Women in India have never just been mute spectators from the sidelines, instead, India has a rich history of women claiming leadership roles. Women in India have grown up with female role models such as Maharani Lakshmi Bai, Savitribai Phule, and Indira Gandhi, women who broke the glass ceilings before the term for even coined.
In today’s India too we have prolific women leaders making their presence felt in every possible sector. Be it politics, business, social work, art & entertainment, women are everywhere. In politics, the legacy has been taken forward by names such as FM Nirmala Sitharaman, Mamta Banerjee, Smriti Irani, President of India, Draupadi Murmu and the list is countless. Indian women have dominated almost every business sector. Women leaders like Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Indra Nooyi, and Falguni Nayar have achieved success in various industries, paving the way for aspiring female professionals.
It has been noted that Indian firms have 17.1 per cent of women on board seats, a 9.4 per cent increase since 2014. According to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme, women out of India’s 58.5 million entrepreneurs, 13.76 percent are women. India is home to 8.05 million women entrepreneurs. While the number is far from reaching true parity, yet it tells a story of growth and perseverance.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, we bring to you the voices of successful Indian women leaders. They share with us their advice on achieving success in all aspects of life.
Young women of India, listen to what these achievers have to say.
Sheeba Nixon A, Partner, JNS Fabrics & Exports
Sheeba embraces a life shaped by diverse experiences. Opting for the entrepreneurial path in textiles, her strengths include a deep passion for work, adaptability to tech, problem-solving proficiency, and a resilient team ethos, all while valuing learning from others' strengths.
Her advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs and business leaders is, “For those aspiring to be women entrepreneurs and business leaders, I offer this succinct counsel: Embrace diligence and passion as the driving forces propelling your journey forward. Pay close attention to valuable insights, maintain a positive mindset, trust your instincts, and pinpoint your market niche. By amalgamating commitment, optimism, and a profound comprehension of your audience, you can adeptly navigate challenges and construct a thriving business.”
Dr. Megha Shivraj Jadhav, Director & Co-Founder, Dr. Jadhav Multi-Specialty Hospital
Dr. Megha is a dedicated healthcare leader and co-founder of Dr. Jadhav Multi-specialty Hospital. Her journey from doctor to entrepreneur reflects resilience and commitment. Balancing multiple roles, she drives impactful changes in healthcare, guided by empathy, dedication, and family support.
She highlights the key leadership philosophies that have aided her professional journey. “My work philosophy revolves around perseverance and continual learning, prioritizing understanding from the consumer's standpoint for a consumer-centric approach. I believe success arises from balancing work, family, and time management effectively within the 24-hour window.”
Anuradha Jain, Group CFO, Ananda Publishers
Anuradha is a versatile financial leader with a robust background in organizations like Paytm and Honda Siel Cars India. Her cross-sectoral experience, resilience, and commitment to innovation mark a dynamic professional journey.
The finance leader sheds light on her vision for the future of women in finance and suggests promotion measures.
“I believe the future of women's representation in finance is not only promising but imminent. Breaking down barriers, addressing biases, fostering inclusivity, and government-led initiatives, such as the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, is crucial. Recognizing diverse needs, like flexible schedules and maternity policies, contributes to a more inclusive work environment, enabling women to effectively balance personal and professional lives. These measures ensure equal opportunities for women, allowing them to build enduring and fruitful careers, ultimately contributing significantly to India's economic narrative.”
Smita Nanda, Chief Financial Officer, Kamat Hotels (India)
Smita is an accomplished finance professional. Her professional journey (almost 3 decades) spans diverse industries, ranging from IT, Real Estate, and Entertainment to Hospitality, where she has gained extensive expertise in financial planning, company secretarial functions, strategic financial management, mergers & acquisitions, structured project funding, QIB, and IPO.
Her advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs and business leaders is as follows: “Embrace hard work, and pursue your ambitions, dreams wishes fearlessly and without compromise. Dedicate yourself with honesty, and humbleness & balancing time between family and profession, as a fulfilling personal life can bolster professional growth. Fearlessly pursue every endeavor, follow your heart's guidance, and never sacrifice your dreams or aspirations.”
Sorna Devi Balasubramanian, CFO, Shriram Engineering
Sorna Devi blends retail expertise with a strong financial acumen. MBA and BE holder, she navigates challenges, thrives in crises, and envisions a dynamic future for women in engineering. Inspired by Sudha Murthy, she advises aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace opportunities in the evergreen engineering sector.
