Identifying your financial personality helps bridge the gap and maintain clarity on financial needs 3 THE RIGHT ACCOUNT MODEL: There’s no universal answer—some couples use a joint account while others prefer separate accounts 4 POTENTIAL PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS: One should compile a list of all debt, including student loans, car loans, if any, and find the right repayment solutions 5 PLANNING FOR A SECURE FUTURE: Discuss short-term needs like rent payment or car purchase, along with long-term goals like buying a house or starting a family…

What was the problem you were grappling with? When we started our business in 2004, our biggest focus was to build our own Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS). By 2011-12, we faced a unique challenge—our platform was hosted on servers that were deployed on-premises. This led to higher platform stability issues due to the high volume of transactions we were processing every month. We had to overcome this issue to meet our growth ambitions. Whom did you approach for advice and why? I reached out to my friend Mahesh Kanniah, who is a tech wizard and has deployed large IT infrastructure across various industries. I presented him with our situation and asked for his advice. What was the advice you received? Mahesh understood the challenge and suggested that we…

While Dr. Shroff has always proven her mettle as a thought leader towards bringing in progressive changes in the educational domain, her recent path breaking Al avatar and virtual clone MAYA, designed to bring advanced, interactive educational support to students, parents, and educators took the academic world by storm. This was the first of its kind Al technology used in India to offer personalised learning experiences and cater to user’s unique needs. As a commitment to all stakeholders, specially parents and teenagers, Dr. Shroff has developed the Total Parenting Solutions package, a comprehensive toolkit that includes her bestselling books Baby Steps to Big Dreams and Safe Teen Steps - Making Young Adults Cyber Secure. This package equips parents with insights and practical advice on critical issues like cyberbullying, online grooming,…

NISABA GODREJ, THE Executive Chairperson of Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL), has sustained the company’s business amid faltering volume offtake in the country’s vast FMCG market. While urban consumption trends in the mass market segments followed the path of distressful rural market sales, Godrej’s leadership skills ensured that GCPL continues to grow. In FY24, its sales grew 5.8% year-on-year to surpass ₹14,000 crore. Its bottom line, however, suffered due to higher finance costs and the implications of a major acquisition. The ₹2,825-crore acquisition of Raymond’s Park Avenue and Kamasutra brands may have dented GCPL’s profitability in FY24 (it posted a net loss of ₹560 crore), but it is a major step forward under her leadership. The deal has expanded GCPL’s total addressable market as it ventures into new categories like…

“MY EXPERIENCE HAS shown that patience, consistency and integrity are the three critical things. One has to be patient sometimes with regard to the results, have continuous commitment and be willing to continuously learn and improvise, and maintain the integrity of the process,” says Ravneet Kaur, Chairperson of Competition Commission of India (CCI), when asked to give advice to women who are embarking on their professional journeys. This conviction of thought and action has served Kaur well as she took on new roles and assignments, especially as the head of India’s antitrust regulator. A 1988 batch officer of the Indian Administrative Service of the Punjab cadre, Kaur took over as the CCI’s Chairperson in May 2023. Since then, she has been going from strength to strength. Not only did the…

SHEFALI GORADIA, A gold medalist and all-India CA topper with over 35 years of experience in international tax, is seen as a trailblazer and a leading authority in her field. She took charge as Chairperson of Deloitte South Asia in April 2023, becoming the first woman to be elected as chair of a Big 4 firm in India. While tax remains her first love, she is excited about the learning curve and is enjoying her new role. Her work now has a much wider spectrum, including oversight and stewardship of Deloitte in South Asia, leading the Global Boardroom Program in India, building a community of independent directors and advancing critical discussions on governance in today’s dynamic world. “A lot of women have an imposter syndrome, and we often feel that…

AT THE AGE of 24, Devita Saraf started Vu Group, manufacturing premium TVs, and is today the biggest Indian-owned player in the world, taking on global giants like Sony, Samsung, and LG. Saraf, who calls her approach to business old school, took a decision to completely do away with the 32-inch TV segment, where its competitors launched more products, dropping price points and reducing profits. “This was the biggest financial decision we took in the last two years and wrote off ₹200 crore in the top line because we felt that the entire segment wasn’t profitable. It is about optimising the bottom line, increasing our average selling prices, and reducing the market where the margin is less,” explains Saraf. The company reported revenue of ₹660 crore in FY23, the latest…

WITHOUT A DOUBT, 2024 has been a remarkable year for Jyoti Deshpande. Jio Studios, the media platform and content business of Reliance Industries, which she oversees, was responsible for more than half of India’s net box-office collections of ₹2,000 crore. The year began with the success of Article 370, as Laapataa Ladies emerged as India’s official entry for the Oscars. Nothing, however, has surpassed Stree 2, a comedy horror film that was released on August 15 and has grossed over ₹600 crore. “The acumen lies in greenlighting the right project,” she says. She incubated the business, and in six years, it has produced 150 films and web series in various Indian languages. And this Diwali, Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again opened to a good response in the first week. For Deshpande,…

CHANGE IS INEVITABLE—Lakshmi Venu holds this belief as she leads one of the country’s largest auto components maker Sundaram Clayton and the billion-dollar tractor manufacturer TAFE. “It has been a journey of leveraging our core strengths, while also unlearning and relearning in other respects,” she says. Venu, who joined Sundaram Clayton at a young age, considers the kind of mindset shift in the domestic automotive industry, especially in rural India, to be one of the humbling factors influencing her professional journey. “In my recent interactions with customers across India what I find most energising in my journey is the mindset shift happening in the country, especially in rural India,” she says. Venu, a mother of two children, strongly believes in “adding and delivering value”. Drawing inspiration from her interactions with…

Her expertise in B2B partnerships highlighted the importance of meaningful connections, yet her ambitions reached beyond Silicon Valley. Determined to make a real impact, she returned to India to start AdvantageClub.ai in 2016, initially focused on perks for SMEs. The startup’s early years were challenging; by 2019, it faced critical obstacles. Committed to meeting the evolving workplace needs, Smiti and her team pivoted their model, expanding the platform to offer a full range of employee experience solutions for companies, including rewards and recognition, flexible benefits, well-being, surveys, and community-building tools. When COVID struck, AdvantageClub.ai adapted swiftly to support a newly remote workforce, which proved to be a turning point. This resilience drove the company’s exponential growth post-pandemic, and today, AdvantageClub.ai serves over 5 million users in more than 100 countries,…

AS CHAIRPERSON OF Piramal Pharma Ltd (PPL), Nandini Piramal says she has worked towards cultivating a culture of innovation and diversity. “We have expanded globally, enhanced our manufacturing capabilities, and strengthened our focus on the contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) business and the consumer product division,” she says. Piramal believes in empowering her teams. “My ongoing focus is on building a resilient, forward-thinking organisation that can compete with global pharma brands,” she says. Leading a company in the rapidly changing pharma sector comes with its challenges. She identifies several hurdles, including regulatory changes, supply chain disruptions, and shifts in market demand. “These challenges require quick adaptation,” she says. “To address them, we have strengthened our operational resilience, invested in technology, and cultivated a culture of agility.” Under her, PPL…

NYRIKA HOLKAR JOINED the family business in 2017. Today, the lawyer by training is one of the next-generation leaders being groomed to lead Godrej Enterprises Group (GEG), headed by her uncle Jamshyd N. Godrej. She is executing a comprehensive strategy to redefine and expand GEG’s furniture retail brand Interio. She is also driving a service transformation initiative across all of GEG’s consumer-facing businesses. Holkar, who leads the brand, legal and M&A functions, successfully completed the family settlement agreement between different branches of the Godrej family by leading the strategy and negotiation efforts. She has also helped in significantly streamlining GEG’s financial exposure by instituting end-to-end processes for the management of commercial contracts, risk and IP. WHY SHE MATTERS After successfully completing the family settlement between different branches of the Godrej…

ROSHNI NADAR MALHOTRA has not only steered HCLTech through turbulent times in the past year but has also managed to emerge stronger. Amid steadily spreading geopolitical tensions and a volatile business environment, the entrepreneur has managed to grow HCLTech’s revenues, which crossed the ₹1 lakh crore-mark in FY24, rising 8.3% year-on-year. Despite operating in a steep inflationary cycle and amid a falling rupee, the tech giant’s net profit stood at ₹15,710 crore, a growth of 5.7% YoY. “Our deal pipeline was at an all-time high of $9.7 billion and we won the largest-ever services deal in our history from Verizon Business. It underscores the strength and resilience of our differentiated portfolio even in a challenging macroeconomic and geopolitical landscape,” she says, adding HCLTech plans to upskill 50,000 people on AI and Gen…

SHOBANA KAMINENI, WHO leads Apollo Healthco—a healthcare platform that combines the Apollo group’s digital and offline healthcare services—is living the dream her father Dr Prathap C. Reddy envisioned decades ago. Her role at Apollo goes beyond managing a healthcare empire—it is about pushing the boundaries of care, technology, and innovation to create a healthier India. “I was fortunate to see Apollo come to life up close, witnessing its power to change lives. My role has been to carry forward this mission with the same boldness and vision that my father started with,” she says. The journey is not just about expansion, but also innovation, compassion, and “commitment to those who trust us with their lives”, she adds. She has helped Apollo stay ahead of industry trends. “One of the toughest challenges…

LEADING A DISCRETIONARY goods business in these times is not easy. Yet, Suparna Mitra has steered Titan’s watches & wearables division to surpass ₹5,000 crore in sales (and ₹6,000 crore in consumer revenue) in FY24. To stay ahead of the curve, she used her learnings from the pandemic. One of her strategic moves was to divide the business under three verticals—mainline analogue, premium analogue and wearables. “In the past 12 months our change in strategy yielded very good results. In FY24, we grew by 19% year-on-year in net revenue. And after a solid first quarter, in the second quarter of FY25, we grew by about 20% with sales of analogue watches expanding by 25%,” Mitra says. Her next target? Hitting ₹10,000 crore in consumer revenue by 2027. ADVICE TO YOUNGER SELF…