She talks about the impending growth of women-led businesses in India & her advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs/business leaders. “In an industry once deemed male-dominated, engineering now sees a surge in women leaders, particularly with advancements in information technology. Beyond traditional roles, women contribute to diverse areas like design, research, marketing, and finance, showcasing ample opportunities in the engineering sector today. Post the successful Chandrayan moon mission, global trust in Indian technology has surged, creating significant prospects. Women entrepreneurs can explore this evergreen industry, taking initial steps and growing over time. Facing uncertainties with calm optimism, developing problem-solving skills, and embracing failures as learning experiences are keys to success.”
Sujata Singh, EVP, Onward Technologies
An experienced leader in the Human Resource space, Sujata brings to the table varied experience spanning a host of industries such as Pharma, BFSI, IT, ITES, and ER&D services. She is a staunch proponent of constant learning and has been unwaveringly committed to organizational success since her early days as an HR executive.
Her advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs/ business leaders says, “First and foremost, maintain clarity on your priorities and ensure those around you are aware of them. Uphold unwavering commitment to your career goals, embracing continuous learning as a lifelong pursuit. Fear not the prospect of taking risks; believe in your capabilities and trust your instincts. These principles, grounded in self-assurance and dedication, can pave the way for success in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship and leadership.”
Swati Saksena Jha, Co-Founder & COO, SSA Compliance Services
Swati Saksena Jha, Co-Founder & COO of SSA Compliance Services, embodies dedication, expertise in labor laws, and relentless pursuit of excellence in HR compliance, showcasing exceptional leadership.
She highlights her words of wisdom for aspiring women entrepreneurs/business leaders in India. “Discover your passion, seek mentorship, and stay purpose-driven while trusting your abilities. Embrace insatiable curiosity for continuous learning to navigate business challenges, and adopt a fearless attitude towards failure as a learning experience. These traits will empower you on your entrepreneurial journey, helping you overcome obstacles and bounce back stronger. Shift gears, embrace these characteristics, and embark on a fulfilling entrepreneurial path.”
Poornima B, Co-Founder, Insightek Global
Armed with 23 years of corporate experience, Poornima is an IT industry expert. As a leader, she believes in helping every individual grow along with organizational growth. She faces challenges head-on with a ‘can-do’ attitude and proactive approach. She advocates for a mindset that focuses on solutions, enabling quick and effective responses to the challenges that arise.
She shares sound advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs/business leaders. “For aspiring women entrepreneurs and business leaders: Embrace calculated risks for growth, connect with and support fellow women entrepreneurs. The vast universe offers abundant opportunities; collaboration is key, no need for unnecessary competition. Stay focused, maintain positive self-talk, and seek mentorship for motivation. Go for it and conquer the world.”
Dr. Madhu Singh, Director, B. M. Institute Of Mental Health
Dr. Madhu is an accomplished professional, with a career that spans over 19 years. She has excelled in leading and managing operations across diverse sectors including Development, Mental Healthcare, Disability Rehabilitation, and Higher Education.
Drawing from her personal experience, she shares her words of advice for India’s young entrepreneurs. “It's crucial for women entrepreneurs to approach life beyond strict calculations or scientific principles. Despite my family’s scientific background, I chose humanities due to its resonance with my strengths. Having self-confidence and trusting others is pivotal for aspiring female entrepreneurs. Converting information into valuable knowledge and applying it in daily life holds significance. Regardless of our region, religion, or culture, nothing surpasses our shared humanity.
If I fail to contribute positively to others' lives, I have no right to judge or criticize, especially in the realm of social media. Life is a beautiful journey comprising both highs and lows. To me, engaging in the journey matters more than simply focusing on winning. While winning is important, the emphasis lies on the process itself. This is my advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs.”
Dr. Anshumala Shukla Kulkarni, Head of Minimally Invasive Gynaecology, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
Dr. Shukla is a proficient healthcare professional. Her achievements include receiving the Outstanding Young Achiever Award for Minimal-Access Gynaecology at both Western zone and National levels from JCI (Junior Chamber International) in 2013. Outlook peer-reviewed surgeon from the year 2013 to 2023. She was even voted as the most Inspiring Gynaecologist in Western India by the Economic Times.
Beyond advice for progressing one’s career as a professional and business leader, we also receive informative guidance on maintaining health. Sharing her counsel Dr Anshumala sheds light on the most common ignorance and misconceptions surrounding women's health. “Endometriosis affects 25 percent of women globally, causing excruciating, incapacitating pain extending beyond menstrual periods. Unfortunately, it takes about seven years for accurate diagnosis due to the complexity of detection. Routine ultrasounds often miss hidden endometriosis. Educating women is paramount. We have initiated awareness campaigns online and at Kokilaben Hospital, establishing an endometriosis clinic.”
We hope that hearing what these women leaders have to share helps young girls of India build a blueprint for building a life of success and health. Wishing you all a very happy Women’s Day!