AFTER THREE FAILED ventures, Vineeta Singh, Co-founder of SUGAR Cosmetics, has carved a unique path in India’s beauty industry. Singh tells BT that the brand’s omnichannel strategy has positioned it among the Top 3 cosmetics firms in India. However, her entrepreneurial journey has been far from smooth. At 23, Singh turned down a job offer from a multinational bank with a salary of ₹1 crore, because she wanted to become an entrepreneur, looking to launch a lingerie brand. But funding issues brought that to an end. After a couple of more failed ventures, Singh and husband Kaushik Mukherjee launched SUGAR Cosmetics in 2015, which quickly found its footing and has since become a top cosmetics brand. Since its inception, SUGAR has witnessed significant growth. Singh says the company’s revenue surpassed…

“I AM A FIGHTER,” declares Nivruti Rai, MD and CEO of Invest India. If a challenge can be personified as a bull, then “I just hold the bull by the horns,” Rai says. It’s been over a year since she has assumed her role as the head of Invest India, the national investment promotion and facilitation agency under the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, and change is clearly visible. The former Intel India country head makes a comeback to the BT Most Powerful Women in Business list this year after 2022, as she leads Invest India in its next phase, in which it is aiming to bring $1 trillion in foreign direct investment (FDI) over the next 10 years. “I am in a journey called Invest India…

THE WORLD BANK Group recently announced a new set of measures to increase its ability to lend more—estimated at $150 billion in extra funding over the next 10 years—and make loans cheaper, especially for smaller and more vulnerable countries. A few months ago, the multilateral development bank (MDB) launched a groundbreaking new platform to catalyse private sec-tor capital. This will help developing countries access the $2.4 trillion they need each year till 2030 to address challenges like climate change. Kant was part of the World Bank team that met with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman earlier this year, when the latter requested the Bank to take the lead on the G20 agenda for strengthening MDBs. With such a big responsibility, it’s no surprise that Kant is part of BT’s MPW list.…

A RECORD HIGH annual adjusted operating margin of 4.8%, adjusted earnings per share of $2.15, and total revenue of $26.4 billion—these are just some of the achievements of manufacturing firm Flex in FY24 under its CEO Revathi Advaithi. Advaithi has made quite a significant impact since she was chosen to lead the company in 2019. In January 2024, Flex completed a tax-free spin-off of solar tracker solutions provider Nextracker and returned $3.5 billion of value to shareholders through the transaction. A big focus area for Flex is the cloud business, which has grown roughly at an annualised rate of 40%—twice what was originally projected. This has been fuelled by the rise of Generative AI. Because Flex’s portfolio covers about 80% of the data centres with IT and power infrastructure solutions…

Chandni Kapadia is a remarkable professional who seamlessly integrates diverse roles: leader, lawyer, designer, educationist, and speaker. Her career trajectory, from fashion professional to heading a prestigious university, is a testament to her versatility and acumen. Chandni’s journey, which began in the vibrant city of New York at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and continued with an MBA from the London School of Economics, is marked by her determination and forward-thinking vision. A visionary business leader, Chandni has held influential leadership roles, including as Country and Asia-Pacific Head for several luxury brands. Her achievements span across launching Starbucks in India and spearheading the growth of global brands like Accessorize and Calvin Klein. Her impressive portfolio also includes leadership roles at Delta Trade International and Debenhams PLC, where she was instrumental…

Dr. Hina Shah’s journey to economic independence began as a solitary path fraught with challenges. Hailing from a traditional background, her desire to be self-reliant defied societal norms. She pursued her goals undeterred by the lack of support from her family and community, choosing to believe in her vision of a world where women could thrive as independent entrepreneurs. Reflecting on her initial struggles, Dr. Shah once said, ''When the world saw limits, I saw boundless potential." Her resilience not only carried her through personal obstacles but also shaped her life’s work: empowering women to become financially independent and self-assured leaders. In 1986, Dr. Shah’s vision crystalized with the founding of the International Center for Entrepreneurship and Career Development (ICECD). Through this pioneering institution, she committed to creating an equal…

The Indian space sector is witnessing a rise in female participation, particularly in the STEM fields, thanks to government initiatives like ‘Women in Science’ Women currently make up nearly 30% of the workforce in India’s space sector, including roles in Isro and private space companies, up from just 12% in 2019 A push towards privatisation and commercialisation is also creating opportunities for women in the private space sector as a lot of start-ups are entering the segment Start-ups like SpaceKidz, which designed and launched satellites with the help of 750 girls, also inspire young girls to pursue careers in the space sector…

The scarcity of women in leadership roles highlights the absence of mentors in STEM, resulting in many lacking the necessary guidance or inspiration THE LANDSCAPE OF women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in India presents a clear paradox. On one hand, we celebrate a significant achievement with 42.7% of female graduates in STEM, a statistic that surpasses that of many developed nations. On the other hand, the transition from education to employment in these fields is fraught with numerous challenges that persistently stigmatise progress. As we progress in a tech-driven future, the question of whether women are truly represented in these essential sectors looms large. However, if that’s not the case, then what is causing this leakage in the talent funnel? From a young age, societal norms dictate…